athlon 2100+ underclocking

I have a gigabyte GA7VRXP with an athlon 2100+. About two days ago it started to run really slowly. I eventually figured out that the motherboard is setting the multiplier at 5 instead of 13.
There is no spot to change the multiplier on the bios screen so I obviously didn't change it. Any thoughts on what is causing the multiplier to change.

Do you use arctic silver? have you possibly knocked the dips on the mobo?
Hood

yes I use arctic silver and no i didn't get any on the processor. I haven't even opened the case in over a month.

the processor isn't unlocked and it is a Palomino. I don't understand how the multiplier is even being switched.

Arctic silver can weep off of the core so there is a possibility that your L3 bridges have been altered by it. Granted its not very likely but is certainly a possibility. Another thing could be condensation on the bridges, especially if you live in a humid part of the world(not sure what Indiana is like) or if you are water cooling.
Hood