Intel 45nm Yorkfield Runs On 975X Motherboard

Intel 45nm Yorkfield Runs On 975X Motherboard

We've gotten more than a few inquiries from readers, since we launched our Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 (aka Yorkfield) article, about whether or not the new 45nm quad-core chip from Intel will play nice in legacy motherboards.  The party line from Intel is that while technically, Yorkfield quad-core processors are not supported by chipsets like the 975X and P965, some motherboard manufacturers may choose to validate and support the product. 

We've recently been able to prove out that on at least one 975X board, the Asus P5W64WS Pro, using one of Intel's new 45nm Core 2 Extreme QX9650 processors and more than likely any 45nm quad-core Intel processor is a go for this motherboard.
 

 


     

     
 

As you can see in the POST screen above, the motherboard is in fact requesting a BIOS update for the proper CPU microcode, but after a simple strike of the F1 key the board boots flawlessly and we've been running benchmarks on a Vista installation for a week or so successfully and without incident.  In the bottom right hand screen shot, we're showing a CPU-Z identification of the motherboard chipset that was taken alongside the large CPU identification shot above.  As you'll note, we're running the standard 1,333MHz FSB for the chip, based on a quad-pumped 333MHz base frequency.  We should note, however, that the board does not have the necessary memory dividers to run memory at standard frequencies, so there will be some memory overclocking (or underclocking) going on.

So, the moral of the story?  Check with your motherboard manufacturer for possible support of the new 45nm Yorkfield-based Core 2 quad-core processors from Intel, to see if you're going to get lucky.  However, if your motherboard comes equipped to run a 1,333MHz front side bus, your chances are pretty good.  We're hoping Asus will send us an official BIOS update for the board as well shortly.  Stay tuned!

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Comments

Hi All,

That's good news Davo. Do you think Intel will do a BIOS update for all of us Badaxe2 owners?

If I were a betting man, I would say no, unfortunately.  Sad  They'll be pushing the X38 or X48 chipset-based board for this family of CPUs.

 Hi All,

You're most likely correct Davo. I was hoping that if enough of the other 975X Vendors offered a BIOS Update that Intel would follow suit. But yeah they'll definitely be pushing the X38 & X48 Chipset boards.  

I just wish Asus would have cared enought to update the bios' for the other motherboards to include Windows Vista support. Don't expect other motherboard makers to even care. They make more money by selling new boards.

Hi all,

that's really good news for all of us with 975x motherboards.

On the asus forums we are wondering about the P5W DH Deluxe. The microcodes are in the bios since a few revisions, but nobody tested it.

This test gave us hope :)

Brad

Hey Brad, Spartus,


Yes, for sure the chipset and power array of these Asus motherboards can handle it.  The only thing that really needs modified is BIOS microcode.  I'm asking Asus to help us out and provide a microcode for the P5W64 and will ask for the P5W DH  as well!

Thanks for stopping by the site.  Come on back often and tell your friends!

Kinda dumb how LGA 775 was created to be able to house 'all future intel CPUs from now until 2012' or whenever it was and since then each new CPU generation STILL requires a mobo upgrade; but WAIT their claim is true I guess because older mobos can indeed "house" these CPUs just not run them...... BLAH! Angry I wish my 680i would work for Yorkfield Sad

Hi everyone,

Falkentyne had success with P5W DH Deluxe Bios 2406 + Retail QX9650.

See :

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=110193&page=266

He got problems at first, but with a clean Windows now ok.

He overclocked to 4ghz :)

Brad

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