ATI 9100 & K7D Problem, Please Help

[trimai]

I just recently build a dual AMD system with the following configuration:

Motherboard: K7D Master (no LAN)
CPUs: 2 XP1800+ MP modded & overclocked to 17*133
H/S: Two SK7 with Sunon fans (39CFM)
Memory: 1 stick of non buffered Buffalo Technologies 512M (PC3200)
Hard Drive: 80 Gb Western Digital (8Mb)
16 x DVD ROM
48x12x48 CDRW Burner
P/S: Channel Well 420W
Video Card: ATI 9100

I have tested system stability with various utilities: Sandra Burn In Test, CPU Stability, 3D Mark2001 loop. I also have run two instances of Prime95 for more than 24 hours without any problem. The Vcore is now at 1.65V. At idle, CPU0 is at 42C and CPU1 is at 47C. Under full load, CPU0 is at 48C and CPU1 is at 54C. Even though the system is stable, I got some problem from the beginning:

1) After the system bootup, it go to Window XP Pro with default resolution (640 by 480) half of the time. The other half, it remember the setting of 1240 x 768

2) One or two times out of ten, cold boot results in fan spinning but no video. To get it post, I have to switch the power supply off. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button.

3) Two days ago, I downloaded Halo Demo. In the middle of the game (after may be ten minutes or more), the system spotanneously rebooted.

I do not think I have a problem with the PSU because under full load, the 3.3V line is at 3.23-3.24V, the 5V line is at 4.93-4.94V and the 12V line is at 11.88-11.9V. Any help to clarify these problems are greatly appreciated.

[cmcquistion]

Sounds like ATI's crummy drivers strike again.

Wish I could give you a better answer, but what you have described are all classic ATI behaviors.

Are you running the newest Catalyst 3.8's? Don't. Run 3.7's. The 3.8's seem to be having all sorts of trouble, including destroying monitors.

Personally, after being screwed by ATI a couple times, I've become a big Nvidia fan. They might not be the fastest cards, but their drivers are top notch.

[trimai]

cmcquistion, my ATI card is made by Saphire and I used the driver on the suppied disc. When I go to Window and look at the driver, it is being written in Feb 2003. Will download the latest driver 3.7 from ATI solve the problems? If not, will buying an Nvidia graphic card do it? The problem I got are minors but very irrating.

[Gnerma]

Originally posted by trimai
1) After the system bootup, it go to Window XP Pro with default resolution (640 by 480) half of the time. The other half, it remember the setting of 1240 x 768
This is a common issue with K7D's and ATI cards. Read this (http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=234113) thread and please report the issue (link in thread).

Originally posted by trimai
3) Two days ago, I downloaded Halo Demo. In the middle of the game (after may be ten minutes or more), the system spotanneously rebooted.
I've had Halo reboot my gaming system twice, both were while quitting the game. I'd suspect the game before the system on this one.

I can't help you with the cold boot issue, sorry :(

[cmcquistion]

Changing drivers is worth a shot. First, download all the necessary drivers (Catalyst 3.7), then uninstall all your current drivers, reboot, install all the Catalyst drivers, then reboot again.

*EDIT* For instructions on Foolproof ATI Driver installation, see this thread:

http://www.rage3d.com/board/showthread.php?threadid=33630746

[Enemy Down!]

powerstrip will cure the resolution problems with these cards. but it is another program that must be in your startup group.

as for your cold boots and system reset, i suspect your psu is not good enough. 420w is not enough for an amd dually, especially with one that is built for gaming....at least that is what i think.

[cmcquistion]

As far as Halo rebooting the system, I agree with Gnerma. I think it is an issue with this early release of the game and/or drivers, but not hardware.

[trimai]

I am surpised that the member of this forum did not have problem with cold boot on Athlon MP(X) motherboard. I just found out that a lot of people in 2cpu.com forum has this problem as indicated in the thread below:

http://forums.2cpu.com/showthread.php?threadid=35315&highlight=reboot

They had different motherboards (Asus, MSI, Tyan, Iwill, etc). They used different video card (ATI, NVidia) and different brand of power supply (350w - 650w). They all have the similar cold boot problem I described in this thread. Some have suceess of solving the problem by changing the video card or changing the power supply (even some claim that changing the P/S from a brand name such as Antec to a cheapo P/S solved the problem). The common theme is that nobody know what is the real cause of the cold boot problem.

[cmcquistion]

For what it's worth, I've seen a LOT of cases of cold boot problems caused by insufficient/crummy Power Supplies.

[trimai]

cmcquistion, check out the link above. A lot of people with Antec 550w or upgrade to Antec 550w still have this cold boot problem. I do not think a 550w Antec is insufficient for AMD duallies.

[cmcquistion]

Originally posted by trimai
cmcquistion, check out the link above. A lot of people with Antec 550w or upgrade to Antec 550w still have this cold boot problem. I do not think a 550w Antec is insufficient for AMD duallies.

I'm not saying that insufficient PSU is the ONLY reason for a cold boot problem, but it is one of, if not the main source of cold boot problems.