CPU speed problems

[MalusMonkey]

I recently upgraded my computer with an Asus A7V8X-X motherboard, two sticks of PC3200 512MB Ram, and an AMD Athlon XP 2600+ processor. After pressing delete upon bootup in order to enter setup, I noticed that my processor was only set at 1.6 Ghz, when I know it can go AT LEAST 2.03 Ghz. I tried changing this in setup (noticing that I did, in fact have the options for 2.03 and 2.5Ghz), but my computer fails to start up whenever I set my CPU to a higher speed.

After several restarts, I manage to get it back into setup, and I am told that my system "hung due to an improper CPU setting." I've tried both of the higher speeds (making sure my memory frequency was set at 333Mhz with the 2.03Ghz setting, and 400Mhz with the 2.5Ghz setting - I'm given those options and "Auto" only). The closest I've ever come to getting it to work is at the 2.5Ghz setting with the 400Mhz memory frequency, but then my computer fails to notice many of my primary/secondary master/slave drives, and will not boot up.

Since I spent about $220 on my motherboard and processor, upgrading my speed from a 1.1 Ghz to a 1.6 Ghz is not something I'm happy about. Is there any way I can up my cpu speed without it causing my system to hang?

[Alan]

It's been a while since I built a new rig... back in the P3 days... so I'm not sure about the new MB setups.

My old board required changes to the multiplier and bus jumpers to match up with the CPU. Since all you did was change the BIOS settings, perhaps you have to change the jumpers to match. Also have to change the voltage jumpers to match. I believe the XP 2600 is 2.13. Since that is not an option I believe one of your settings is off. Perhaps today's MB are different.

[Alienware_Dude]

Is there any option for adjusting the FSB frequency? The memory frequency and the clock speed of the processor aren't directly related, so I'm not sure why you need to adjust them both simultaneously. Do you have the 266Mhz FSB version, or the 333MHz FSB version of the 2600+?



Edit: there is a slight possibility that you have a re-marked chip, but I doubt it.

[MalusMonkey]

I have the 333MHz FBS version of the processor. I figured that the memory frequency needed to be adjusted, because whenever I up the CPU speed, the memory frequency changes by itself (automatically goes to 333 if I go 2.03, or to 400 if I try the 2.5GHz). I haven't found a way to adjust the FBS frequency, but I'll definately give it another look.

[MalusMonkey]

Yeah, I just checked and all I can see relating to the bus is an option called "S2K Bus Strength." This is initially set on "Auto." If I turn it to "Manual," I get two more options at the bottom of the screen that look completely foreign to me, so I don't want to mess with that. Any other suggestions?

[Alan]

My bus frequency is adjusted by jumpers on the MB itself. Then in the BIOS I can select the proper CPU settings. If one of your jumpers is wrong, you won't be able to get matching options for your CPU.