Are 333mhz FSB CPU backwards compatible?

[Jobe]

Is a 333mhz FSB Athlon XP (2600+, in my case) backwards compatible with a 266mhz FSB motherboard? Will it just step down a notch automatically or will it just not work?

[blubomber]

Yes, you can put a 333MHz processor in a 266MHz board. But, if you dont unlock the multiplyer on the processor, then it will be underclocked. So your 2600+ would show up as something like 1900+ or close to that.

Uther than that, i dont believe it will hurt your processor.

[John Prophet]

It'll work as far as the speed goes..it'll just run slower....we often see this when people have a jumper set wrong.

BUT I am not sure if there is a different voltage needed for 333mhz cpu's (I doubt it though)


You CAN buy adapter to unlock the multipliers so that you still get full speed at the lower fsb (I think but I wont swear on it)

http://www.strattoncomputer.com/amd-xp-tmc-b.html

[Jobe]

Thanks for the info guys. I went ahead and canceled my order then... as fun as unlocking the processor sounds, I'd rather not risk it on an OEM part

BTW- for future reference, I highly suggest NOT ordering computer parts from www.bzboyz.com We had guys from India who could barely speak, let alone comprehend, basic English calling us every day trying to sell us more stuff... one guy even called back half an hour after I talked to him to ask if I had canceled my order. Hahaha... no, those words never came out of my mouth but I can see how it can be confused with "go ahead and ship it."

[Gait_Keeper]

WOW I never knew that, Thanx for asking, and thanx for the answer

will it work on a K7S5A v1.0?? it should

don't know if I'll try it, nah I don't think so, unless someone gives me a free chip

still good info