XP2500M still giving me fits... need some help

[Kurt M.]

Recently built a rig to run ProTools software. ProTools is pretty CPU intensive. Anyway followed the advice of the people on the ProTools help boards to build the system.

ASUS A7V600 + 2500 Mobile + 1G PC3200 (crucial ASUS approved). Odd thing is that the system seems to be a bit unstable unless I run at 100MHZ FSB. I can run say 100/20 but I can't seem to run (reliably) at 200/10. I guess I'm a bit confused as to what the Mobile CPU should be set at stock. It's a 1.83GHZ chip but the BIOS choices in auto are 600,800,1000,1200. These all use 6 as a multiplier with different clock frequencies. So what would "stock" be set at? Also, I'm still at 1.60 (auto selected) volts for the core (raising it to 1.75 didn't seem to help). My temps are in the 40's.

At higher clock speeds (lower multiplier) the system will spontaneous reboot when I reload my ProTools software. Other apps seem to function fine but may be less CPU intensive.

I guess I'm looking for a way to make my system a solid performer at about 2GHZ. Any thoughts from the group? Somehow I think the mobile processor is at the root of my problem.

Thanks.

 

[superamd]

whats your vcore? default on mobiules are low. bump it and see if that helps

 

[Docta_Z]

100 mhz fsb is very low.

What type of power supply are you running?

 

[Mustanley]

Since the cpu is likely unknown to the BIOS on any desktop motherboard, it's likely being run at 1.65V (mine does anyway) instead of the stock rated voltage of 1.45V. I believe the default settings are 133x14, but yeah, you should be able to easily run 200x10 with 1.5V or so. I would run memtest86 and see if the memory is causing instability. Also check your temps using Asus probe or motherboard monitor 5 and let us know what kind of readings you get when the cpu usage is high.

 

[Kurt M.]

Hey guys read my post. I told you that the BIOS autoselects 1.6 Volts vcore and I've already tried it at 1.75. I also said that my temps are in the 40's via MBM.

I'm running an Antec case and the 350W supply that came with it.

I guess I'm looking for more detailed advice and maybe someone running this combination. It seems that those running ASUS boards are in the minority on this site.

I've also run Memtest and Prime 95 successfully (no errors) but still have trouble with my primary application. I've also did a clean instal of Windows XP and have no virus protection installed. I've also installed my ProTools software twice from two different CD's.

My feelings are that it's a hardware issue and I'm just trying to understand more about the processor clock speed and how it functions.

 

[Docta_Z]

Since it primes fine. And memtests fine... I doubt it's a hardware problem.

Have you tried to see if there are patches for your software?

 

[TheWesson]

Since it primes fine. And memtests fine... I doubt it's a hardware problem.

Have you tried to see if there are patches for your software?

It would be a weird software problem if a hardware tweak (100 MHz FSB) fixed it.

I see with a little googling that apparently the A7V600 does not have AGP/PCI lock built in. That would explain an error when you tried to make heavy use of the hard drive (loading your app.)

Can you bump FSB to 200 and somehow ensure that the PCI divisor is 1/6 and the AGP divisor is 1/3? That will give you the correct 33 MHz PCI and 66 MHz AGP speed.

A read through your mobo manual would be in order at this point ...

the wesson

PS The FSB for the Mobile XP is 133 MHz so your CPU and mem should certainly be able to run at 133 MHz at least.

PCI and AGP devices are at considerable risk of failing at about 20% above spec - in my experience.

 

[Kurt M.]

It would be a weird software problem if a hardware tweak (100 MHz FSB) fixed it.

I see with a little googling that apparently the A7V600 does not have AGP/PCI lock built in. That would explain an error when you tried to make heavy use of the hard drive (loading your app.)

Can you bump FSB to 200 and somehow ensure that the PCI divisor is 1/6 and the AGP divisor is 1/3? That will give you the correct 33 MHz PCI and 66 MHz AGP speed.

A read through your mobo manual would be in order at this point ...

the wesson

PS The FSB for the Mobile XP is 133 MHz so your CPU and mem should certainly be able to run at 133 MHz at least.

PCI and AGP devices are at considerable risk of failing at about 20% above spec - in my experience.

I've been through the manual looking for clues. I'm no expert so I could have missed something. I've also had a few lock ups while using Windows Media Player and once while watching a DVD. These lead me to believe that it's not just software because it's happened in different apps.

I'm not exactly sure how to preserve all the ratios you speak of. I have tried running at 200/10 to get to 2G's and a couple of other 200MHZ FSB combos and no dice. I really thought it should run at 133 FSB but I couldn't get that to work.

I may see if I can contact ASUS directly. Last time I checked their forum was down. I can also contact the maker of my software but I have a feeling that they won't want to discuss hardware too much.

Still open to suggestions.

 

[TheWesson]

Downloaded the manual.

In the BIOS setup, you should see your PCI frequency right next to "CPU external frequency."

In your case, that should read "200/33" ideally. Memory frequency, ideally, should be 400 MHz.

I'm guessing AGP will be automatically 2x PCI frequency.

Does this part of your setup look right?

the wesson

 

[Kurt M.]

Hmmm. I don't see the PCI Frequency setting you speak of. Under CPU External Frequency there is a heading for "Memory Frequency (MHZ)". That setting is set to "Auto". Only choice there is auto or 266. If I'm running PC-3200 ram why isn't there a setting for 400 MHZ?

Even if I scroll down to "PCI Configuration" there is no PCI Frequency setting. On page 2-16 of the manual under Bios info -- advanced menu there is no listing for what you speak of.

Other ideas if any?

 

[Docta_Z]

Perhaps flashing your bios to the latest bios if there have been updates will allow you to adjust these features.

 

[Dragonprince]

Kurt I hate to say this but I'd recommend 1 or 2 things. Either keep the Mobile CPU and get an nForce2 Ultra400 board. Or sell the mobile chip and get a standard Barton cpu. I dont think the Via series of motherboards work very well with the mobile cpu's. The nForce2 Ultras400 have a built in AGP/PCI lock which will make sure your other hardware components like the hard drive are running at spec. Also any nForce2 Ultra400 board will get you to a stable 2.4-2.5 Ghz with the mobile without any problems. 11 x 200fsb(2.2Ghz) is common at stock voltages. With a quality heatsink 12 x 200 is common for the 2500 and 2600 mobiles. The same can not be said using the Via KT400-KT600 boards.

Obviously you can tell Im advocating getting a new motherboard. The Mobile chips are great OCers and beat out the regulard desktops cpu's significantly in price vs performance. If its more work than you want to deal with replacing the chip is a good second choice but you will have to pay more for a higher clocked Barton to get decent performance.
Maybe these links will help you out.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-150-045&depa=1

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-123-198&depa=1

 

[TheWesson]

^^^ the above is a good point.

Kurt, does "CPU External Frequency" read "200/33" - or "166/33" - or what, literally? What does it read when you bump the CPU up to 200x10?

That "33" is the PCI bus frequency you're looking for. Now if "CPU External Frequency" reads "200/50" or something like that, then you've got the problem I suspect you might have.

Different programs like SiSoft Sandra (etc) can tell you almost everything you'd want to know about your machine, PCI bus speed and everything else. It's free so download it and check it out.

I don't know if it IS your PCI bus but it's a logical possibility given that the problem changes depending on your clock settings.

Another possibility to experiment on is to move your RAM stick(s) into different slots when running at 400 MHz.

Memory timings are "auto" - "by SPD" I assume?

the wesson

 

[Surfeit00]

just give the POS 2 volts & if it lives swell, & if it doesnt RMA

 

[TheWesson]

Here's another weird thing: Mobile Athlon 2500+ is listed at NewEgg and in some reviews as 1833 MHz CPU and 133 extern freq (266 FSB).

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-401&depa=0

However, 1833 /133 = 13.78 (?!?) A 13.78 multiplier is impossible isn't it?

It must be 166x11 "stock" (333 mem speed) -- 166 * 11 = 1833

The 333 FSB would be the same as many other Bartons.

the wesson

 

[onoz]

Here's another weird thing: Mobile Athlon 2500+ is listed at NewEgg and in some reviews as 1833 MHz CPU and 133 extern freq (266 FSB).

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-401&depa=0

However, 1833 /133 = 13.78 (?!?) A 13.78 multiplier is impossible isn't it?

It must be 166x11 "stock" (333 mem speed) -- 166 * 11 = 1833

The 333 FSB would be the same as many other Bartons.

the wesson

axp m2500+ stok is 14x133 (266fsb) = 1868mhz
a little higher than desktop..

 

[Metalwave]

Kurt I hate to say this but I'd recommend 1 or 2 things. Either keep the Mobile CPU and get an nForce2 Ultra400 board. Or sell the mobile chip and get a standard Barton cpu. I dont think the Via series of motherboards work very well with the mobile cpu's. The nForce2 Ultras400 have a built in AGP/PCI lock which will make sure your other hardware components like the hard drive are running at spec. Also any nForce2 Ultra400 board will get you to a stable 2.4-2.5 Ghz with the mobile without any problems. 11 x 200fsb(2.2Ghz) is common at stock voltages. With a quality heatsink 12 x 200 is common for the 2500 and 2600 mobiles. The same can not be said using the Via KT400-KT600 boards.

I tend to agree with Dragonprince. I bought a new 2500+ XP-M a while ago and I put it into a ASUS A7V8X and nothing... I flashed the BIOS and it booted but only once did I boot into windows. I usualy got the BSOD. After a bit of browsing through different forums, I found that VIA boards (like yours) don't particularly like mobile CPUs. I finally broke down and bought an NF2 mobo (see sig) and no problem whatsoever. Now I'm running at speeds I never expected.

I do a lot of Numerical simulation work and let me tell you it was worth the extra expense. I also bought an XP2400+ for my Asus mobo and now I'm running in parallel with 2 computers. Speed's addictive!

 

[Kurt M.]

Wesson: right now it seems to run stable at 100/33 and a 20 Multiple. 133/33 crashes my software on the second load as does 166/33 as does 200/33.

Metalwave & Dragonprince: I think you guys hit the nail on the head. I have an XP 2500 Barton Desktop processor that is unlocked that I just purchased on eBay (cross your fingers) that I'm going to try. I should have probably dumped the ASUS board but I made the buy before you guys opened my eyes. I was uncertain what boards would function with my software so I went for the processor. If I can get to 200/10 with the standard Barton -- and stay stable -- and under 50C I'd be happy.

Thanks so much to you guys because this has been killing me for three weeks!

I'll post back end of weekend when I replace the mobile with the standard Barton core.

Kurt

 

[fyre]

On the other hand my A7V8X is working very well with my XP-M 2500, after a bit of fiddling.

 

[Metalwave]

Before you buy, read through some of the AMD CPU threads. From what I recall now, all non-mobile AMD CPU's (except A64 and FX-xx) made after week 43 2003 are multiplier locked at the factory (there are no mods that will unlock it), which will inhibit your overclocking to the FSB only. Having an ASUS mobo with no PCI lock will limit you to much less than 200 FSB. This is why mobile AMD's are popular for overclocking now - they're multiplier unlocked!

So that's something to consider before you buy - it's what ultimately influenced me just to get an Nforce 2 based mobo.