Does My Motherboard Support This CPU? (APU)

[MarcoBuns]

I have GA-F2A88XM-DS2 (motherboard) and I am wondering if it supports A10-7700K. I have A6-6400K at the moment and yeah, it isn't that good cuz, it's bottlenecking my GTX 750 ti and need a replacement. If it fits in my motherboard then would it bottleneck my GPU? (mentioned it earlier)


Thanks.

 

[surya-1234]

Hey macrobuns your moterboard has FM2+ APU socket so the processors which are compatible with this socket only work...And yeah
A10-7700K works with your motherboard because it is compatible with FM2+
CHEERS!

 

[MarcoBuns]

Hey macrobuns your moterboard has FM2+ APU socket so the processors which are compatible with this socket only work...And yeah
A10-7700K works with your motherboard because it is compatible with FM2+
CHEERS!

Thanks for the reply. I was also wondering if it would bottleneck my GPU? (GTX 750 ti 2GB)

 

[surya-1234]

Hey macrobuns your moterboard has FM2+ APU socket so the processors which are compatible with this socket only work...And yeah
A10-7700K works with your motherboard because it is compatible with FM2+
CHEERS!

Thanks for the reply. I was also wondering if it would bottleneck my GPU? (GTX 750 ti 2GB)

Can you send me your full pc specs..

 

[surya-1234]

Hey macrobuns your moterboard has FM2+ APU socket so the processors which are compatible with this socket only work...And yeah
A10-7700K works with your motherboard because it is compatible with FM2+
CHEERS!

Thanks for the reply. I was also wondering if it would bottleneck my GPU? (GTX 750 ti 2GB)

Also GTX 750Ti atleast need a power supplying unit of 400W so it cannot be bottlenecked!

 

[Ecky]

Don't buy another APU, you're paying for an integrated GPU you're not going to use. The Athlon x4 750K and 860K are the same as the A-series APUs, just with the integrated graphics disabled and a much lower price.

All FM2+ CPUs are relatively slow, but an Athlon x4 would give you a decent improvement over what you have, and are the best you can do without replacing your motherboard.

 

[MarcoBuns]

Don't buy another APU, you're paying for an integrated GPU you're not going to use. The Athlon x4 750K and 860K are the same as the A-series APUs, just with the integrated graphics disabled and a much lower price.

All FM2+ CPUs are relatively slow, but an Athlon x4 would give you a decent improvement over what you have, and are the best you can do without replacing your motherboard.

I actually changed my mind to getting X4 860K. Saw that X4 860K is much better. I know you guys would say "Get Intel". I would but intel is expensive here and also need a new motherboard for intel. So, the best cheapest one I can get is Athlon 4X? (Sorry for bad english)

Update: Saw Athlon X4 845K at a good price and wondering if it would be good idea to get that one?

 

[JCLDJB]

As stated previously, definitely the Athlon CPU as you have a dGPU.

Intel is expensive everywhere, this is normal, but for your build, unless you have a GTX1070/1080, no point going for an Intel.

AMD will do you just fine.

Check out Gigabyte's official support list:
***
http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?v=AE72F6F9D4ADD0D792E0D7E5598B25FD847ABB2B37B5FB1F2192880CA225FD94&s=AMD%20Socket%20FM2%2B&cs=AMD%20A88X
***

If that doesn't work try this:
***
http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support.aspx
***
Then select, 2nd row, select [FM2+] & [A88X]

 

[Ecky]

Intel's CPUs are expensive because they perform much better. An Athlon x4 or A10 APU generally performs about the same as an Intel Pentium. I dunno what prices are where you live but you generally get what you pay for.

The x4's are decent enough CPUs though, and will be a nice upgrade without the need of replacing your motherboard.

 

[MarcoBuns]

Great. Got myself X4 845 and evertime I boot up my PC, it freezes when the it's booting up. Tried changing some things in BIOS and tried default. Tried to reset CMOS but not sure how to do it because I tried and didn't work.

 

[Ecky]

Are you using the latest BIOS?

The X4 845 is the only AMD desktop CPU that uses the 4th generation "Excavator" core design, also found in Carrizo and Bristol Ridge-based laptops. All other APUs are based on the 3rd generation "Steamroller" core design, so it may be that the 845 is the only CPU that won't work.

 

[MarcoBuns]

Are you using the latest BIOS?

The X4 845 is the only AMD desktop CPU that uses the 4th generation "Excavator" core design, also found in Carrizo and Bristol Ridge-based laptops. All other APUs are based on the 3rd generation "Steamroller" core design, so it may be that the 845 is the only CPU that won't work.

I updated to the latest BIOS before I changed. And I don't see anywhere that it isn't supported.

 

[JCLDJB]

If you check this link as previously provided, it is supported, maybe there are settings in the BIOS which are incorrect?

http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?v=AE72F6F9D4ADD0D792E0D7E5598B25FD847ABB2B37B5FB1F2192880CA225FD94&s=AMD%20Socket%20FM2%2B&cs=AMD%20A88X

Can you provide screenshots of BIOS settings? I know you've cleared CMOS and updated BIOS to latest, but maybe something is missing.

In the end, contact Gigabyte directly, they could provide support for this, maybe it is a known issue, but according to their website (link above) the X4 845 IS supported.

Good luck, post your BIOS settings/update.

 

[MarcoBuns]

If you check this link as previously provided, it is supported, maybe there are settings in the BIOS which are incorrect?

http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?v=AE72F6F9D4ADD0D792E0D7E5598B25FD847ABB2B37B5FB1F2192880CA225FD94&s=AMD%20Socket%20FM2%2B&cs=AMD%20A88X

Can you provide screenshots of BIOS settings? I know you've cleared CMOS and updated BIOS to latest, but maybe something is missing.

Can't really send any screenshots of BIOS settings. The only thing I can access on my PC is the BIOS Menu. Also downgrading the BIOS doesn't give any signal and need to change back to my APU to update the BIOS. Sometimes when I boot, it would say Automatic Repair Service something but freezes like normally when it's start to load. I think I can change back to APU and do the automatic repair and maybe it would work? Also, I didn't find any information what BIOS ver. I need to run for the CPU. I think that's all of the updates I can bring at the moment.

In the end, contact Gigabyte directly, they could provide support for this, maybe it is a known issue, but according to their website (link above) the X4 845 IS supported.

Good luck, post your BIOS settings/update.

Update: I checked the Gigabyte CPU Support List. Saw my motherboard but only rev3.2. Aaaaand mine is rev3.0/3.1 (or 2, don't remember). Does that mean that I am screwed?

Update #2: Found a page where you can see what CPU's supports for GA-F2A88XM-DS2 and Athlon X4 845 was not present there. Looks like I am screwed and need another motherboard or CPU...

 

[JCLDJB]

I didn't check more closely about the Revisions...as I don't specifically have a Gigabyte motherboard, can't say for sure.

You will see a massive performance difference upgrading anyways, going for a CPU+GPU config as opposed to an APU on it's own, will help considerably.

Have you contacted Gigabyte?

I don't know if because the motherboard is Rev3.2, if this means only from 3.2 or if it's backwards compatible with 3.0-3.1 Revision Versions...can someone else confirm this?

It wouldn't hurt, though, to get an upgraded motherboard with improved features, all depends how likely this if for your current situation.

Good luck!

 

[MarcoBuns]

I didn't check more closely about the Revisions...as I don't specifically have a Gigabyte motherboard, can't say for sure.

You will see a massive performance difference upgrading anyways, going for a CPU+GPU config as opposed to an APU on it's own, will help considerably.

Have you contacted Gigabyte?

I don't know if because the motherboard is Rev3.2, if this means only from 3.2 or if it's backwards compatible with 3.0-3.1 Revision Versions...can someone else confirm this?

It wouldn't hurt, though, to get an upgraded motherboard with improved features, all depends how likely this if for your current situation.

Good luck!

I tried contacting Gigabyte and don't have any answers yet. I would like to get a new motherboard but they aren't cheap where I live. The cheapest one I found was around 120-230$ and I spent around 90$ for the CPU and have now like 30$ left. My older brother is coming soon and check what he can do and say what's the best to do. I think he would say that I should get another motherboard. Hope Gigabyte would answer soon.

 

[Ecky]

Is it not possible to return the CPU and get an 860k instead? It's a faster CPU too.

 

[MarcoBuns]

Is it not possible to return the CPU and get an 860k instead? It's a faster CPU too.

I am not really sure if I can return the cpu and get a refund. But 860 is 90$ more expensive. I think that if I am able to return 845 then it would be cheaper to get 860 then buying a new motherboard.

 

[JCLDJB]

Be patient for a response from Gigabyte, they in the best position to offer assistance with compatibility.
When I dealt with MSI for an issue, they took about 1 week to respond (and their response was pitiful...basically saying "yes it's normal, do not worry", I WOULDN'T BE CONTACTING THEM IF I WASN'T WORRIED AND TO SAY 'DON'T WORRY' JUST PISSED ME OFF EVEN MORE!).

In contrast, I contacted AMD, they responded within 24hours, I believe, and the guy was AMAZING, extremely detailed response, we had numerous back&forth emails discussing different options.

Maybe contact AMD as well? Raise a ticket for support? You will most likely get a response faster than Gigabyte...I would highly recommend this, quick email with specs and simple question, you will be pleasantly surprised with their level of After-Sales service. (Speaking from personal experience).

Otherwise, yes, sending it back for a refund may be an option, did you buy it online? Is there a returns policy for the place/website of purchase? (you can always argue it's faulty and demand a refund, depending on the legislation in your country; however that is sneaky).

Take a few minutes to contact AMD for compatibility with that motherboard, it is their architecture/design so they have a responsibility to confirm compatibility and advise if it is not compatible, they can assist, if not wait for Gigabyte's response.

 

[MarcoBuns]

Be patient for a response from Gigabyte, they in the best position to offer assistance with compatibility.
When I dealt with MSI for an issue, they took about 1 week to respond (and their response was pitiful...basically saying "yes it's normal, do not worry", I WOULDN'T BE CONTACTING THEM IF I WASN'T WORRIED AND TO SAY 'DON'T WORRY' JUST PISSED ME OFF EVEN MORE!).

In contrast, I contacted AMD, they responded within 24hours, I believe, and the guy was AMAZING, extremely detailed response, we had numerous back&forth emails discussing different options.

Maybe contact AMD as well? Raise a ticket for support? You will most likely get a response faster than Gigabyte...I would highly recommend this, quick email with specs and simple question, you will be pleasantly surprised with their level of After-Sales service. (Speaking from personal experience).

Otherwise, yes, sending it back for a refund may be an option, did you buy it online? Is there a returns policy for the place/website of purchase? (you can always argue it's faulty and demand a refund, depending on the legislation in your country; however that is sneaky).

Take a few minutes to contact AMD for compatibility with that motherboard, it is their architecture/design so they have a responsibility to confirm compatibility and advise if it is not compatible, they can assist, if not wait for Gigabyte's response.

Gigabyte responded not long ago and ask if my rev was 3.0/3.1. Looks like I forgot to mention that my motherboard is rev3.0/3.1. I am waiting for a respond at the moment and looks like I need to use my A6 until I can use my new cpu. Also, what's the best settings for CS:GO and Dota 2 with A6-6400k + gtx 750 ti? Only get like 28-40 fps in CS and around 20-40fps+. Can't really find any answers about that. Kind of want to play those games on my PC rather then my laptop which could barely handle those games if my laptop isn't charging.

 

[JCLDJB]

OK well wait for their response.

About the FPS, I'm not sure as I don't play those 2 games.

However I would recommend lowering the resolution, down from 1080P to 720P (1366x768 is a good 'low' setting to have without going too low), this affect CPU usage, mostly.

Other option is to completely remove all AA/MSAA (anti-aliasing).

What settings are/were you on to only get those FPS

The GTX 750ti is not bad, your A6 will be the bottle-neck mostly.

Check your CPU/GPU usage with 3rd party software & see which one is maxing out, you can then decide where to go from there (if CPU is bottle-neck -> Go to Resolution/screen size & reduce) or if GPU bottle-neck, reduce shaders/processing/AA etc...
Hope this helps