unstable XP 3000+ barton

[tyski]

So I just built the system shown my sig and I've been experiencing random shutdowns. I tried running Prime95's small FFT test (the one that just tests the FPU and L2 cache) and it shutdown immediately. My VCore is set to default which according to BIOS is 1.62V. Since this was a little below the default voltage for the barton series of 1.65V, I tried upping it to 1.70V (which BIOS showed it to be actually 1.66V). After increasing the voltage slightly, my computer wouldn't even start to boot Windows.

This confounds me a little since this CPU should be able to handle 1.70V easily with any HSF and increasing voltages typically makes the system more stable (to a certain point of course).

Currently, my CPU temp is 58.5 degC with my Thermalright SK6.

Initially, I thought the problem might be my PSU since I have three cd/dvd drives and two hard drives. But after seeing it die in Prime95 under a CPU only test with no other programs running, I'm beginning to think my CPU is a little whacked.

Any thoughts/ideas?

 

[Mik3y]

y dont u just reset the cmos and keep it that way? unless u plan on overclocking, u shouldnt increase the voltage. though you should technically be able to bring the vcore to 1.65, it could be the psu or even mobo. list the rest of ur specs and we can find out.

 

[PsharkJF]

Run Memtest, if you can.

 

[0roo0roo]

could be psu/ram/mb

 

[mechBgon]

Key words:

and it shutdown immediately

If the system shuts down immediately, odds are >90% that the CPU is overheating. With a Thermalright SK-6, you need to confirm two things:

1) that the heatsink is attached to the CPU socket in the correct direction, and

2) that it is slid AWAY from the solid end of the CPU socket

And of course you need good-quality thermal compound between the CPU and the heatsink, which I'm sure you know already. If you used a shim between the CPU and heatsink, take it out.

Some guy with too much time on his hands went and made a guide that illustrates this stuff, including the Thermalright-specific part: click here

Incidentally, what PSU do you have? How old? For a system like you describe, I'd be starting with a quality brand of 350W unit or higher.

 

[tyski]

Yes, that guy has too much time on his hands.

I have an Antec TruePower 430W which why I can't believe its the PSU. Its only about a year old.

As to the shim, I did put it in there, which incidentally, I'm going to remove right now. And yes, there is plenty of arctic silver between the HS and CPU, which, if that shim sucks, is probably what's keeping the damn thing alive.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: tyski
Yes, that guy has too much time on his hands.

I have an Antec TruePower 430W which why I can't believe its the PSU. Its only about a year old.

As to the shim, I did put it in there, which incidentally, I'm going to remove right now. And yes, there is plenty of arctic silver between the HS and CPU, which, if that shim sucks, is probably what's keeping the damn thing alive.

shims are a waste of money. they do nothing, remove it.

 

[mechBgon]

Nice PSU, I know a guy with two of those Yeah, try with the shim out and see if that improves it.

 

[tyski]

Actually, I mistaked that shim comment with the computer I just built for my parents. The woas of building too many comps, getting them mixed up in my head.

But I may have had the SK-6 HS seated incorrectly. Attempt number two at that.

 

[tyski]

Well, it appears that mechBgon knows what he's talking about and I'm a "stupid-head". Thanks for the tips.

Apparently I had the SK-6 HS seated incorrectly. Although I had it push all the way to the non-screwdriver side of the socket, I think I probaly had it on backwards.

Let this be a lesson, even though you may be excited about shiny new parts, pay attention to what you are doing. Cause you don't want to burn the green stuff that got you the new parts.

Currently, my CPU is running Prime95 at 54.5 degC. A big improvement over idling at 58.5 degC.