PcPartPicker AMD 970 Chipset may need bios update with Vishera CPUs Need help

[Willem Kimberley]

i need help with my pcpartpicker, I have the error message "Some AMD 970 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Vishera CPUs. Upgrading the BIOS may require a different CPU that is supported by older BIOS revisions."

What i need to know is will my CPU/motherboard combination make this a problem? Or will i not have to worry about it. Thanks in advance

List : https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/pBKYzM

 

[Ali Tauseef]

So what do i need to do, do i need to change the Mobo on the list or can i purchase the mobo on my list and use it with the current cpu no problem?

The board in your original post has acceptable VRMs and should run your CPU just fine.

I expect that it will come with the update already installed, but can't guarantee it. If it doesn't have it installed, just take it to a nearby computer store. They should have an old Phenom II chip or other AM3 (not AM3+) chip lying around that you could use to boot the board and install the update.

No problem, you can get a compatible pair for cheaper:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor (£94.74 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard (£49.98 @ Novatech)
Total: £144.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-05-01 17:42 BST+0100

No. That board is one of the worst AM3+ boards on the market. Its VRMs can barely run the 95W quad cores without throttling. It simply cannot run OP's octa-core 125W processor properly.

Ok now im extremely confused :/

VRMs are power delivery to the CPU. They're under the heatsink to the left of the socket. That Gigabyte board cannot even properly power CPUs that draw 95 watts. Your CPU is 125 watts. It will not run properly. If it's stable at all, it will not reach advertised speeds. Please do not buy that board.

For high powered 8-core FX chips, I usually recommend the Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 because of its superior power delivery and exceptionally stable overclocking capability for its price.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard (£142.50 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £142.50
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-05-01 17:48 BST+0100

Yes, good AM3+ boards are expensive. This is because AMD took no interest in designing their FX chips to run at lower wattages, so now you're left paying extra for a good board that can run the chip properly. This is just another reason why I don't recommend building FX.

Not to mention that your 8-core FX chip actually only has four cores that Windows can use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgejkSWzvNs

OK i see, and yes i do understand that my CPU actually only has 4 cores technically, i knew that when i bought it. Unfortunatley my ignorance to PC building has led to this issue so Ive left my self in a bit of an impass, im going to have to go above my budget to do this. Thankyou very much for finding that motherboard, However if it is going to cost that much just to support my current CPU, is there a CPU+Motherboard combo that isnt much more expensive than that mobo on its own, that will last me alot longer and be more cost effective?

I suggested before that you could take it to a local computer shop near your place and ask them to put in a supported CPU to update it, that's your best choice.

Ok, looks like thats what im going to do, if that doesnt work i think ill go with that motherboard that was £140, I didnt understand what you meant by that the first time you said it sorry, thanks very much for your help everyone

By first I meant before putting in the FX 8320 that you need a processor that would run on the motherboard without an update.