CPU upgrade problem
 

I run an Asus P5L-VM1394 motherboard with 4gb ddr2 ram & an Intel e4400 core duo cpu. I've upgraded today with an E6600 3ghz core duo cpu. According to Asus, the cpu is supported. I've also updated to BIOS to the latest version but with the new cpu, I get a boot failure with the message that overclock/overvoltage failed, cpu ucode error.

I gather this is usually due to bios not supporting the cpu, but in my case, the mobo manufacturer states it is and I'm up to date! I can get to windows via f2 on the post screen, but if I restart, it all begins again. Stuck.

You sure about your CPU product numbers and speeds? The E6600 is a 2.4GHz part, not a 3GHz part.

There are faster Core Duos (E7xxx), including a 3GHz part, but they are not compatible with your board - you are sure it's a 6600, not a 7600?

Have you got the S-spec number to hand? Scribed onto the metal top of the processor package.

SD

As far as I can see I am on the right track, but I'll check the exact specs in the morning. I checked it all out before buying I'ml sure & the part tallys with the board, but I see what you're getting at Saab.

Have you tried resetting the bios? (remove link or battery) then try putting everything to 'Auto' if that's ok then you can start tweaking.

Looks like I ordered a pentium e6600 instead of a core duo e6600 - two different processors & as Saab says, not compatible with the mobo.

Now, I'm thinking I might stick a new mobo in to go with the cpu, go the whole hog - fortunately for me, my copy of Windows is multi license & I can rebuild if required.

Sprogget,

Again, no such animal as a Pentium E6600. I would be very interested if you could tell us the S-spec number from the CPU - that would tell us exactly what you have.

Have look at CPU-World: Microprocessor news, benchmarks, information and pictures and CPU-Upgrade: motherboard upgrade and processor upgrade resources - fantastic resources to research compatibility.

SD

Be aware that apparently the RAM can give you that error as well.

I've not made my self clear. What I have is a BX80571E6600 which is an intel Pentium E6600. What is compatible is BX80557E6600 which is a core duo E6600. they are different processors, the first has a clock speed of 3.06ghz & the second has 2.4ghz.

Intel® Pentium® Processor E6600 (2M Cache, 3.06 GHz, 1066 FSB)

It would appear that the one you say is compatible is well obsolete as it was introduced in 2006 as opposed to the one you have which was introduced in 2010

Type CPU / Microprocessor
Market segment Desktop
Family Intel Core 2 Duo
Model number ? E6600
CPU part numbers HH80557PH0564M is an OEM/tray microprocessor
BX80557E6600 is a boxed microprocessor
Frequency (MHz) ? 2400
Bus speed (MHz) ? 1066
Clock multiplier ? 9
Package 775-land Flip-Chip Land Grid Array (FC-LGA6)
1.48" x 1.48" (3.75 cm x 3.75 cm)
Socket Socket 775 (LGA775)
Introduction date Jul 27, 2006

Type CPU / Microprocessor
Market segment Desktop
Family Intel Pentium Dual-Core
Model number ? E6600
CPU part numbers AT80571PH0832ML is an OEM/tray microprocessor
BX80571E6600 is a boxed processor (English version)
BXC80571E6600 is a boxed processor (Chinese version)
Frequency (MHz) ? 3067
Bus speed (MHz) ? 1066
Clock multiplier ? 11.5
Package 775-land Flip Chip Land Grid Array (FC-LGA8)
Socket Socket 775 (LGA775)
Size 1.48" x 1.48" / 3.75cm x 3.75cm
Weight 0.8oz / 23.3g (CPU)
11.8oz / 335g (box)
Fan/heatsink E33681-001
Introduction date January 17, 2010

Yep GG, it's my mistake true enough, but I can pick up a newer mobo for another 30 sheets, so I may do that & a new drive, few other bits & bibs to freshen things up,