Problems with MSI K7N2 motherboard

[Easygoing]

I just installed this new motherboard with an existing AMD XP2000. On the bios I set the system performance to "auto" and the cpu fsb clock to 133. The two jumpers on the motherboard are also set to 133. The system was unstable with these setting so I cleared the cmos to change it to default settings and all my problems went away (the motherboard jumpers are still set to 133). When I did this it set the clock speed to 100 and now it shows my CPU as a 1.2. If I manually change the clock speed back to 133 all the problems come back. What am I doing wrong? How do I get the full benefit of my CPU without sacraficing stabiliy? This same cpu was working at full capacity on the previous ECS motherboard. Thanks!

 

[NesuD]

need more system specs like ram and such. that board is notorious for not playing nice with a lot of different memory thats why i stopped using it. one thing to check in the bios that the cpu memory ratio ar 1:1

 

[Easygoing]

Thanks for the help. I have a single stick of 512 DDR memory. Don't remember the speed or brand though. I have a geforce3 video card and thats the only card in there. A dvd burner and a cd burner, two hard drives 80gig and 20gig. WidowsXP professional. Anything else you need to know? thanks again

 

[NesuD]

check in the bios an dmake sure that the cpu/Ram FSB ratio is set to 1:1 If it is anything different it could be trying to run the ram faster than it is capable of when you switch it to 133 FSB. Give that a try and let me know if it helps.

 

[Easygoing]

OK, I have some more information that might shed some light. I am using Kingston kdc-pr266/512 main memory. I checked the MSI forum and they reported a lot of trouble with this motherboard and Kingston memory. Just my luck.
But I am still confused. Could it still be a memory problem if everything works when I change it to 100FSB speed? I have already tried the 1:1 ratio and that didn't seem to work. I am thinking about going to FRYS and try a different brand of memory to see if it makes a difference. I also flashed the bios to the latest version. Your were right about this motherboard being picky about memory. The MSI forum had a large discussion regarding all the memory issues. I also learned that you can change some of the memory bios settings and that some people have had good results. Do you have any suggestions on what I should set mine to? t-ras, t-rcd, t-rp and cas latency? I have no idea what these even mean. Once again, I appreciate your input. Thanks

 

[Doh!]

Did you update the bios? The new version supposed to fix the problems with Kingston RAMs.

 

[Easygoing]

Yes, I am on the newest BIOS. Thanks

 

[NesuD]

For the time being i would leave the ram settings to SPD until you get the 133 bus issues worked out. If you really want to try using manual memory timings try something conservative like 8-4-4-3. SPD should take the settings from the dimm modules eprom and automatically set the manufacturers recomended settings. I had lots of problems with Kingston ram in that board. Kingston doesn't even guarantee compatibility because of the problems their ram have with nforce2 boards. Suggestions on different ram that you may try would depend on how much you want to spend. I Just put some Corsair XMS cas2 into my soltek. By all accounts this is fantastic ram and my experience with it confirms that. Other less expensive possibilities would be Corsair Value Select pc2700 512 dimms go for about 56 with free shipping at newegg currently. Also Genuine samsung is generally pretty reliable. I also see in a lot of forums where people are raving about twinmos.

 

[NesuD]

one other thing that just occured to me. That board uses an auxiliary 12 volt power connector. That is the square 4 pin connector next to the main ATX power connector. this provides extra power to help run the board and cpu and is pretty important. Some older power supplies may not have this connector. If yours doesn't you will need a newer power supply that has it. By the way what power supply are you using and what are its combined watts?

 

[Easygoing]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have a pretty nice case, it had the extra power cable which I have plugged in. I went to FRYS today and bought some memory that was on sale. I hope it works. I have a friend at work who has the same motherboard and he told me he is just using generic cheap memory from Fry's. Anyway, Frys is good about returns. It was $55 (no rebate) for 512 of pc3200. Legacy Electronics??? One year warrenty. I thought is was worth a shot. I will keep you posted. Thanks again for all your help.

 

[Easygoing]

I think I made some progress, but I still have issues. I installed the new memory that I bought at FRYS and it still blue screened. I took the AMD processor out of my son's computer (he wasn't happy about that) his is a 1.4, mine was the 2000+. When I put his cpu in, the system was rock solid and it ran at its full speed. I then switched back to the Kingston memory and still no problems. So my problems seem to be CPU related. So we are narrowing down the possiblities. I have reinstalled my orginal cpu (my son is happy again) and clocked it back down to 100 fsb so I can operate again. I am pretty sure the cpu is ok because it works at 100 speed and it worked at full speed when I had it plugged into my ECS motherboard.
Do I need to tweek some setting to get it to work at 133? Thanks!

 

[NesuD]

Hmm that is strange. is the 2000+ a Palomino or the more current Thoroughbred cpu core. Kinda wondering if the vcore for the cpu isn't automatically setting itself right. If you haven't done it yet for the palomino try setting the vcore to 1.75 if it is a tbred then set it to 1.60 make sure the multiplier ratio is at default to. Keep me updated. the multipler for the 2000+ should be set to 12.5 in case you are manually setting it.

 

[Easygoing]

Well it looks like my problems have been solved. I took off the heat sink and put a new layer of grease on it and now everything is rock solid (knock on wood). I never new the grease was so important. I learned a few things on this project. Thanks for all your help and suggestions. I really appreciate it.

 

[NesuD]

I don't think the grease would have caused that. More likely the heatsink was misaligned just enough that it didn't get a good contact. What heatsink are you using. My sk7 has almost no room for error in alignment. Where the end of the base is notched to clear the lever mechanism there is only a few mills of clearance. If i don't make sure the heatsink is all the way over against the clips off side the edge of the notch will touch the sockets lever mechanism just enough to prevent an optimal contact with the cpu die surface. Glad you got it squared away. Now pat yourself on the back and have a :beer: on me.

 

[Easygoing]

You might be right about that. I reversed the heat sink when I remounted it. I don't remember the brand, but it is a big one. The base is a lot bigger than the cpu. Anyway, I am glad this is over. I just hate it when my computer is not working right. Thanks again. I owe you a beer or two!