AMD cpu upgrade issue?

[gridbug]

Hello all! Looking for some good guidance here. Here's my system stats:

-ASUS T2 AE-1 with Windows XP Pro SP2
-480W psu (upgraded from the stock 200W that came with the AE-1)
-Seagate Barracuda ES ST3320620NS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
-CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200)
-AMD Sempron 64 3400+ Palermo 2.0GHz 256KB L2 Cache Socket 754 CPU
-ATI Radeon 9550 8x AGP 256MB Video Card

This current configuration as been running absolutely perfect for a little over a month (it's a new build). No hardware/software errors, solid performance, no real complaints.

Okay, so my goal was/is to swap out the above mentioned AMD 2.0 cpu for a recently bought OEM AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 2.2GHz 512KB L2 Cache Socket 754 CPU hoping for a boost in graphics and overall performance. Made the swap the other night, but when I booted up the PC it went into a constant reboot loop, non stop. Never got any further than the Windows XP splash screen, then click, reboot. Over and over. After much frustration, I took out the new 2.2GHz CPU and replaced the old 2.0GHz and everything booted normally (though I had to reinstall some drivers and submit error reports) which leads me to think that either:

A) the 2.2GHz is somehow defective, or...

B) there was/is a compatibility issue of some sort.

I ran the problem past a coworker who suggested I download and install the most recent driver for the 2.2GHz and then make the switch, but I want to equip myself with as much good info as I can before I endeavor another upgrade attempt.

I'd have thought that since both CPU's are AMD socket 754, the switch would be easy and painless. Is there something else I'm missing?

Hope youse can help a fella out... and thanx!

:)

[azzey]

Put in the Venice and reset the CMOS...

And if it's crashing during the Windows load screen, it might be a problem there. Are you getting a BSOD (even for a split second) at all?

[gridbug]

No BSOD... just keeps taking me to the black screen with the "Start Computer With Normal Settings" etc prompts, after which it keeps restarting. Can't even get in under "Safe Mode".

UPDATE:

On 3/3/07 I took the new CPU out and put the old one back in, restarted, and was able to get back into Windows. Had to reset some drivers etc, but I was back in business. I then got the lastest version of the BIOS, flashed it, downloaded the latest drivers relative to the new CPU, installed them. Put off the second attempt at a switcheroo until last night... same problem again with the constant reboot. Only this time, when I replaced the original CPU, it's still rebooting. :confused: :confused: :confused:

I really don't know what to do about this... any good advice would be very welcomed...

:(

[gridbug]

Put in the Venice and reset the CMOS...

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but by "reset" do you mean physically take out/replace the CMOS battery itself? Everytime I fool around with the CPU and restart I get prompted to set the CMOS info (the time/date). I think the CMOS battery may be going out... if I got a new one and put it in, would that help?

Thanx!

[david eaton]

If you are getting date/time errors, it is a sign that the CMOS battery is failing. I suggest that you change it, after making a note of all settings in the bios.

[gridbug]

If you are getting date/time errors, it is a sign that the CMOS battery is failing. I suggest that you change it, after making a note of all settings in the bios.

Could that also be part of (if not "the") root of the CPU problem as well?

During my initial attempt last week, I did at one point pull the CMOS battery out, then replaced it. It didn't seem to help the situation, but then again if it's failing it probably wouldn't, right?

[jlreich]

Go ahead and replace it. It's worth the few bucks to rule it out as the problem.

When you clear the CMOS make sure you unplug the system from the wall. I usually hit the power button after it is unplugged as well just to make sure to get rid of any stored up power in the capacitors.

[gridbug]

Will do, I'll pick one up asap.

[gridbug]

UPDATE:

Problem solved... turns out the RAM that I was using with the original 2.0GHz CPU wasn't compatible with the 2.2GHz CPU. When my system was tested with unregistered, unbuffered RAM it worked without a hitch.

As far as the Windows not booting properly, it was suggested that I check with Microsoft to see if I'm on their "pirated software" list, which I shouldn't be, so once that's cleared up everything should be back to normal.

Thanx for all your help! :)