Bad CPU?

[Lord Zado]

Hi, building a new Athlon 64 3500 machine on a Gigabyte K8NF - 9 motherboard. I got Windows installed, but the processor seems to only be running at 200MHz. I manually set the CPU speed in the BIOS to 200 x 11 and I installed the Everest system monitoring utility and it reports the CPU is running at 200 x 11(guessing it just takes values from the BIOS). However, when the system boots, it reports only running at 200 MHz and when I get into windows, even when idle the CPU usage is 100%. I've tried various multipliers (10x,9x,8x), tried overclocking a few MHz and nothing affects it. Is this a bad CPU or a BIOS issue?

 

[firerock]

try to download CPUZ and use that to get the actual cpu rating and speed. Also, try to update your bios, that might another cause for your problem. And, try to set your speed automatic in bios before you mess with it.

 

[imported_Phil]

200Mhz x 11 = 2.2Ghz, which is, I think, the correct speed.

 

[Lord Zado]

Hi, I downloaded CPUZ and it reports the processor is running at 200 X 11 also. When the system POST's it says "CPU Clock Speed: 200MHZ" and when I am in windows, sitting at idle, CPU usage is 100%, so clearly it is not running at 200 x 11. There is another BIOS available, but it says "For PVT Use". No idea what PVT means...maybe private? Guess I'll try it.

 

[Lord Zado]

Just flashed the new BIOS and it still reports the CPU frequency to be 200 Mhz when the system boots.

 

[resStealth]

damn maybe its just reporting your fsb, try running an intense game like doom 3 or farcry, and if it runs it good, you know your seeing the fsb and not the actual clock speed, 200 mhz would'nt open the readme file on either of those games

 

[Lord Zado]

I can't even open the EasyTune software that came with the MB. I was hoping to use that to somehow adjust it. Just wondering is this the CPU or the MB causing the problem?

 

[resStealth]

id still like to see you attempt those games, but if possible, swap out the cpu, and motherboard if cpu doesn't work

 

[imported_Phil]

Originally posted by: Lord Zado
Hi, I downloaded CPUZ and it reports the processor is running at 200 X 11 also. When the system POST's it says "CPU Clock Speed: 200MHZ" and when I am in windows, sitting at idle, CPU usage is 100%, so clearly it is not running at 200 x 11. There is another BIOS available, but it says "For PVT Use". No idea what PVT means...maybe private? Guess I'll try it.

200 x 11 = 2.2Ghz. Your CPU is fine.

And, by CPU usage, do you mean System Idle Process? Please say no.