FM1 & FM2 Socket Type Compatibility and RAM Downclocking

[mowogo1820]

Hi,

I'm trying to build a computer for my grandmother. The motherboard I selected to take advantage of her newly purchased DDR2 memory (8 moths ago) is the ASRock GC-GX FX. See the links below:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157469
http://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/960GC-GS%20FX/?cat=Specifications

I trying to find a fast processor (with included fan/heatsink) on www.newegg.com for her machine for under $50. I keep seeing ones on newegg.com with an FM1/FM2 socket type like the links below:

AMD A4-4020 Richland 3.2GHz Socket FM2 65W Desktop Processor AMD Radeon HD7000 Series AD4020OKHLBOX
AMD Athlon X2 340 Trinity 3.2GHz Socket FM2 65W Desktop Processor AD340XOKHJBOX
AMD Athlon X2 370K Richland 4.0GHz Socket FM2 65W Desktop Processor AD370KOKHLBOX



My grandmother is not a gamer. She does basic computer stuff, syncs her galaxy tabs, checks email, facebook, reads storys/jokes, plays DX-Ball 1 & 2, Plays Snood and DOS games like Commander Keen. She already has a mid size tower, power supply and CD-ROM combo drive.

Can I use processors with FM1 & FM2 socket types on this motherboard? Also, her DDR2 RAM may be DDR2 667 or 800. If the motherboard accepts DDR2 1066, will it downclock to the speed of the memory that you put into it?

Thank you for your help!

Sincerely,
Jacob

 

[Wolfshadw]

No, you cannot use an FM1/FM2 processor with an AM2/AM3/AM3+ motherboard. The ASRock link you provided has a link to the supported CPUs. I recommend finding one on that list that is within your budget.

Your motherboard will run memory at whatever speed the memory is rated for (assuming it supports RAM of that speed). If your RAM is DDR2-800/667, then it will run at that speed.

-Wolf sends

 

[mowogo1820]

Thank you for the answer.