Help with build - wrong CPU?

Ardent

Hi

Looking for some advice/thoughts. I bought various PC parts from Komplett along with the following MSI 915P NEO2-F motherboard (http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=313872) and Intel Pentium 4 631 3 Ghz CPU (http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=317592).

The build went OK but the PC won't boot. I think the problem is to do with the CPU being incompatible with the motherboard. I found the following text in the motherboarrd manual: "This mainboard supports Intel Pentium 4 Prescott processor." My CPU is not a Prescott. I even looked on the MSI website (http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support_detail.php?UID=629&NAME=MS-7028%20(V1.0B)&kind=1) and it looks like my CPU is not supported.

There's a diagnostic attachment for the motherboard which lets you know of any system problems and, consulting the manual, the error seems to be "Initialising Video Interface. This will start detecting CPU clock, checking type of video onboard. Then, detect and initialize the video adapter." I checked the graphics card in another PC and it works fine, so this error can't be caused by the graphics card.

Does this sound like an incompatible CPU? Is there anything else I can do? What's my comeback with Komplett - they advertised P4 and Celeron compatability with this motherboard?

Cuddlesworth

The processer is a prescott. Can you tell us a little more about what is happening? Is the pc booting past the bios and not into windows? Can you get into the bios?

Ardent

krazy_8s wrote:

The processer is a prescott.

According to this page it's a Cedar Mill: http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support_detail.php?UID=629&NAME=MS-7028%20(V1.0B)&kind=1

Can you tell us a little more about what is happening? Is the pc booting past the bios and not into windows? Can you get into the bios?

Can't get to the BIOS, nothing appears on screen whatsoever, the monitor does not even click into action. According to the manual, the sequence of events is as follows (with a corresponding light indication for each event):


* System Power On. The D-LED will hang here if the processor is damaged or not installed properly.

* Early Chipset Initialization

* Memory Detection Test

* Decompressing BIOS image to RAM for fast booting

* Initializing Keyboard Controller

* Testing VGA BIOS

* Processor Initialization. This will show information regarding the processor (like brand name, system bus, etc...)

*Testing RTC (Real Time Clock)

*Initializing Video Interface. This will start detecting CPU clock, checking type of video onboard. Then, detect and initialize the video adapter.


The D-LED is stuck on the last event. The next sequence of events should be:


* BIOS Sign On. This will start showing informationabout logo, processor brand name, etc...

*Testing Base and Extended Memory.
...
and so on and so forth.


Funny how the processor is initialised but it seems to hang on detecting CPU clock.

Cuddlesworth

Sorry I'm not a big fan of Intel. Your right the site says its not compatible.

If the cpu is not broken its doubtfull komplett will replace it. Its up to you to check for compatibility when buying. An alternative is to try to sell the cpu off second hand and buy another. Boards has a For sale forum but its doubtfull you will recoup the money you paid for it.

Ardent

Actually, just realised that the 12v connector beside the CPU is not hooked up. Knowing that the CPU is not supported by this board, is it foolish to try booting up the PC to see if it will hopefully work? Could you do damage to the board/CPU?

Cuddlesworth

Doubtfull. But I cant give you a definate answer.

astrofool

They have a 7 day cooling off period for purchases (you'd pay the shipping obviously).

Tbh, you might be better off selling/returning the motherboard and getting a suitable replacement, you won't take as much of a hit that way.

This board should support it: http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=316998 at a similar price (of course check the abit site www.abit.com.tw to be certain).

SickBoy

Ardent wrote:

Actually, just realised that the 12v connector beside the CPU is not hooked up. Knowing that the CPU is not supported by this board, is it foolish to try booting up the PC to see if it will hopefully work? Could you do damage to the board/CPU?

That's your problem there. At least give it a chance to work

Ardent

I dunno. I might play it safe and just buy a new board.

It seems that the CPUs this board supports all have 90nm whereas the CPUs that are not supported, like the one I have, all have 65nm. I don't know what this means but I don't want to risk toasting the CPU.

SickBoy

Ardent wrote:

I dunno. I might play it safe and just buy a new board.

It seems that the CPUs this board supports all have 90nm whereas the CPUs that are not supported, like the one I have, all have 65nm. I don't know what this means but I don't want to risk toasting the CPU.

The worst that can happen is no boot. It won't fry the CPU or board.

8T8

You need a motherboard using the Intel 945, 955 or 975 chipset to use the P4-631 CPU, the 915 & 925 series do not support it.

Ardent

Guys, thanks for your help. All is sorted.

Decided to try and boot it up anyway and, going back to the manual, I realised that the manual was for a 915P Neo2 v2.0, not a 915P Neo2-F as advertised by Komplett. Looked at the MSI website and v2.0 seemed compatible with with my processor. Gave it a whirl and it worked like a dream. (I discovered later that the front of the box even has the following blurb: "65nm Cedar Mill Ready"!)

I'm lucky I got the wrong motherboard!

8T8

Ardent wrote:

Guys, thanks for your help. All is sorted.

Decided to try and boot it up anyway and, going back to the manual, I realised that the manual was for a 915P Neo2 v2.0, not a 915P Neo2-F as advertised by Komplett. Looked at the MSI website and v2.0 seemed compatible with with my processor. Gave it a whirl and it worked like a dream. (I discovered later that the front of the box even has the following blurb: "65nm Cedar Mill Ready"!)

I'm lucky I got the wrong motherboard!

Interesting none of Intel's own brand 915 motherboards support it must be a new rev of the chipset or a custom job by MSI.

Still lucky you it worked out