MSI Motherboard Compatibility

T

The Duke

New Member
So I'm looking to put a computer together with an MSI 975x Platinum v.2 motherboard along with a E6600 Core 2. However, in reading up on the processor I've found that even motherboards that support socket LGA775 and have the 975x chipset aren't necessarily compatible with Core 2 Duo processors.

The specs I've read for the MSI motherboard say that it is compatible with Core 2 processors, but at the same time the specs also say that motherboards may not run properly at the standard settings (BIOS default on the motherboard) such as DDR2 voltage, memory speeds and memory timing.

My questions are: How does one know if the BIOS needs to be updated? Is this something that would or should be taken care of by the place putting the computer together? Does changing the BIOS void warranty?


Any help with my questions would be appreciated,


Thanks
 
The support site at MSI should have recommendations in their knowledge base on this. When going from a single cored cpu to a newer or lastest dual cored model the advice often seen is the requirement of at least one of the newer bios versions. Preferrably you go with the latest available that offers the needed support. The updated bios version will also include any fixes since that model board was introduced.
 
CPU •Supports Socket 775 for Intel Core2 Extreme, Core2 Duo, Pentium 4 (Prescott, P4EE), Pentium D, Pentium XE/Celeron D processors in LGA 775 package •Supports FSB 533/800/1066 MHz •Supoprts Intel 05B/05A and 04B/04A processors •Supoprts EIST techonology •Supports Intel Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology •Supports Intel Dual Core Technology to 1066MHz and up



Due to the High Performance Memory design, motherboards or system configurations may or may not operate smoothly at the JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council) standard settings (BIOS Default on the motherboard) such as DDR2 voltage, memory speeds and memory timing. Please confirm and adjust your memory setting in the BIOS accordingly for better system stability.
 
Thanks for the replies.

So as long the memory voltage, speed, and timing coincide with the motherboard specs, then no BIOS update should be necessary, correct?(However, the specs on the MSI motherboard website don't list what memory timings are compatible.)

If it turns out that a BIOS update will be necessary, would this affect the warranty of the motherboard?


Thanks,
 
When contacting a vendor about problems seen with running a dual cored cpu on a new board, or even going to the knowledge base at the manufacturer's support site the often seen recommendation is to make sure your bios has the correct version. A vendor will usually advise going with the latest update that offers the support for this.

Usually when reviewing the specifications on any model board the memory speed and type are listed. Once the correct memory is installed you would then go into the bios to make changes on voltage, fsb, etc. for ocing there. The results seen with memory are usually seen with the same make, type, and even date of manufacture. MSI should have the best recommendations for brands tested on their boards. Keeping the bios updated doesn't viod any warranty since it's their update for one of their own products.
 
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