HELP - This amd 2800 runs at 1080!!

[bazemoreb]

Sorry to bug you guys, but I am stuck with this computer. I just got the Athlon XP 2800 (Barton), and it defaults to 166 fsb, and only 6.5x multiplier. What am I doing wrong? If I try to change it to anything (and sometimes even at 6.5) it gives me an overclock error and freezes. For some reason, I can set it to 10x and it works most of the time. I have tried changing all of the settings, and have double checked the serial on the processor. I also looked through countless forums. Any suggestions? btw - the default settings off the AMD website say 166fsb 12.5x multiplier. Thanks in advance!

The new guy

 

[Harvey]

Have you checked ASUS's site for compatibility list or a BIOS update?

 

[myocardia]

Brandon, it sounds like your power supply doesn't have enough power. Check your 12v and 5v rails, and tell us what they're running. If that isn't the problem, I can't think of anything else besides your bios. Was the A7N8X new, or was it one that someone else had already used? If it's an older one, a bios update might be all you need.

 

[pspada]

Many mobo's, most notably SIS and nForce2 chipsets, default to the lowest multiplier when a new CPU is installed. All you need to do is change to the proper (or possibly the "DEFAULT" setting if available) multiplier, then exit and save the bios. Then it should boot just fine. This is assuming that you've changed any jumpers relating to fsb/memory frequency on the mobo, should they exist.

 

[bazemoreb]

Thanks for the input everyone -

The ASUS website says it is supported under all BIOS versions
I am updated to the latest BIOS
I believe I have set all of the jumpers to the right settings.
I believe I got the motherboard new (from newegg)
I have a vantec stealth 420W - the rails are as follows:

+12v = 12.352
+5v = 4.972
+3.3v = 3.344
VCore = 1.696

these were from the asus PC probe utility

I have tried changing to 12.5x multiplier, but it resets.

Could it be that I just have a bad MB?

*Head about to explode*

Brandon

 

[pspada]

Are you sure there are no jumpers setting the fsb speed? If there are, and it's set to 100/100, instead of 166/166....:frown:

 

[bazemoreb]

Yes, there are jumpers (they set either a 200mhz total FSB or up to 400mhz)

unfortunately I have checked them twice, and they look right. Anything else you can think of?

Thanks!!!

 

[pspada]

Um, 200 means the actual bus speed is 100Mhz, and because of the DDR (Double Data Rate) = x2, it runs at 200. You want to set a fsb speed of 333Mhz, which is 166x2. While your memory may (or may not?) support the 200x2=400Mhz fsb, you'd want to start off at the 166x2=333Mhz to ensure that your system runs properly at stock speeds. Once that is confirmed, you can start overclocking in small increments until you hit your systems wall.

 

[bazemoreb]

Thanks pspada - I should have been more specific - the jumper on the board is set to run up to 200x2 (400mhz, NOT 100x2), but as you know, the BIOS reflects half that value. I have the BIOS set to 166, so conceivably I should be running at 333mhz for my CPU. The memory is set to auto, which seems to sync it with the Processor (Even though the memory is rated at 400mhz). So all my settings should be correct. I guess the only thing I can think of is maybe there is a cpu voltage problem? If I supply the CPU with more power somehow will it run better? I don't know how all of those details work. Also, is there some setting that won't allow me to change things in the bios? Or has anyone received a bad motherboard and had these symptoms?

 

[mechBgon]

Welcome to the Forums bazemoreb What voltage are your memory modules set to? If it's 2.5V, try 2.6V, and then 2.7V if needed. Make that your only change, then do a Save & Exit, and then try bumping your CPU up to proper speed. If it were me, I'd also manually set the memory timing to be sync'ed to the CPU's FSB speed, rather than leaving it on Auto. Good luck!

By the way, there's a popular free memory-testing utility called memtest86. It can take a long time to run when you've got a lot of RAM, but it can be a helpful diagnostic as to whether the changes are helping or not.

 

[NesuD]

Sounds like something isn't right with the chip. I have never heard of a motherboard that reduces the multiplier when it encounters a problem. Most of the Asus boards i have seen always defaulted the system to 100mhzFSB when problems were encountered not a lower multi Pspada. Makes no sense for a board to do that when many chips have locked multis to begin with. For some inexplicable reason that chip thinks it's default multi is 6.5. Are 2800+s locked these days? If not maybe some thermal compund of a conductive type got slopped on a lasered bridge and screwed it up. I say it is something to do with the chip itself. An under powered PS won't change the multi to a lower setting just as lower memory voltage settings won't. If it is defaulting to a 6.5 multi Then either the chip is wiggy or the board is.

 

[pspada]

I'm wondering if your ram just can't handle the 400Mhz? Any luck if you set it to run at the 166/333 also?

 

[myocardia]

Since it isn't your power supply, I would guess you have a bad chip. See if you can borrow another one. If the board reacts normally to it, then you'll know for sure. If it still acts that way, you'll know it's a bad board.

 

[bazemoreb]

*sigh* I am thinking it is a bad chip or MB too. I have tried the ram at 166 (333mhz) as well. I will try to find someone to swap with. Thank you for everyone's help!

 

[pspada]

Somehow I doubt it's the CPU, unless it's been physically or electronicly damaged in some way, as I've never heard of a problem CPU out of the box. It's much more likey that the mobo is the source of the problem, assuming you've been able to eliminate the other components like ram, video card, etc.