Abit AB9 Pro board- Recommend a CPU

[GeezerMan]

I'm finally getting around to using the Abit AB9 Pro board I got new from the Egg for 50.00 a few months ago. This build is for someone who desperately needs an upgrade, so just about any CPU would be amazing to him. This board has the P965 chipset.

I know the Q6600 is a drop in CPU for the board since others that got the board from the Egg at the same time had no problems. I'm also looking at the E6750, BUT the FSB is 1333, the E6700, etc. The E8400 would be nice, but it's a 1333 FSB 45nm Wolfdale. I'm not sure about it dropping in without a bios update.
I don't have a spare Intel CPU that I can update the bios with, so I just want a CPU that will drop right in and work. I'm not sure which bios it currently has.

It won't be a heavy gamer PC, NO overclocking since I don't want to go through stability testing and maintenance with a overclocked PC that won't be mine. It will have HTPC and some video editing use. Video editing favors the Q6600, and may be the way to go if I can find a cheap Q6600

Thanks

 

[Denithor]

AB9 Pro compatibility table

None of the new 45nm chips are compatible but looks like the e6750 is with BIOS version 22 (download from that same page). So are the e4xxx chips which are quite a bit cheaper (look around on eBay & use MS cashback for 25% off BIN price).

 

[cusideabelincoln]

The Abit board does support a 1333 FSB through a BIOS update that was provided in June 2007, but it does not support any of the 45nm Intel processors. It does support all of the 65nm processors, though. You will probably have a difficult time finding a reasonably priced new E6xxx processor, so you may have to settle for an E2xxx, E4xxx, or Q6xxx.

 

[GeezerMan]

I read in another forum where the guys had luck with the E8400 and a custom bios. I really don't want to mess around with a home made bios.. I went ahead and got a retail boxed Q6600 through Ebay, on the cashback 25% off deal, stacked with a 10% paypal coupon code, for 124.15 shipped. Very good price. Thanks guys.