X2 4400 and DFI Ultra-D

[myocardia]

So, after I got my new build together, I did what I always do with new builds-- started testing for stability. The first thing that I did was open up SpeedFan, because DFI doesn't include any Windows-based voltage/temp. monitoring software. Well, SpeedFan reports that core 0 was getting the amount of voltage reported by the BIOS (1.30v at first), but that core 1 was only getting 1.17v.

Well, I assumed, that's just the same old software inaccuracies that have always existed. So, I started my stability testing, and everything failed, always on core 1. So, I started raising vcore, without changing anything else. At either 1.375 or 1.40v, all failures stopped. Is that because my X2 4400 has a bad core, or is it the motherboard? This is my first dual-core, so I'm not sure whether the motherboard actually supplies voltage to each core, or if the motherboard only supplies one voltage, and the processor itself divides it, for the two cores.

Either the motherboard or the processor are bad, but I won't know for sure until I found out which way the motherboard supplies the voltage. Thanks in advance.

edit: Forgot to say that there is absolutely no overclocking. This is with everything at stock speeds.

 

[Mucker]

First of all, the DFI Ultra-D does have its' own monitoring software called SmartGuardian. It should be on the CD that came with the package. I don't care for it and use Speedfan instead.

Speedfan only displays one cpu voltage value, Vcore1. The other value, Vcore2 is the LDT voltage (same as in bios) and doesn't have anything to do with cpu voltage. You cannot control voltage individually to each core. The voltage you enter is the voltage that will feed both cores.

The X2 4400+ stock voltage is 1.350 volts but it is not uncommon that voltage up to 1.400 is required. My 4400 @ 2600 MHz needs 1.400v to function error-free and needs more voltage for higher frequency. You have to be careful with these 2x1 MB cached X2's, they get pretty toasty when both cores are running full blast, 100%. I have found that gaming temps are about 10C cooler than running Orthos, because with most games, only one core is being utilized 100%. If a game takes advantage of both cores at 100% utilization, be prepared to use some primo cooling if OC'ing...

 

[myocardia]

AMD lists my chip's voltage as 1.30-1.35v. And I realize that you can't control the voltage to each core independently. My question was where does the division take place? Does the motherboard supply voltage to each core, or does it supply one vcore, and the processor itself divides that between the two cores.

edit: And if my processor only required 1.40v to run @ 2.6 Ghz, I wouldn't even have made this thread. Mine is requiring it to run at 2.2 Ghz, hence the problem.

 

[myocardia]

Well, at least I have good news. After updating the BIOS, 1.35v passes all of the stability tests so far. So, it seems that the shipping BIOS, which was dated November 2005, and should have been fine for an X2, was the problem.

And Mucker, you're right about the temps while running both cores @ 100% load. With the stock heatpipe heatsink, and at 1.35v, mine is running 58-60°C, and that's with the side panel off. I'll have to install my Scythe Ninja tomorrow night, assuming all of the stability tests pass.

 

[Mucker]

It's more likely the newer DFI bios made your memory and cpu work together better at the lower voltage. The new bios was made for memory compatibilty (relaxed timings). X2 has worked since the 6/23/05 bioses. The Ultra-D bioses used to be available in 3 versions, each with a different ram table to accomodate the different types of IC's, example:

623-1
623-2
623-3

Now, they just post one official bios. Alot of people use and prefer the 704-2BT. I have been using the 623 official with my X2, but I am going to give 0406 a try because with 623, a PS2 mouse and USB keyboard won't work together. The 0406 solves that problem.

Interesting temp result. My X2 4400 runs 2600 MHz @ 1.400v @ 60C max temp in 80F ambient using a Big Typhoon. (Orthos full blast)