Opteron Upgrade not posting

[TheParadigm]

Right. Swapped my Athlon 64 3000+ out for an opteron 180(replacing the TiM with AS5), following advice in another thread, using the optimize defaults, clear cmos, swap processors, optimize, reboot. I wasn't able to uninstall the acpi uniprocessor, because the uninstall button was greyed out. It did, however, update to multiprocessor after a reboot.

 

The problem is, it windows BsoDs(Irlq_not_less_or_equal) now that I did the 'you've changed your hardware' restart. Windows does, however, boot. Sometimes it crashes right after the welcome screen, sometimes after programs start loading. Occassionally, i get several moments to do stuff before it dies. Safe mode is slightly more reliable, but still suffers.

 

I'm thinking overheating might be a problem(as5 has a break-in period), or perhaps a bios update is in order. Some googling suggested the new opteron wasn't getting enough juice(I think my power supply is sufficient. maybe a bios setting?)

 

I'm open to suggestions now, because I'd rather not have to reinstall windows.

 

update: more BSoD errors

Stop: c0000135(Could not locate component) vct3216.dll was not found

[red930]

Bios is fine. Power supply should be plenty.

 

Have you memtested to make sure the timings are working with the processor. I'd say 10 passes of tests #5 and #8. When that passes, you can run all the tests for several hours. Don't be afraid to put in some of timings in manually (I wrote down all of my settings that were stable - not ultra tweaked - and those worked fine for me). Good luck.

 

FYI...switch from opty 144 to opty 180 with 4 gigs (and rest of hardware in sig)

 

EDIT: Wait, it's not posting? How are you getting it to get to windows? What part of the process does it get stuck at? POST is pretty early on.

 

EDIT2: AS5 may have a little 'break-in' period, but it doesn't affect your temperature more than a couple degrees. The stock opteron heatsinks are pretty good, so, unless you've got horrible airflow, or some problem with it properly seated on the processor, it shouldn't be overheating. It doesn't seem like your processor will be under full load when it's starting windows. Who knows? What are temperatures like in BIOS?

[wevsspot]

Good suggestions C_N

 

My first experience with a DFI NF4 board and upgrade from single core to dual core AMD processor indicated further tweaking of my memory settings was needed in order to get the rig stable.

 

Failing Memtest would confirm the same for you Paradigm. And even though the 6/23 BIOS was the first official release to support dual core processors, I'd consider putting the 3000 back in and flashing to 07/04-2bta or possibly 04/06 official.

[TheParadigm]

I think i misused the term post. BSOD after appears while windows is loading itself. sometimes before the windows welcome screen, sometimes after, sometime with it spouting errors about registry backup.

 

After massive restarting, I put the problem down to windows, got a new hard drive, and am now in the process of transfering files. (I needed a new one anyway. I'm pushing my luck on eight year old maxtors)

 

Rig appears stable. Hasn't crashed once since new os, running optimized defaults, and the new bios(2006/03/29). Smartguardian puts the CPU temp @ 53C. Only complaint I have right now is the onboard audio isn't working(drivers, likely), but its minor because the discount compusa liquidation soundblaster works fine.

 

Thanks for the advice. If you don't mind, I've some more questions.

 

Smartguardian(v2.03) shows that DDRVTT at 1.16v, displayed red. I know that red is bad, but I don't know what to do about it.

I'm a complete noob with the bios. I mean, I know how to change the clock and boot sequence, but I stay away from stuff beyond that. Are there any settings I should be paying attention to, or making work a certain way? (like the ram timings Nate mentioned). Right now its 'load optimized, hope it works'.

Stability testing. I've heard programs such as memtest, prime95, 3dmark and cpuz mentioned, but never really used them. What should I be doing to make sure that everything is running properly?

[red930]

The links in my signature are very, very helpful. Read the RAM guide by Sharp. Very explanatory. The overclocking guide also contains tons of useful information.

 

Memtest86+ is built into BIOS. It is very useful in determining if your RAM is faulty, or your timings are off.

 

You can use dual instances of prime95 (do a search and you'll find how to do that), run two instances of SP2004 (they allow you to choose which core to run the test on) or run Orthos. I use SP2004 and/or prime95.

 

cpuz tells you useful information about your computer (basic memory timings you have running, CPU speed, etc).

 

The 3dmark programs ('01, '03, '05, '06) can be used as added verification for stability, as they stress both CPU and graphics at the same time. They are rather large programs, and if you do not have a fast internet connection, they can take a very long time to download.

 

EDIT: Normally, I'd refer you to the SSDB (stock speed database) for a general idea for what memory timings to recommend. However, I do not see your specific memory in any of the entries, nor do I know of which chips are in them.

[wevsspot]

Smartguardian(v2.03) shows that DDRVTT at 1.16v, displayed red. I know that red is bad, but I don't know what to do about it.

 

DDR VTT is the DRAM Termination Terminal Voltage and would usually be set at half of the actual VDIMM voltage. Likely reported in red because your VDIMM is set somewhere between 2.6 and 2.8 volts. Just take whatever VDIMM voltage is set in BIOS and divide it by two and that would give you your approximate DDR VTT voltage setting.

 

Most likely the best starting place for you here is to post up all of your BIOS settings using the Socket939 OCDB template so everyone can see where you are currently at. I've attached a copy for your convenience. Just replace the current values with the actual values of yours.

 

You can run Memtest directly from your BIOS. Start it up and let it run ten passes of tests #5 and #8, if those pass then re-run it overnight and make sure the entire series of tests will pass for an extended run.

 

Dual Prime95, Orthos, OCCT and the 3DMark series can all be downloaded from sources on the internet. They are pretty much self explanatory once you get them downloaded and installed.