Originally posted by: chizow
Originally posted by: Crabat
I´ve been searching around on this forum and read alot but i´m still confused, the thing is I have a Athlon XP 2600+ (333 MHz FSB) but it only runs at 2000+ and not 2600+, the bios I have is 1001.G, I checked this at asus homepage bios and the cpu support, for a 2600+ they refer to bios 1001.C but they ad that if the motherboard BIOS version number is greater than the BIOS version listed at the homepage, then one will not need to flash the BIOS. They reffer to 1001.C and I have 1001.G but I dont get the full capacity out of my processor...... my memory is running at 200mhz, ok all info is very welcome!
You're correct that your problems are tied to the BIOS. The 1001.G BIOS was the shipping BIOS @ the time I bought my first A7N8X, and is probably the worst BIOS released for this board. Go to Asus' site and download BIOS 1002.A or 1003 (make sure you get the 1003 version that matches your board revision) and flash your BIOS. You can do this by using the AWDFlash utility or by using AsusUpdate. I've found AsusUpdate to be quite simple, and is my preferred method. I've left instructions in this thread somewhere on how to flash using AsusUpdate.
The problem is that your FSB is running at only 133MHz (266MHz DDR). The 1001.G BIOS is not properly recognizing your CPU and therefore, isn't properly adjusting your FSB to 166MHz. 166MHz x 12.5=2083MHz (2600+ speeds), so 133MHz x 12.5=1663MHz, which is about right for an XP2000+. Once you've flashed to a newer BIOS, it should recognize your CPU's settings properly. If not, go into the BIOS options and manually adjust the settings to 166MHz FSB, set memory frequency to "sync" or 100% (assuming you have PC2700 RAM), and then save and save and exit. Once you reboot you should be running at 166MHz. If it doesn't, we can try some other things.
Chiz
Edit: The reason for upgrading your BIOS before making changes is because the 1001.G does not like ANY changes to the BIOS regarding FSB and multipliers, so there is a good chance your board will lock (requiring a CMOS reset or cold boot) or will default to 100MHz. These issues were fixed beginning with 1001.E, but 1002.A and 1003 are the best available IMO.