Asus/AMD system questions and concerns..

[jbenj01]

I recently upgraded to an Asus A7V333 mobo and AMD XP2000/1.67G chip (or so I thought.. ). When initially setting up my BIOS, an Asus tech informed me to set my cpu processor speed to 1.733, multiple 12.5x and fequency at 133/33.. here was his reasoning..

He informed me that the shop i purchased the AMD XP2000/1.67G chip from actually sent me an XP2100/1.733G chip.. b/c at BIOS cpu speed setting, the only options I had after installing the chip were: Manual, 1300mhz, 1733mhz and 2167mhz .. ???

Well, recently, my system has been shutting itself down and what not.. Also, I noticed my cpu temps rather high (120-140-degrees farenheit). I've read that AMD chips run hot.. but NOT that hot.. am i 'overclocking' (whatever that is??) ??

can someone please advise as to what's going on, please?? in the interim, i have set the cpu speed to 1.333G, but feel cheated.. i'm thinking maybe the company i bought the chip from shystered me and sent me an AMD 1.3G chip.. possible?? Odd thing is that the original AMD packaging, instructions, warranty booklet made no mention whatsoever as to exactly which chip it was in the package... ?? wtheck??!!

Thanks much.

[Ramirez]

First of all download this essential tool > WCPUID V3
http://www.h-oda.com/
Run it, end tell us later on whatever you've seen there (screenshot might be nice)

[jbenj01]

Ramirez, thanks for the response. Sorry, I don't know how to post an image.. but here's the info (btw, great little program!):

Processor #1 : AMD Athlon XP (Model 6) / 60366602
Platform : Socket A (Socket 462)
Vendor String : AuthenticAMD
CPU Type : Original OEM Processor (0)
Family : 6 (7)
Model : 6 (6)
Stepping ID : 2 (2)
Brand : ----
APIC : ----
HT Log.CPU Cnt : ----
Name String : AMD Athlon(TM) XP 2000+

Internal Clock : 1252.84 MHz
System Bus : 200.45 MHz DDR
System Clock : 100.23 MHz
Multiplier : 12.5
L1 I-Cache : 64K Byte
L1 D-Cache : 64K Byte
L1 T-Cache : ----
L1 Cache : ----
L2 Cache : 256K Byte
L2 Speed : 1252.84 MHz (Full)

MMX Unit : Supported
SSE Unit : Supported
SSE2 Unit : Not Supported
MMX2 Unit : Supported
3DNow! Unit : Supported
3DNow!+ Unit : Supported

Host Bridge : 1106:3099.00 [VIA Apollo KT266/A,KT333]
South Bridge : 1106:3147.00 [VIA VT8233]
VGA Device : 10DE:0020.04 [NVIDIA RIVA TNT]
Memory Size : 512M Byte
Memory Clock : ----

OS Version : Windows 2000 Version 5.00.2195 Service Pack 3

Please advise.. thanks!

[int 21h]

.. 12.5 * 133 = 1662.5 mhz.

[Xayd]

Yup, you're running at 100mhz bus, that's your problem. Set your bus speed to 133mhz in the BIOS. The multiplier is locked, so the chip they sent you is correct.

120 to 140 farenheit is HOT. That's probably the cause for your crashes.

Head to radio shack and get some heatsink compound (they might also call it thermal compound).

Spread a thin layer of that on top of the CPU die itself, getting the two surfaces (the CPU and the heatsink) as clean and smooth as possible. You can also go over the bottom of the heatsink with a brillo pad or fine grit sandpaper to smooth it a bit if you want, that'd help a bit too. That should help your temps a bit. That little pink sticky pad they put on the retail heatsinks isn't very good for heat transfer.

[jbenj01]

Thanks much, friends.. but BIOS won't let me change bus speed unless I change cpu processor speed to "manual".. ?

Actually, the chip came with extra small tube of compound. In addition to what was already there (beneath tape), I applied approx. 1/2 of what was in the tube directly onto the chip and spread evenly, prior to installing the heatsink/fan.. I need more??? Either I'm paranoid or something isn't right...

But if that is the case, does that mean I've got to uninstall EVERYTHING from the mobo, remove mobo from case, remove fan, heatsink, etc...?? (I know the answer to that, but am hoping for a different answer.. :)

I'm a bit nervous about the un-/install of the heatsink/fan--that was most tense part of this whole process.. I mean, the damned directions tell you not to apply any pressure onto the fan/chip when installing fan---but someone please tell me how in the world to accomplish that when it takes practically all of my body-weight to get those damned things clipped?!?

Speaking of the fan, last nite, my AsusProbe utility kept alarming me that my CPU fan was running below the 2200rpm default threshold..?? Well, I found that I forgot to connect it back to the mobo last nite (after removing, cleaning as part of troubleshoot and installing new video card). But after re-connecting, it was still going off... huh??

Please advise and thanks for your patience..

[Ramirez]

Do your self a favor, and leave that heatsink mess alone, you only need to deal with that stuff once,eventually you'll end up with a damaged Processor core..

Anyway, you're running this baby slightly miss-configured,Enter your mobo BIOS:
ADVANCED> CPU Speed> set it to Manual (it's OK)
ADVANCED> CPU Frequency Multiplier> set it to 12.5
ADVANCED>CPU/PCI Frequency (MHz) Set it to 133/33
Run WCPUID again you should see then>System Clock 133 System Bus 266

Back To BIOS Again
POWER>HARDWARE MONITOR>CPU TEMPERATURE XX Celsius/XX Fahrenheit
Write it down , and post it here later (in Celsius Please):D

[jbenj01]

Forgot to mention that when re-booting (after each time the system shut itself down), the system take me straight to the advanced screen of BIOS, messaging (in red) that the:

"..system hung at last shutdown due to improper processor speed. Please check CPU speed.."

Thanks Ramirez.. I will do as advised after work this evening.

[jbenj01]

[ WCPUID Version 3.1a (c) 1996-2002 By H.Oda! ]

Processor #1 : AMD Athlon XP (Model 6) / 1B4BB38A
Platform : Socket A (Socket 462)
Vendor String : AuthenticAMD
CPU Type : Original OEM Processor (0)
Family : 6 (7)
Model : 6 (6)
Stepping ID : 2 (2)
Brand : ----
APIC : ----
HT Log.CPU Cnt : ----
Name String : AMD Athlon(TM) XP 2000+

Internal Clock : 1668.69 MHz
System Bus : 266.99 MHz DDR
System Clock : 133.50 MHz
Multiplier : 12.5

L1 I-Cache : 64K Byte
L1 D-Cache : 64K Byte
L1 T-Cache : ----
L1 Cache : ----
L2 Cache : 256K Byte
L2 Speed : 1668.69 MHz (Full)

MMX Unit : Supported
SSE Unit : Supported
SSE2 Unit : Not Supported
MMX2 Unit : Supported
3DNow! Unit : Supported
3DNow!+ Unit : Supported

Host Bridge : 1106:3099.00 [VIA Apollo KT266/A,KT333]
South Bridge : 1106:3147.00 [VIA VT8233]
VGA Device : 1002:5157.00 [ATI ALL-IN-WONDER RADEON 7500]
Memory Size : 512M Byte
Memory Clock : ----

And here is BIOS hardware monitor info:

MB Temp: 33/91
CPU TEMP: 62c/141.5f ! (AsusProbe indicates: 53c/127f) !
CPU Fan: 5100
VCore Voltage: 1.74v
+3.3V Voltage: 3.21v
+5V Voltage: 4.86v
+12V Voltage: 12.54v

Something is still not.. right.. ?

[Ramirez]

Looks just fine to me,just relax and enjoy the ride bro. :)

.P.S your CPU isn't overheated at all; 60/70 Celsius are normal operating temperatures of Athlon XP.

[jbenj01]

Thanks, my friend! Your/everyone's help is much appreciated!

[PowerMacG4]

What are you talking about 60C being 'normal'?!

I have a 2400+ running at 10x200 and my CPU temps are at a constant 20C idle, 24C under full load (1 hour of Prime95). I have an SLK-800 with a Panaflo L1A attached. More information at: newegg.com arstechnica.com hardocp.com bgmicro.com

[Ramirez]

jbenj01, again don't touch your heatsink, unless your intention is to replace it with another better one. Your CPU is running more then fine...
Powermaq, working DIE temperatures for Athlon XP Tbred-b 1600+/2100+ is up to 90c, when maximum advisable(IE risk free) is 60/70c, have a look at this latest Tech document (http://www.overclockers.ru/news/newsitem.shtml?category=1&id=1048225793) from AMD dated from 18/03/03, now have a look at this page at HARDOCP > TERMALRIGHT SLK-800
REVIEW (http://hardocp.com/article.html?art=MzE3LDI=) , Prime-95 was used and all temp shown under 100% CPU load , you will see that Athlon's DIE temp where constantly kept at little bellow 60c which is OK for this monster cooper cooler, now you seem to forget about pretty much crucial influence of environment where you make such a temperature measures, it's pretty cold now in my area and my mobo monitor shows 50c (AXP1800+ really crapy aluminum heatsink. I just don’t care since its isn't my main machine) , but as soon as summer kicks in my CPU temp instantly jumps up to 70c,() never had any problems with that, In other words results might be vary keep that in mind.

[Ramirez]

Sh**t, now when I'm looking at this table I've mentioned above... jbenj01 it's looks like your CPU running at 1.75 VCORE whether it should be 1.60 ,go back to BIOS and correct it. if you need any help to locate it i'll help you.

[jbenj01]

BIOS will not let me opt for less than 1.75v VCORE voltage, even when I change setting to "manual' mode.. 1.75v is the lowest setting..

Please advise.. you guys are very helpful.. thank you.

On a sidenote, I just installed some new drivers for my ATI Radeon All-in-Wonder 7500 video card (from ATI cd-rom install disc).. After installing everything, I rebooted and Windows Wizard, at startup, tells me that its found new hardware but CANNOT locate device drivers for it.. There are 5 separate Wizard windows that pop up--each says it cannot locate device drivers... When I look up my Add/Remove Hardware window, it indicates there are 5 new unidentified hardware devices but each is "unknown" (with big yellow question mark)... What am I missing here?

[Ramirez]

Damn,I'm really need to get some sleep,:D in the mean time just one suggestion
Reset your bios setting to defaults, end then check the vcore parameters
I'll check this tread tomorrow,and we'll see what next.

[Ramirez]

Originally posted by jbenj01
BIOS will not let me opt for less than 1.75v VCORE voltage, even when I change setting to "manual' mode.. 1.75v is the lowest setting..

That’s it, now I understand what's is going on;your CPU is simply isn't Thoroughbred core processor, only old palomino core (http://www.geek.com/procspec/amd/palomino.htm) cpu's are running at the 1.75 vcore()I've simply assumed that you've bought one of those New Thoroughbred-b processors that AMD recently released, man this is sux! AMD should clearly mark these CPU's rather the use OPN's for that. That's also explains his pretty massive Heat Dissipation (http://www17.tomshardware.com/cpu/20020610/thoroughbred-05.html),(no probs really palominos max DIE temp is also 90c, but hey if you wanna buy some good quality cooper heatsink, go for it) anyway configure your system as it was,you know >Manual>12.5>133/33 that's it.

[auenf]

Originally posted by jbenj01
On a sidenote, I just installed some new drivers for my ATI Radeon All-in-Wonder 7500 video card (from ATI cd-rom install disc).. After installing everything, I rebooted and Windows Wizard, at startup, tells me that its found new hardware but CANNOT locate device drivers for it.. There are 5 separate Wizard windows that pop up--each says it cannot locate device drivers... When I look up my Add/Remove Hardware window, it indicates there are 5 new unidentified hardware devices but each is "unknown" (with big yellow question mark)... What am I missing here?

dont install the drivers off the cd, goto support.ati.com and grab the latest Catalyst drivers (03.2 atm), and it says to install in this order (of course uninstall the ones you have just tried to install tho):

- install WDM drivers (this is the 5 things that popup that you cant find the driver for), and DON'T reboot;

- install the display drivers, and DO reboot.
when you have rebooted it should install the display driver, the rage theater drivers and the others (if need be just let it automatically search for the driver).

- install the control panel, and dont worry about rebooting right now.

- next you should the MMC, because your cd wont have the DVD7.8 on it, you will have to download the DVD 7.6 installer and install this first, reboot.

- then install the MMC 8.1 and reboot and you should have a nice working capture machine ;)

as for your crashes, 60C isnt too much to worry about, but have a quick check (or even get a friend to look) to see if the heatsink IS actually sitting flat.

Enf...

[jbenj01]

Ramirez,

So I've got an 'old' Palamino chip vs. a new Thoroughbred? What's the downside/differences of owning my chip (besides the 1.75v vs. 1.60v)? I'm runing Win2000 Pro.. I really do NOT want to try to remove the heatsink/fan to apply some more compound, but will, if necessary.. I'm just afraid I'm going to muck it up (but then again, that'll give me a reason to upgrade to a faster and cooler chip.. :)

auenf,

Here's what I did to 'solve' the ATI 'hardware found' and driver install issue.. I simply uninstalled the display driver/s, re-booted, and re-installed them.. It seems the 'problem' is gone (but I have a feeling, not resolved). Should I uninstall again and follow your procedure? Seems I'm missing a lot of steps that the manual simply does NOT reflect.. Please advise. Thanks.

[Ramirez]

Your processor is fine really; there is no differences between these two speaking performance wise, just disregard this word "old" it's not old at all. >> read this up (http://www17.tomshardware.com/cpu/20020610/thoroughbred-11.html).

[jbenj01]

Done! Again, thank you very much, my friends! I'd still be sitting around pussing all kinds of buttons and banging my head against the wall if it weren't for your help..

But one more issue.. something is now happening that has never happened before..

My monitor keeps shutting off (going into stand-by mode) during system boot-up.. ?? I have to manually turn it off, wait 1 minute, then manually power it on. Sometimes, I will have to do this couple of times.. Perhaps my 4-yr old 17" Trinitron monitor is showing signs of old age?? Again, this has never happened before until yesterday.

[Xayd]

Originally posted by jbenj01
Thanks much, friends.. but BIOS won't let me change bus speed unless I change cpu processor speed to "manual".. ?

Actually, the chip came with extra small tube of compound. In addition to what was already there (beneath tape), I applied approx. 1/2 of what was in the tube directly onto the chip and spread evenly, prior to installing the heatsink/fan.. I need more??? Either I'm paranoid or something isn't right...



You should scrape the tape off if you're gonna use the compound that came with the CPU, if you leave the tape on there, don't use the compound.

They serve the same purpose, other than the compound being better, but doubling them up will greatly reduce your heat transfer.

[auenf]

Originally posted by jbenj01
Ramirez,

So I've got an 'old' Palamino chip vs. a new Thoroughbred? What's the downside/differences of owning my chip (besides the 1.75v vs. 1.60v)? I'm runing Win2000 Pro.. I really do NOT want to try to remove the heatsink/fan to apply some more compound, but will, if necessary.. I'm just afraid I'm going to muck it up (but then again, that'll give me a reason to upgrade to a faster and cooler chip.. :)

auenf,

Here's what I did to 'solve' the ATI 'hardware found' and driver install issue.. I simply uninstalled the display driver/s, re-booted, and re-installed them.. It seems the 'problem' is gone (but I have a feeling, not resolved). Should I uninstall again and follow your procedure? Seems I'm missing a lot of steps that the manual simply does NOT reflect.. Please advise. Thanks.

check the device manager under sound video and game, and make sure the 5 ati devices are there (rage theatre video and audio being two of them, the rest im not sure, maybe a teletext/closedcaptions one tho)

Enf...

[Christian]

Hello Everybody,
just my 2 cents for comparison only.
I have 2 1800XP+ CPU, an older Palomino running at 1.65 V and a new Toroughbred running at 1.5 Volts. The palomino is at about 56 Degrees Celsius under heavy load with a cooler running at 2500 rpm and the newer one is at 43 Degrees Celsius with a silent Cooler from Verax. If i put that Verax cooler on the older CPU its getting up to 62 Degrees Celsius.

Another thing is your BIOS Version. Mine was unable to detect the old Palomino Core correct, so i suddenly had that BIOS message about incorrect CPU settings after restarting. Another noticeable thing was it won't start up! I had to press the power button more than once (sometimes i had to trigger it 10-20 times). A BIOS update has solved this things. Old A7V333 BIOS Versions show a temperature around 10 Derees Celsius higher than other Mainboards. Check ASUS Homepage.

Greets
Christian

[jbenj01]

Again, thx to all..

Christian, yep, my system kept shutting down on me and I could not boot up at all--had to keep pressing power button atleast 20x.. I just updated my BIOS to latest version.. Everything appears to be resolved but seems a new problem has developed, as follows:

My AsusUtility program keeps 'going off', alerting me that my CPU fan is below 2200rpm threshold every 5-10min. After observing, I took notice that the 'alarm' sets off when CPU temp creeps up to ~140F, then stops after CPU temp falls to ~130F .. Any ideas??

[Ramirez]

Hey jbenj01! What's up? Its looks like this tread is gonna live forever..:D
Anyway,now when you've flashed your BIOS, (Christian great pickup!) would you mind just out of mine personal curiosity post some WCPUID information again?

[jbenj01]

OK, here's the lates WCPU:

[ WCPUID Version 3.1a (c) 1996-2002 By H.Oda! ]

Processor #1 : AMD Athlon XP (Model 6) / 7BCACC69
Platform : Socket A (Socket 462)
Vendor String : AuthenticAMD
CPU Type : Original OEM Processor (0)
Family : 6 (7)
Model : 6 (6)
Stepping ID : 2 (2)
Brand : ----
APIC : ----
HT Log.CPU Cnt : ----
Name String : AMD Athlon(TM) XP 2000+

Internal Clock : 1668.70 MHz
System Bus : 266.99 MHz DDR
System Clock : 133.50 MHz
Multiplier : 12.5

L1 I-Cache : 64K Byte
L1 D-Cache : 64K Byte
L1 T-Cache : ----
L1 Cache : ----
L2 Cache : 256K Byte
L2 Speed : 1668.70 MHz (Full)

MMX Unit : Supported
SSE Unit : Supported
SSE2 Unit : Not Supported
MMX2 Unit : Supported
3DNow! Unit : Supported
3DNow!+ Unit : Supported

Host Bridge : 1106:3099.00 [VIA Apollo KT266/A,KT333]
South Bridge : 1106:3147.00 [VIA VT8233]
VGA Device : 1002:5157.00 [ATI ALL-IN-WONDER RADEON 7500]
Memory Size : 512M Byte
Memory Clock : ----

OS Version : Windows 2000 Version 5.00.2195 Service Pack

Does everything look OK? This "CPU fan under threshold" warning in AsusUtility is bugging the heck out of me.. It keeps popping up every 5min now! At ~55C/130F, the warning goess on. At ~60C/140F, it goes off.. ??? Do I need a new fan or can I just turn the whole monitoring software off? I'm a bit paranoid, but doesn't the BIOS have its own monitoring system to shut down pc in the event of 'danger'??

[jbenj01]

Forgot to mention that my CPU core voltage is still 1.75v..

[theReal]

There's nothing wrong with 1.75V - the XP2000+ has a default voltage of 1.75V. My Epox board won't let me go below 1.81V, that kinda sucks, but well...

Usually, you can say that more core voltage means more stability (that's why Epox set the minimum default too high on my board, I guess). Overclockers will go up to over 2.2V for reaching high speeds (but you're gonna need water cooling with that).

If your processor is stable and your board supports it, you can set the voltage a little lower than default (~1.70V). If the system is still running stable, then you can leave it like that and make the cpu run cooler.

About the temperatures: find out if your board is reading the real core temperatures (some Asus boards do) or the temp at the outside of the cpu. That makes a difference of about 15°C and often leads to misunderstandings. If your temps are not measured from the inside of the core but from an outside diode, then I'd really consider getting a new fan (or getting better case cooling).

My cpu is a XP1900+ (Palomino core) overclocked to 1680MHz (~XP2000+), as I said before running with 1.81V core voltage. Right now the temp is 39°C (with a room temp of 23°C). After hours of encoding at the same room temp, it goes to about 46°C.
This is what I consider good enough, healthy and stable: always stay below 50°C.
At the same time, my computer isn't too noisy - it's not a very silent system neither, but it's ok (and by ok I mean that 'normal' people don't complain about it being too noisy).
This can be done with a good setup of good fans at the right places (and it's a lot of fun, at least for me :D)

More info than you need on all this you can find at the amdmb.com forums: http://www.amdforums.com

[jbenj01]

TheReal,

Thanks. I cannot set my core voltage lower than 1.75v, as BIOS does not give me that option. After reading your message, looks as if I will buy a new CPU fan.. The existing fan is one that I upgraded with the chip, recommended by AMD, i.e., it came packaged with the chip (it's a green fan with an AMD label on it). But the fan does appear to be kind of 'small'.. And my AsusUtility program continues to give me warnings that my CPU fan threshold is below the default number of 2200rpms every 5min!

Any recommendations for a very good new CPU fan, i.e., make, model??

Additionally, I've inherited a brand new problem re: Windows Installer and some file named "SGuard.msi"??? (see my new thread started just a sec ago at the beginning of this forum :).. Maybe you guys can help there, as well... It'd be much appreciated. Thanks again for everyone's input/help/advice!

[Asmodian]

I just wanted to mention that too much heat sink compound is also a problem, all you want is to start with a very clean heat sink and chip, then apply a very thin layer of thermal compound. Too much really does run significantly hotter.

Some good heat sinks I have used:
Thermalright SLK-800/900 (the bigger the better :) )
Thermaltake VOLCANO 7+ (the all copper one)

A heat sink of this type is probably not really necessary unless you are trying for a significant over-clock/over-volt but it will keep your running temperature down.

[jbenj01]

Thanks for the info---will save it for what I hope will not be a next time.. '-)... because I got so frustrated last nite that I just decided to backup what I needed and format the drive/fresh re-install of Win2k..

But re: heatsink/compound and fan.. I was told otherwise--more the compound, the better.. ?? b/c I used half of the very small tube of compound that came with the chip..

I don't overclock so all I'll need is a new fan, yes? You named heatsinks, but are there some really good fans you could name? Because I re-installed AsusUtility and the low-threshold warnings continue.. so something isn't quite right.. Thanks.

[theReal]

More compound isn't better, it's actually worse.

For good instructions on how to perfectly do it, look here:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique_instructions.htm
*edit* I just saw they are not spreading the compound on the processor dye in the case of the Athlon processor. I'd do this anyways (like you see in the other instructions: spread the compound with the edge of a credit card or a razor blade before applying the heatsink
or here:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

(you don't necessarily have to polish the heatsink base with compound like they are proposing. I found it doesn't make much of a difference if you do this or not).


btw. for good heatsink/fan combos - I'm using a Noisecontrol Silverado.
I also heard a lot of good things about the Thermalright AX-7 cooler, it's not expensive and pretty good, even for overclocking. If you're not overclocking, I'd use a medium strength 80mm fan on it (no Delta, they're too loud). There are good fans from Enermax, Pabst, Antec - you'll probably need one with an airflow of about 30-45 cfm, no more (the ones higher than 50 cfm are getting incredibly loud...)

[jbenj01]

Man, I was really hoping not to remove the heatsink.. During initial install, locking the clamps into place was nerve-wracking b/c I was afraid the tool I was using was going to slip and scrape/scratch the mobo.. Is there a 'fool'proof' tool to use for this? thx

[theReal]

During initial install, locking the clamps into place was nerve-wracking b/c I was afraid the tool I was using was going to slip and scrape/scratch the mobo.. It's the same for me every time...
But the more you install your heatsink, the more you'll learn how to move the clamps and so on - after a few times in a row it's getting really easy, usually :D

[Ramirez]

@jbenj01

I don’t quite get it buddy, it's looks like you're disregarding everything I wrote earlier in this tread, maybe you're thinking that I kinda pulled this info out of my ...
I already said that like 60 times,please don't touch your heatsink unless is your intention to replace it with another, better one, you can reapply more compound on your CPU and polish your heatsink until the day hell freezes over, it's ain't gonna help you in this regard.
The only way for you to bring the temps down(again you can live it as it) is by using any good quality cooper heatsink like SLK-800, then and only then remove your exiting heatsink and install a new one exactly like TheReal describe it.

You should take extra care when dealing with such a fragile processor as Athlon
It's really easy to damage its core.

Btw:
A7V333 mobo reads CPU's temps directly off the core; there is nothing wrong with 60/70c temps.

[21up]

HI M8
I have had this problem with asus probe 2 processors in 6 weeks
xp 2000 after going back to shop with first one that blew at 45c
i thought all was ok.2 weeks later 16 april blew again 40c.
I was told at the beginning (DO NOT ) use paste on amd processors
amd will not accept returns.
Then they found it was the cooler that had been assembled with the clip that you press down was the opposite side to the step in the heatsink.
it should have been on the same side as the step in heatsink,so that when you press the clip down you are pressing on to the little bit of foam on the mobo.
So all along the heatsink was sitting at an angle on chip because bend in clip was not dead over square pad in centre of chip.
Now running at 39 most off the time.
It used to do as yours did and boot up in bios in red after a couple of times it just blue.
I have no winbond voice editor cos it just would not work nomore i was gonna flash bios again mine is 1015 but i am not sure if i will get it right and i cannot blow another chip at 54 pound .
They will not replace another for free, hope you get it fixed m8
cheers Peter

[theReal]

I was told at the beginning (DO NOT ) use paste on amd processors That probably means they won't accept returns when you smear the silver paste all over the bridges because this can cause shorts and damage the processor. If you're using thermal paste like you should use it, noone will ever see that you have been using it when you have to return the chip.

[jbenj01]

Ramirez,

No, not at all, my friend.. I've actually taken all your advice so far--it's very much appreciated.. BUT...

The only thing that is causing much paranoia is the CPU fan warnings that continue---something just isn't quite right (i can feel it in my bones.. hehe.). I've got this terrible suspicion that the root cause was 'installer error'.. um.. that would be.. um.. me. :D

As 21up suggested, I very well may have installed the fan/heatsink improperly (the big ole "?" over my head when i was holding the fan and heatsink in my hand while figuring out which went where should have tipped me off.. :o ). damn...

In any event, I need to get into the box to re-arrange my master/slave settings for my 2 dvd writers, 2 hdd's and 1 dvd reader (for optimum settings/performance reasons)... so maybe it w/b worth it for me to atleast replace the fan with the one you (Ramirez) or the Real mentioned, i.e., SLK... thoughts??

[jbenj01]

Sorry to change the subject for minute, BUT..

Who's "m8".. has someone stolen/hijacked my ID and using it on these boards (and who knows whereelse!?). I was just over at dvdrhelp.com and someone there also referred to me as "m8" ??? Can all reading this let me know what my moniker reads, please??

OK, net/tech guru's, what's going on?! But i'm a bit paranoid now that someone's got a hold of my ID and passwords for other online stuff, as well ... appreciate any help.. thank you!

[jbenj01]

nevermind.. i got it now... :o

[Ramirez]

Hey there :),I'm really glad that you was not being affected by the maybe slightly harsh tone of my post,you see, I'm pretty straight shooter and perhaps I'm taking it to damn seriously, but hey that’s the way I'm doing things..

Now about that heatsink mess,if you're really thinks like it's necessarily then remove it but somehow I'm seriously doubt that you'll
be able to find any faults there, apart of that, definitely go for slk-800 or any other all cooper heatsinks, now about this asusprob
Progie please,pleeeeeease! uninstall that crap you don't really need it,the thermal protection of your mobo will kick in if ever
something will go wrong,IMHO you're worry too much.;)

(besides there are some very good programs for that purpose,like Motherboard monitor for example)

Btw:
So who is that m8 person? And why he referring to you that way? (I mean that 21up person;IMHO he really should to cut-off that Ebonics stuff)

[jbenj01]

lol.. Gee, I'm glad I'm not the only one.. :D

m8 = mate ... as in, ~'friend'..

[Sven Bent]

Sorry i have only read the first entry.

a7v133
a7v266
a7v266e
a7v333
has thermal problems
THey make the cpu go 10-12 degres celsius hot'er than a motherboard with the same chipset from another brand.

I have sold alot of a7v133 and duron 1300 that needed to have my big AthlonXP kooler instead of the normal duron kooler i selle with it beacuese it got to hot and crashed.
On other motherbaords it works perfectly and temp drop at around 10-12 celsius under load compared to Asus.

a7v8x
a7n8x does NOT have these thermal issues

This is tested with over 40 asus boards agains over 20 motherboard of other brands ABIT/DFI/ECS.