installing q6600

marcusriv · 16 Dec 2008 at 17:21

hi my first post here. i am upgrading from a e6400 to q6600 on a foxconn p9657aa mboard which already has a gtx260 and 4 gigs of ram.
basically i fancy doing it myself so need any hints and tips and advice.
my main worry at the moment is if it doesn't boot or the cpu isn't recognized.
i dunno what should i expect?

Nikumba · 16 Dec 2008 at 17:42

Before you change your CPUs over make sure your BIOS is upto-date, that should be all you need to do.

You wont need to do a reinstall of windows as since the E6400 is a dual core, you already have the MultiACPI kernel installed

Kimbie

marcusriv · 16 Dec 2008 at 20:08

thanks for reply. stupid question, how do i update the bios? i found it on foxconn website. do i just download file?

Jon1818 · 16 Dec 2008 at 20:11

marcusriv said:
thanks for reply. stupid question, how do i update the bios? i found it on foxconn website. do i just download file?

Yup, and then put it on a removable device (e.g. usb) boot into bios and update it from there. Or alternatively if your motherboard comes with bios update software then use that.

R.Muller · 16 Dec 2008 at 20:13

what he said above, and have fun with your quad, it is quite a beast!

marcusriv · 16 Dec 2008 at 21:41

cheers guys for replies. i'll let u know how i get on. (q6600 bieng delivered thurs hopefully!)

marcusriv · 19 Dec 2008 at 15:06

just recieved my q6600, installed it but wont boot into windows! bios temp check cpu was running in the 80's! needless to say i reinstalled my e6400 cos i was terrified of causing damage to my system. with e6400 back in everything is cool temps are fine.
any ideas where i could go from here? would a e7300 be a worthwile upgrade?
different cpu cooler, ie Arctic Cooler fan ?

my specs

e6400 core 2 @ 2.13
gtx 260
4 gig ram
vista basic sp1
p9657aa
thermaltake tr2 550w.

SMN · 19 Dec 2008 at 15:31

Keep the quad, dont be silly. You probably didnt fully apply the heatsink on the processor when you took the dual out and put the quad in. 80oC wont cause that much damage anyway- especially not for an hour or 2 while debugging. You definitely want to buy a new heatsink, i'd recommend a Xigmatek HDT 1823 (xigmatek "Red Scorpion" in some shops) along with some silver-based thermal paste.

marcusriv · 19 Dec 2008 at 16:36

cheers for advice i might get a new cooler and some paste and do it properly, not rely on intel coolers. just a question is my psu good enough? it's a thermaltake tr2 550w. dont want it to explode like some of the horror stories i have been reading!