Member Avatar for snakeplyr

I have an XFX GeForce 8200 Motherboard that says I can update BIOS to be compatible with Phenom II's. I'm confused because I thought AM3 CPU's could only be paired with DDR3 RAM and the mobo is only DDR2. How does this work?

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Short, practical checklist to avoid buying parts you don’t need (and to avoid a bricked board). This expands on the concerns raised by and the pointer from but focuses on concrete steps to verify compatibility and perform a safe BIOS update.

  • Find the exact motherboard model printed on the PCB or in the manual. That exact model number is what the XFX support pages use; generic board names are not precise enough.
  • On the XFX support page for that model, open the CPU/Processor support list and note the exact Phenom II SKU(s) shown and the minimum BIOS version required. If the exact CPU SKU is not listed, assume it isn’t supported.
  • Check the required BIOS release notes for any mention of CPU microcode, AGESA, or power/voltage changes. Also compare the Phenom II TDP to what your board’s VRMs can handle (look in the board manual or XFX specs).
  • Before you update: download the correct BIOS file and any recovery image, read XFX’s flash instructions, and make sure you have an uninterruptible power source or at least avoid flashing during storms or on flaky power.

BIOS flash tips and recovery

  • Use the manufacturer’s recommended flash tool and procedure. Do not rename files unless the manual instructs it. Clear CMOS first if recommended.
  • If a flash fails, follow the board’s stated recovery steps (dual-BIOS, recovery jumper, or USB restore). If you can, take pictures of BIOS pages before changing settings so you can restore values later.

After install checks

  • On first boot verify the CPU ID and memory frequency in BIOS. Let the system idle for a while and watch temperatures. Run a short stability test and re-check voltages.
  • If the CPU isn’t recognized or stability is poor, revert to the previous BIOS or contact XFX with your board model and the CPU OPN/part number.

If there’s any doubt, buy a CPU that is explicitly listed on the board’s supported-CPUs table or consider a board upgrade.

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Member Avatar for jbennet

If i remember rightly, i think thier are AMD2+ boards which will take both AM2 and *some* AM3 chips, and use DDR2 ram, but are a lot slower than vanilla AM3 boards.

Member Avatar for snakeplyr

I just want to make sure that if I buy a Phenom II X2, I won't have to upgrade my motherboard and DDR2 RAM cuz that would be horrible. My initial thought was that I was fine because the XFX site says that it is AM3 compatible through a BIOS update but then I read somewhere (can't remember where) that those CPU's can only be paired with DDR3. I guess they meant on a primary AM3 socket mobo and not on a mobo like mine.

Any extra thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

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