Problem with processor speed

[tontod]

System specs:

Mobo: Abit KM400 (VA-10)
CPU: XP 2000+
RAM: 512 MB PC 2700
HD: 120 Gigs WD

I built this inexpensive system for my parents a few months ago. I noticed today using cpu-z, that the multiplier setting shown was 6.5, rather than the usual 12.5. Under Sisoft Sandra the speed is 871 Mhz (134*6.5). It had been running at the correct speed of 1.67 Ghz (133*12.5) until today.

Did the bios get corrupted somehow? Should I try to get the latest bios? I didnt install any programs in the last few days, nor have I ever updated the bios.

 

[Gnoad]

It's always a good idea to update the bios. I say update it, then go into the bios and manually set everything to the right speeds.

 

[tontod]

The only thing I can change in the bios is the bus speed, the multiplier is not even shown.

 

[tontod]

Originally posted by: Gnoad
It's always a good idea to update the bios. I say update it, then go into the bios and manually set everything to the right speeds.

Just updated, didnt help. I did overclock it recently, had increased the bus speed by 10 mhz to 143 mhz, temps were in the high 40's, at most 50 C.

 

[mechBgon]

First of all, SiSoft Sandra is notoriously weird. Try this: Start > Run > dxdiag and what does DirectX Diagnostics say your CPU speed is? Or if you right-click My Computer and look at Properties? Or what's CPU-Z say the actual processor speed is? I wouldn't fret if it's simply reporting the multiplier at half the value you were expecting, as long as the CPU is actually at full speed.

 

[tontod]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
First of all, SiSoft Sandra is notoriously weird. Try this: Start > Run > dxdiag and what does DirectX Diagnostics say your CPU speed is? Or if you right-click My Computer and look at Properties? Or what's CPU-Z say the actual processor speed is? I wouldn't fret if it's simply reporting the multiplier at half the value you were expecting, as long as the CPU is actually at full speed.

Under dxdiag it says processor speed ~ 860 mhz, cpu-z says 867.7 mhz. I know its running slow because my SETI WU times are taking much longer.

 

[Gnoad]

If you can't adjuct your multi, the obly option I think you have is to visit www.cpuid.com and DL clockgen. It will allow you to adjust your multi and fsb. You may have to reset it every time you reboot however, which I'm sure will get very annoying. Also, you can get a decent new mobo for about $40 if you don't mind reinstalling windows.

 

[mechBgon]

What I'd do next is to take that CPU out and try it in another compatible motherboard to see what it comes up as.

 

[tontod]

Originally posted by: Gnoad
If you can't adjuct your multi, the obly option I think you have is to visit www.cpuid.com and DL clockgen. It will allow you to adjust your multi and fsb. You may have to reset it every time you reboot however, which I'm sure will get very annoying. Also, you can get a decent new mobo for about $40 if you don't mind reinstalling windows.

Doh, just checked cpuid.com and my mobo is not listed. Oh well.

 

[Gnoad]

time for a new mobo then. The asus A7V8X-X is a solid performer on a budget, only $49.

 

[tontod]

Does this problem make sense? Is the processor damaged in some way since the multiplier is not set correctly? I guess with a new mobo I can try to set the multiplier manually.

 

[BigBadBiologist]

You can force the multiplier with some window defog repair kit paint, a steady hand, and a guide located here:
http://www.ocinside.de/index_e.html

Also, I've found that clockgen may work even if your mobo isn't listed. It seems like different manufacturers use the same PLL chip for the same chipset. So if you find another mobo listed that has the same chipset, clockgen may work (that's how I overclock my laptop).

/edit: did you try just resetting the CMOS?

 

[newParadigm]

if you get a new mobo consider the Biostar M7NCG-400, its a nForce2 System with Integrated geForce 4MX Graphics.

 

[tontod]

Originally posted by: BigBadBiologist
You can force the multiplier with some window defog repair kit paint, a steady hand, and a guide located here:
http://www.ocinside.de/index_e.html

Also, I've found that clockgen may work even if your mobo isn't listed. It seems like different manufacturers use the same PLL chip for the same chipset. So if you find another mobo listed that has the same chipset, clockgen may work (that's how I overclock my laptop).

/edit: did you try just resetting the CMOS?

Yes, I reset the CMOS. How do I find the correct PLL chip for my mobo? Looking here:

http://www.cpuid.com/clockgen.php#support

It only lists nforce2 mobos and a few other abit motherboards. Just want to exhaust my options before I go about buying hardware.

 

[tontod]

Here is a screenshot of cpu-z:



screenshot

It dosent say XP 2000+

 

[BigBadBiologist]

Yeah, your mobo definitely isn't using the correct multipler. You could try the download for CG-RTM560266. There really isn't any other option. The worst thing that could happen is your system will freeze.

/edit: are you sure you didn't buy a mobile CPU?

 

[tontod]

Originally posted by: BigBadBiologist
Yeah, your mobo definitely isn't using the correct multipler. You could try the download for CG-RTM560266. There really isn't any other option. The worst thing that could happen is your system will freeze.

/edit: are you sure you didn't buy a mobile CPU?

Thanks, might try that out. I definitely bought a desktop cpu, cut and paste from my newegg order history:

CPU AMD|2000+/266 TBRED ATHLON XP R
(Serial#: 4.459105)

 

[newParadigm]

Wait a sec, this sounds as if the CPU is defective.

I thought the new AthlonXP's were multi-locked so well even the bridges trick didnt work anymore.

If this is the case how could his mobo just select the wrong multi.

I'd try RMAing the CPU to Newegg


~new

 

[tontod]

Originally posted by: newParadime
Wait a sec, this sounds as if the CPU is defective.

I thought the new AthlonXP's were multi-locked so well even the bridges trick didnt work anymore.

If this is the case how could his mobo just select the wrong multi.

I'd try RMAing the CPU to Newegg


~new

Is the XP 2000+ multiplier locked?

 

[VirtualLarry]

I'd pull the CMOS battery completely, let it sit for a couple of hours, and then put in a fresh new one and start it up, and re-configure everything. If it's still funky, then either the mobo is gone, or the CPU. Very strange.

(Unless there is some conductive heatsink paste shorting some bridges or something??)