Will a P4 533MHz FSB cpu work in a 400 MHz FSB motherboard?

winston9t4

Senior member
Apr 2, 2001
406
2
81

I just purchased, what I thought to be a P4 2.4 GHz 400 MHz FSB CPU from a fellow Anandtecher. It turns out, he sent me a 533 MHz FSB.

Would this thing run in my old Dell Dimension 4400 (which is spec'd at only accepting 400 MHz FSB)? I was worried to even put it in, since I didn't want to fry anything.
 

Bateluer

Lifer
Jun 23, 2001
27,730
8
0
It should work, however, it'll default to the 400 FSB, lowering the end clock speed of the P4. Provided that the Dell can support the proper voltages, it shouldn't be a problem. I am guessing that the P4 is a 130nm chip, so the Dell will likely support the correct voltages. You'll be stuck running at a slightly lower clock though.
 

winston9t4

Senior member
Apr 2, 2001
406
2
81
So, doing the math, you think I'll be at 400/533 * 2.4 = 1.8 GHz?

Not great for me, considering I am trying to upgrade from a 1.6 GHz CPU.

I guess I should just ask for a refund and send him the chip back.
 

stevty2889

Diamond Member
Dec 13, 2003
7,036
8
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I wouldn't recomend trying it..I tried a 533mhz FSB P4 in a 400mhz FSB board once. It booted up, made it to windows, then went pow, smoke coming from the PSU and the motherboard..
 

Matt1970

Lifer
Mar 19, 2007
12,320
3
0
Yep, I tink those are different core voltages. I would just sell that chip and get another or you may be spending a lot more on replacing a fried board.