What chip will my mobo take?

Digitalis · 16th May 2002

Following a recent problem which may be linked to my chip overheating (posted here (graphics still not right) ), I am considering upgrading the chip, does anyone know what my limits are as to what chip I can fit to my mobo ( Gigabyte GA-7ZM)?

Cheers.
Dig.

**Rockster2U** · 17th May 2002

Your MB will handle up to a 1.4 gig Athlon with a 200mhz bus. If you are concerned about heat, I would recommend a 1.2 ghz Athlon because they run quite a bit cooler than 1300 or 1400. The key here is that you have to stick to a 200mhz bus speed chip. You should be able to get a 1.2 for $85-100, and will pay $90-110 for a 1300 or 1400 depending on where you shop. you will also find on many of these older T-Birds, the L1 bridges have not been laser cut which means they are overclockerable without using silver expoxy or lead to rebridge. Go to the Giga-Byte website to read more specifics about your MB and CPU compatability. You will find a 2 page PDF document which lists all AMD chips compatable with your MB. I believe the original specs said 500mhz-1000 and up. Good Luck.

Digitalis · 17th May 2002

Why does the FSB speed matter, I thought my board could cope with up to 133mhz?

Also, been looking at prices and found 2 different types of chip:

Socket A
Mfr code: ADUDHD120AMT1B

Socket A Box
Mfr code: ADUDHD120BOX

The "box" item is about £10 dearer than the other, what is the difference? Or are they the same, just one comes in a presentation "Box"?

Cheers.
Dig.

Chiles4 · 20th May 2002

Rockster is saying that your board only takes class 'B' Athlons, not class 'C' Athlons. The 'B's are 100FSB processors while the 'C's are 133FSB processors. Your board is based on the KT133 chipset which, if I remember correctly, can only handle a 100Mhz FSB setting. So you would need one of the older Athlons.

Usually, a boxed cpu implies that it comes with a heatsink and a 3-year mfr. warranty while an unboxed cpu comes only with the warranty from the vendor which is usually 10-15 days (and no heatsink).

Digitalis · 20th May 2002

OK, thanx for all the help, I now know more than I did before.

I'm sure I saw a dipswitch setting for 133Mhz bus speed in the manual?

Chiles4 · 21st May 2002

I think the Gigabyte site said that FSBs over 100 were officially unsupported on that board but they may work. Actually, you may find that something in between 100 and 133 is where your mobo maxes out on stability. But, the higher your FSB, the "faster" your system will run. It might even turn out to be based on the amount of cooling you have, if any, on your Northbridge chip.