CPU gone Bad???

[joelryan2k]

Hi Group

I have an AMD K6-2 450, EP-MVPG2 motherboard, Windows XP system. Recently, it stopped booting (stop 0x7e). After a ton of troubleshooting (removing all components, memory, playing with BIOS), I discovered that the only way to get the system to boot is by disabling 'CPU Internal Cache' in the BIOS. Of course, now the system runs incredibly slow... ugh

Since the 'CPU Internal Cache' seems to be the problem, could i fix the problem by simply replacing the CPU or do I need a new motherboard/RAM as well? (I don't really want to spend the money for a new setup if I don't have to, a 450 does just fine for my purposes...)

The weird part is some programs (Norton Ghost, MS-DOS) worked with even before I disabled the CPU Internal Cache. Any explainations??

Thanks for your help!

-- Joel

Followup:
I turned the internal cache back on and under-clocked the system from 450 to 400... and XP boots! I am, however, getting errors like 'the system has recovered from a serious error'.

 

[Souka]

Did you always run winXP? I know there's some AMD K2 issues floating around out there.....(but since you said it won't even boot, I doubt it's XP fault).

But, from what you said, it sure sounds like a CPU problem. Make sure the heatsink/fan are seated well as overheating can easily cause such problems.....

Check your MB manufacturer for latest BIOS update.

Don't tweak any of the settings. Usually the BIOS has 2 default settings...something like "Default" and "Setup". Usually "Setup" is the most stable setting....try that....or check your MB manual for settings.

If all else fails, you can pickup a K62-450 for $20..... I did a quick check using www.pricewatch.com...a K62-550 is only $29....

Good Luck!!!