XP1700 + multiplier wrong

[gateT]

Just got the parts for my new system-

8RDA+, XP1700 +, 2x256 crucial pc2100

System sees the cpu as a x7 (should be 11 or is it 10.5?). If I manually select anything up to 9 it still boots at 7. If I choose anything over 9 system won't boot or it reboots on it's own and starts with a 7x100 bus.

I have cleared the CMOS. I flashed to the newest bios. I flashed back to the older bios. I've taken the battery out. not sure what else to do.

This is my first AMD system so I,ve never had a multiplier problem before.

I know with these CPUs the multiplier can be changed by connecting some of the contacts on the back of the CPU, is it possible there is a false trace that is causing this???

Would it be wise to try an physically unlock it?

 

[BigJ]

make sure under Halt on Errors: You have none or halt on no errors selected

 

[gateT]

OK I'll try that

 

[gateT]

Nope changing the halt on setting didn't do it.

Read where someone solved boot-up problem by turning the heatsink around? Tried it,no go

 

[Jeff7181]

Turning heatsink around???? NO NO NO... that can prevent proper contact between the core and the heatsink and magic smoke will come out of your CPU. Might wanna check and see if any BIOS updates are available for your motherboard.

 

[gateT]

If ya can't turn it around which way is right,seems to fit the same either way. Still running about 30c.

Have updated bios 3 or 4 times already. flashing goes off without a hitch but no help.

 

[Jeff7181]

There should be a knotch cut in the base of the heatsink that should match up with the raised side of the socket.
Are you using thermal compound? If so, what kind, and do you have it smeared all over the CPU? Or just a very thin layer only on the core like it should be?

 

[gateT]

thin layer of thermaltake that came with the volcano 9.

Not sure if it's 180 out or not but CPU still running in the low 30's so I don't think heat is the problem.

I can overclock fsb to 166 which makes it like a 1.16. Not sure how high I could run the bus but I really don't want to try going around the problem yet as I can Rma if need be.

 

[gateT]

"bump"

 

[Jeff7181]

If you can't adjust the multiplier in the BIOS I'd be looking for possible shorts of the bridges on the heatsink.

 

[gateT]

Ok ya lost me a little bit "shorts on the bridges of the heatsink".

Aren't the bridges on the underside of the CPU. Are you saying that the heatsink may be making contact with some of the pins on top of the CPU board?

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: gateT
Ok ya lost me a little bit "shorts on the bridges of the heatsink".

Aren't the bridges on the underside of the CPU. Are you saying that the heatsink may be making contact with some of the pins on top of the CPU board?

There are tiny bridges either intact or laser cut on the TOP of the XP package. Did you use Artic silver as Thermal paste? If so, ensure you havn't got some of it over these tiny bridges, causing them to make a connection.

 

[gateT]

Did use thermal paste. Didn't see anything on the bridges,but cleaned it off just the same.

Still can't get anything but a 7 multiplier. still trying to figure out if it's the mb or cpu.

Both my Nforce2 and xp1700 are new,so it could be either one. Don't have any other AMD based stuff so I don't have anyway isolate.

Hopefully the Epox tech support will get back to me soon.