MSI X58 Pro-e BIOS version Pro-e BIOS for MSI X58 Pro e board
MSI X58 Pro-e BIOS version Pro-e BIOS for MSI X58 Pro e board
Hey, you're dealing with a tricky setup. You've got two CPUs—one Xeon W3530 and another Xeon X5667—that are fine in your server but not booting on the PCs you're using. After updating the BIOS with an i7 720, the changes worked without problems, but the new CPUs still aren't getting started. You're wondering if a custom BIOS with microcode is necessary and whether anyone has shared it. Since you're comfortable with hardware, you might want to explore modifying the BIOS yourself or look into community resources. The link you found on Bios-Mods seems promising, but registration issues are holding you back. Keep searching and don't hesitate to reach out if you need more guidance.
These older setups can be unpredictable, which explains why it doesn’t start up properly. After an OC failure at 220bclk, it refuses to power on without any recovery efforts, likely triggering a fuse blow while staying intact. I recommend using a PCI debug card to investigate the issue—if it’s not a complete failure, it might be related to the CPU. If you’re unsure, consider replacing that component. Lower-end MSI X58 boards are unreliable; better options exist. There are reports of uncore bugs affecting Xeons OC mode, though no similar issues have been seen with W CPUs. It might be worth checking Xeons next.
No custom bios required. Risks are low. Your chips (w3530 and x5667) aren't even noted as compatible with your board. The 3520 model is. Is your server running a different motherboard that matches these processors? https://us.msi.com/Motherboard/X58_ProE/support#cpu
Only W3520 is listed as compatible on the official website https://de.msi.com/Motherboard/X58_ProE/support#cpu
The servers are older Proliant DL380 G7 and DL580 G7 models. The X5667 seems to function, which is the CPU I previously had before upgrading to a X5690. The W3520 is noted as compatible with the MSI board. Based on what I've learned, it should match a 3530 chip, so it likely works. Several users have shared installing X56xx Xeons in there, indicating there must be a solution. Overclocking would be appealing to test how far these older CPUs can be pushed, but I’m not aiming for that level. I built these PCs to prevent old CPUs from gathering dust in my storage and possibly earn some extra income by selling them.
It doesn't really matter if the motherboard can't identify the CPU model. If you're confident, go ahead. You might also consider resetting CMOS by removing the battery for five minutes while the power supply is off, then verify the memory slot locations on the motherboard.
You don’t have to take the battery out; there’s a button on the board for that. I’ve already reset the BIOS a few times and experimented with various memory sticks, since I originally intended to use registered ECC memory but still have some left. ECC didn’t function at all because the i7 can’t handle it, while regular DDR3 worked perfectly. I’m pretty sure I’ll need to update the microcode, which is beyond my current capabilities...
You could sell them separately, but the x58 Pro e model isn’t useful from a collector’s point of view. Some people might still be interested, though. Quadcores can still find buyers, except for certain models like the x5667/77/87 which rarely sell. The x5667 should sell, possibly at a lower price compared to Westmere hex cores. If you’re not into overclocking or are afraid of it, skip the x58—it’s inefficient and outdated. Ryzen boards are getting cheaper, and x58 boards have dropped significantly in price. A 1600/2600 + a320/b350 can still compete while using less power, especially if you use Ryzen processors. Custom BIOS comes with risks; if you can flash the BIOS externally (without booting into it), the risk disappears. Bad BIOS? Just re-flash it. I upgraded my p5q with a P5Qd BIOS and Maximus II firmware—bootable FSB went from around 530 to 570, and W3530 is similar to W3520 except for a higher clock speed. The main difference is the clock speed in the BIOS.
I don’t think selling parts individually makes sense because I purchased the boards for 40€ last month and won’t receive that amount back. It’s not a viable option. The Xeons are essentially free, as I found the W3530 on eBay for just 1€. I’m planning to experiment with overclocking first, but I need to get the CPUs running in my system. It’s definitely possible, though figuring out the steps is the challenge. My long-term aim is to assemble and sell a few functional low-cost PCs to clear out unused parts. I already have a reasonably good PC for personal use.