Do I need to match CPU voltages?

[pianowizard]

Computer: Gateway E-3200 Desktop

I just replaced a 300MHz Pentium II processor with a 450MHz Pentium II one. It seemed to work fine, but afterward I read the specifications more closely and learned that the original 300MHz CPU (installed by Gateway) had an operating voltage of 2.8V, whereas the new CPU, which I bought on eBay, has a "core voltage" (is it the same thing as operating voltage?) of 2.0V. The latter's full part number is 450/512/100/2.0v SL358. The Gateway manuals don't say anything about CPU voltages. Does the voltage matter? If I am supposed to stick to 2.8V, is running this 2.0V CPU risky?

Thanks in advance. You guys know everything!

[maxiderm]

wow thats high voltage for CPUs. a normal CPU nowadays runs at about 1.5v at stock speeds. if you have no problems with the CPU then no, dont change it. if it becomes unstable then make sure it does in fact run @ 2v and if your sure it does, just change the voltage in the bios if your mobo can do so.

[crossedup]

If you just installed the CPU and then booted up w/o making any changes on the motherboard yourself then you are fine. The BIOS detected the new CPU and the voltage change as well.

The fact that it is running at all means its okay. You really couldnt O/C those old boards from the OEM manufacturers, they would usually pick it up themselves, if it would even work.

Sounds like it worked out well for you