333 FSB cpu on a 266 board? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Silvy · 12-13-2003, 01:45 AM

Hi,

I'm wondering if this will work:

I just bought a 2500+ Athlon XP processor with a FSB of 333
My motherboard supports Althlon XP's but only with 200/266 FSB.

Now from my quasi-technical point of view, the processor should be able to run, shouldn't it? (albeit with less performance)

The reason I'm asking is: It's still in its packaging, and removing it will make returning a lot more difficult.

Any thoughts are welcome!

Specs:
cpu: Athlon XP 2500+ (clocked at 1833Mhz) with 333 MHz fsb
mb: Chaintech Summit, 7VIA1 motherboard with VIA KT266A chipset
ram: 333Mhz compatible DDR.

Gotenks · 12-13-2003, 05:02 AM

Quick answer to your question, yes. It will work, but as you've stated will only run @ 266, as will the ram.

I'd install it, thna at a later date try and grab a board that supports 400fsb (for later upgrades). I'm pretty sure (not 100%) that you'll also benefit from the cache on the chip as well, so your best bet is to install.

PS: I've never actually tried running a 333fsb chip in a 266 chipset, i'm only aware that ram will be clocked lower. I'd wait for other answers before installing.

Lasereth · 12-13-2003, 07:09 AM

Well, in theory it should work like Gotenks said, but I've never tried it myself. I know that Intel motherboards will allow you to use processors above the FSB rating on the board (it just clocks them down the same way). So...I *think* it would work, but if it was me, I'd leave it in the package and try to get rid of it. The on-board cache will help you, but this is all considering it actually works on your motherboard. If you open it, then you know how it goes. NewEgg won't even take back processors that have been opened after 7 days.

Your RAM is already being clocked down from 333 MHz to 266 MHz because of your 266 chipset. I've always heard that Bartons require at least 333 MHz RAM, but if your motherboard clocks down the FSB, I suppose it clocks down the RAM requirements as well.

In short, it will probably work, but I wouldn't do it. I'd leave it in the package and try to sell it. You shouldn't have much of a problem; that processor is known for it's extremely good overclocking potential.

*EDIT* If you got a new motherboard that supported 333 MHz FSB CPUs and 333 MHz RAM, then you would have a DAMN nice computer. Do you have the money for a new motherboard? If you do, I suggest an Abit NF7-S 2.0. That processor combined with the NF7-S would make an incredible computer. It would support that PC2700 RAM as well.

-Lasereth

Silvy · 12-13-2003, 07:36 AM

Thanx for the tips guys...

I've decided to install it, and see what happens. If it doesn't work I'll get a new board. Else I'll keep it clocked lower until I have some cash to spare...
(I also need cash to support tfp

)

Thanx again

12-13-2003, 01:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
Silvy paranoid Location: The Netherlands	333 FSB cpu on a 266 board? Hi, I'm wondering if this will work: I just bought a 2500+ Athlon XP processor with a FSB of 333 My motherboard supports Althlon XP's but only with 200/266 FSB. Now from my quasi-technical point of view, the processor should be able to run, shouldn't it? (albeit with less performance) The reason I'm asking is: It's still in its packaging, and removing it will make returning a lot more difficult. Any thoughts are welcome! Specs: cpu: Athlon XP 2500+ (clocked at 1833Mhz) with 333 MHz fsb mb: Chaintech Summit, 7VIA1 motherboard with VIA KT266A chipset ram: 333Mhz compatible DDR. __________________ "Do not kill. Do not rape. Do not steal. These are principles which every man of every faith can embrace. " - Murphy MacManus (Boondock Saints)

12-13-2003, 05:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
Gotenks Crazy Location: In a house	Quick answer to your question, yes. It will work, but as you've stated will only run @ 266, as will the ram. I'd install it, thna at a later date try and grab a board that supports 400fsb (for later upgrades). I'm pretty sure (not 100%) that you'll also benefit from the cache on the chip as well, so your best bet is to install. PS: I've never actually tried running a 333fsb chip in a 266 chipset, i'm only aware that ram will be clocked lower. I'd wait for other answers before installing. __________________ Mors ultima linea rerum est.

12-13-2003, 07:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	Well, in theory it should work like Gotenks said, but I've never tried it myself. I know that Intel motherboards will allow you to use processors above the FSB rating on the board (it just clocks them down the same way). So...I think it would work, but if it was me, I'd leave it in the package and try to get rid of it. The on-board cache will help you, but this is all considering it actually works on your motherboard. If you open it, then you know how it goes. NewEgg won't even take back processors that have been opened after 7 days. Your RAM is already being clocked down from 333 MHz to 266 MHz because of your 266 chipset. I've always heard that Bartons require at least 333 MHz RAM, but if your motherboard clocks down the FSB, I suppose it clocks down the RAM requirements as well. In short, it will probably work, but I wouldn't do it. I'd leave it in the package and try to sell it. You shouldn't have much of a problem; that processor is known for it's extremely good overclocking potential. EDIT If you got a new motherboard that supported 333 MHz FSB CPUs and 333 MHz RAM, then you would have a DAMN nice computer. Do you have the money for a new motherboard? If you do, I suggest an Abit NF7-S 2.0. That processor combined with the NF7-S would make an incredible computer. It would support that PC2700 RAM as well. -Lasereth __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert Last edited by Lasereth; 12-13-2003 at 07:15 AM..

12-13-2003, 07:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
Silvy paranoid Location: The Netherlands	Thanx for the tips guys... I've decided to install it, and see what happens. If it doesn't work I'll get a new board. Else I'll keep it clocked lower until I have some cash to spare... (I also need cash to support tfp ) Thanx again __________________ "Do not kill. Do not rape. Do not steal. These are principles which every man of every faith can embrace. " - Murphy MacManus (Boondock Saints)