System for detecting motherboard operation to ensure compatibility of a microprocessor to be coupled thereto

A system for detecting motherboard operation to ensure compatibility of a microprocessor to be coupled thereto, the system comprising:

• a pin for contacting a clock conductor within a microprocessor socket, said clock conductor configured for supplying a clock signal to the microprocessor;
• a pin for contacting a power conductor within the microprocessor socket, said power conductor configured for supplying power to the microprocessor;
• a frequency detection circuit for determining the frequency of said clock signal;
• a voltage detection circuit for determining the voltage level of said power conductor;
• wherein said pin for contacting a clock conductor, said pin for contacting a power conductor, said frequency detection circuit, and said voltage detection circuit are all included within a probe, wherein said probe is configured to be releasably coupled to the microprocessor socket;
• and
• a display coupled to said probe, wherein said display is configured to separately display the voltage level of said power conductor and the frequency of the clocking signal.

A method for detecting motherboard operation to ensure compatibility of a microprocessor to be coupled thereto, the method comprising:

• before inserting the microprocessor into a microprocessor socket on the motherboard, plugging a probe into the microprocessor socket;
• within said probe, detecting the clock frequency and voltage level that the motherboard is configured to supply to the microprocessor socket;
• displaying the clock frequency and voltage level on a display;
• reconfiguring jumpers or switches on the motherboard until the display indicates that the correct frequency and voltage level are supplied to the microprocessor socket;
• removing the probe from the microprocessor socket;
• and
• inserting the microprocessor into the microprocessor socket.