GA-MA790X-DS4 phenom ii X6 1055T BIOS support

[M84AB1]

Hello,

this is my first post. As the subject points out, I have a question regarding my GA-MA790X-DS4 motherboard and the Phenom ii X6 1055T CPU. As it currently stands, the last BIOS (F10A) revision for this motherboard came out on 14th of January 2010 and that was still a BETA version. Currently that BIOS revision does not support the above mentioned CPU. Does anybody know if and when Gigabyte will release a BIOS update that is going to support that particular CPU?

any help would be greatly appreciated.

cheers.

p.s. I have already contacted Gigabyte support without any response so far.

[absic]

I have already contacted Gigabyte support without any response so far

Hi,
I don't know the answer to this question but it can take some time to get a response from Gigabyte Support.   

If you haven't heard anything within 14 days you could try sending a PM to runn3r (the forum moderator) who works for Gigabyte as he can sometimes speed things up a little.

ATB

[M84AB1]

thanks for the info absic115!!! Also I was wondering does anyone know if the CPU can be damaged by using it with a BIOS that does not support it? Or is it simply a matter of the BIOS not recognizing it and therefore probably not allowing the system to POST?

cheers.

[Dark Mantis]

As far as I am aware the CPU wouldn't incur any damage but just woudn't boot. There are several safeguards built into chips but nonetheless it pays to be carefull.

[absic]

Hi,

If you put a CPU in that is not recognised by BIOS you won't damage it but usually your system won't POST.

I have had occasions where I have installed newer CPU's on Mobo's and had to change for an older one to update BIOS to recognise the new one. I have not come across a CPU failure by doing this but it can be a bit annoying.

Hope this helps

[M84AB1]

WOW, you guys are really quick and very very helpful. I sincerely appreciate your help.

thanks guys 

[absic]

WOW, you guys are really quick and very very helpful.

And my Mum always said I would be good for nothing! 

[M84AB1]

she was clearly lying to you 

[runn3R]

Hi M84AB1

I received your PM and will check this again. Anyway the website clearly states N/A so I would not expect too much.

BTW you sent the question to our technical department through GGTS just today, so why in such hurry? 

[M84AB1]

Hi M84AB1

I received your PM and will check this again. Anyway the website clearly states N/A so I would not expect too much.

BTW you sent the question to our technical department through GGTS just today, so why in such hurry? 

Hi Runn3R,

thanks a bunch for your reply. The reason why I am in such a hurry is because I have the 1055T sitting on my desk right now (was a present). My brother's motherboard supports this CPU and he is currently running a X4 925. The sooner I know how long it is going to take (if at all) for a BIOS release to come out the sooner I can either swap with my brother instead of just having the CPU lying around. I currently run a x3 8450 and a three way crossfire setup so you can see why I am busting for a better CPU and waiting 2 weeks for a reply is kind of too long.

In any case, you are saying that N/A pretty much means it is not going to happen? I thought N/A stands until support is implemented. So should I just give up or maybe there is hope? Since you work for Gigabyte, what are my chances?

thanks buddy 

[venganza]

Wow nice present

Mate if I were you, give the board to your bro or sell it, and get that puppy a nice new home.

Even if GA did come up with a BIOS to allow the chip I bet it won't in the time scale you are wanting (ie right now!), and perhaps they never will either.

Sort it out and start enjoying your new toy mate.

[Dark Mantis]

Wow nice present

Mate if I were you, give the board to your bro or sell it, and get that puppy a nice new home.

Even if GA did come up with a BIOS to allow the chip I bet it won't in the time scale you are wanting (ie right now!), and perhaps they never will either.

Sort it out and start enjoying your new toy mate.

My sentiment exactly

[runn3R]

(...) So should I just give up or maybe there is hope? Since you work for Gigabyte, what are my chances?

thanks buddy 

I will check your chances

[M84AB1]

Ok, so I got a reply from GGTS and this is what they had to say:

Thank you for your kindly mail and inquiry. Unfortunately, due to hardware limitation, GA-MA790X-DS4(rev. 1.x) does not support 6 core CPU because it's DDR2 slot mainboard. It can't be changed by BIOS update either.

It does not support 6 core CPU because it is DDR2 motherboard? That sounds a bit iffy to me. My brothers motherboard GA-MA790X-UD4P is also a DDR2 exclusive motherboard and it supports the CPU. Does anybody have anything to add? Somehow I am not buying this DDR2 slot motherboard explanation. I have however asked the tech to elaborate for me, but he/she has not replied yet.

[absic]

Hi,

Not sure what Gigabyte is talking about here as they have other DDR2 boards that do support AMD 6 core CPU's. Here are a few I've come across with only the briefest of searches.: GA-MA78LM-S2; GA-MA770-UD3;  GA-MA790X-UD3P  (supports the 125W Cpu's); GA-MA785GM-US2H.

The only thing that springs out at me, with the quick look that I have made is that the Southbridge Chipset is different and that could be the crucial factor here.

Maybe you should point them to these boards and ask them to think again about their answer to you!

ATB