Computer help

[Acabar]

Hi all, I was wondering if someone could help me with my computer troubles (Woody, if this topic should go in the other board, I apologize)

We just installed a new motherboard and CPU as well as a new hardrive. This motherboard has this weird vocal announcement thing it is set up to do. As an example: When booting up, it tells you the memory test is complete and it is booting from the OS.
Now, here's the problem: At random times while I'm on the computer it will go: CPU test failed or something like that.

The CPU is an AMD Athlon and the motherboard is a nVidia nForce 2 by Asus. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

*EDIT* Apparently my CPU is a 2.8gig, but it's only being recognized as a 1.24 gig. This could be the problem and if anyone knows how to fix this, I'll bake you some virtual cookies...or something.

[Goldenpaww]

ok, I ran into this problem with a friends computer. I kept getting the audio of CPU failed boot check over and over. It turned out that the power supply was bad and couldn't hold the 3.3V steady enough to power up. I would suggest getting a 350-400Watt power supply for the new board and CPU. This will probably fix the problem since your not getting it constantly, meaning your CPU is working.


The 2800+ AMD is listed as 2083MHz core. If your motherboard isn't detecting it right, you can manually set it, or the best is to look for a newer BIOS update that will hopefully detect the newer CPU.

If you flash the BIOS, make sure to follow instructions, Flash from a DOS floppy and not from windows. Flashing from windows is a guaranteed way to kill your motherboard. Make sure the new flash file is the one for your MB also. Flashing the wrong one will probably kill your board also.

[Acabar]

Thanks, I'll try that. Power supplies can be pricey, so I might end up just getting a new tower. Hopefully that will fix the crash problems, and then I can address the CPU speed problems

[DaMrac]

I bet thats a ASUS A7N8X Deluxe mobtherbored! I have the same one and did have same problem with CPU settings. you can either go into the BIOS and change the multiplyer settings, but before doing so I suggest flashing your BIOS. just download the latest BIOS off the ASUS website. then proceed to changing the BIOS settings that coresponds to your CPU.

[DocBobo]

Now that you mention it, there have been a few problems with nForce2-boards at the beginning of the year (I think they centered about stability, overclocking and the IDE-driver).
Honestly I don't know much about nForce2, since I'm a VIA follower (they are not better, but at least I know their problems and how to fix them). However, a quick google search should bring you up to par with the worst known problems of the nForce2 chipset. I know the information is out there, you just have to find it.

Sorry, I can't be much more unspecific today. :roll:

[tuckerpb2]

Thanks, I'll try that. Power supplies can be pricey, so I might end up just getting a new tower. Hopefully that will fix the crash problems, and then I can address the CPU speed problems


Go to www.pricewatch.com I have seen power supplies for 15-20 buck, and that is with s/h.

[Goldenpaww]

be carefull with a cheap power supply though, you buy cheap, you get cheap.

My friends system with the problem was because we got the case cheap from a local computer store. Had the PS problem and exchanged it, 3 weeks later the same thing happened with that crappy supply. Finally went and bought a new, good one, and haven't seen any problem in a year now.

I got my case and PS from http://www.coolerguys.com/ There a bit pricey for just a PS since there higher end, but you should be able to get a good one local for probably $35-45 or so.

[Acabar]

Thanks guys, and DaMrac, you hit the nail on the head. That's exactly what I have. I don't know much about BIOS flashing, but from what I've read, I don't know if I need it. I'll have to do some BIOS surfing.

*EDIT* After surfing the BIOS, I couldn't find the option. Could you post what menus it would be under? I'm a newb to the BIOS, hehe.

[DaMrac]

ok go to this site and follow the directions on how to flash your BIOS

http://www.asus.com/support/english/techref/bios/awdflash.aspx

after your done flashing the BIOS. go into the BIOS, then under "Advanced" go to Advanced Chipset Features. then under CPU Frequency Multople, hit enter then from Auto go to the second choice, think it was manual or something. just not Auto!! dont remember for sure. then hit enter then the CPU Frequency Mutiple settings option should be available. go there and make sure you pick the proper multiplyer settings for whatever CPU you have (go to amd.com to find out) after that, make sure to set CPU frequency mutiple back to Auto then quit and save settings and you should be good. also, make sure the vcore settings is correct!! again check the amd site for your CPU's settings. hope this helps.

[DocBobo]

If you set your CPU multiplier and FSB by hand, you have to absolutely make sure you hit the right values or your computer will hang when you leave the BIOS to reboot. AMD cpus are locked on fix values, which means when you enter different BIOS values than are imprinted on the cpu it simply can't be initialized. Which results in a blackscreen. The cpu isn't broken, it just won't work at the given multiplier values.

You can remedy that by clearing your CMOS (there's a section in the handbook of your board explaining how to do that) and entering different values. It sucks a bit if you have to do that, as you need a calm hand and very likely a pair of tweezers, but if your computer hangs after you fiddled with the BIOS, that's the way to go.

[DaMrac]

flashing your BIOS should fix the problem, if not do what I told you to do. I had to, my Athlon XP 2000+ was runing at like 1.200ghz but should and is runing at 1.670ghz

[DocBobo]

Acabar, please do me favor. Install this tool (http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php) and append an image of your CPU info, like this one (http://www.cpuid.com/pics/P4.gif).

I have the vague idea that your CPU should run at 166MHz FSB, but instead only does at 100MHz. 12.5x100~1.24GHz as opposed to 12.5*166~2083MHz

How do you attach images, btw? I can't find any control for that.

[Acabar]

Here's the pic:
http://home.comcast.net/~blazerx2/cpu.bmp

Thanks again for all your help.

[Minwee]

AMD cpus are locked on fix values, which means when you enter different BIOS values than are imprinted on the cpu it simply can't be initialized.


Not all of them. When the new "Barton" core Athlons (2500+, 2800+, and almost anything with a 333MHz FSB) were released they left the factory with all of the multiplier bridges unlocked. I haven't been following this since then, so they may have gone back to locking them, but it is my understanding that only the older "Thoroughbred" processors have this problem.

Duron processors were also factory locked, but there is a well-known trick for unlocking them by rubbing the bridges with a mechanical pencil, so that's not much of an obstacle.

[Minwee]

Here's the pic:

Thanks again for all your help.


Oh, the problem is that your Front Side Bus speed is set to the minimum of 100MHz. That processor is designed to run at 166, so you'll want to change that.

If that is an A7N8X board, then the ASUS site (http://usa.asus.com/support/download/item.aspx?ModelName=A7N8X) will have all the documentation, BIOS, drivers and stuff that you need. Just download and read the manual, get the latest BIOS (making sure that it is appropriate for the version of your motherboard -- The 2.0 PCBs are different from the older 1.X models which were causing most of the problems) and follow the directions for updating that if you think that will help.

[Acabar]

Awesome. Thank you all for your help! Min, that was exactly right, I can now run full speed. We haven't gotten a new Power Supply yet, so if I try I crash alot more often. Once I get that it should be smooth sailing. From what I can see, my BIOS is as up to date as it can be right now. The ASUS site is a pain to navigate :)

Thanks again!