Hey all,

So I wanted to update my wife's computer for her birthday. She has a relic and the processor I bought for her was for an AMD 2 socket slot. (which matches the socket on the Motherboard) I installed the processor, but when I turned it on, the computer did not start. (CPU failing obliviously)

I have done this before, and did not have a problem. My guess is there isnt a supported BIOS for the motherboard. Question is: Is there a way I can get it to work on her ancient motherboard from Compaq? (Long shot in the dark I know) or what motherboard can I buy (cheap but not break in 1 year cheap would be best) that her little Compaq Presario could run.
Thanks in advanced!

Welcome to the forum!

Very doubtful that her Compaq would ever support a Phenom CPU.
Problem is with those OEM comps, they have proprietory boards.
Even if you found a board that supports your Phenom, some of the connections in the case wouldn't match up with the new board.

You're better off buying a cheap board and case and pull the memory & PSU from the Compaq.
But, those OEM PSU's tend to be weak units, so a new PSU would be advisable also.

Good luck.....

-------------------------
Phenom II X6 1100T B.E.@ 4.26GHz
Corsair H70 Core Hydro
ASUS Crosshair V Formula
2x4GB G.Skill RipjawsX@ 1894MHz, 9-10-9-28
SLI: 2x EVGA GTX 570's@ 902/1804/2032
Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
Corsair HX850W Modular
Cooler Master HAF 922
2x Win 7 Home Premium (x64)

Thanks for the info, I was trying to get away with basically building her a new comp. Looks like its a no brainer now! So one last question, what MB can support this CPU? I tried looking around on newegg and someone bought :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16813131318

with the CPU. Is this MB compatible with my CPU? Thanks again!

You didn't mention which Phenom X3 Black Edition you have!
Most AM2/AM2+ boards should support a Phenom CPU.
You will need an AM2/AM2+ board with AM3 support to run the newer AM3 CPU's.

Just check the motherboards website under CPU support before you buy it just to be sure the board supports your Phenom X3.

And yes, you're going down the right path with that ASUS micro ATX board.

-------------------------
Phenom II X6 1100T B.E.@ 4.26GHz
Corsair H70 Core Hydro
ASUS Crosshair V Formula
2x4GB G.Skill RipjawsX@ 1894MHz, 9-10-9-28
SLI: 2x EVGA GTX 570's@ 902/1804/2032
Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
Corsair HX850W Modular
Cooler Master HAF 922
2x Win 7 Home Premium (x64)