Using a CPU that is too fast for the MOBO

Part Scavenger, Tue Feb 14 2006, 03:22AM

I've had plenty of experience using chips in motherboards that aren't on the "approved" list. I've done this with two computers and am currently using one. I've never used one over the limits though. But, I'd like to update my computer, and I have the chance to get a brand new Celeron 2.93 Ghz processor for 39 bucks. I want to use it in my PC, but my mobo supports GenuineP4 up to 3.09Ghz and Celerons up to 2.8 Ghz. What's going to happen if I put the 2.93 Ghz chip in my MoBo? It seems to indicate in the manual that it would handle this chip from the specs it gives, depending on the BIOS. What's going to happen if I put the 2.93 Ghz chip in my MoBo? Could I go ahead and get the 3.09Ghz Celeron for 50 bucks? Is it just not going to recognize all the chip's speed until they come out with a better BIOS? If I already had it, I'd try it, but I don't want to waste 50 bucks. Anybody know?
Re: Using a CPU that is too fast for the MOBO
Liam, Tue Feb 14 2006, 04:55AM

I've done something similar with a celeron that was too fast and nothing exciting happened; it just didn't boot. It was with a motherboard from an e-machines computer. Your mileage may vary, but I would say save up for a while and get a good mobo/cpu combination.
Re: Using a CPU that is too fast for the MOBO
Avalanche, Tue Feb 14 2006, 12:21PM

Have you checked for any BIOS updates for that board? Updating it might mean it can work.

If I were you though I would avoid Celeron, my old 1.7Ghz celeron performed the same as my laptop's P3-M (800Mhz) in a few tests (superPi).
Re: Using a CPU that is too fast for the MOBO
Part Scavenger, Tue Feb 14 2006, 02:32PM

If I were you though I would avoid Celeron, my old 1.7Ghz celeron performed the same as my laptop's P3-M (800Mhz) in a few tests (superPi).


Really? What's the difference? I've always wondered.


And yeah, I checked the BIOSes and they only went up to 1.8 on the celeron. That's where I was getting that number.