New CPU = No Signal

[scorchmuffin]

So I purchased a new cpu for my gateway tower. Simple process to plug in and go. However once I put the new CPU *AMD II X4 960T and go to boot up. Computer makes a beep or two, fans start powering up and I get no signal. Wait for about 15min and the PC just shuts down. I put old CPU back in and it fires right up.

I have tried upadting the BIOS and some other things I've read online. Still been unsucessful. From most of the research Ive found my mobo is a AM2+ 940 socket. And my new CPU the X4 960T is supported by that. Ill post a few links below of specs and some of the things I've tried.

Unless anyone has any suggestions I may have come to terms that the new CPU is not actually compatible or there is something wrong with it. The CPU did come brand new in box -purchased off Amazon.com

Any suggetions, tips, tricks would be very much appreciated.

MOBO Specs-

http://www.ascendtech.us/gateway-dx4200-09-motherboard-4006272r_i_mb64gatdx420009.aspx?agent=froogle

CPU Specs-

http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/AMD-Phenom%20II%20X4%20960T%20Black%20Edition%20-%20HD96ZTWFK4DGR.html

This is the link for BIOS update I did -have a feeling it may be older than the actual BIOS that was on there but not %100

http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/getFile.asp?id=22002&dscr=Foxconn%20(Bengal)%20RS780%20Motherboard%20BIOS%20UpdateVersion%207B3P081G&uid=329739330

 

[jaguarskx]

The motherboard only seems to support Athlon II and Phenom CPUs. You installed a Phenom II CPU which is different from a Phenom CPU.

The BIOS update you linked to does not describe what it is supposed to do.

You are basically experiencing what happens when an unsupported CPU is installed in motherboard.

 

[COLGeek]

That BIOS predates the CPU you are trying to install. That being the case, it is highly likely that this CPU will not work with your motherboard. Just because you plug the CPU into the slot does not mean it will work. Not all AM2+ motherboards will accept all AM3 CPUs. Sorry.

 

[scorchmuffin]

Thats kind of what I was figuring. Anyone got an idea where to find a current BIOS update for my system. So far I've been unsucessful. Gateways support website is crap and the one I linked is only one I've been able to find.

 

[Chainzsaw]

Your CPU is not supported by your motherboard.

Im not exactly sure, but I think the highest CPU supported by your motherboard is the Phenom x4 9950. Even then - im not sure if it will support it as it is a 140W TDP CPU and your PSU might not support it.

Edit: according to your mobo spec it only allows CPU's up to 95W TDP - so the highest CPU you can get is this:

Phenom X4 9850 B3 2.5 GHz 4x 512 KB 2 MB 2 GHz 12.5x 1.20 - 1.25 95 W AM2+

If you do get it make sure its the 95 w part and not the 125W part


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Phenom_microprocessors

As for gateway - well they seem to have a horrible tech website.

 

[scorchmuffin]

yeah there tech website is %100 worthless. I think what ill do is just buy a new mobo rather than get a worse CPU. APPRECIATE the responses best help ive got during this process. Im fairly tech savy but gotta reach out to the more tech savy sometimes. Multiple heads better than one

Thanks everyone for quick and acurate responses

 

[rds1220]

I wouldn't bother with a new motherboard for an old POS Gateway. If you get a new CPU your going to get a new motherboard which mean new RAM. That right there is half the major hardware of a computer. You would be better off buying a new computer or building your own. Like I said you have half the major parts there anyway the only other thing you have to get is a case, new PSU and videocard.

 

[scorchmuffin]

Well if I just got a new mobo that supports my current RAM i would be fine correct? And yes the only thing in my PC that is stock the mobo and the CPU cooling fan everything else has been upgraded. -excuse my ignorance but PSU?

-also found this could be a cheap quick solution to what i want which is to make this new CPU work. Im also not looking for a decked out rig just some better than basic products.

Think I could make it work with this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138294

Current specs on tower:
8GB DDR2 RAM
Power supply is a 650W -forgot brand
ATI 6750 vid card
Then the AMD 9100e 1.8 CPU thats stock in it

 

[Chainzsaw]

PSU = Power supply.

Yes your current ram will work in that new motherboard you listed. As well as your CPU.

Please be aware it won't accept the new Zembezi (bulldozer) architecture though, as well as CPU's over 95W TDP.

 

[scorchmuffin]

Got ya. So in theory:
The mobo i listed will work with everything i currently have including the new CPU i bought the AMD II X4 960T?

 

[rds1220]

Yes that should work.

 

[Chainzsaw]

Yes definately. It states it supports Phenom 2's with max TDP of 95W.

As well - both motherboards support DDR2. Unless there is some weird BIOS issue with that motherboard with the 960T, it should be fine.

 

[scorchmuffin]

awesome! thanks for your help
@Chainzsaw
@rds1220
-pro ninjas!

 

[Chainzsaw]

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=499

Alright, now im not sure if your CPU is supported.

But what makes me think it is supported is that Biostart mentions it supports Phenom 2's up to 95W TDP, and the 960T is a 95W part.

 

[rds1220]

It looks fine to me.

CPU Support List

•AMD Phenom™ II X4 Processor
•AMD Phenom™ II X3 Processor
•AMD Phenom™ II X2 Processor
•AMD Phenom™ X4 Processor
•AMD Phenom™ X3 Processor
•AMD Athlon™ II X4 Processor
•AMD Athlon™ II X3 Processor
•AMD Athlon™ II X2 Processor
•AMD Athlon™ X2 Dual-Core Processor
•AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor
•AMD Athlon™ 64 Processor
•AMD Sempron™ Processor
•Maximum CPU TDP (Thermal Design Power) : 95Watt

The only thing it won't support is the Bulldozer.

 

[Chainzsaw]

Alright my bad. I was just worrying too much about possibly giving the guy wrong advice (and maybe too much coffee on my side?? lol). I don't like giving fubar info, and if I do I always try to correct myself.

Yes you should be fine! Have fun with your new setup.