a7n8x unstable @ 166fsb

[doughboy]

Hi,

Got a7n8x deluxe with xp2600 cpu(333).

It's lucky to even boot fully with fsb set to 166, but perfectly stable with it at 133 :nowords:

The ram is fine, I've tried various sticks of 512 (2800 & 3200).

I've tried a spare 2700(333) cpu, but the pc doesn't even begin the boot process and POST reporter doesn't say a thing. Not 100% sure on that cpu though.
Both cpus are Thoroughbred core btw.

Is this likely to be the mobo then?? It has the latest bios.

Any ideas?? :splease

Cheers

[godfather1]

What version of the board do you have? Mine was version 1.4x and was very unstable until i flashed the bios....also versions before v2 cant take barton chips IRC

[doughboy]

sorry, shouldv'e put that in original post.

it's a rev 2 board. bios is 1007

[doughboy]

Quick update..

It seems it will run @ 166fsb, but only if I change multiplier from 12.5 to 12.

166@12.5 should be standard for this cpu afaik, I'm not trying to overclock or anything.
Altering cpu core voltage doesn't help.

Cheers

[Leeum]

Do you have 2 sticks of Memory in the 2 blue slots to run as Dual Channel DDR?

[doughboy]

All three slots are filled.

slot 1 with pc3200, slots 2&3 pc2700..(all 512)

all 3 slots are black though

[Leeum]

In that case the board isn't the A7N8X Deluxe, the deluxe has dual channel DDR and should look like this:

[doughboy]

It's definately a deluxe board m8, albeit the gold edition. doubt that makes a diff though.

pic (657k)

[Leeum]

Insert the sticks individually and when it refuses to post you've found the dodgy stick if that's the case. If no luck take out your CMOS Battery for about 30 seconds then put it back in, that should clear all the settings for your CPU in the BIOS, turn it on then set it at 166 FSB not touching any voltages etc.

[doughboy]

D'oh..

Tried all that too...

Still no luck..

Cheers

[doughboy]

Someone at work today suggested that the gfx card may not be stable at higher bus speeds..

It's an old radeon 64ddr vivo.

Think this could be the cause of my problem??

Cheers

[doughboy]

Installed an ATI 9800 pro card today, and tried a fresh install onto a new sata drive.

Machine locked up as usual when set to 166@12.5..

Noticed in bios temp screen that the cpu was varying between 66 & 68.

Isn't that too high?? 133 fsb has it high 50s.

Any ideas??

:splease :splease