Silicon Chip Online - Computer Tips

AMD 1GHz Processor Runs At The Wrong Speed

I am building the "PC To Die For" as described in the June & July issues of SILICON CHIP and I have an AMD A1000AMT3C (1GHz) processor and an Asus A7V133C Rev 1.05 motherboard with Rev 1005A BIOS.

In jumper-free mode the BIOS is incorrectly reporting a 750MHz processor. I have visited the Asus website and have noted that numerous people are having the same problem but very few suggestions on how to rectify it.

I was wondering if you were aware of this problem and/or any remedies. I am loathe to tackle the jumper settings as I do not know the FSB (front side bus) frequency, multiplier and core voltage settings for this processor. (N. E.)

Your 1GHz Athlon processor has a 266MHz front side bus (FSB), as opposed to the lower-specced version which runs with a 200MHz front side bus

This means that you have to change the "CPU Frequency" setting in the system BIOS from 100MHz to 133MHz. To do that, go to the "Advanced" menu screen in the system BIOS (see page 16 of the July 2001 issue) and change the "Operating Frequency Setting" entry from "Standard" to "User Define". This done, you can then change the "CPU Frequency" from 100MHz to 133MHz. The "CPU Clock Multiplier" setting should be 7.5 (ie, 7.5 x 133 = 1000, or thereabouts).

That’s it – you can let the system auto-detect the Vcore (core voltage) for the processor. You don’t have to play around with jumpers on the motherboard and indeed it’s preferable not to unless you are very experienced.

The reason your system is currently limited to 750MHz is because the Standard setting locks the bus frequency to 100MHz and, in addition, the CPU has its multiplier locked (to 7.5 in this case) – ie, 7.5 x 100 = 750MHz.