Member Avatar for T6T

I recently had an Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 2.33G 65N given to me, and I have found a few mobo's that will support it, but wondered if there was an easier way to go about searching for a compatible board without going through the whole tedious process. I thought I would ask if anyone knows if there is a site that specializes in matching CPU's to mobo's

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by coolraj003

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Thread follow-up with practical steps and clarifications based on the posts from , , and .

The right way to avoid trial-and-error is to treat compatibility as three checks: physical fit (socket), chipset/BIOS support (microcode + FSB handling), and platform features (memory type and power delivery). Vendor CPU-support lists are the authoritative source—retailer pages are convenient but can omit BIOS-version notes that matter for older boards.

Checklist to verify before buying or installing:

  • Confirm the CPU package/socket (the physical socket type) and the CPU’s rated FSB/TDP.
  • Consult the motherboard maker’s “CPU support” (or compatibility) list and note the exact BIOS version required for the CPU entry.
  • Check the chipset family (examples from that era: P35/P45/965/975) — chipsets determine native FSB and memory types.
  • Verify memory type (DDR2 vs DDR3) on the board: the CPU does not force one; the motherboard does.
  • Look for BIOS-flash options or dual/backup BIOS if the board needs an update before it will boot the CPU.
  • Inspect VRM quality and cooling if stable operation or mild overclocking is planned.

Notes and cautions tied to the thread

  • As emphasized, socket and FSB are the core criteria; that is correct, but they do not tell the whole story. Many motherboards will physically accept a CPU but require a BIOS update to initialize newer microcode.
  • ’s point about choosing a board that lists 1333MHz support is sensible if running the CPU at spec is wanted. Boards advertising 1600MHz often reach it only via overclocking.
  • ’s suggestion to browse vendor sites is useful; prioritize the motherboard manufacturer’s own compatibility list when confirming support.

Practical tip for used boards: ask the seller for the BIOS version on the board. If the listed BIOS predates the revision that adds E6550 support, a donor CPU or a board with BIOS-flash capability will be needed to update.

Recommended Answers

All 7 Replies

Member Avatar for jermaghs07

as long as the FSB is compatable and it's the right socket, it will work fine.

i suggest anything ASUS

Member Avatar for coolraj003

Well you can always search for the CPU name and look for bundle offers on net. You ll find quite a few i'm sure. but is you just search for motherbords only you will be able to find some where they ll have compatible cpu desciption on em as well.

I use ebuyer.co.uk mostly, novatech.co.uk as well. So there u go. Give em a shot and i m sure u ll be sorted.

Raj

Member Avatar for jermaghs07

It doesn't have to have a 1333 fsb. for it to really make a diff you would have to buy ddr3 ram and it's expensive

Member Avatar for willcomp

Yes it does have to be a 1333MHz or 1600MHz FSB motherboard to support that CPU.

Motherboard I recommended uses DDR2 RAM.

Member Avatar for T6T

Thank you to everyone for the advice. :) It has helped me in my search.

I found this website that has the ease of seeing if a MOBO supports a CPU. I would like to know if anyone knows of a site that is similar to this site that gives you information on CPU matchup to MOBO.

http://www.cpu-upgrade.com/

Member Avatar for coolraj003

I d say now u r just being greedy...;-p

But here s another one you might wanna have a look at tigerdirect.com.

If you google for pc components you ll find absolutely bucket loads of such websites.

Raj

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