Motherboard settings

[macampbell]

I have sucessfully built a few systems, and maybe due to luck they all work. I would like to get some more understanding on how to relate the CPU specs to the m/board settings, they seem to be getting more technical, on some boards you have to set manually CPU frequency, cpu/pci frequency mhz cpu core voltage etc. my recent build on an asus A7V333 I think was a stroke of luck, I chose jumperless settings as the most simple, but on boot up it hung, so I had to change the cmos settings, after three trial settings, it worked, but I am not sure if I am running on the most efficient setting. Its like walking blindfold. A little more knowledge would be appreciated please. Thanks in advance.:eek:

[Beeblequix]

If memory serves, that a7v333 is practically identical in BIOS settings to my olde a7v266-e.

So you want better performance on that board? Well, firstly I really like the jumperless feature on these boards - much friendlier.

Let's start with your memory settings. What are they at now? I was using a PC2100 DIMM in one bank on my board. Instead of setting it up with the "by SPD" (which means something like sensor probe detect but not that), set the numbers to 2-2-2-5 or 143Mhz. That way your memory subsystem will just plain run faster. On the bank interleave, set it at 4 banks, not AUTO. In fact, if there's any good advise for these boards is to not just set things at AUTO. It will actually lower your boot time by a sliver by setting those things manually -- hard drives, cdroms, CPU/Front Side Bus....anything you can. On my a7v266-e I changed the CPU setting from AUTO to manual and lo and behold had an instant 11Mhz increase in speed due to the nature of Asus *slightly* overclocking their boards to begin with.

Depending on what video card you have I'd set the AGP Aperature to 64 meg. I've noticed zero impact above that. What is the AGP Aperature? It's the total amount of SYSTEM memory your video subsystem will commandere UP TO. The old theory went "take your video card memory, times by two and add 16Meg" for the size of the aperature. I think that now we're having 64 & 128 meg cards now that the huge aperature makes less of an impact.

Anyway, don't just use the BIOS that came with the board. Chances are that it's a real early one, and has had a few updates. Go ahead and check www.asus.com.tw and find a newer BIOS. Flashing it is not that hard, and can give you added stability and performance.

I guess I'm just stabbing in the dark here -- why don't you post a few questions and we'll answer them.

cheers,
ß

[AllGamer]

this guy is so new that can't differenciate between Bus speed and CPU frecuency

and you are pumping him with OC RAM info already?

it's like over kill dude :p


macampbell How about telling us what CPU you think you purchased?

and then we tell you what should be

:t

[Beeblequix]

Yeah AG, you're probably right...

...except at least he's managed to assemble several systems "albeit luckily".

I didn't tell him to crank up that fsb, just a few good performance settings. I know I tend to speak above the level of the enlisted crew. ;)

@dm!r@l ßeeßle

[macampbell]

Sorry guys, further info :

AMD Athlon XP2200+
Ram= 256DDR pc2100
Video card= Savage 2000AGP 64mb

The unclear lines are as below
CPU frequency multiple I have it at 17.0 ?
CPU/PCI Frequency (Mhz) set to 110/37 ?
OS2 onboard memory ?
CPU speed is set to manual

I hope this makes my position clearer. Thanks

[Rocketmech]

AMD XP 2200+, (2200 is the PR rating)
Thoroughbred core .13 mics
Stock Settings:
Cpu frequency(internal) = 1800mhz
(133 x 13.5, FSB x Multiplier = CPU Frequency)
CPU frequency multipler = 13.5
Bus frequency (external) = 133 ( x2 =266mhz effective)
CPU/PCI Frequency = 133/33
CPU Vcore = 1.65v
CPU/MEM frequency ratio= 133/133 ,synchronous
256DDR pc2100 = 133mhz (266mhz effective)

OS2 onboard memory? OS2 is an IBM operating system. If your not using it , set to disabled.

JEN jumper setting:
The JumperFree mode allows the CPU settings to be made through the BIOS Setup.
The Manual mode is for using the dipswitches instead.
In the Jumperfree mode set all the SYSCLOCK dipswitches to OFF.
In the Manual mode , set the dipswitches to 133 mhz for stock fsb settings.
After you powerup enter the BIOS Setup and go to the Advanced Menu . If you set your JEN jumper to Jumperfree then you can make changes from this menu .
Set the CPU Speed to" Manual "and use the values above as reference.
Be sure to Save before existing the bios.
Hope this helps.

[macampbell]

Gee Rosketmech Thanks a lot, hope one day I will be able to work these out myself
much appreciated

[macampbell]

Sorry: Rocketmech