Abit IP35-E, what are my upgrade options?

[vj8usa]

Will my motherboard let me use any 775 Core2 CPU, even the newest revision 45nm quads? Or am I limited in my options? I've heard of people having compatibility issues with 45nm dual/quad core CPUs, which is my reason for asking.

Also, how do I check what BIOS I have? CPU-Z says "6.00 PG", which doesn't seem to correlate to the revisions I see online (numbers in the teens, 14, 15, etc.).

 

[vailr]

The bios version should appear onscreen (momentarily) during the initial boot-up.
If you search for "Everest" on majorgeeks.com, that software can provide bios version in Windows.
The Abit IP35-E should support any socket 775 CPU. However, a few Intel "Extreme Edition" CPU's, (such as E6850) would not run at full speed, since they require memory bus speeds higher than what's supported by the IP35-E.
Those high price CPU's would be better put to use on an IP38 or IP48 board.

 

[Heidfirst]

6.00PG is the base Award BIOS version that abit customise, as you gathered it is not the abit BIOS version.
Does CPU-Z also give you a BIOS date? If so cross reference that against the abit BIOS dates.

vailr, E6850 is fully supported http://www.abit.com.tw/cpu-sup...b/intel_p35_ip35-e.htm

 

[VirtualLarry]

There was a thread on here about how even the newest official IP35-E BIOS, BIOS 18, doesn't support the newest E0-stepping 45nm chips. (E8400/E8500/E8600, Q9550, Q9650, etc.)

 

[ghost recon88]

The last BIOS ever made for this board was a beta one found here. I'm not sure if it supports the E8600/Q9550 E0 and Q9650 E0, but I know it does support the E8400 and E8500 E0 chips. That's the only BIOS that properly registers them however I hear you can't increase the NB voltage like normal IP35-E BIOS revisions.

 

[cubeless]

i know u can do a q8200... running one @ 3.1 right now...