Bios Doesn't Recognize New CPU Wont Let Update BIOS

Question

I have a Dimension 9100 that I am upgrading so most of the parts are brand new.  I installed a new video card, hard drive, cd drives, floppy drive, memory, and processor.  So I'm working on a clean slate, no operating system has been installed yet.  The processor I went with is the Intel Pentium D950 3.4GHz dual core, 05B platform.  Ive done endless research in forums and online and found that this processor would be compadable with my board.  However, when I boot my computer all that happens is it reads the video card, then goes to another screen where it says Operating In Malfuction Mode.  Then it says intial setup, this may take 1-2 minutes you may need to restart.  Then after a second it says System Halted! Incompadable Processor.  This is all it does when I boot.  Doesn't restart or anything.  My usb keyboard doesn't work so I can't do anything.  Do I have the wrong processor installed or is there a problem with the processor?  This is my first every PC overhaul so at this point I'm in deep water and can't swim.  I can't update the bios, nothing?  Can anyone help me at all?  Oh yea when I boot three diagnostic codes appear.  2-4, 3-4, and 1-2-3. Also I am running the A01 Bios.  I know that this bios isn't compatable with the 900 series processor and am prepared to flash update it to A03.  I have the floppy ready and everything, however I cannot get into the setup to update the bios program, at least not with the new processor.  I don't have the stock processor so I can't reinstall it and then update bios.  Is there anyway to install the new bios program without the computer recognizing the cpu.  if i have to i will buy the stock processor however i do not want to and want that to be a last resort.  i forgot to mension i did clear the cmos setting on the dvram jumper.

Majestic · Answer

Unfortunately you will need a working system in order to update the BIOS.   From what you have described, the only way to get it working again will be re-installing the old processor.  Why didn't you do the BIOS upgrade before changing the processor?   From what I recall of previous discussions on this type of upgrade, doing the BIOS update is one of the first requirements.

trextegra · Answer

oh really  i would have done it before hand however i bought the computer with just motherboard and powersupply so i never had the original processor :smileysad: i can probly get one off of ebay for about 80-100 and sell it for close to that, a pain in the , unless theres another choice. Message Edited by trextegra on 10-05-2006 07:37 PM

trextegra · Answer

no this is the pentium d not the core duo the original came with pentium d just upgrading from 2.8d to 3.4d

shesagordie · Answer

trextegra   My bad, you're right.    Bev. Message Edited by shesagordie on 10-05-2006 11:35 PM

kmn96 · Answer

First of all, it was not 'Malfunction mode.' It was manufacturing mode. That is how new service boards leave the factory. Once the process completes, it will no longer appear. There might be one way you can get the bios flashed without having to get the stock Cpu. Using the asset tag utility, change your service tag to PASS:01/01 This will put it back into manufacturing mode, and it may let you boot to the floppy and flash the system.

trextegra · Answer

haha that would make sense haha my bad but how would i go about doing that, nothing comes up i cant change anything or do anything???

kmn96 · Answer

Well then, there you go. You answered your own question.

trextegra · Answer

alright so basically everyone is telling me i need to put in the stock processor update the bios then install the new processor, does anyone have any d820 lying around for sale? also what processors are compadable with the a01 bios so since i have to buy a new processor i can get a cheap one like a pentium 4 2.6 or something

Eligarf · Answer

I share you EXACT experience!!

I purchased a bare bones system from eBay and a new D950, just like you.

I was so eager to play with my new rig, I went to Circuit City and purchased an Emachine, borrowed it's D820 for bios and my Xp install and then I returned it (minus 15% restocking fee).

I know I could've gotten a processor cheap from eBay but, I got tired of waiting.

Now I await a bios update, newer than A03 in hopes of my memory reading at 667 mhz instead of 533.

I'll never buy Dell again.

Message Edited by Eligarf on 10-12-2006 03:03 PM

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Bios Doesn't Recognize New CPU Wont Let Update BIOS

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