i recently bought an athlon xp 1.8 but the readings in "my computer" say its only 1.15 gghz? Why is this so? Could this be in the bios settings?

1.15 GHz is probably the default setting for your CPU.
To change it to the correct speed, you have to get into CMOS setup.
The method for changing it is in your motherboard's manual.

The XP 1.8 runs at a true 1.53 and that is the number that should show in My Computer
Check the Multiplier settings in your Bios also the speed settings on the mother board

One or both are set wrong

I agree with Rick. Check your BIOS for the bus speed setting. It looks like yours is set for 100 MHz instead of 133 MHz.

ok now im getting somewhere ... i checked and it sai:

100/100
and i had the option to make it:

133/100 or vice versa (100/133). which one is it?

your help is much appreciated!

okay here's what happened:

set the CPU speed to 133/133mhz ...

caused CPU frequency to become 133 and DRAM frequency to also be 133.

When I boot, it shows Athlon XP 1800+ instead ofthe usual 1.51 Ghz.

However, when i right click my computer or check EAsy info, computer reads 1.523 Ghz on an Athlon XP 1800+.

Are these values correct? Or am I just paranoid? I'm thinking my 1800 machine is only running at 1.5Ghz

1.53 GHz is the correct speed for the Athlon XP 1800+.
You're in good shape now.

Your in good shape provided your RAM supports the 133MHz speed. If it is actually 100MHz RAM then you are overclocking it by running it at 133MHz.

Some 100MHz modules run perfectly overclocked to 133, others work but are unstable, and still other simply won't do it at all.

I'd suggest you check the real speed (should be printed on the modules[s]). If it is indeed 100MHz then be alert for program errors and crashes. If they occur, reduce the RAM speed to 100MHz. You probably will never notice the difference :)

If you have DDR type ram...and I suspect you do...it should be 133 Mhz.

nope, im still using SD!!! (im sorry, i feel ashamed). I got a board that supports both SD/DDR. Budget constraints so the DDR can wait. I use 390MB of SD RAM, but I think its PC-133. It was the RAM i used in my former Celeron 600E computer.

In any case, my new conputer sometimes restartd, ehich is soething I expect from an Athlon. I use a Volcano6 to compensate. I saw a VII somewhere but the sheer size appaled me! :) The store dude told me the VI has a faster spin rate but the VII has better heat sinks. Apparently, someone who bought a VII had a bad incident of the fan falling off because it was too heavy... is this an urban legend or he ust didnt attach it well enough? :confused:

All of your inputs are greatly appreciated!