Quick processor question

Rev

Hope I explain this correctly.

Am I correct in thinking that if I put n incompatible CPU on a motherboard it wont boot?

I have an old socket 478 motherboard with an intel 2ghz CPU on and I have a 3ghz northwood CPU spare. I was thinking of putting the faster CPU in but can't find much info about the mobo since it's so old (intel D865GLC) so I'm not 100% sure if it's compatible.

Now, if I just go ahead and give it a try will it just not work? Or will it work and overheat? Blow the motherboard?

Apologies if it seems a stupid question, but I figure, don't ask, don't learn.

Thanks.

Zagu

D865GLC Manual.

Having had a look, it appears it will take any 800/533/400 MHz 478 CPU. I dont think you can harm the motherboard by trying out another 478 CPU, it just wont run as intended.

Check your speeds in the bios first.

Rev

I must be thick, I've been looking for a manual for about three hours.

Thanks. It's an 800MHz skt 478. So it looks like it should all work. Guess I'll give it a go.

Rev

Oh, just noticed the manual says the L2 cache should be 512, I'm sure the 3mhz cpu I have is 1024. What difference will this make?

Zagu

Id guess the manual was released before the 1024 came out, so it isnt mentioned? Id think the worst that can happen is that it will only run at 512. Personally, as long as they are both 478 CPUs, I wouldnt hesitate to try it.

Blacksheep1979

you may need to flash the bios to accept chips with a greater cache

Rev

Thanks.

Put the CPU in, system kept hanging, flashed the BIOS and it's great now.

Cheers for the advice.

Poppycat

Northwoods were great overclockers. I had a 1.8 and a 2.4. The 2.4 is running at over 3ghz for a few years now on a Asus P4800s deluxe.