CPU Frequency

[mightymo1]

Ihave a new ASUS A7V motherboard with an AMD 900MHz cpu and 256 Mb ram installed. My problem is that after I got the system up and running (I did install the latest 4-in-1 software), I rebooted and went into the cmos screens to make some changes. I set the system to boot from the floppy so I could install the latest bios and then I think I changed the CPU and DRAM frequencies to 133 MHz. When I tried to reboot, the system would start up and then stop and not boot at all. Is there anything at all I can do to correct this problem. I have all the dip switches on the MB set to jumper free position.

 

[GaryTcs]

Marty, I see a couple of potential problems.

1. The CPU will not run at the 133 bus. (actually the chipset wont run much past 107 usually) The Ram will- this is ok to set at 133 in the Bios.

2. I have never had good luck with the jumperless settings on the A7V. Try using the dipswitches. In fact I have seen reports that any version before 1.04 isn't supported in the new bios anyway. This just means that the new jumperless mode- the one that works- is not likely to work on those motherboards.

3. The BIOS updates from windows. Use Asus Update from the start menu-programs tab.

Good luck.

 

[mightymo1]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking on my way to work today about the dip switches and setting them tothe CORRECT settings. I'll give it a try. Do the dips override anything you might change in the bios settings?

 

[mightymo1]

Since there are multiple settings that I can use, do you have any suggestions?

 

[vidas]

I suggest you at first to try to increase the CPU multiplier :
from 9 ( yours default ? ) to 10 , then to 11 ( caution !) ( via dip switches )
and only then try to increase FSB ( 100 , 103 , 105 , 107 (caution !) ).

BTW , is your CPU unlocked ?

----------------

Duron 600 @ 963 ( 107 * 9 )
ASUS A7V
128 cas3 QDI RAM
etc...

 

[GaryTcs]

One of the jumpers on the motherboard must be set to jumperless in order for any of the bios settings to work (Except for dram frequency, which is always set in the bios.). None of the other adjustments will even be available in the bios after you take it off "jumperless", so this will be no problem. So technically, yes the dips override the bios settings.

Since you have a 900, you can't expect a miracle in the way of overclocking. If you've unlocked the CPU, you could get to around 1200, but expect more like 1000-1100mhz. This seems to be around the normal-top range for these CPU's. Some exceptional CPU's get up to 1400mhz, but imagine the cooling you'd need to keep it from burning up!! On the other end, I've had a couple not get more than 50mhz past their labeled speed.

Assuming you have unlocked the CPU- via the L1 bridges, try 9.5* 100 first. (remember that the 100 is CPU frequency, not dram frequency- that is set in the bios) Then up the multiplier one notch at a time until you get to the highest it loads windows at, or (unlikely)12.5. Then up the bus (via the dipswitches) one notch at a time until you reach the highest speed you can load windows at. (sometimes windows will load, but you get a registry checker error- turn it back down at this point) This will be your max. Along the way, you'll need to up the voltage via the jumpers near the CPU. 1.85v is the max. You will likely need this much to get very far.

Watch that heat. the temps reported in the bios aren't very accurate. Note the temp at labeled speed, and don't let it get out of hand.