First Build... Couple Issues

[Devcon]

The build went smooth, but I'm having a couple issues.

Components:

Soltek SL-75FRN2
AMD Sempron 2400+
512 MB PC3200 Corsair Value Ram

First, I installed Windows SP1 because I hadn't gotten around to making an integrated SP2. I managed to get on the internet fine with this windows install. I proceeded to update the mobo BIOS to the most recent version. Then, I integrated SP2 and did another clean install of windows. Now, windows seems unable to detect the onboard LAN. I even tried reverting to SP1, going through the whole clean install process, but still, it doesn't want to detect the LAN anymore. I tried adding the hardware manually, but its not detected afterwards, so it doesn't work.

The processor is clocking at 1GHZ. The 2400+ sempron is supposed to clock at 1.667GHZ, so I don't know what its deal is. In the bios, I have all the settings at optimal but not overclocked.

Third, the RAM is only running at 233MHZ. I set it up with 2 256MB stick running duel channel.

Any help with any of those issues would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mechBgon]

You'll need to enter the BIOS and check whether the LAN is enabled, and you'll want to raise your CPU's bus speed from 100MHz to 166MHz in there too. Lock the memory to run at 100% or sync so it stays synchronous with the CPU's bus speed; this gives better system performance than having the memory run at its rated speed but out-of-sync.

If the option is in there, I would also raise the memory voltage to 2.6 volts if its AUTO setting is resulting in 2.5 volts.

 

[Devcon]

The only option I seem to be able to find is the memory voltage. I looked in the manual about the LAN, and there is definately an option for the LAN in the manual, but it doesn't happen to be there on the actual computer. It is supposed to read MAC LAN(nVIDIA), but I get no option in the BIOS. Perhaps the BIOS update erased the option? Could the board be damaged even though the LAN did work before the BIOS update?

 

[mechBgon]

You can flash back to the previous BIOS if you'd like. I'll download the manual for this board and see where they hid the CPU bus-speed adjustment, maybe it's a jumper on this one, instead of being in the BIOS.

 

[mechBgon]

Aha, here we go... go into the BIOS and it's in the Advanced Chipset Features section, near the top they've got FSB Frequency and you would set that to 166, set CPU Interface to Expert, and now you should be able to set the Memory Frequency to 166 as well.

 

[Devcon]

I found a better version of the BIOS w/ the ethernet option. Now it works fine.

I also changed all settings as you suggested, and everything seems to run perfect.

Just curious now, but the Sempron is stated to have an FSB of 333MHZ, and the RAM 400MHZ. So, why does it need to be at 166MHZ to get the proper clock speed?

Thanks for all your help man...

 

[ts3433]

The FSB is double data rate; 166*2=333. Also, make sure that you're running your RAM in sync with your FSB--it's especially important on an NF2, like I think yours is.