Xeon X5450 Microcode Update [Dell Vostro 230]

[boredherobrine13]

CPU sSpec is SLBBE. Lasest bios is flashed and can be found here. I had previously requested a mod for a L5408, which likely won't actually work with any 775 motherboard as it was buggy to the point of being unusable past post. However, I currently cannot even get the X5450 to post, so I suspect it will need a custom microcode update.

[DeathBringer]

I currently cannot even get the X5450 to post, so I suspect it will need a custom microcode update.

What happens when you tried to boot up this it? Do you use my BIOS mod (from other topic) now?

[boredherobrine13]

I currently cannot even get the X5450 to post, so I suspect it will need a custom microcode update.

What happens when you tried to boot up this it? Do you use my BIOS mod (from other topic) now?

I have tried both the stock and your mod. CPU Does definitely /warm up/ but it cannot boot even after multiple reseats/reapplications of the adapter. It does still post with the original Celeron so the motherboard is functioning as intended. Additionally, the L5408 still Posts and will load dos, but no GUI. Lastly, I have tested it with my 1000w PSU now, and it still does not post. Therefore it cannot be a lack of power issue as i originally feared with the 250w im using for the machine currently.

Edit 1: Added L5408 still posts but no GUI working
Edit 2: Added testing with 1000w psu vs 250w psu and still no better results

[DeathBringer]

Attach TXT report of CPU-Z with native CPU.
Try BSEL Mod to change FSB for X5450 from 1333 to 1066 Mhz.
Read this article - Intel LGA775 Pad Modding.
You need change BSEL2 to Low. You may shortcut BSEL2 to BSEL1.

[boredherobrine13]

Would it be smart at this point to just find a motherboard that supports that Fsb?

[DeathBringer]

Replacement of the motherboard is offtopic...
But your motherboard is based on G41 chipset and must support FSB=1333Mhz.
I think your X5450 is dead...

[boredherobrine13]

Weird... I guess it should. I just got it off ebay, it was tested working by the seller and they had a good rating. Pulled from some large server array. Sure it couldn't be a bios issue?

[DeathBringer]

My mod has microcode for X5450. But it can't be loaded cause CPU don't loads BIOS.

[boredherobrine13]

My mod has microcode for X5450. But it can't be loaded cause CPU don't loads BIOS.

Well you're definitely right that the bios /should/ support FSB 1333. The Vostro 230 PDF from dell says it supports 800mhz, 1066mhz, and 1333mhz up to quad core cpus on the G41 Express Chipset....I'm wondering if maybe clearing the CMOS would help. I had to do that a few times last time before I could get the L5408 to work after i had the celeron installed.

[boredherobrine13]

I think I found the real problem....Perhaps insufficient power or an issue with the board failing itself. I had the Celeron in. It was working last night but now when i turned the motherboard on. It flickered on and off a few times and wouldnt post with the celeron. I noticed the PSU light flickering, so i tried a different PSU. Lo and behold the second PSU turned the motherboard on. Light did turn blue, but it never posted. To my utter horror, I smelled smoke. A VRM chip on the board had fried. I now suspect that the board itself may have been the problem and not the CPU. I am going to try to find a branded board that is known to work with this mod vs a Dell Intel branded one.