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AM2+ in an AM2 mobo?

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Zaspera

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I just replaced some parts in my dad's old computer. I gave him a new us, new video card, upgraded the RAM, etc. While I was doing that, I decided to repalce his old Sempron single core processor (which I saw was AM2) with an AM2+ Phenom X3 8550 Triple Core. When I installed it, nothing happened. The computer was running (fans etc) but nothing appeared on the screen and the blue led to let you know the computer was on was not on. I then put the old Sempron back in and BOOM it started just fine. What am I doing wrong? I've built many computers before and always thought AM2+ would work in AM2. Thanks TPU.
 
The chip needs to be supported in the motherboards BIOS- what is the model of the PC or the mobo you are using?
 
It is an emachines T3646.
 
Short answer:
You're most likely not going to be able to support Phenom or other AM2+ CPU's on the board in that PC (GeForce 6100). It is a budget system with limited support. Emachines website listed no BIOS updates for it.

Longer answer:
If you can identify the motherboard (manufacturer and model #) it may be possible to use a BIOS update from the mobo manufacturer to get some support for additional CPU's. If Emachines used their own BIOS in the board than your pretty much out of luck*.

*Pull the side panel off and see if you can find this info on the mobo if you want to proceed further...
EDIT
@Daimus- no problem- but I'm showing a Geforce 6100 for that system?
 
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There are no BIOS upgrades available for that computer, and no official CPU support list, so you will be pretty limited.

Since the processor that comes in the computers is a cut down Brisbane, It would probably be a safe bet to try a Brisbane Athlon X2, but I wouldn't go beyond that.
 
Well I already bought the triple core, so I don't want to shell out for a dual core if a new motherboard can fix the problem. I saw a few $49 AM3 motherboards earlier on Tigerdirect. Can anyone suggest a low budget AM3/AM2+ board? Thanks for all the help guys.
 
Zaspera said:
Well I already bought the triple core, so I don't want to shell out for a dual core if a new motherboard can fix the problem. I saw a few $49 AM3 motherboards earlier on Tigerdirect. Can anyone suggest a low budget AM3/AM2+ board? Thanks for all the help guys.
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I have an M4N72-E that I use a Phenom II 940 in that works really well. Maybe you can find one of those somewhere. I highly recommend at least a 8 + 2 phase VRM setup if you're planning on overclocking with a triple core or if you're thinking about a quad at some point. Honestly, if you can get your hands on a Deneb CPU, it will be worth it, even on an AM2+ platform, just makes sure you have good memory. I have a pair of DDR2-800 5-5-5-15 that will do 900mhz @ 4-5-4-14 with the 940 and OCZ Gold memory, 4x2gb.
 
Finding a new AM2/AM2+ board will be difficult, and AM3 is not compatible with your 8550 Triple-core.

I have an old Athlon X2 4200+ (2.2GHz) AM2 Windsor core I would consider letting go for cheap if it would help you and worked in your system.
 
Jstn7477 said:
Finding a new AM2/AM2+ board will be difficult, and AM3 is not compatible with your 8550 Triple-core.

I have an old Athlon X2 4200+ (2.2GHz) AM2 Windsor core I would consider letting go for cheap if it would help you and worked in your system.
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That would give that old system a decent boost especially with the recent ram and video upgrade :toast:

I doubled the ram on one of those old systems (Geforce 6100 with a s939 single core) and they were happy with the boost for at least 6 months...
 
An AM2+ CPU wouldn't work in an AM3 board? SIGH.
 
Zaspera said:
Good point. Do I get an AM3 board with a new stick of RAM or just get a lame dual core?
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DDR 2 Ram does not work in DDR 3 Motherboards (AM3)

if You get a AM3 Motherboard You need a AM3 CPU and DDR 3 Ram

Ill be honest with you- Sell the existing machine with it all factory and the HD wiped.

Sell that CPU too.
 
It's not mine. I wouldn't have even bothered with it. It's just a family computer for my mom and her husband, so selling it isn't an option. You know how older people don't understand computers. A single core with 1GB of RAM that takes 20 minutes to load a program is good enough for them.

I'm just looking for my cheapest solution (selling it isn't possible).
 
Building/buying and Selling computers is just like doing the same with cars.

They will be alot happier with a snappier machine.

The machine you have is already at its maximum potential- All you can upgrade in it are Optical and HDs, Less if you can add additional DDR 2 Ram, and maybe a low end video card.

theres too many things to try to upgrade on that machine that if the motherboard doesnt fit the case you have to get a case and next thing is newer machines require better powersupplies.

OEM Builds such as those by Dell, HP, Compaq, IBM, Apple tend to be proprietary.
 
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Zaspera said:
We used http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Thermaltake+-+430W+TR2+ATX+Power+Supply/9827301.p?id=1218179698427&skuId=9827301&st=power%20supply&cp=1&lp=3.

If I find out what type of motherboard it is, would that help decide if it will fit?
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compare the mounting screws of the board inside of the case to the board youre thing of getting.

look at the back of the case is there a rectangular IO shield aswell that can be knocked out of the case?

the PSU will work with the board.
 
It has a 65-watt TDP limit, like most AM2+ mini-itx boards. Note how there are hardly any VRMs (I see 3?). If it does work, don't count on overclocking.
 
Aquinus said:
It has a 65-watt TDP limit, like most AM2+ mini-itx boards. Note how there are hardly any VRMs (I see 3?). If it does work, don't count on overclocking.
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This machine is his parents and so wont be overclocking it.
 
The OP will be receiving my 65w Athlon X2 4200+ Windsor CPU to put in this machine. :)
 
Jstn7477 said:
The OP will be receiving my 65w Athlon X2 4200+ Windsor CPU to put in this machine. :)
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ya and interesting point to mention that board in the machine only supports 2 GB of ram at max.
 
Jstn7477 said:
The OP will be receiving my 65w Athlon X2 4200+ Windsor CPU to put in this machine. :)
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You rock. Thanks for the trade.

eidairaman1 said:
ya and interesting point to mention that board in the machine only supports 2 GB of ram at max.
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According to the control panel/system, it's registering all 3GB of RAM (2+1) :confused:
 
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