Motherboard Backwards Compatibility

[Dr1ft3r]

are motherboards backwards compatible?

thnx CYA

 

[JasonYip]

It really depends on what you mean by backwards compatible... can you describe a bit more?

Jason

 

[Dr1ft3r]

i need to know if a motherboard is backwards compatible with processors and RAM...sorry didnt specify the first time...

 

[edemiere]

Dr1ft3r

That is still pretty vague as there are a LOT of different generations, manufacturers and types of processors out there.

This question is probably best answered by the manufacturer of the motherboard in question.

I am sure on their technical support page they will have a complete list of what is and is not supported by any given board...

Cheers!

 

[JasonYip]

It all depends on the the type of board, processor and ram. A newer mobo will probably take PC2100 (266) DDR ram but it won't take Pc-133. It could take a range of processors (Duron/Athlon/Athlon XP but not a K6). It depends as well on front-side bus (FSB) too. You can't use a 100 fsb cpu in a 200 fsb mobo (just won't fly). Also check the range of the processor speeds too (if your processor is in the stated range, you fine, if not you're screwed).

Read the board's manual, visit the manufacturer's web site and come back it that doesn't help. Hopefully you'll find your board's specs and will be able to solve you problem.

Let me know how it turns out, ok?

Jason

 

[cdogg]

Generally the answer is NO. For example, you could not run a PII or PIII on a P4 motherboard. Also, most boards that support RDRAM or DDR SDRAM won't work with regular SDRAM, and none of them will run with EDO RAM.

So the real question is, how far back are you talking?


~cdogg
[tab]"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources"
[tab][tab]- A. Einstein

 

[edfair]

Hardly ever has been backwards compatible on CPU chips across generations. Sometimes backwards compatible within the generations.
Generally backwards compatible 1 generation on memory, but not always.
Generally backwards compatible 1 generation on I/O but not always.
Usually backwards compatible on OS but not always.

You pays yo' money, yo' takes yo' chances.

Then you do like the rest of us, build up your stock of stuff that didn't work for use somewhere in the future.

Ed Fair
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.