[SOLVED] CPU Update.

[bhstr99]

Hi, currently I have a "AMD Phenom(tm) 9150e Quad-Core Processor 1.80GHz
A ATI Radeon HD 5750 GPU (This was an Upgrade from the onboard ATI HD 3200 gpu) and 6GB RAM.

I want to upgrade my CPU and I was wondering if this CPU would work on my motherboard.
AMD Phenom II X4 960T Quad Core Processor (3.00 GHz, 8MB Cache, Socket AM3, 95W, 3 Year Warranty, Retail Boxed): Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

This is a CPU-Z Picture:
http://gyazo.com/7c4cc9991ed9f3036ad74fa1ad5f282d.png

http://gyazo.com/7c4cc9991ed9f3036ad74fa1ad5f282d.png

And this is any files/manuals that you might need to check:
Acer Support: Downloads & Support Documents - Desktop / Aspire / Aspire M3201

Acer Support: AspireM3201*Acer Aspire M3201 Desktop Series


I read here and he has the same Mobo and someone suggested the CPU:
CPU upgrade for ACER rs780hvf - FixYa
RS780HVF combatible to Phenom II x4 850? - CPUs - CPU-Components

Thanks for your time.

[Wrench97]

Looks like all Acer used in those models where these

Processor1 AMD LIVE!™:

AMD Phenom™ X4 quad-core processor
AMD Phenom™ X3 triple-core processor
AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core processor

AMD Athlon™ processor
AMD Sempron™ processor

The 960T is a AM2+/AM3 socket CPU so in theory it should work on your board, however with OEM bios it hard to know for sure unless you find someone who has actually tried it.

I would recommend flashing the bios to the latest(R01.C0) on the Acer site first.

[bhstr99]

Thanks^ So is my Motherboard AM2+? I really hope it works

[Wrench97]

It should be having the Phenom CPU, but hard to be absolutely positive from the info available from Acer. Check the board itself for any stenciled writing.

[bhstr99]

Okay will do. also will the BIOS Update work? Because i read OEM Bios's are no re-flashable? if that's what I'm about to do with this BIOS update?

Thank you.


Edit: can't really see anything apart from a label saying

"04VC83704756 PC RS780M03A1-8EKRS2HM"

[Wrench97]

Yes the bios update on the Acer page you linked is for your model, you can't update to retail bios but OEM to OEM designed for the board is fine.

04VC83704756 PC RS780M03A1-8EKRS2HM is a Acer only OEM board made by Foxconn for Acer to Acer's specs.

[bhstr99]

Oh alright.
Also I read a forum topic about CPU Upgrade with the same Mobo as me, some guy said.

Posted 24 September 2011 - 00:12
AM3 CPU's can work with all AM2+ mobo's. AM3 CPU's will work on some AM2 mobo's with a BIOS update.

I'm pretty sure you have a AM2+ board. Run CPU-z and check yout HT speed. If it's faster than 1.4GHz you have a AM2+ board.

And he replied with a picture
http://www.neowin.net/forum/uploads/...1316844697.jpg

And the HT Link was above 1.4 so however for my it only shows 999.63 MHz, but that may be due to a bad CPU right? So I guess the motherboard is AM2+?

Here is the forum topic: AM3 CPU on an AM2 (+?) Mobo - Neowin Forums
Could you confirm with them details please^?


[Sorry about all these questions, just really want to make sure It'll work If i buy it, Not sure if the site I'm buying it from does returns '-']

[Wrench97]

The HT speed is also effected by AMD Cool and Quiet Tech, when under light to no load it reduces the CPU speed/voltage to reduce heat and save power, with CPUz running open a virus scan and see what it jumps to.

Only the older Phenom II x4 940 ran on AM2 boards.

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition - HDZ940XCJ4DGI (HDZ940XCGIBOX)

[bhstr99]

Doesn't really seem to change the HT Speed.

Shall i disable Cool n Quiet from the BIOS and check?

[Wrench97]

Did you see the CPU speed change?

Give us a screen shot of the CPUz window.

[bhstr99]

033bbdb5b63a6689a9c071489cc36bd4.png

[Wrench97]

I agree the HT speed is low, but look at the package description at the top, you have a AM2+ setup.

[bhstr99]

I think I should Punch myself for wasting your time...
http://gyazo.com/033bbdb5b63a6689a9c071489cc36bd4.png


It says Socket AM2+

[Wrench97]

Tis how we all learn :)

[bhstr99]

Okay so I guess I'll order the CPU and hope for the best! :)

If the Heatsink already has thermal paste applied then i shouldn't need to add any on to the CPU right? Also How do I know if it's already applied :X

(First time installing CPU)

[A1tecice]

Originally Posted by bhstr99

Okay so I guess I'll order the CPU and hope for the best! :)

If the Heatsink already has thermal paste applied then i shouldn't need to add any on to the CPU right? Also How do I know if it's already applied :X

(First time installing CPU)

At worst you could return it. You will need to clear all thermal paste off and apply a fresh layer. Once the two surfaces have been pulled appart they need a new coat of paste as air cannot be in the paste.

[bhstr99]

Oh because I heard some Heat sinks have Thermal Paste already applied on for you? So we must clean that off and apply a new layer?

[Wrench97]

The new setup will have it pre-applied, if you should have to reinstall you'll have to clean off the old and put some new on the old CPU.

[bhstr99]

Hi I can't seem to update my BIOS :S
http://gyazo.com/399176d69357dc18827fe58cad069e64.png


I used this guide to make the DOS Bootable USB
MS-DOS Bootable Flash Drive - Create - Windows 7 Forums

I downloaded the BIOS Files from here:
Acer Support: Downloads & Support Documents - Desktop / Aspire / Aspire M3201
BIOS Acer R01.C0 1.5 MB 03/16/2010

[Wrench97]

You currently have R01.B2 so the sequence looks correct.
You should not have to but try going to R01.B3 and see if it flashes.
It is unusual that R01.C0 is smaller then R01.B4, but not unheard of.