Question 1

Does this processor come with its own CPU cooler/fan? It's going to be my first PC build so I wanted to know if I had to purchase an aftermarket fan or not. Thanks.

Accepted Answer

The retail package (with the nice box, not oem :) does come with an aluminum heatsink, fan and thermal paste already applied - so you are all set for installing the cpu. No after market cooler is necessary. And as long as you are not overclocking, the included cooler is plenty sufficient and quiet.

Question 2

If I purchase this item does it come with a CPU cooler? Or do I need to purchase that item separately? Thanks!

Accepted Answer

It does come with the cooler. However if you plan on over clocking, you will need to purchase an better one

Question 3

does this come with heatsink/fan?

Accepted Answer

It includes a heatsink with a built-in fan. Although it's quite a small one, and even a cheap (~$20) aftermarket cooler will significantly outperform the stock heatsink if you're thinking of going that route.

Question 4

Want to know if this processor can run on any computer and what running system does it have,a windows 7 or what prepaying systems ?

Accepted Answer

This is a processor, also called a CPU or engine.  It is only one part of a computer.  An operating system, such as Windows, requires a complete computer to run on.   So, the answer to your question is NO, this processor doesn't run on any computer.  This processor can only run when paired with several other parts to make up a complete computer.  I strongly recommend that you do not attempt to build your own, but stick to buying name brand computers from a reliable source such as Newegg.  I have been building  computers for several years and Newegg has become the computer store that I rely on.

Question 5

Has anyone else had video driver issues using this APU? If so, can you post your solutions? Every time I install the chipset/video drivers Win 7 gets caught in a boot loop from the display crashing every time it gets past the boot splash screen.

Accepted Answer

I had similar behavior & found that the 4th core had been activated in bios.  The system would boot/reboot, sometimes to the desktop (and then soon crash).  I suspect the 4th core is just far enough out of spec for the particular a6 that I got.  Disabling the 4th core in bios solved the problem for me.  I'm not sure if that's the same problem you're seeing...

Question 6

I am planning on using this for MSI A78M-E35 motherboard, but what kind of RAM should I do? 2x4 8GB DDR3 1600 SDRAM, or 1x8 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 1600? Please help. Im not planning on using graphics card only the APU.?

Accepted Answer

This is a nice CPU, motherboard combo, i'm running it with duel 4X4 RAM for a total of 8gb of ram,  I'm running some smaller games very nice on it, does high def movies very well, and plays some screensavers that i thought it wouldn't run, running them very well. can't beleave how much power this integrated ghx card has and how this cpu pushes it,  NOW that being said, i wouldn't try and big games with it, ON the ram part, you can run the duel ram, but the 8gig ram is good to in case you ever want to upgrade the ram more, that would leave you an open slot.  In my opinion, i'ld go with the 1X8

Question 7

it is compatible in gigabyte ddr3 ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this CPU is compatible with Gigabyte boards and DDR3 RAM.  I would recommend going with 1600 or 1866 DDR3 RAM, as the higher speeds have some issues with the newer FM2+ boards (if you get an FM2+ board).  8 Gb is my recommended minimum for any APU intended for games.  4 Gb for home use.

Question 8

How well would this perform for a Home Server PC?

Accepted Answer

Should work well. It will not be a power house so as long as you aren't doing anything major that has to be offloaded to the cpu you should be in good shape. if you are just doing file services and backup I don't see any issues. if you are trying to stream and or compress files for download over the net you may be waiting a while depending on the size.

Question 9

I purchased this in a combo with an MSI A55M-E33 motherboard and new RAM.  I have an older drive (EIDE) with Windows Vista 32bit home edition as the OS.  I am having issues with boot errors.  Not supported by this chip & board? That is my guess.  My knowledge is limited.  Was able to install XP on a storage drive and no issues booting to OS.  Try to upgrade to Vista on that drive and system will not recognize the disc image?  Not sure but agan guessing 32bit Vista no good on new board & chip?

Accepted Answer

Typically a retail copy of windows is paired with the motherboard of the system it is installed in.  If this drive was in another computer and the operating system was installed on that computer, you cannot move the drive over with the o/s and have it still work (unless it was the same make/model as the original system).  This being said, you will likely have to install a new operating system on your hard drive to boot up without errors.  The motherboard and chip combo can run xp, vista, 7 or 8 with no issues as long as it is a legal, new installation.

Question 10

Will this run on an AM2 board or do I have to buy a new board?

Accepted Answer

As far as I'm aware, this processor needs an FM2 socket. The F series sockets are for LGA chips as apposed to the A series which are for PGA chips. To use this processor you'll need to buy a new board with an F series socket.

Don't quote me on that, but I'm pretty sure you need a new board.

Questions & Answers