CPU, memory, bios problem.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bruce
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Bruce

I have an Athlon XP 1700 CPU with 512 mb of PC 2700 memory that ran at 1.4
mhz just fine until today. That was what was originally installed and that's
what all system settings in Windows XP showed.

Then, I installed a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card and drivers today --
and it works fine. I'm listening to music from it now. No apparent problems.
Also, the computer still starts up fine and all programs are accessible. I'm
able to send this e-mail.

However, this evening, upon returning home, I was confronted with a blue
screen of death that said there was a new CPU. There wasn't. And another
message, upon rebooting, said a secondary IDE cable was not connected. I
doublechecked all connections and they seemed to be okay; that message went
away. But that didn't solve the other problem with the CPU.

Now, according to my bios (Award) as I boot up, I have a simple Athlon CPU
that operates at 1.1 mhz. And my memory is given simply as "200."

I've gone into my bios, which is supposed to detect the proper CPU
automatically but obviously is not. I don't see any settings there that
would allow me to choose an Athlon XP.

I have an IWill XP333-R Ver. 2.1 motherboard which has performed flawlessly.
I have not upgraded the bios; it is the original. This is a no-name brand
computer that is two years old and worked great until now.

Any suggestions on what the problem could be and what I should do about it?
Although I'm able to use my computer, it's not quite as perky as it should
be.

Thanks in advance.
 
I have an Athlon XP 1700 CPU with 512 mb of PC 2700 memory that ran at 1.4
mhz just fine until today. That was what was originally installed and that's
what all system settings in Windows XP showed.

Then, I installed a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card and drivers today --
and it works fine. I'm listening to music from it now. No apparent problems.
Also, the computer still starts up fine and all programs are accessible. I'm
able to send this e-mail.

However, this evening, upon returning home, I was confronted with a blue
screen of death that said there was a new CPU.
Click to expand...

When, exactly?
It is important to know exactly when, exactly what, happens. I will
assume it was previously turned off, then this happened upon power-on,
until informed otherwise.

There wasn't. And another
message, upon rebooting, said a secondary IDE cable was not connected. I
doublechecked all connections and they seemed to be okay; that message went
away. But that didn't solve the other problem with the CPU.
Click to expand...

I'm suspecting that the machine simply failed to POST, and like many
modern motherboards, when it fails to POST, it reverts the BIOS
settings to lower speed... basically an effort by manufacturers to
reduce RMAs.

Now, according to my bios (Award) as I boot up, I have a simple Athlon CPU
that operates at 1.1 mhz. And my memory is given simply as "200."
Click to expand...

That would agree with what I just suggested, that your motherboard has
reverted to 100MHz FSB (& memory) rate.
I've gone into my bios, which is supposed to detect the proper CPU
automatically but obviously is not. I don't see any settings there that
would allow me to choose an Athlon XP.
Click to expand...

Set the FSB rate to 133MHz, save and exit the BIOS. See if it boots
from it's reset, and if it does, then power off the system and see if
it consistently POSTs, boots from "off".
I have an IWill XP333-R Ver. 2.1 motherboard which has performed flawlessly.
I have not upgraded the bios; it is the original. This is a no-name brand
computer that is two years old and worked great until now.

Any suggestions on what the problem could be and what I should do about it?
Although I'm able to use my computer, it's not quite as perky as it should
be.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

First of all, I would remove the sound card and see if system remains
functional as it did prior to introduction of the sound card. Next I
would check voltage readings with a meter, and try the sound card in
another PCI slot.

If your power supply is generic or it's 5V reading is low (or 12V
high) you may need to replace it. You might also examine the
motherboard's larger capacitors for signs of problem: vented,
swollen, leaking, residue, etc.
 
Thanks so much for detailed, helpful reply. You're right: the bios for some
reason had reverted to 100 mhz. I figured out how to change it back to 133,
rebooted, and that did the trick. My system reports an Athlon XP, etc. Also,
I have powered down and powered back up and everything came up fine.

Also -- thanks for the prompt response. I'll sleep better tonight.
 
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