Yeah it should step down to 4x. most are backwards compatable like certain ram is. building your own is usualy your best bet for getting more out of it. i go to the monthly computer show in my area and im always picking up killer deals. 600 bucks spent in the right place can yeild one kick ass system. nothing like what you would get out of the box. dont pay nobody 50/hr. building computers is easy and fun. then you can start charging 50/hr. (or more )