Hello, world --
First: I asked a few weeks ago if I would have a problem using an Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro with a modile Atlon 64 Clawhammer, as this processor (AMA3200BEX5AR, for those who want to know) does not have a heat spreader, which could create a problem for some HSF that could simply not "reach" the core. Well, the end result is that any HSF that does not come to rest on the surrounding plastic bracket (like the stock AMD HSF), any HSF like the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro, with a baseplate no bigger/wider than the CPU and that only uses the surrounding plastic bracket to attach its clips will work. No shims or any "modder's trick" are required, only caution when attaching the HSF. And in the case of the AC F64P, a lot of calm and patience, as its enormous size can make it arduous to install.
Second: As you guessed it, I got the HSF installed on my Mobile A64 (Clawhammer CG, 1MB L2) and it works just fine (the CPU idles at 29-30C in the BIOS). But I facing something I never saw before, as this computer does not want to boot, nor does it reset correctly when I press the reset button on the case.
The same happens on two different motherboards: an ASUS K8N (socket 754), or an ASUS K8N-E. I have tried PC3200 DDR CL3 sticks, in the following configurations:
* 2x256MB single-sided sticks,
* 1x512MB double-sided stick with 2x256MB single-sided sticks,
* 1x512MB with 2x512MB double-sided stick,
* 2x512MB double-sided sticks
The machine can go in the BIOS and will stay happilly (sp?) there in the hardware monitor for an hour without any problem. It will start the boot process, detecting the amount of RAM and mass storage devices, then simply hangs there. Pressing the reset button, I loose the display and the machine hangs there, with the storage devices flashing (you can hear the optical drives seeking repeatedly).
At first, I suspected conflict between the devices on the motherboard (ASUS K8N, socket 754). I stripped it down, running it with just the video card and memory... tried a PCI video card... tried various configurations of RAM (see above)... The symptoms lead me to beleive the motherboard must be bad, so I exchanged it for another one -- same problem. I beg your pardon?
Hmm, this reseller must have gotten a bad batch, let's find another one elsewhere -- that's how I got the K8N-E. And guess what: exact same problem(s)! Whoa, is it my CPU? Quick, run and buy a Sempron 2800 (S754) at a local dealer (49$ CDN!!!) to see: the motherboard finishes the POST and boots(!).
Digging a bit on the net, it appears that the Clawhammer is particular (sp?) about the RAM its mated with. Apparently, as the Sempron (E6 stepping, Palermo) will be happy with the very RAM that trips a Clawhammer (CG stepping). But since many have posted on the web that they are happily using PC3200 DDR with Clawhammers, I am at a loss to explain what's happening here.
Of course, whilst I could try hunting for a Venice A64 (may Newegg be damned to the lowest pits of hell, as they do not ship outside the US), as it seems to be the easy way out of my predicament (more "permissive" memory controller), I would still like to know what the exact problem is.
This, and if there is really a difference between the memory controllers of the Clawhammer CG and the Newcastle CG. I know the memory controllers of the Clawhammer and of the Venice are different, but what about the CG & the NC?
What started as a quick and inexpensive upgrade process is turnig out to be a far more involved process than I imagined.
First: I asked a few weeks ago if I would have a problem using an Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro with a modile Atlon 64 Clawhammer, as this processor (AMA3200BEX5AR, for those who want to know) does not have a heat spreader, which could create a problem for some HSF that could simply not "reach" the core. Well, the end result is that any HSF that does not come to rest on the surrounding plastic bracket (like the stock AMD HSF), any HSF like the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro, with a baseplate no bigger/wider than the CPU and that only uses the surrounding plastic bracket to attach its clips will work. No shims or any "modder's trick" are required, only caution when attaching the HSF. And in the case of the AC F64P, a lot of calm and patience, as its enormous size can make it arduous to install.
Second: As you guessed it, I got the HSF installed on my Mobile A64 (Clawhammer CG, 1MB L2) and it works just fine (the CPU idles at 29-30C in the BIOS). But I facing something I never saw before, as this computer does not want to boot, nor does it reset correctly when I press the reset button on the case.
The same happens on two different motherboards: an ASUS K8N (socket 754), or an ASUS K8N-E. I have tried PC3200 DDR CL3 sticks, in the following configurations:
* 2x256MB single-sided sticks,
* 1x512MB double-sided stick with 2x256MB single-sided sticks,
* 1x512MB with 2x512MB double-sided stick,
* 2x512MB double-sided sticks
The machine can go in the BIOS and will stay happilly (sp?) there in the hardware monitor for an hour without any problem. It will start the boot process, detecting the amount of RAM and mass storage devices, then simply hangs there. Pressing the reset button, I loose the display and the machine hangs there, with the storage devices flashing (you can hear the optical drives seeking repeatedly).
At first, I suspected conflict between the devices on the motherboard (ASUS K8N, socket 754). I stripped it down, running it with just the video card and memory... tried a PCI video card... tried various configurations of RAM (see above)... The symptoms lead me to beleive the motherboard must be bad, so I exchanged it for another one -- same problem. I beg your pardon?
Hmm, this reseller must have gotten a bad batch, let's find another one elsewhere -- that's how I got the K8N-E. And guess what: exact same problem(s)! Whoa, is it my CPU? Quick, run and buy a Sempron 2800 (S754) at a local dealer (49$ CDN!!!) to see: the motherboard finishes the POST and boots(!).
Digging a bit on the net, it appears that the Clawhammer is particular (sp?) about the RAM its mated with. Apparently, as the Sempron (E6 stepping, Palermo) will be happy with the very RAM that trips a Clawhammer (CG stepping). But since many have posted on the web that they are happily using PC3200 DDR with Clawhammers, I am at a loss to explain what's happening here.
Of course, whilst I could try hunting for a Venice A64 (may Newegg be damned to the lowest pits of hell, as they do not ship outside the US), as it seems to be the easy way out of my predicament (more "permissive" memory controller), I would still like to know what the exact problem is.
This, and if there is really a difference between the memory controllers of the Clawhammer CG and the Newcastle CG. I know the memory controllers of the Clawhammer and of the Venice are different, but what about the CG & the NC?
What started as a quick and inexpensive upgrade process is turnig out to be a far more involved process than I imagined.
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