Sempron CPU probs, please HELP

[eysikal]

Hey guys,

I recently built a computer for my friend and now I am having some problems. I used really cheap parts, and I think it is coming back to haunt me.

I used an AMD Sempron 2200+ CPU. However, when the computer posts, the CPU is decteced as an "Athlon(tm) MP 900MHz."

This is weird because the CPU is supposed to be a Sempron 2200+ which is rated at 1.5GHz.

I figured this was a BIOS related issue, and so I went to the mobo website (ASrock) to see whether a newer BIOS was available. The website is really bad quality (slow, dead links, etc), but I was able to find a newer BIOS. The site indicated that the Sempron CPUs are recognized with the BIOS version that came loaded on the board. I decided to flash anyway. The flash seemed to work properly, but then when I restarted, it still showed the same BIOS version. I was pissed, but also glad that it didn't result in a bad flash.

I don't know how to fix this problem. I wouldn't think too much of it except for the fact that it REALLY bothers the guy I built this comp for. He can't take it that the CPU is detected at 900MHz. He is ready to buy a new CPU, even though I assured him that the current CPU is plenty fast enough for his needs.

The only other weird thing going on is that out of nowhere, the computer slows to a crawl. This happened after a fresh install of Windows XP Service Pack 2. I checked the CPU usage and it was switching back and forth from about 80% to 100%!! There were no programs running. I checked the progs running in the background, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Upon a restart, everything seemed normal, but my friend says this happens fairly often.

I have no idea how to remedy either of these problems.

I need the expert opinion of you guys. I need an idea as to what could be causing these problems.

Here are the system specs:

AMD Sempron 2200+ link
ASRock "K7Upgrade-880" VIA KT880 Chipset Motherboard
link to specs here
Rosewill 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC-2700 link
Rosewill Value Series Black ATX Mid-Tower Super Case with 350W Power Supply link
Old Geforce MX 32 MB
Hope you guys can help me out...

 

[Nuked Jello]

Unfortunately for that motherboard, you have to set the FSB speed through jumpers not BIOS. Yours are currently at 100MHz, either check the silkscreened settings on the motherboard or find the manual and set the jumpers manually on the motherboard to 166MHz for the Sempron.

Makes sense because 9x100 = 900MHz, 9x166 = 1.5GHz. My Biostar iDEQ 200V was like that ... some of the cheapo VIA chipsets require that you set FSB manually with jumpers.

 

[eysikal]

some of the cheapo VIA chipsets require that you set FSB manually with jumpers.

Ha ha, yeah, that is pretty cheap.

Yours are currently at 100MHz, either check the silkscreened settings on the motherboard or find the manual and set the jumpers manually on the motherboard to 166MHz for the Sempron.

What are "silkscreened" settings?

And thanks a lot for posting, because I think you nailed my prob. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[S1nF1xx]

Ha ha, yeah, that is pretty cheap.



What are "silkscreened" settings?

And thanks a lot for posting, because I think you nailed my prob. I'll let you know how it goes.

It means the settings are written on the mobo itself. You're better off just looking for them on the website or in the manual.

And he's right, you have to manually set the multiplier in the BIOS. That's your problem.

 

[Tigerbiten]

I will also second that the FSB is set wrong.

As for it slowing to a crawl.
What anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware, etc, etc are you running ?
Are all your drivers up to date ?

Luck.........

 

[eysikal]

OK, I was able to get the board to detect the CPU properly. :clap:

In case you were wondering, I did have to go into the case and physically switch the jumpers in order to set the FSB properly.

What a cheap freaking mobo that doesn't even have that as a BIOS setting.

Thanks to all that posted!