AM3 CPU + AM2+ Mobo

[Duffsam]

Hi Guys.

Just a quick short-fire question that I just wanna put out there. A friend of mine referred me to the overclockers forum saying that if you have a PC problem your pretty much the guys to come and look for .

I'm planning on getting a new CPU in the new year.

CPU - AMD Phenom II X4 840 3.20 GHz Quad-Core 95W Processor

My problem is, is that this CPU has an AM3 Socket, but i have an AM2+ Motherboard.

I've done some research on my part and i've found that it is possible to put an AM3 processor in a motherboard with an AM2+ Chipset.

However, there was something about "BIOS" thrown in the mix here, and this put me off.

My motherboard is a Foxconn A7VMX-K that currently has the Phenom II X2 installed on it - but i'm confused to what bios it has already installed as CPUID says it has an "American Megatrends Inc. 080014" bios flashed onto it.

Would this bios allow me to install the AM3 Processor, or would i need a new BIOS? If i do need a new bios, can someone post a link and a guide on how to install it? .

Many Thanks
Regards
Sam

 

[RJC]

Hello and welcome to the forum
Please remove the link before a mod sees as they would classed as competitors

With your board I would need to check the CPU support list to check, AM3 CPUs should work in AM2 boards as they have DDR 2 and 3 memory controllers. But aBIOS update would need to be done.


Edit: CPU support list below, seems the CPU can't be used:

http://www.foxconnsupport.com/cpusupportlist.aspx?type=mb&model=A7VMX-K&cputype=

 

[Duffsam]

Thanks for the quick reply .

There is a link to say that my board is compatible with AM3 sockets: http://www.foxconnchannel.com/Product/Motherboard/AM3/index.htm

There is an option for a bios update - however the bios installation date on the board is the 18/12/09 which is after the AM3 compatible bios was released.

Could this mean that this is the bios thats already installed on my motherboard, i shouldn't see why not as i bought the PC early 2010 anyway.

Regards
Sam

EDIT:

http://www.foxconnsupport.com/cpusupportlist.aspx?type=mb&model=A7VMX-K&cputype=
Compatibility for AMD : Socket AM2+/AM2 : A7VMX-K / PCB Ver : 1.1 / BIOS Ver : 79AF1P13

http://www.foxconnchannel.com/support/downloads.aspx?ProductModel=A7GMX-S&TypeID=en-us0000003
BIOS Version: 79AF1P12 Add AM3 Support? (It's an earlier bios version too).

http://www.foxconnchannel.com/Product/Motherboard/AM3/index.htm
Motherboard is on this list for AM3 Compatibility too?

Ironic thing is - even the processor that i'm currently using on my system is not listed on the compatible processors list? Thinking poor customer support from Foxconn as they contradict themselves in two places? Either that or they just haven't updated their compatibility list yet?