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I know "hardware compatibility" questions are typically closed as too localized, but hopefully there is some more general merit to these questions. If not, feel free to direct me elsewhere.
Background: A friend has given me an ASrock X58 Extreme mobo. I'd like to build a light-duty scientific computing box with it (I'm a math grad student), so I'm thinking Xeon, lots of RAM, and a reliable GPU for CUDA compute.
Questions:
- It seems as though I can install any LGA1366 processor. Is this false? Do I have to worry about chipset compatibility? Specifically, I'm looking at a Xeon E5620 or W3565.
- From the manufacturer's website, they list the memory compatibility as: "Supports DDR3 2000(OC)/1866(OC)/1600(OC)/1333(OC)/1066." For maximum stability, should I stick with 1066 RAM, or can I safely install 1600? Crucial's memory advisor recommended a 4x4GB 1600MhZ kit, so I think I'm guessing I'm okay - will I have to do some BIOS configuration to get it to work correctly?
Thanks ahead!
icurays1
Posted 2013-06-10T16:26:07.750
Reputation: 101
A newer CPU which is not recognised by the BIOS (X58 firmware usually was BIOS based) is not likely to work with a newer CPU. Which means you want to check the latest BIOS update and see which CPU's it supports. – Hennes – 2016-11-18T06:04:14.217
As to other CPU's. I got an spare X58 board and looked for a newer CPU (atm it has an i7-920). Good 6 core CPUs are still epxansive, even on sites like ebay. Getting a i7-930 or similar can probably be done cheaply though. Same for reasonable memory (e.g. 32GB). – Hennes – 2016-11-18T06:06:01.387
Check the online specifications for the motherboard. That will the best way to get the processor compatability list. The chipset is handled by the motherboard. The motherboard only supports a single socket, read the manual, for additional information. You can install any of the listed memory, you could even in theory, install even faster memory it just would be downclocked. I don't forsee this question staying open since ALL your questions are answered in the manual. – Ramhound – 2013-06-10T17:17:57.773
@Ramhound the processor compatibility list available in the manual only includes chips that were available at the time of mobo manufacture. I'm essentially asking if a newer CPU such as the E5620 is backwards compatible, which is a question not answered in the man, and I haven't found a good answer elsewhere. – icurays1 – 2013-06-10T17:54:16.773