I recently bought an Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 processor but the screen is just black when i put it in my motherboard? Any ideas?

[RJohn19]

As the title says, the screen just doesnt show anything but the computer starts up and sounds like its running, no beeps just the usual whirl of the fan. A friend hinted that it may be an outdated BIOS, my motherboard is an Asus P5BW-LA and is running the original BIOS (From 2007 I Believe).. I have installed Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit on the computer if that makes any difference? Thanks for any replies.

[AP16]

From 2007 I Believe

Q8400 was out in 2009 - http://ark.intel.com/products/38512/Intel-Core2-Quad-Processor-Q8400-4M-Cache-2_66-GHz-1333-MHz-FSB Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8400 (4M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB) Specifications

[RJohn19]

Yes, I know the manufacture date of the processor, however I was referring to the BIOS when I said 2007.

[AP16]

So you need the CPU of 2007 (Celeron 430 is ok, starting from $5 on Ebay) to upgrade MB BIOS, then install the Q8400 again.

[RJohn19]

Yes, I already have a CPU in the motherboard that works. It is an Intel Core 2. However I am upgrading to the Q8400 and I was wondering why it wont work.

[AP16]

There is a part of BIOS named 'microcode', this low-level software each boot downloads by CPU from BIOS to correctly work in exact system. Old BIOS contains old microcodes, which are incompatible with newer CPUs, resulting in CPU stall.

[RJohn19]

So, is it possible for me to use the new Intel Core 2 Duo Q8400 processor? Or will I have to look about an alternative?

[AP16]

Probably yes, although i can not find Asus P5BW-LA mainboard on ASUS site, so please check the model name again.

[RJohn19]

http://support.hp.com/bg-en/document/c00748726 HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Motherboard Specifications, P5BW-LA (Basswood) | HP® Customer Support This is my motherboard.

[AP16]

The BIOS update is available http://whp-hou4.cold.extweb.hp.com/pub/softlib/software9/COL20731/pv-54525-1/sp35153.exe http://whp-hou4.cold.extweb.hp.com/pub/softlib/software9/COL20731/pv-54525-1/sp35153.exe . dated 2010, so it may support your CPU.

[RJohn19]

Can I get the support website you got this from please?

[AP16]

Thats HP support site, i just made a search on it for your motherboard model and get to one of Compaq PCs support page.

[RJohn19]

Thank you so much, I have no idea how I didn't find it..

[EstebanA_C_Intel]

Hello Rian_lad:

Thank you for contacting the Intel Communities.

Regarding the CPU upgrade for this Motherboard, this is an OEM Motherboard which was designed to work with certain processors; For that reason, to get compatibility questions answered, the recommendation would be to ask the manufacturer directly.

This processor may or may not be compatible with this Motherboard.

The BIOS update may assist you with this situation, but indeed my recommendation would be to check with the manufacturer of the board (HP in this case).

They will assist you on the necessary updates needed to get this to work if the processor/Motherboard are compatible.

http://processormatch.intel.com/MotherBoards/CompatibleBoards?componentName=Q8400 Compatible Motherboards for this CPU

http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/support.html Technical Support | HP® Official Site

Regards,

Esteban C

[RJohn19]

So as it turns out, the BIOS file JFFulcrum linked is not for my operating system, that file is for Windows XP. I am running Windows 7 64-Bit and I'm not 100% sure but that may make a difference in the software I need.

In response to Esteban C: I have tried the support pages on HP and they aren't very helpful at all.. The HP site does not have the BIOS update; also it seems that I am the only person in their forums having the same problem (Unless there are threads incorrectly titled)

[AP16]

Rian_lad

1. Unpack the exe file downloaded from HP with 7-Zip or WinRAR to folder

2. Download and unpack to folder https://www.wimsbios.com/files/flashers/awardwinflash/awardwinflash194.zip https://www.wimsbios.com/files/flashers/awardwinflash/awardwinflash194.zip

3. Run Winflash.exe from second folder and point it to file 317.rom from first folder.

[RJohn19]

Okay, I have followed your steps and an error message is coming up saying: "BIOS File size doesn't match with MainBoard BIOS!" any ideas? Am I doing something wrong?

[AP16]

Well, according to https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Need-original-Asus-P5BW-LA-HP-Basswood3G-BIOS Need original Asus P5BW-LA / HP Basswood3G BIOS and https://www.wimsbios.com/forum/other-bios-update-issues-f29/asus-p5bw-t9105.html ASUS P5BW-LE 1.01 : Other BIOS update issues. - BIOS Updates forum ASUS made a lot of their shit for HP, all incompatible with each other. Message from Winflash makes me think that you have a very first version of board, so no luck to get Core Quad support.

[RJohn19]

Awww well balls to that, thanks for your help. It was much appreciated.

[EstebanA_C_Intel]

Hello All:

Do not hesitate to contact the Intel Communities in case you encounter with any additional questions or concerns.

Regards,

Esteban C