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Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with Intel processors => Topic started by: artgun on February 19, 2012, 08:13:31 pm

Title: Using unsupported CPU's in mainboards, will this cause damage?
Post by: artgun on February 19, 2012, 08:13:31 pm: I have the mainboard GA-G41MT-ES2L http://www.gigabyte.us/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?v=AE72F6F9D4ADD0D737322F09F132571F1CC7C71CE0091DF5&s=Socket%20775&cs=Intel%20G41 (http://www.gigabyte.us/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?v=AE72F6F9D4ADD0D737322F09F132571F1CC7C71CE0091DF5&s=Socket%20775&cs=Intel%20G41) which says it doesn't support the Intel Pentium 4 631. However I fitted the Pentium 4 631 before realising it wasn't compatable with the mainboard and it worked with no problems. The only problem was the PC start a little slower - I did notice that in the bios it says voltage or overclock failure.
If I continue to use the Cedar Mill chip in this mainboard will I risk damaging the mainboard or the CPU. Why does the CPU appear to work correctly even though the mainboard says its not supported? Is it ok to use the Pentium 4 631 chip since it seems to work even though its not supported?

Any information would be great

Thanks
Title: Re: Using un supported CPU's in mainboards, will this cause damage?
Post by: MiiCK on February 19, 2012, 08:29:41 pm: Checking the link you provided, the chip is listed there as a supported cpu.. so it will work fine.

Just download the latest bios from HERE (http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/BIOS/motherboard_bios_ga-g41m-es2l_f9.exe) and all should be dandy ;)
Title: Re: Using un supported CPU's in mainboards, will this cause damage?
Post by: artgun on February 19, 2012, 08:42:44 pm: Oh, SORRY !
The mainboard is GA-G41MT-ES2L
Title: Re: Using un supported CPU's in mainboards, will this cause damage?
Post by: Dark Mantis on February 19, 2012, 08:52:42 pm: Hi

I would suggest removing the CPU that you have installed at present the Intel Pentium 4 631 and replace the original chip that was supported. Although it sounds like everything is ok at the moment I think you might be pushing your luck by trying to keep running it as it is not supported for a reason.
Title: Re: Using un supported CPU's in mainboards, will this cause damage?
Post by: artgun on February 19, 2012, 09:52:06 pm: Which is better - new cpu or new mainboard ? LGA remains 775.
Title: Re: Using unsupported CPU's in mainboards, will this cause damage?
Post by: MiiCK on February 20, 2012, 12:50:50 am: New cpu ofcourse, unless your board is very restrictive (doesn't look that way) you can buy a top of the range 775 cpu and run it like a dream.
Title: Re: Using unsupported CPU's in mainboards, will this cause damage?
Post by: hotlynx16 on February 21, 2012, 06:31:42 pm: Because it is not on the supported cpu list the BIOS doesn't know how to handle it. Need to make sure the voltage is right (1.2-1.3375) and the multiplier. The board is capable of the wattage (85watts) I would get a recomended cpu and put in to be on the safe side. You can get a good used one on ebay. I got my E8400 used for $80 used when it was selling for $250 new.
Title: Re: Using unsupported CPU's in mainboards, will this cause damage?
Post by: Lsdmeasap on February 21, 2012, 07:07:18 pm: I vote for new CPU all the way, if you are wanting to buying something new for this system! ;)
Title: Re: Using unsupported CPU's in mainboards, will this cause damage?
Post by: artgun on February 22, 2012, 06:18:48 pm: Thank you everybody !
I prefer to wait for now and upgrade the system when needed - both MB and CPU.
Title: Re: Using unsupported CPU's in mainboards, will this cause damage?
Post by: Lsdmeasap on February 27, 2012, 10:57:45 am: Well if you need any help picking out a system later on feel free to stop in and ask us for ideas!