Changing the CPU type in the BIOS

[cptCuervo]

For some reason when I installed a new heatsink and powered her back up, my bios thinks that my AMD Atholon XP 2200+ is a Duron 1.8Mhz. So, now WinXP also sees it as a Duron. I've reset my Cmos, no luck... reset the CPU, no luck... not sure what else can be done.

Why did this happen? Is there a way to change this? Should it affect my system performance at all?

I'm just a little confussed.

 

[dennisjai215]

puahaha someone switched ur chip while u was changing ur heatsink! jk i have no idea..

 

[Dabappa]

Try running CPUID (CPU-Z) and see how it ID's your chip in the "Name" field and also how much Level 2 Cache is listed. Don't worry about the "Specification" Field, as far as I know it filled by your BIOS.

(You can get the program here if you don't have it: Link)

A Duron 1.8 GHz would have 64 KB Level 2 and an Athlon XP 2200+ should have 256 KB. If it is showing up properly in CPUID then it is should be functioning properly, but is just mislabeled by the BIOS.

You might also check your bios to make sure that the CPU Caches are enabled.


Good Luck,

 

[cptCuervo]

Thanks..

CPUID says that it is a Duron with 64K L2 Cache.. I don't understand how it would change on me after reseating the CPU.

Any other ideas?

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: cptCuervo
Thanks..

CPUID says that it is a Duron with 64K L2 Cache.. I don't understand how it would change on me after reseating the CPU.

Any other ideas?

Yeah, it's called static electricity, and it's very, very bad for processors (not to mention almost everything else inside of your computer).

 

[ronnn]

One of our mbs has a series of 6 little switches that have to be set in the correct order for each cpu. Saw a 2500 barton as an athlon 1200 or something, until I reset them. Just wondering if you hit one by accident.

 

[cptCuervo]

I did not change any dip switches or jumpers on my MB.


So, excluding the possiblity of Static electricity frying my chip.. anyone else have an idea?

BTW I do not have a setting in my Bios to enable my "CPU caches". I assume they would be enabled.

 

[Dabappa]

One thing I can think of is that there might be a setting in your BIOS to Enable the CPU Cache(s).

It might have defaulted to off when you reset the BIOS.

I have a different motherboard, so I can't help you find where the settings would be, but you should be able to find it in the manual or by browsing through the BIOS menus.

It might not be the problem, but is pretty easy to check.

You might also check the CPU for a bent or broken pin, but this is probably unlikely if you have already re-seated it.

I really hope you did not shock your chip.

Good Luck,