AMD Sempron Processor 3100+ & ECS NFORCE3-A Motherboard for $80 at Outpost.com

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PrinceKee

Member
Feb 16, 2006
69
0
0
OK for the HSF is there a certain connector type I'm suppose to look for along with the correct socket? I think the mobo is a 4 pin so will a 3 pin work? Sorry for all the questions but I've never installed a new motherboad and processor before. I've swapped out and installed a mobo that was exactly like the old one but that's it....
 

psykohog

Senior member
Aug 15, 2000
220
0
0
Look for a CPU heatsink that is for a AMD 64 chip. I would do a clean install of Windows just to be sure. Right now I am burning the files that I want to save and then I will do a clean install.
 

PrinceKee

Member
Feb 16, 2006
69
0
0
I didn't get a chance to backup anything before my mobo and processor died the other day. So I wanted to just install the old HD's on the new board and try to do the repair install which just installs a fresh copy of XP but still keeps your files and programs right?
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
This CPU HSF is only $8 and works well - used it on a 3400+ Newcastle for my BIL and keeps it really nice and cool. It has an 80mm fan and a copper base with aluminum fins.
 

yukit

Member
Nov 28, 2005
65
0
0
Originally posted by: PrinceKee
I thought I could boot Win XP Pro from the CD and do a repair install and then I'll be able to boot and install the drivers for the new board.

That will work, too.

Oh yeah, get ready to reactivate your XP Pro.
 

PrinceKee

Member
Feb 16, 2006
69
0
0
I forgot I needed to reactivate. I don't know how many times I've had to install and activate this copy of XP. Since I'm changing the mobo and processor will have any trouble activating? Because doesn't M$ takes like a snapshot of your computer and indentify it with that product key. Also regarding the HSF do most of them come with the paste stuff you're suppose apply to the processor or is that not always needed? I'm really ignorant to this kind of stuff but it will be good practice since I plan on building a new rig for myself and a friend in the coming months for the first time from scratch. I feel confident that I can do it I just hope everything works and isn't DOA...
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
If it won't reactivate online, then just phone in activation and explain to them that you changed some hardware and Windows broke, thus you had to reinstall. 3 out of 4 times they'll activate you. That 1 out of 4 times that they won't, just phone back to get a different CSR.
 

jjm

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,505
0
0
Can anyone suggest a bargain video card that would work okay with this board? Gaming not needed.
 

deadken

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2004
3,199
6
81
Give a price range.... If gaming isn't and issue, any AGP would work, but I would consider at least a MX400. They should be down to about $30 new. Otherwise, look for a 9600 or Ti4200 on the forums, used they should be somewhere around $40.
 

JDJr

Member
Oct 2, 2000
134
0
0
FWIW: I got this deal and the memory deal from CC (512 DDR 400).
I was having random crashes and it was killing me trying to figure it out. I even bought a new power supply. It turns out, for me it was the memory. I swapped it out with some other memory in a different machine and the machine seems to work fine again. The memory from CC appears to work fine in the machine I swapped it from, go figure. I remember reading somewhere once some ECS boards (or is it the chipsets) are finicky when it comes to memory. Just thought I'd let people know incase someone is pulling out there hair trying to figure out whats going on.

JDJr
 

Hodaddy

Member
Jun 23, 2002
87
0
0
For those with driver questions on the n-force3/3100 fry's combo, here's what I did FWIW. After XP pro install, I noticed I had no network adapter and 3 'other' asterisks in the DM. I downloaded the nforce, the audio, and the lan drivers from the ECS site, ran the installs and everything worked fine. Just did this a while ago and doing windows updates. So far an easy assembly. Also, go with the coolermaster H/S Zap recommends for $8. It's nice and quiet, too. Thanks Zap for all your input.
 

Hodaddy

Member
Jun 23, 2002
87
0
0
Originally posted by: JDJr
FWIW: I got this deal and the memory deal from CC (512 DDR 400).
I was having random crashes and it was killing me trying to figure it out. I even bought a new power supply. It turns out, for me it was the memory. I swapped it out with some other memory in a different machine and the machine seems to work fine again. The memory from CC appears to work fine in the machine I swapped it from, go figure. I remember reading somewhere once some ECS boards (or is it the chipsets) are finicky when it comes to memory. Just thought I'd let people know incase someone is pulling out there hair trying to figure out whats going on.

That's funny, I did the same CC Kingston memory in slot 1 and so far I'm fine @ 240FSB
 

furballi

Banned
Apr 6, 2005
2,482
0
0
To those with this NF3 board and the Sempron 3100:

I have Logitech USB keyboard and mouse. At night, I would turn-off the PC at the surge protector (no AC power to the power supply). In the morning during boot, the system would not detect the USB keyboard and mouse on 1st boot. Windows loads okay. If I hit the power button on the PC to shut down and restart the PC (2nd and subsequent reboot), then the USB devices are detected.

In short, if I shut down and kill power to the power supply, then the PC may not detect the USB keyboard and mouse upon 1st BOOT.

Anyone with this problem?
 

rahulbpatel

Junior Member
Feb 20, 2006
3
0
0
Originally posted by: furballi
The AMD 3100 130nm (Paris) also supports Cool and Quiet. Install the AMD CnQ program and set the power management to MINIMAL power. The multiplier will automatically drop from 9x to 5x when idling.

Still can't figure out why system will only pass Prime95 "blend" mode with 2T timing when the DIMM2 slot is used. The memory is DDR400 Kingston ValueRAM. The PC runs great at 265MHz FSB, 2.5-3-3-6-1T, HT 3x(166MHz or 5:6 memory divider) with one stick of RAM in DIMM1. Vcore is +1.7%. Vdimm is DEFAULT. Super Pi 1M digits time of 39.1 sec with CnQ enabled.

Were you able to run CnQ successfully? I tried using the AMD CPU driver along w/ minimal power management but I had one problem I couldn't figure out. Every time I tried to reboot the system would just hang. Windows XP Pro would shut down successfully but after that I would just see a black screen until I manually hit reset on my machine.

If you didn't experience any problem like this can you outline the steps you did to enable CnQ successfully?

Thanks...
 

furballi

Banned
Apr 6, 2005
2,482
0
0
-Download and install the C n Q program from the AMD website. Don't remember the version. I downloaded this program about a year ago.
-Reboot PC and go to Display Properties\Power\Power Schemes\Minimal Power Management. Hit APPLY then OKAY.

The CPU multiplier should step down from 9x to 5x when the PC is not running at full speed. The CPU voltage will also drop down to about 1.1 to 1.2VDC. Make sure you have installed the Cool n Quiet software. Perhaps the latest C n Q program is NOT compatible with the Sempron 3100. You may have another application running in the background that's conflicting with C n Q.

Was able to run two sticks of 512MB DDR400 at 1T. Turned out there is a conflict with two Kingston ValueRAM modules that requires 2T for stability. I switched to 2 x 512 MB DDR400 Corsair Value Select modules. Ran fine at 1T, 273 MHz FSB with 5:6 memory divider (228MHz RAM speed at 2.5-3-3-6-1T). CPU voltage is set to +3.4% or about 1.55VDC. 1M digits Super Pi at 37.7 sec.

Were you able to reproduce the USB non-detection issue upon 1st boot when you kill AC to the power supply?

Try this driver from AMD...AMD Sempron? (Socket 754) Processor Cool'n'Quiet Software for Windows ME and Windows 2000, Version 1.0.8.1.

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/Tec...lResources/0,,30_182_871_11686,00.html
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
There is a possibility that Cool and Quiet does not work on Paris core Semprons.
 

rahulbpatel

Junior Member
Feb 20, 2006
3
0
0
Originally posted by: furballi

Were you able to reproduce the USB non-detection issue upon 1st boot when you kill AC to the power supply?

I should've mentioned that I'm using an AMD A64 3200+ w/ this motherboard. My old motherboard got fried so I bought the combo but stuck in my old CPU in this motherboard. Now I just need to figure out what to do w/ the extra 3100+ Sempron.

Anyways, what is the USB non-detection issue?

 

BlueWeasel

Lifer
Jun 2, 2000
15,944
475
126
I'm trying to build a budget system for a friend and I think this combo would work perfectly.

For $90, it's about the same range as picking up a used Nforce2 board with a XP 2400+ from the FS/FT forum, and is definately a better choice.
 

furballi

Banned
Apr 6, 2005
2,482
0
0
This combo should be faster than the NF2 and XP2400. Was able to hit 37.7 sec with 1M digits Super Pi. Even an overclocked A64 has a difficult time breaking the 35 sec barrier. The biggest draw-back is the single channel RAM. Socket 754 does not support DDR. The 3100 Sempron runs cooler than the A64 3000 by about 5C at the same core speed. Perhaps this cheap MB is a better overclocker.

BTW, C n Q works fine with the Sempron 3100 (Paris) and this NF3 MB. The C n Q program also works with an A64 3000 and Abit AX8 MB. PM me and I will send you the C n Q program.

The ECS NF3 MB does not detect my 6 yrs old Logitech MM keyboard upon boot. If I re-insert the USB keyboard plug when the PC is ON, then the keyboard will work. Tested with a new mouse and it works. Not sure if the age of the keyboard is the problem. This keyboard works okay with an old PIII 600MHz computer.
 

PrinceKee

Member
Feb 16, 2006
69
0
0
Originally posted by: furballi
-Download and install the C n Q program from the AMD website. Don't remember the version. I downloaded this program about a year ago.
-Reboot PC and go to Display Properties\Power\Power Schemes\Minimal Power Management. Hit APPLY then OKAY.

The CPU multiplier should step down from 9x to 5x when the PC is not running at full speed. The CPU voltage will also drop down to about 1.1 to 1.2VDC. Make sure you have installed the Cool n Quiet software. Perhaps the latest C n Q program is NOT compatible with the Sempron 3100. You may have another application running in the background that's conflicting with C n Q.

Was able to run two sticks of 512MB DDR400 at 1T. Turned out there is a conflict with two Kingston ValueRAM modules that requires 2T for stability. I switched to 2 x 512 MB DDR400 Corsair Value Select modules. Ran fine at 1T, 273 MHz FSB with 5:6 memory divider (228MHz RAM speed at 2.5-3-3-6-1T). CPU voltage is set to +3.4% or about 1.55VDC. 1M digits Super Pi at 37.7 sec.

Were you able to reproduce the USB non-detection issue upon 1st boot when you kill AC to the power supply?

Try this driver from AMD...AMD Sempron? (Socket 754) Processor Cool'n'Quiet Software for Windows ME and Windows 2000, Version 1.0.8.1.

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/Tec...lResources/0,,30_182_871_11686,00.html


What is wrong with Kingston ValueRAM? I have two sticks of 256 PC2700 Kingston ValueRAM so I hope it works. I just received and installed the mobo and Sempron 3100+ but I'm waiting on my damn HSF I ordere which still hasn't shipped. I just want to get this computer running again...
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
Originally posted by: furballi
The biggest draw-back is the single channel RAM. Socket 754 does not support (dual channel?)

And how bit a drawback is single channel over dual channel for the A64 platform? Can we say 1-4%? Don't be shy, you can say it out loud. :p
 

furballi

Banned
Apr 6, 2005
2,482
0
0
Super Pi is within 10% of the A64 3200, at 60% discount! One of the best deal around if you are not a hard-core gamer. I'd just wish ECS would allow us to overclock up to 300MHz from the BIOS.

The DDR400 Kingston ValueRAM works fine in DIMM1. If I added a 2nd stick to DIMM2, then I cannot pass Prime95 or Memtest86 at 1T. A work-around solution with the Kingston modules is to run two sticks at 2T. With the Corsair VS, I can run 1T with two sticks and still pass Prime and Memtest.
 

kmmatney

Diamond Member
Jun 19, 2000
4,363
1
81
Originally posted by: furballi
Super Pi is within 10% of the A64 3200, at 60% discount! One of the best deal around if you are not a hard-core gamer. I'd just wish ECS would allow us to overclock up to 300MHz from the BIOS.

I haven't read the whole thread, but can you overclock to 300 MHz using ClockGen software?