Bad L2 cache = bad CPU..???

[Snickers]

Can L2 cache go bad but still mean that the CPU is okay?

I am trying to run 3d games and 3dMark2001 and they all lock up. When I disable the L2 cache on the CPU the 3d Mark 2001 ran but I got a low value (1914). I tried it again with the L2 cache enabled and it froze during one of the tests...

I've recently replaced the video card, motherboard, and just put in new RAM thinking one of these might be the problem. Could this be the CPU or is it other hardware incompatibilities?

I am running the latest drivers and BIOS for all devices.

AMD Thunderbird 850MHz
Iwill KK266 (BIOS - 35103A, VIA 4.31)
Crucial 256MB PC133 CAS2
Nvidia GeForce2 Pro
Santa Cruz
Western Digital 30GB HDD
2 80mm case fans and large fan on CPU (idle = 85F, load = 110F)

 

[mitaiwan82]

i highly doubt that your cpu is bad...it could be something wrong w/ your video setup w/ drivers or what not...

 

[Snickers]

What in the video drivers might be screwed up? I am running the latest VIA AGP driver along with the latest drivers for my Pro card from Leadtek... Win 2000 support web stuff said it could be Page Extension Size problems or just need to update compatibility drivers for VIA. I've trie both and it still crashes.

The system runs fine when I don't run any 3d apps but I would like to crank up the juice and see what it can do. Plus I have some games I would like to play without having to reboot when I finish the game.

 

[Rand]

It is perfectly possible for the L2 cache to go bad and the processor itself to still run completely fine besides that.

It's EXTREMELY rare for the L2 cache to go bad though.

 

[controler]

I'll tell you exactly you problem... this update solved the problem for me

 

[compuwiz1]

Go here and get CPU stability test.

Extract it to a new folder, drag the icon onto the desk top. Execute the proggy. It will expose the L2 cache, in the form of an error if it's bad. You should be able to run that test, especially at default speed for 12 hours with no errors, if the CPU is fine.

 

[Monel Funkawitz]

CW, are you insane? Do you know how long it takes to download a file from Jouni's page over in Finland? You are lucky if you download a 416k file in under 45 minutes. Lucky.

Go to Tweakfiles.com CPU Stability Test Program Link Its a faster download.