Member Avatar for redsabre

Help an old newbie out. I am looking to buy an Intel P4 2.4 GHz cpu for my Asus P4T-E mobo. Lame, I know, but it's all I've got. The mobo has 400 MHz FSB. The proc. I'm looking at has a 800MHz bus speed. In the old days, when I used to support these machines, I think I recall these as being compatible. But before I commit to buying this cpu I wanted to be sure.

mobo link...

cpu link... http://processorfinder.intel.com/scripts/details.asp?sSpec=sl6wf

Thanks in advance.

rs

  • 2 Contributors
  • 5 Replies
  • 210 Views
  • 1 Day Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by belama

Dani AI

Generated

Quick practical summary for anyone landing here later: CPU/motherboard compatibility from the Pentium 4 era isn’t decided by a single “bus number” on the box — it comes down to three things: socket, chipset (what FSB/frequencies the chipset actually supports), and whether the motherboard BIOS includes microcode/voltage support for that exact CPU model/stepping.

A short checklist to follow before buying or installing a CPU you’re unsure about:

  • Confirm the CPU package/socket matches the board (if the socket differs, stop there).
  • Check the motherboard’s official CPU support list / BIOS revision notes for the exact CPU model or stepping; absence on that list makes it risky.
  • Verify the motherboard chipset supports the CPU’s required front‑side bus and voltage/VRM requirements. Some older boards cannot run higher FSB CPUs even if the socket fits.
  • If the CPU needs a newer BIOS and you can’t boot to update, you may need a compatible “donor” CPU to flash the BIOS first.
  • Always test with minimal components (one stick RAM, no extras), clear CMOS if it won’t POST, and check heatsink mounting and power connectors.

If the system won’t POST after those checks: re-seat the CPU, try clearing CMOS, try another known-good CPU if available, and only then consider a BIOS flash (from a supported CPU). Don’t force incompatible voltages — that risks hardware.

Pragmatically, ’s choice to pick up a matched mobo+CPU+RAM bundle is exactly the kind of safe, cost‑effective move many people make instead of chasing BIOS/microcode issues. ’s advice about bundled deals is a good tip for avoiding this whole compatibility snag.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Member Avatar for belama

I dont think it would be compatible...

I dont know how much you are ready to pay but you could buy a cpu-mobo-RAM combo for less than 200$US. For example: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1279020&Sku=MCM-KV7V-2900A
mobo/amd athlon xp 2900+/512mb pc3200 for 129$US after 70$ mail rebate

The only thing is that your mobo and 1gb rdram will collect dust in the closet. Unless you find a cheap socket 478 motherboard that supports 800fsb and rdram.

Member Avatar for redsabre

wow, great minds must think alike... I just went out today and picked up a mobo/cpu/ram combo for $195 (no rebate tho' - damn). Got it all back together and here I am. Seems to be working out very nicely.

Thanks!

rs

Member Avatar for belama

May I ask what you chose?

Member Avatar for redsabre

Yeah, I got the Gigabyte GA-K8NS mobo with the AMD Sempron 2800+ (1.61GHz) cpu, and 1 stick of PC3200 DDR 512MB.

It clocks a little slower than what I had (Intel P4 1.7GHz) but I believe it processes faster. I have half the memory for now but will add another 512 soon.

I got it all at a Fry's for just under $200... happy for now, :-| but that usually doesn't last long. ;)

rs

Member Avatar for belama

Not so bad.. still too bad you didnt see the deal I found before buying.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.