AMD Phenom II X4 960T with Foxconn A7GM-S Motherboard

[njo]

Hi folks,

I'm looking to upgrade my CPU to a AMD Phenom II X4 960T (95W). But I am worried that my foxconn RS780 will support it (the BIOS is dated in 2008) im just looking for confirmation that the CPU will or will not work in my motherboard.

I have a AMD Phenom X3 8450

thanks!

[Marcin]

Before upgrade do update to latest BIOS :
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/download.aspx?models=en-us0000371&category=C000000001&series=en-us0000008&keywords=&sort=BIOS

then you can upgreade CPU to any from this list :
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/cpusupportlist.aspx?type=mb&model=A7GM-S&cputype=

[njo]

I tried but there is no 64 bit version! My BIOS bate is 5/5/2008. I also mght add that my motherbaord is an OEM Gateway version of the foxconn (called the foxconn RS780).
support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Shared/4006272R/4006272Rsp2.shtml

[Marcin]

You don't need 64 bit version of BIOS. Download whatever you can. 32bit apllication works under 32bit emulation in 64 bit OS. Foxconn BIOS is prepared to flash under DOS (bootable floppy + files from Foxconn's archive). That is a bit difficult to work out by beginners.

BIOS from Foxconn can brick your motherboard and that is risky procedure. However there are huge chances that will work and if will fail then I can propably program BIOS - I need model from chip.

Gateway su..s and propably they will not give you correct answer from support about CPU compability.

[vezhlys]

What has 64-bit to do anything with BIOS? You need to create bootable dos disk (usb flash these days is common practice) and flash BIOS from it (http://www.foxconnsupport.com/faq.aspx?faqid=F000000066). I don't know if OEM version is different from retail it probably might be a risk. You can look if there is your BIOS version between downloads then it should be ok.

[Guest]

I think my OEM foxconn is different from the retail version, so im worried the update wont work, the auto install program that I downloaded stated it was only for 32bit versions, so I dont know, ive never flashed BIOS before. Is there a chance a Phenom II processor will work with my BIOS from 2008?

regards

[Marcin]

Yes there are chances that will work normal but name can be displayed wrong.

[dikbozo]

I found this listing of items for your board:

http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?st=pn&param=4006272R

The BIOS predates the release of the Phenom II series. IMO this board would NOT run anything more than those specifically listed here:

http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Shared/4006272R/4006272Rsp2.shtml

Please note the Phenom mentioned in this is the original or 'Agena' core version. These are older and slower than the 'II' versions. Some of the 'Agena' cores run at 95W but not all, check the listings before pruchase.