k7t266 pro2-a : cpu upgrade to Athlon 2600XP

I've upgraded my cpu from an 1800xp to a 2600xp on the k7t266 pro2-a
motherboard and it only shows a 2000xp at start up. The fsb of the cpu
is 266mz wich matches the motherboard. The multiplier ratio for the
cpu is 16 but the bios only goes to 12.5 on auto setting with 15 as
the highest available. I tried to use 14 and 15 ratios but it kicks
the cpu down to lower settings. MSI cpu support states that this
motherboard supports the Athlon 26ooxp at 266mz fsb. Has anyone been
able to work around this?

 

This is typically what happens when you put a 333 FSB Athlon XP2600+ in
a 266 FSB board. The board will detect the chip as an XP2000 and nothing
you can do will make it detect as a 2600. Check your chip. The part
number should end with a "C". The XP2600+ chips designed for 266 FSB all
end with a "C". If it ends with a "D" it's a 333 FSB chip. I recently
went through this same problem. I ordered a 266 FSB 2600 and they sent
me a 333 FSB chip (ended with a D). Of course, the paperwork all said it
was a 266 chip, but it wasn't. When I called them on the part number,
they took it back and shipped me the correct one. It detected properly
and booted right up as a 2600. I suspect that some less than honest
companies intentionally ship out 333 chips when a XP2600+ 266 is ordered
because the 333 is cheaper. The chips all say XP2600+ on them so few
people will think to check the part number before they install it. The
only way to tell the difference is to look up the part number, pull the
heat sink, and physically check the part number on the chip. They know
most people won't go to the hassle once it's installed.

 

BTW... this was on the same board you have.

 

Don: Thanks for the headsup, I checked the serial number on the CPU
and it ended with a D. I called the supplier and told him he sent me
the wrong CPU. He said he will replace. I hope he gets it right the
second time. Thanks.

 

Don: I received the new cpu and verified that the serial number ended with a 'c'
When I installed it, the motherboard only shows a 2200 mhz cpu and not the
2600 that is installed. Do I need to install the latest bios to get the
motherboard to boot at the right cpu speed.

 

2600 isnt the speed like it is in an intel chip. AMD chips are always
clocked lower...the 2600 represents the equivalent intel processor. AMD had
to do this so the average person wouldt make the mistake you are making
now..
Steve