Athlon X2 5000+ stuck on 4x multiplier and single channel memory

[jchu14]

I got an Athlon X2 5000+ for my htpc build. But just for kicks, I am unlocking/overclocking the chip in my main rig just to see if I got a chip that could unlock.

CPU: Athlon X2 5000+ 2.2GHz (45nm)
Mobo: Asus M4A77d, 770NB and 710SB, DDR2
OS: Windows 7

Now the problem: During POST, the CPU speed shows up correctly. However, the multiplier on the cpu seems to be stuck on 4x in Windows. I've tried manually set the multiplier to 11x in the bios, disabled/enabled cool n quiet, C1E, and set power mode to 'Performance' in Windows, but the multiplier is still stuck on 4x once it boots into windows. I can change the multiplier with k10stat in windows though.

Second problem, the computer won't boot with dual channel memory. There are 4 memory bank on the motherboard. If I install the memory in dual channel slots, then the computer won't even POST, not even beeps. If I install the memory in separate channels, then everything is fine. Three sticks is also no go. Is the memory controller on the CPU malfunctioning?

On a more positive note, the chip did unlock to 4 cores with full 6mb of cache. Looks like a good overclocker too. 3.3GHz at 1.325v vcore and 1.275v VDDNB. I am either hitting a mobo limit or a memory contorller limit. Haven't had a chip to do 50% overclock since the P4 1.6a Northwood 🙂

 

[DrMrLordX]

It could be either your mobo or IMC. Does it do this while operating the CPU at bone stock (2 cores only)?

 

[jchu14]

Yep 2 core and everything on auto. Put in my 1055t and everything works. I've also tried both pair of ram slots but made no difference. It does appear the IMC is the culprit, but I've never heard of this kind of failure mode.

 

[DrMrLordX]

It does seem that your IMC is to blame. Sadly, this otherwise excellent chip seems to be defective.

 

[jchu14]

Yep. It looks like it's channel B (Asus mb's notation) that's borked. If any bank of channel B is occupied, the computer won't post. I am gonna start a RMA with ewiz. Hopefully I won't run into any trouble getting it replaced. I might look like an asshat who wants to exchange the cpu because it won't unlock though. 😉

I think I figured out why it was stuck on 4x multiplier. I had k10stat in my startup folder for my 1055t. The nonsensical settings for the 5000+ probably forced the chip into the lowest state. I don't know for sure though since I already took the chip out.

Thanks