Solved Motherboard and CPU compatibility

[jago86]

My motherboard is a MSI 880GMS-E35 and my processor is an AMD Phenom II X4 965 @ 3.4Ghz (125W)

I just realized today that my CPU, is not on the list of supported of processors. The maximum wattage listed is 95W! and my CPU is 125W.

I came across this by looking up what hexacore (6) processor I can use with my board; AMD Phenom II 1065T is listed and it's a 95W. But seeing that I'm running a CPU that is listed at 125W, would it stand to reason that a Phenom II 1100T (125W) would/should work?

My computer works fine, I play games often, watch movies, listen to music etc. Experiencing no problems whatsoever with my current setup. I just want to max out my system.

CPU - AMD Phenom II 965 X4 @ 3.4Ghz
RAM - Kingston 16GB DDR3 - 1333
GPU - nvidia GTX 550Ti
HDD - Hitachi 500 GB @ 7200 RPM - SATA III
Mobo - MSI 880GMS-E35

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Wow, I'm very familiar with the 965 x4, great chip and you're right checked it out on MSI site end the mobo only supports 95 watt. I'm not sure what your CPU is running at but that the system boots and runs is .........amazing. Can you post a screen shot of CPU-Z?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Honestly I would be very cautious about any overclock and in fact you might consider shopping for a new mobo that will support that chip and also FX and then you can eventually consider a FX 8 core and transfer the rest of the rig to it.

http://biz.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2713116&CatId=7247

 

[kbrady1979]

Is it possible that the board CAN handle a higher wattage processor and they just didn't bother updating the supported CPU list? If not, that is strange.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

That's one possibility but it seems odd that a bios update wasn't required. Could a 965 be able to run on only 95 watts and is just throttled down?

 

[kbrady1979]

I have no clue.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

It seems very odd and maybe only MSI has the answer here. Could this board be capable of 125 watt and just not listed?
The good news is the system is up and running but the idea of trying to push this chip on this board without understanding what is going on here is a real bad idea.

 

[jago86]

Here are the screen shots. I've been running this system for over a year, never had any problems with it. I want to max out the capability of the board. You guys now have me thinking of buying a new board and CPU.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Well I think we have an answer in the CPU-Z core speed and multiplier. See my scores from when I was running my overclocked 965.

 

[jago86]

What does the multiplier do? Yours is at 17 and mine is at 4

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Well the big issue is my mobo is designed for 125w chips and yours is only 95w. Notice the core voltage differences. I believe your mobo is throttling the multiplier back and I'm afraid if you boost the multiplier then maybe something will let loose. I'm still mystified that the system boot and runs with a 125w chip in a 95w board.

 

[jago86]

Hey, I had Cool n Quiet enabled that's why it showed the multiplier at 4. I took a screengrab so you can check it out. It's still running fine.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

jago86,
That's great but I still can't explain how you're getting away with this....it seems like you should have run into many more issues but you're not so count yourself very lucky. I still think that any push or overclock without reaching out to MSI directly and getting their opinion would be a major risk. So for now just run the rig and keep asking questions and maybe someone deeper in the know with hit you back.
Here you go, I would reach out to them for more info......but in the end your rig is running good !
MSI Latin America - Contact Us

 

[jago86]

Thank you!

I called but all they said is that it wasn't supported.

I'm looking to get a AM3+ MSI board 900 series with a 8 FX.

Anyways thanks again! Peace.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

When you get the 900 and FX hit us back with pictures as many of us are running that combo and you'll be very pleased. Look into sealed water cooling so you can explore a modest OC and still keep cool !

 

[jago86]

Will do!