AMD question

[rios__]

I just built my first AMD based system(1.33ghz, epox 8kta3pro,256mb kingston, Gainward GF2pro).

1)The first problem is that the cpu utilization is never at 0 as it was with my celeron system(using tclockex). It always stays at about a bit less than 1/4.

2)I can't seem to use my cd-rom with DMA enabled. It gives me all sorts of read errors when it is enabled but it works fine when dma is off. My floppy drive also gives me read errors when copying diskettes(the diskettes were fine because I copied them succesfully on another computer).

3)My Q3 and 3dmark 2001 scores seem kinda low compared to other people running similar systems. Q3 everything on max 1024x768x32: 103 fps. 3dmark 2001 1024x768*32 : 3600.


I'm using win98se, lates via 4in1, detonator 12.90. .

Thanks!

[rios__]

Ok, problems 2 and 3 seemed to have solved themselves, but I'm still stuck with the cpu utilization problem.

Sometimes the cpu utilization stays at 1/4, other times at 3/4. One strange thing is if that I move the mouse continuosly the cpu utilization will go to almost 0%.

I'm not running anything in the background that could affect it. It even does it after a fresh format and reinstall.

Anybody?

[wedor]

Maybe the problem is with the reporting software and not the system, is that program compatible with AMD CPU's?

[rios__]

It does it with tclockex and the windows system monitor. I havent tried any other programs other than those.

[crow]

RE: Gigabyte of Woe.
It's the same problem I've been having for a month
now????My CPU usage will go to 100 percent & lock up.
I have no answers . Check my prob.in this column
(Gigabytes of Woe)

[crow]

Here is the help from AND in answer to my E'mail...
-Thank you for contacting AMD. I am including a troubleshooting guide to help
you resolve the issue.

Troubleshooter's Guide to AMD Athlon™ and AMD Duron™ Processor-based Systems


The cause of system stability issues can be very difficult to diagnose.
There are many factors that can cause stability issues in a system - from
software conflicts to hardware failure. Consequently, pinpointing the
problem can be a very time-consuming and challenging task. The following
guidelines can make that task much more manageable, saving you time and
effort in the process.

Lock-ups, resets, blue screens, as well as other symptoms, can often be
traced to thermal issues. For optimal performance, use a heatsink solution
evaluated and recommended by AMD. Always follow the manufacturer's
instructions for proper installation. Improper installation could result in
inadequate contact between the heatsink and processor die. A thermal
interface material should always be used between the heatsink and processor.
Lists of these recommended solutions are available on the Thermal Solutions
pages for the AMD Athlon Processor and the AMD Duron Processor. Efficient
heatsink solutions must conform to the heatsink design specifications as
outlined in the "AMD Thermal, Mechanical, and Chassis Cooling Design Guide",
which can be downloaded from the Technical Documents page for the AMD Athlon
Processor.

Incompatible or defective memory is a common cause of stability issues.
Always follow the recommendations of the motherboard manufacturer, since
memory compatibility is dependent on the motherboard and chipset. Contact
the motherboard manufacturer to determine what types of memory are
supported.

An outdated BIOS or outdated drivers can result in an unstable system.
Consequently, the latest BIOS update and motherboard drivers from the
motherboard manufacturer should be used. Many motherboards will not boot if
a faster processor is installed until the BIOS update that supports the
faster processor has been installed. The latest drivers for all components
(i.e. video card, sound card, etc.) should be used as well. Drivers are
usually available on the component manufacturer's web site.

If both the system's motherboard and processor are being upgraded, a clean
installation from a repartitioned/reformatted hard drive should be
performed. A hard drive with a preinstalled operating system may contain
incorrect system information (NOTE: Repartitioning/Reformatting will erase
all data from the hard drive!).

Make sure that the correct cables are being used. A mixture of high
frequency signals and electronic radio signals surround the data cables
inside the case. This could result in data corruption, especially if the
cables are long and the frequency of the signal is high. Many motherboards
ship with UDMA 33 cables only. If a UDMA 66 hard drive is being used, a UDMA
66 cable must be used as well.

Initially configure the system as a barebones system (install only the
motherboard, processor, one memory module, video card and necessary drives).
Once the system is stable, add components one at a time. This will make it
much easier to identify problem components and resolve any IRQ conflicts.

For best results, use AMD Recommended Power Supplies with the AMD Athlon
Processor and the AMD Duron Processor. Many power supplies currently on the
market do not meet the requirements for AMD Athlon or AMD Duron
processor-based systems. AMD tests the ability of power supplies to provide
the power sequencing and current requirements of AMD processor-based
systems. The supplies on AMD's Recommended list are recommended for their
capability to supply appropriate power on both the +5-VDC and +3.3-VDC power
rails.

Finally, to ensure reliable operation, use AMD Recommended Motherboards with
the AMD Athlon Processor and the AMD Duron Processor. AMD evaluates
motherboards using an internally developed suite of BIOS, electrical, and
software tests. The motherboards on these lists have been tested to ensure
compliance with motherboard design guidelines for AMD processors.

Regards,
Kristine
AMD TSC

Not much help to me.