Windows 7 - Can my Mobo handle a 125watt CPU

YTBOY83 · 06-11-2011

My mobo is only meant to handle a 95watt CPU, last time i put a 125 watt Phenom x4 955BE on it and it ran fine, what would happen if i installed a 125watt 1090t x6?????

Here is my motherboard ASRock > Products > N68C-S UCC And the cpu list ASRock > Products > N68C-S UCC > CPU Support List

carwiz · 06-11-2011

That's over 30% load increase. The worst case would be that you smoke the on-board voltage regulator (VR) and/or circuit traces (The little copper lines on your motherboard). I would keep a close eye on the VR temperature but 125W is 125W. If you have been running a CPU with that load, stands to reason you could continue. But, keep in mind that a processor rated 125W doesn't draw 125W all the time. That's peak at full load. At idle, a CPU may only draw 2-4W.

YTBOY83 · 06-11-2011

So, you reckon i just stick with a 94watt CPU then???

carwiz · 06-11-2011

I thought you stated you already ran with a 125W CPU. If you ran with it and had no problems then what's the difference in running another 125W CPU? Appearently, you're not running it at full load but I would watch the VR temp pretty close.

YTBOY83 · 06-11-2011

I already have ran it fine, what i am saying, is it worth taking a chance or do you think that i should purchase a mobo which is up to the job?

carwiz · 06-11-2011

It's always better to stay within specs. It maintains your warranty.

Forgot to mention: A CPU can also go over its rated draw at startup or coming out of a sleep but it's usually measured in milliseconds, albeit in thousands of ms.

essenbe · 06-11-2011

I vote for a new MB. Stay within specs to avoid problems. If your MB goes out, it can take other components with it. Also, if you are buying a 1090T, it's for OC and OC will increase voltage making the risk higher.

dogbert2 · 06-11-2011

Your motherboard will only support 95W Processors, I'd imagine shoving a
125W processor will just cause the system not to boot (or worse). If you
want to use a 125W CPU, get a 125W motherboard to match it.

YTBOY83 · 06-14-2011

I have decided to purchase a 95watt Phenom X2 565 and see if i can unlock the other 2 cores, use what is good huh.

Windows 7 - Can my Mobo handle a 125watt CPU

Can my Mobo handle a 125watt CPU problems?