Intel CPU problems?

[macleaysb]

I just put together a "new" system with a boxed Intel Core2Duo E8400 (3 GhZ) CPU, Gigabyte P35-DS3L motherboard, ATI x600 graphics card, 500W Thermaltake PurePower PSU, WD 400GB HD, 2 GB Patriot Extreme PC2-6400 RAM. I say "new" only because the MB was bought 1 yr. ago, but just got all the parts together and built this thing. Here is my problem: I attempt to load Windows XP, or for that matter, jump into BIOS, and the system will hard-lock after a minute or 3. I swapped out RAM, Video card, PSU and still same problem. I then swapped out the CPU with a PentiumD 2.8 GhZ processor, and it has been running fine without lockup. OK, you say, "it is the CPU", which indeed may be the case, but my previous experience has been if the CPU is bad, it won't boot at all. I set the BIOS to "LOAD FAILSAFE" option, but still same problem with E8400.What do you think?

 

[todd5854]

Well you're right with saying it's not the CPU. Your motherboard must not like that chip. If at all possible, try to flash BIOS to a newer version.

 

[core i7 ownage]

Well, it is CPU but not broken in half but your CPU doesn't work properly. I suggest you get CPU to shop and get another new one.

 

[evongugg]

Clear the bios and try to go back in and set the frequencies and voltages.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I HIGHLY doubt the problem is with your CPU. Your motherboard needs the latest BIOS (F8) in order for the E8400 to work. The F8 BIOS came out in July, 2008. Since your motherboard is a year old, it doesn't have the correct BIOS version. Use your old CPU to update the BIOS to F8 and then put the E8400 in. What revision is your motherboard (rev. 1 or rev 2)?

http://www.gigabyte.us/Support/Motherboard/BIOS_Model.aspx?ProductID=2599

 

[Zanathon]

What is the version of your bios?

According to Gigabyte the wolfdale and yorfield cpu's are not supported till version F8 which was released 2008/07/10.

You may have to update your bios.

 

[macleaysb]

Thanks to everyone who posted on this! I indeed have the F5 BIOS, so I will update and hope that this solves the issue. I found another CPU that I used to get this board up and running, so with an older P4D, the board performs good, with no errors so far. OK, BIOS flash time!!