SystemsSystemsQ. Can I upgrade my Socket-7 mainboard to run the AMD K6 processor?
A. The AMD K6 processors are Socket-7 compatible. However, certain modifications to older Socket-7 mainboards may be necessary to meet the proper voltage settings and BIOS revisions required by the K6 processor.
To ensure reliable operation of the AMD K6 processor throughout the life of the system, the following requirements must be met by all AMD K6 motherboards:
Support for the full 321 pin Socket 7 specification including: dual voltage power and ground assignments - 2.9V CPU core voltage and 3.3V I/O voltage; Voltage regulator capable of supplying up to 7.5A to the processor core; Sufficient bulk and decoupling capacitance to maintain the core voltage within 145 mV of nominal (2.9V +/-145 mV).
If different voltage settings are used, unreliable operation may result. If the CPU voltage exceeds the absolute maximum voltage range, the processor may be permanently damaged.
Note: Some older motherboards and some existing lower cost motherboards do not contain enough capacitance to adequately regulate the voltage within the specification of the AMD-K6 processor. These motherboards may generate voltage spikes which can permanently damage the CPU.
The mainboard will also require a AMD K6 processor ready BIOS:
Award - Compile dates of March 1, 1997 or later
AMI - CPU Module 3.31 or later
Phoenix - Version 4.0
Release 6.0 or Release 5.1 with build dates 4/7/97 or later
In addition, for AMD-K6/233(MHz) Support:
3.2V CPU core voltage and 3.3V I/O voltage; Voltage regulator capable of supplying up to 9.5A to the processor core; Sufficient bulk and decoupling capacitors to maintain the core voltage within 100 mV of nominal (3.2V +/-100 mV).
Because of the complex and confusing nature of the issues and requirements affecting reliable processor operation on a mainboard, AMD has a collection of mainboards that have been verified to meet the requirements of the AMD-K6 processor. The list is comprised of today’s most popular mainboards and is provided as a service to AMD customers and resellers to ensure a positive user experience with the AMD K6 processor.
The tests consist of an internally developed suite of BIOS, electrical, and software tests. This test suite has been developed to ensure the highest level on compatibility with the AMD K6 processor. For this reason, AMD strongly recommends using the AMD K6 processor in conjunction with a mainboard from the compatibility list in order to ensure proper support for the AMD K6 processor. Unless these requirements can be verified elsewhere, please use a motherboard from this list with the AMD K6 processor. The list of approved motherboards is always growing.
Q. My motherboard doesn’t offer a x3.5 setting. Which setting should I use?
A. Many older motherboards do not offer the x3.5 clock multiplier that is required for the AMD K6/233. However, there is a workaround. The x3.5 clock multiplier can be achieved by setting jumpers for x1.5. The x1.5 setting for older motherboards equates to a X3.5 setting for the AMD K6 and newer Intel parts.
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