Should I undervolt my CPU?

kenny1999

Member
My new motherboard is Asus H61 chipset which supports only CPU up to 77W, according to Asus' specification. However, my CPU's TDP is 95W, according to intel's specification. Their socket match so they are now working, running windows and functioning. However, I am worried if the CPU would fry the motherboard because it generates more power than the motherboard can handle?

Should I undervolt my CPU? Will it reduce the temperature and make my motherboard or other hardware less likely to fail soon?

I do not mind having speed or performance reduced because I am a light user - I do not gaming
 

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
Also, what exact motherboard do you have? If the motherboard doesn't support the cpu, then you would be better off getting one that does.
 

kenny1999

Member
Which CPU do you have?

Also, what exact motherboard do you have? If the motherboard doesn't support the cpu, then you would be better off getting one that does.


My motherboard is Asus H61M-K which does NOT officially support my CPU Intel i5 2400 @3.1 (NOT 2400S)

However, their socket match, and work now, but I did not know anything about TDP. Now I am not worried about performance because I never do intensive tasks. I am more worried if the CPU would generate too much heat that the motherboard cannot regulate and burn out other hardware.

I have talked to the Asus local official support, the man advised me to keep an eye on the load of the CPU and he said if the load of CPU exceeds 80% it could be a problem, and now I SHOULD be okay, does he make sense?

I do really think I should undervolt , should I?

On the other hand, is undervolt = underclock ?
 

Geoff

VIP Member
On the other hand, is undervolt = underclock ?
They aren't linear, you can underclock while keeping the voltage the same. As you start to lower the voltage you will notice that the processor starts to become unstable, that's when you'd need to underclock it until you reach the voltage that you desire.
 

aldan

Active Member
think of this as trying to install a ford engine in a chevy.with enough money,time,and f$$king around it can be done.you have to ask yourself tho,is it worth it when you can just go out and get the proper one???
 

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
Just buy a cpu that the board supports or get a motherboard that supports that cpu whichever would be cheaper for you. Always do your homework before buying things like this, always have to make sure board supports cpu being used.
 

Cromewell

Administrator
Staff member
Pretty sure the only real issue is the heat from the 3 mosfets in the vrm on that board with the higher draw CPU. The same board, but with 4 supports the 2400. I wouldn't recommend it, but it's possible adding some cooling might make it passable.
 

Okedokey

Well-Known Member
^ This is what I was going to say. Just add another fan to cool the mosfets. It will be fine. If it over heats, it will shut down. Go into the bios and ensure the temperature controls are set accordingly.
 

kenny1999

Member
^ This is what I was going to say. Just add another fan to cool the mosfets. It will be fine. If it over heats, it will shut down. Go into the bios and ensure the temperature controls are set accordingly.

Hi

Where is the mosfets?
and where to add another fan? Blowing to the mosfet directly??

Go into BIOS and ensure the temperature controls are set accordingly?
Can you tell me more details about that? Isn't there already temperature controls by default??

THanks
 

kenny1999

Member
Just buy a cpu that the board supports or get a motherboard that supports that cpu whichever would be cheaper for you. Always do your homework before buying things like this, always have to make sure board supports cpu being used.


I've done a lot of homework. I knew about CPU socket, I knew about different sizes of motherboards. I knew about number of SATA ports and if USB 3.0 was available. I really did NOT know about TDP.

Is there any site that will introduce me ALL the things about hardware that I, at least, have to know before making sure all hardware are well-compatible
 

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
Is there any site that will introduce me ALL the things about hardware that I, at least, have to know before making sure all hardware are well-compatible

All you had to do what check motherboard cpu support site to verify if current cpu is compatible with motherboard. Every motherboard will have one. Get the right one first, that way you aren't spending more money later to fix your mistake.
 

Okedokey

Well-Known Member
All you had to do what check motherboard cpu support site to verify if current cpu is compatible with motherboard. Every motherboard will have one. Get the right one first, that way you aren't spending more money later to fix your mistake.

All good in hindsight. At this stage he will be fine with proper cooling.
 

kenny1999

Member
the CPU is not fully compatible, but I DID NOT know. Now it's working. The motherboard cannot be returned or exchanged. However, I do not usually do any intensive tasks on my computer, CPU usage is often under 50%. Is it fine for the heat?

CPU is intel i5 2nd gen, TDP on the spec is 95W. Mobo claims to support CPU up to 77W
 

kenny1999

Member
That's why John suggested you check the CPU compatibility chart if you don't know if it's compatible.

so now the reality is I've already bought the "not-fully-compatible" motherboard which is not refundable, and I will not invest another tens of bucks for another new board, wasting money and harming environment. what is the best way to do with the not-fully-compatible mobo and CPU so as to reduce the risk of future damgaage
 

aldan

Active Member
either fix the problem,which you dont seem inclined to do or leave the damn thing alone and use it.there is no definitive answer here,but rather opinions,albeit good ones.it comes down to choice.make one and live with it.
 

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
either fix the problem,which you dont seem inclined to do or leave the damn thing alone and use it.there is no definitive answer here,but rather opinions,albeit good ones.it comes down to choice.make one and live with it.
Exactly what he said. Either buy a motherboard that supports the cpu or buy a cpu that the motherboard supports.
 
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