Getting a 90mm 939 3200+ working with MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum

[imported_cerberus]

It may be just a rumor, but is there an issue with the winchester cpus on the 939 motherboards? I'm building my first rig, so I'm very anxious about any possible problems. Once the computer is running, will I just have to update the bios?

 

[IHYLN]

some motherboards with the release BIOS will not work with the 90nm CPUs

 

[imported_cerberus]

How do I update the bios if the motherboard won't work with the cpu? (The order can still be canceled, btw...)

 

[IHYLN]

I know monarchcomputer.com actually took the time to update the bios with a 130nm CPU before sending my 90nm/NEO2 combo out.

so basically, ask them if they will do it if you are getting a package deal.

 

[imported_cerberus]

I found this topic, which says I won't be able to get both DIMM in until I update the bios. However it does sound like it can run the 90mm, at least well enough for me to download the proper bios...

https://<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://https://<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&amp;threadid=1432925">http://forums.anand...9&amp;threadid=1432925</a>">http://forums.anandtech.com/me...9&amp;threadid=1432925</a>


However on another board...


http://www.neowin.net/forum/lo...index.php/t234023.html

 

[imported_cerberus]

okay, just canceled my order with zipzoomfly. I really didn't want to, but maybe I should get a newcastle...

 

[CaiNaM]

90nm worked fine w/ k8n shipping bios......

 

[XRaider]

Cerberus
Order it from Monarch Computer. Seriously, they do a GREAT job on that CPU/Mobo combo thing. Plus their packing is way better then newegg's when shipping! I like newegg now, but when you place a componant in the bottom of a box then throw peanuts on top of it - what good does that do!?! (protects the top of it ;P )
Anyways, Going with Monarch with your purchase will be great! Plus they give you free case stickers with your CPU purchase. (of course you have to buy the cpu separate and not in a combo deal) bummer. Otherwise it's like 2 bucks or something.

 

[imported_cerberus]

does monarch update the bios before shipping?

 

[Icepick]

Originally posted by: cerberus
I found this topic, which says I won't be able to get both DIMM in until I update the bios. However it does sound like it can run the 90mm, at least well enough for me to download the proper bios...

https://<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://https://<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&amp;threadid=1432925">http://forums.anand...9&amp;threadid=1432925</a>">http://forums.anandtech.com/me...9&amp;threadid=1432925</a>


However on another board...


http://www.neowin.net/forum/lo...index.php/t234023.html

Dude, If you get a board with BIOS revision 1.2 or earlier, you can get it to boot with the 90nm processor and 2 DIMMs installed in single channel mode (slots 1 &amp; 3). The problem is that the system will not boot with the Winchester CPU and two DIMMs in DUAL channel mode until the BIOS is updated to v1.3.

The boards may be shipping with v1.3 already so it might not be an issue.

When you get your board install the CPU and both DIMMs in dual channel (slots 1&amp;2). Then boot it. If it won't boot then remove the DIMM from slot 2 and boot it with only one DIMM. Then use MSI's Live Update software to update the BIOS to v1.3. Then you can install the DIMMs in slots 1 &amp; 2 for DUAL channel mode.

This is the problem I ran into with my board and I got it running in dual channel in no time.

 

[imported_cerberus]

okay, thanks.

 

[Icepick]

By the way, the note on MSI's web page just hasn't been updated since AMD released the 3000+ and 3200+'s. The board WILL support all socket 939 chips regardless of speed and build (90nm and 130nm).

 

[Matrix333]

i believe it says: it will support UP TO Athlon64 3500+ and 3800+
meaning it supports any A64 939 below that too.

here is my new rig:
Athlon64 3200+ 90nm @ 2.5GHz (250x10)
MSI K8N Neo2 Platnium BIOSv1.37beta
2x512MB Corsair XMS XL 3200+ Platnium TwinX 2.5-3-3-7-2T DDR500
Thermalright 948U All-Copper Heatsink
Vantec Stealth 92mm CPU Fan
ThermalTake 480w Purepower W0020+PFC
Gigabyte GeForce 6800GT @ 400/1100

 

[Mean MrMustard]

A 90nm Winchester should work fine with a Neo2, it ships with BIOS v1.2. Mine worked fine and that was about a month ago. I still updated to 1.3 though.

 

[XRaider]

Yes, Monarch will update the BIOS for you if you buy a CPU/Mobo combo.


Matrix333, how is everything working for you now with your setup? Stable in everything except Prime95, no?

 

[TerminatorEX]

Dont worry man, it very easy to upgrade the Bios. Since the CPU price is the same now, 939 is definitely much better than 130nm. All u need to do is go to ur Motherboard website and there will be step by step BIOS update instrutction. U wont mess up.

 

[Super6]

I also have the Neo2 and it booted with the shipping bios. I've since updated it. You won't have any problems.


Super6

 

[Matrix333]

Originally posted by: XRaider
Matrix333, how is everything working for you now with your setup? Stable in everything except Prime95, no?

ya, everything is 100% stable at my current overclocks except prime95 gets errors within 15minutes every time

i just finished playing HL2 with the highest settings for 4 hours and it ran flawless

i get about 5,000 on both PCMark04 and 3DMark05