[pdpeck]

The motherboard on my 5 year old backup, XP computer failed. I want to keep the old Pentium 4, (socket 775), and memory. Will the Pentium processor work in a new socket 775 MB even if it is not listed as a supported processor? I'm thinking specifically of the Biostar TP43E. I should know the answer and think I do but want to be sure.
pdpeck

[waldojim]

Normally, they will work fine. But they may have removed support in the bios.

I can say, that I have used a LOT of processors in motherboards without official support. They usually end up showing up as a generic processor at the correct clock speed.

[mjd420nova]

I can still go to the local computer store and find a MOBO for a replacement part at around $40 to 50. I've done a couple resurections with no trouble and some like waldo has seen. The BIOS didn't recognize the CPU but it didn't stop the system from running properly. Some were a friends attempts at overclocking and needed some work. Most were attempts to overclock video cards and looked like a rusted muffler when they came out. Most GPUs will never have the hope of reaching close to a 1 GHZ let alone three like some of those CPUs could run. If the BIOS supports any P4 class, it will work. Many motherboard repairs are focused on the power bus from the board edge power supply plugin to their connectors and adjacent traces on the PCB itself. Many heavy hands have fractured a memory card holder, clip or connector. I've seen a few that the (user) (builder) inserted more than a few bent pins into the CPU socket and fried a few traces off the board. That was a basket case and finished that way too. The things it must have roasted. As soon as I opened the case I could smell it. I asked the user if they saw any smoke... The PS and MOBO were toast. I like to leave the case open when I first power things up. Be sure to clean the old thermal paste off the old heat sink with a paper towel and a spot of acetone. A wouldn't hurt to be sure the top of the CPU chip is clean too. Apply a small drop of Artic Silver, a white heat conducting paste in a small ointment tube. The fan is essential and should easily mount on the top of the chip and have a clip or latch to hold the heatsink tightly to the top of the chip. Not too tight that you have to force the clips. Never mount a fan directly to the PCB. Heat pipes can be a real asset if they are directly mounted to the air space where there is moving air. I've seen some high power heatpipes that came with their own fans.