A7N8x Deluxe CPU and FSB Speed Settings

In article <>,
says...
> On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:16:37 -0500, wrote:
>
>
<snip>

>
> I ran Memtest for a few hours. It would make it through one or more
> passes and then it would freeze. I would reboot and let it run again.
> It would eventually freeze each time, but it never recorded a memory
> error.
>

That doesn't 100% rule out memory, but it does move it down the list.

> I pulled the CPU off the board. It is a 2100+ Thoroughbred. I want
> to reseat it and try it again, but two of the little rubber thingies
> came off when I removed the heatsink. I only found one of them. Do
> they sell a kit to replace those?

I got no idea. I used to retreive the rubber spacers fron dead cpus.

> I would hate for a possibly good
> CPU to be wasted because the little rubber things fell off.

You could buy a cheap K7 and use it to see if it's your processor
that's the problem. If the new processor fixes the problem you can use
it or buy a faster one:

http://www.pricewatch.com/microprocessors/

If it doesn't you can steal the spacers off of it. I would next
suspect the motherboard then the power supply. Swapping out the power
supply would be easier though. If it turns out your motherboard is
bad:

http://www.pricewatch.com/motherboards/athlon_xp.htm

Socket 462 boards are few and far between.

Your Ver 1.04 board will support a fsb of 333MHZ.

>
> If I decide to buy a new processor, what is the limit of this board as
> far as speed? It is a A7N8X rev. 1.04. I thought it was a Deluxe,
> but it doesn't say deluxe on the board. I forget what the difference
> is. At this point it doesn't matter.
>


Bill

wrote:

>
> If I decide to buy a new processor, what is the limit of this board as
> far as speed? It is a A7N8X rev. 1.04. I thought it was a Deluxe,
> but it doesn't say deluxe on the board. I forget what the difference
> is. At this point it doesn't matter.

Asus has a CPUSupport web page. This is the list for A7N8X. There
is a 3200+ FSB400 listed there. If you go that high, remember that
the Nforce2 is picky about RAM, when using DDR400. I had to buy
some more expensive DDR400 CAS2, back in the day, to get it to work
error free (in dual channel). Running single channel, or with the
memory set slower, isn't quite as bad.

http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/c...=en-us&cache=1

Paul

On Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:19:57 -0500, Paul <> wrote:

> wrote:
>
>>
>> If I decide to buy a new processor, what is the limit of this board as
>> far as speed? It is a A7N8X rev. 1.04. I thought it was a Deluxe,
>> but it doesn't say deluxe on the board. I forget what the difference
>> is. At this point it doesn't matter.
>
>Asus has a CPUSupport web page. This is the list for A7N8X. There
>is a 3200+ FSB400 listed there. If you go that high, remember that
>the Nforce2 is picky about RAM, when using DDR400. I had to buy
>some more expensive DDR400 CAS2, back in the day, to get it to work
>error free (in dual channel). Running single channel, or with the
>memory set slower, isn't quite as bad.
>
>http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/c...=en-us&cache=1
>
> Paul

Thank you.

On Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:36:09 -0800, Bill
<> wrote:

>In article <>,
> says...
>> On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:16:37 -0500, wrote:
>>
>>
><snip>
>
>>
>> I ran Memtest for a few hours. It would make it through one or more
>> passes and then it would freeze. I would reboot and let it run again.
>> It would eventually freeze each time, but it never recorded a memory
>> error.
>>
>
> That doesn't 100% rule out memory, but it does move it down the list.
>
>> I pulled the CPU off the board. It is a 2100+ Thoroughbred. I want
>> to reseat it and try it again, but two of the little rubber thingies
>> came off when I removed the heatsink. I only found one of them. Do
>> they sell a kit to replace those?
>
> I got no idea. I used to retreive the rubber spacers fron dead cpus.

What do you use to glue them on?

>
>> I would hate for a possibly good
>> CPU to be wasted because the little rubber things fell off.
>
> You could buy a cheap K7 and use it to see if it's your processor
>that's the problem. If the new processor fixes the problem you can use
>it or buy a faster one:
>
> http://www.pricewatch.com/microprocessors/
>
> If it doesn't you can steal the spacers off of it. I would next
>suspect the motherboard then the power supply. Swapping out the power
>supply would be easier though.

I actually have a another power supply. If I can resolve the rubber
pad issue I will put the processor back in, and if it doesn't just
work from being reseated I will swap the power supply before I try
anything else.

> If it turns out your motherboard is
>bad:
>
> http://www.pricewatch.com/motherboards/athlon_xp.htm
>
> Socket 462 boards are few and far between.

Yes, that's a problem. If I buy a processor and then it turns out I
need a new board, then I have few choices and I'm also then putting
too much money into outdated technology. I may be better off getting
a whole new system.

Thanks for your help.


>
> Your Ver 1.04 board will support a fsb of 333MHZ.
>
>>
>> If I decide to buy a new processor, what is the limit of this board as
>> far as speed? It is a A7N8X rev. 1.04. I thought it was a Deluxe,
>> but it doesn't say deluxe on the board. I forget what the difference
>> is. At this point it doesn't matter.
>>
>
>
> Bill

<> wrote in message
news:...
> On Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:19:57 -0500, Paul <> wrote:
>
>> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> If I decide to buy a new processor, what is the limit of this board as
>>> far as speed? It is a A7N8X rev. 1.04. I thought it was a Deluxe,
>>> but it doesn't say deluxe on the board. I forget what the difference
>>> is. At this point it doesn't matter.
>>
>>Asus has a CPUSupport web page. This is the list for A7N8X. There
>>is a 3200+ FSB400 listed there. If you go that high, remember that
>>the Nforce2 is picky about RAM, when using DDR400. I had to buy
>>some more expensive DDR400 CAS2, back in the day, to get it to work
>>error free (in dual channel). Running single channel, or with the
>>memory set slower, isn't quite as bad.
>>
>>http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/c...=en-us&cache=1
>>
>> Paul
>
> Thank you.
If you have to buy ram, buy Kingston, NOT "Value Ram", tho'. That
mobo likes Kingston HyperX--esp. PC3500, altho' PC 3200 would work; other
brands would likely run ok, but I know from experience about HyperX.
Believe me, your cpu is NOT defective. They either run or not--never had
one to run intermittently, unless the bridges had been joined with pencil or
such.
About all the T'breds run the same, if they have unlocked multipliers,
whether they be 1700+, 2100+ or whatever. Just use good ram and slowly
increase the multiplier from default until it shows out, and back down a
notch. Then creep up likewise with fsb until it shows out, and back down a
couple of mhz. You may hafta increase cpu-voltage to ~1.625, or a tad
higher. It'll take it. Just use a good cooler.
Assuming unlocked multiplier, you should get it to run somewhere around
2000-2200mhz. I'd expect it to run near 180 to 200 fsb and multiplier
around 10-12. I've had 1700+'s that'd run around 2000-2200! Keep in mind,
if it does 190 at 11, that's ~ 2100-mhz which compares close to a Pentium-4
performing PC3200-speeds. (Your 2100 prolly runs around 1500-1700 stock,
but performs like a P-4 running 2100mhz--hence its rating.) HTH, and good
luck.
sdlomi2

PS: I've enjoyed mine since they came out, and see no reason to upgrade. It
is presently running at 2410, and would easily do a little more, but I've
got a 512-stick of Corsair XMS(PC-3500!!!) that absolutely won't do even
1mhz over 200-fsb. The other 512 of HyperX will do ~ 210-215-fsb. But, I
prefer the total 1.0-gig of ram at 2.41 over 512-meg at a few points faster.

On Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:28:05 -0500, "sdlomi2"
<> wrote:

>
><> wrote in message
>news:.. .
>> On Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:19:57 -0500, Paul <> wrote:
>>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> If I decide to buy a new processor, what is the limit of this board as
>>>> far as speed? It is a A7N8X rev. 1.04. I thought it was a Deluxe,
>>>> but it doesn't say deluxe on the board. I forget what the difference
>>>> is. At this point it doesn't matter.
>>>
>>>Asus has a CPUSupport web page. This is the list for A7N8X. There
>>>is a 3200+ FSB400 listed there. If you go that high, remember that
>>>the Nforce2 is picky about RAM, when using DDR400. I had to buy
>>>some more expensive DDR400 CAS2, back in the day, to get it to work
>>>error free (in dual channel). Running single channel, or with the
>>>memory set slower, isn't quite as bad.
>>>
>>>http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/c...=en-us&cache=1
>>>
>>> Paul
>>
>> Thank you.
> If you have to buy ram, buy Kingston, NOT "Value Ram", tho'. That
>mobo likes Kingston HyperX--esp. PC3500, altho' PC 3200 would work; other
>brands would likely run ok, but I know from experience about HyperX.
>Believe me, your cpu is NOT defective. They either run or not--never had
>one to run intermittently, unless the bridges had been joined with pencil or
>such.
> About all the T'breds run the same, if they have unlocked multipliers,
>whether they be 1700+, 2100+ or whatever. Just use good ram and slowly
>increase the multiplier from default until it shows out, and back down a
>notch. Then creep up likewise with fsb until it shows out, and back down a
>couple of mhz. You may hafta increase cpu-voltage to ~1.625, or a tad
>higher. It'll take it. Just use a good cooler.
> Assuming unlocked multiplier, you should get it to run somewhere around
>2000-2200mhz. I'd expect it to run near 180 to 200 fsb and multiplier
>around 10-12. I've had 1700+'s that'd run around 2000-2200! Keep in mind,
>if it does 190 at 11, that's ~ 2100-mhz which compares close to a Pentium-4
>performing PC3200-speeds. (Your 2100 prolly runs around 1500-1700 stock,
>but performs like a P-4 running 2100mhz--hence its rating.) HTH, and good
>luck.
>sdlomi2
>
>PS: I've enjoyed mine since they came out, and see no reason to upgrade. It
>is presently running at 2410, and would easily do a little more, but I've
>got a 512-stick of Corsair XMS(PC-3500!!!) that absolutely won't do even
>1mhz over 200-fsb. The other 512 of HyperX will do ~ 210-215-fsb. But, I
>prefer the total 1.0-gig of ram at 2.41 over 512-meg at a few points faster.
>

It's good to hear what you're saying about the CPU. Once I get the
part I need to remount it I will try a different power supply, and if
it isn't that (the one I am using now is a Antec 400w) then it's
probably the motherboard. If it's the motherboard I may just give up.

I wouldn't mind spending on two new sticks of memory because all I
have is 512mb, and I would like to have at least twice that much. But
to spend money on a motherboard AND memory is getting to be too much
considering this is outdated technology.

wrote:

>> I got no idea. I used to retreive the rubber spacers fron dead cpus.
>
> What do you use to glue them on?

The purpose of the rubber spacers, is to prevent the CPU heatsink
from rocking, while the heatsink is being fastened into place.
Once the clips are fastened, then it doesn't matter what happens to
the rubber.

If the heatsink is mounted on an angle, it can crack the edges
of the bare silicon die. The use of rubber bumpers or a shim, is
to prevent that, so that the heatsink remains parallel to the top
of the CPU.

Paul

I finally had time to put the CPU back on the MB. Previously I was
getting "overclocked" messages from the BIOS even though it was
underclocked. Then it would boot normally and run for a while before
freezing up.

Now that the CPU was removed and then reinstalled it doesn't work at
all. When I hit the power button the fans all turn for about three
seconds, and then it shuts off. No beeps, no nothing. It looks to me
like a cooling issue, as if the the heatsink isn't making good contact
or something. Or maybe the chip's completely shot from static or
something from when it was off the MB. What do you think?

wrote:
> I finally had time to put the CPU back on the MB. Previously I was
> getting "overclocked" messages from the BIOS even though it was
> underclocked. Then it would boot normally and run for a while before
> freezing up.
>
> Now that the CPU was removed and then reinstalled it doesn't work at
> all. When I hit the power button the fans all turn for about three
> seconds, and then it shuts off. No beeps, no nothing. It looks to me
> like a cooling issue, as if the the heatsink isn't making good contact
> or something. Or maybe the chip's completely shot from static or
> something from when it was off the MB. What do you think?

The board has CPU overheat protection, so it could be thermal. Did
you get paste on the pins ? Be careful, as you can chip the edges
of the die - that is what those rubber pads are for on the corners,
to help protect the silicon die from chipping on the edges.

Paul

On Thu, 17 Jan 2008 19:12:43 -0500, Paul <> wrote:

> wrote:
>> I finally had time to put the CPU back on the MB. Previously I was
>> getting "overclocked" messages from the BIOS even though it was
>> underclocked. Then it would boot normally and run for a while before
>> freezing up.
>>
>> Now that the CPU was removed and then reinstalled it doesn't work at
>> all. When I hit the power button the fans all turn for about three
>> seconds, and then it shuts off. No beeps, no nothing. It looks to me
>> like a cooling issue, as if the the heatsink isn't making good contact
>> or something. Or maybe the chip's completely shot from static or
>> something from when it was off the MB. What do you think?
>
>The board has CPU overheat protection, so it could be thermal. Did
>you get paste on the pins ? Be careful, as you can chip the edges
>of the die - that is what those rubber pads are for on the corners,
>to help protect the silicon die from chipping on the edges.
>
> Paul

I fixed it. I had ordered a shim from frozenCPU.com to replace the
pads - it serves the same purpose. They sent me six of them. They
looked extremely thin, so I figured you stack them until you get to
the right thickness - why else would they send me six of them? lol -
so I started with two. Turns out just one of them is the perfect
thickness and two of them holds the heatsink off the die. Thank God
for built-in thermal protection. Do all boards have that nowadays?

Anyway the rig has been running stable at the proper clock speed for a
couple of hours now, and no warnings from the bios either. I'll have
to leave it on for 24 hours or so before I declare it fixed.

I can think of two possibilities, at this point, of what could have
been wrong with it:

1) I went to the arctic silver site to see their recommended way to
use the compound. They say do not get any compound anywhere except
the die, especially not on any lands. They explain that although the
grease is nonconductive, over time dust can migrate under there and
contaminate any excess grease and it can begin to get some electrical
properties such as capacitance - and that can cause the CPU to do
eratic things.

Well I bought this board and CPU together from Aberdeeninc, and they
mounted the CPU and heatsink and tested it before they shipped it. It
cost more that way, but I got a guaranteed working mobo and CPU. When
I pulled that heatsink off the CPU I could see that whoever assembled
it had gotten grease all over the place. So I cleaned it all off.
Maybe that was the problem.

2) Heat. When I had this apart I took the fan off the CPU and there
was a lot of dust gunked on the fins. I've seen much worse on
computers that were working fine. But this was a package deal, and
the supplied heatsink was probably just adequate - when completely
clean. So I cleaned the heatsink, and I added another fan to the
case.

Of the two possibilities I think heat is more likely, but I'll never
know for sure, at least not until the dust builds up on the heatsink
again.