Possible ATI Problem-I have no clue

[h4x0r3d]

I posted this in the Processor Forum as well but if figured that since it has the potential to be a graphics card problem i should post it here also. Thanks

I am having some serious problems figuring out how to get my CPU to operate at the correct speed. So first off here are some system specs:
Asus A7V8X (Bios revision 1011.05)
AMD Athalon 2600 (333)
512 MB PC 2700 DDR Samsung RAM
550 Antec True Power PSU
ATI Radeon 9700 (Cat 2.5 Drivers and DX 9, no VIA Drivers just standard WINXP ones)
80 GB WD HD
80 GB Seagate HD
DVD-ROM
CD-RW
Floppy
4 case fans on blower fan
Standard CPU Heatsink that comes with the AMD processors
Standing Temps:
Case: 38
CPU: 42-45
Now for the problem (sorry for the long post), when i set the CPU speed in the BIOS for 2083 (what i was told that the 2600s should operate at) my computer will pull random restarts. Now most of these occur when i try to go play either openGL games (Jedi Outcast) or Direct 3D games (Warcraft 3, UT2003), however it will crash at random occasionally also. However when i have the CPU set at 1667 there is no problem everthing will run correctly and my system is stable as a rock. Is this a graphics card or a CPU problem? Regardless does anyone have any ideas beacuse i am fresh out at this point.

[ComposMentis]

Your power supply is sufficient so my next guess is your RAM timings. Try relaxing your RAM timings a bit and see if that helps. By the looks of your machine I'll assume you know how to do this in the bios.

[Jonathan]

What is your multiplier and FSB set at? What does the BIOS default to if you don't set those manually?

Vidcard should be okay. You have enough juice for it and the proper drivers. Have you tried doing a reinstallation? It probably won't fix anything, but at least we can rule out a software problem if the problem persists.

- Jerky.

[h4x0r3d]

Multiplier is at 12.5x and the FSB is 166/33 when the CPU speed is at 2083 but im not sure about what those settings are when they are at lower CPU settings. As for the fresh install yah i have tried several of them, i really dont want to do another one unless i have to, if i do i may be tempted to leave the CPU underclocked cause doing those is a pain in the @$$

[Jonathan]

Hmmm... Mobo bios or PCI divider problem?

From the problem described, it sounds like an overclocking problem. If the mobo's bios and/or divider isn't performing properly, all you're doing is just ocing the FSB to 166 which will give you random crashes etc.

No response in the Asus forum about this? You can't be the only one experiencing this problem. (I'd be surprised if you were).

- Jerky.

[ComposMentis]

Tried the ram timings yet? Random reboots are usually power or memory problems. The power obviously isn't an issue with that PSU. This could be memory because your computer is stable at lower fsb speeds.

[h4x0r3d]

What would be appropriate RAM timings.

[JungleMan]

Set the RAM timings to Normal in your BIOS, as opposed to like Fast, Fastest, or Turbo.

[kamikazee]

My be of some help, but disable the reboot on error's and check your logs, should give you an idea. And if I am not mistaken with your video card and the fact that you have DX9 installed and running catalyst 2.5 could be a problem because catalyst 3.0 where written for DX9 specifically. and the just released a new set on the 9th.

[OS-Wiz]

I would update the VIA 4in1s!!!!! What is your CPU temp? Are your voltages ok? Check for newer BIOS flash. And yeah, d/l the Cat. 3.0 drivers. Good Luck

[h4x0r3d]

Ok i have tried the newest Cat 3.0 and those had some problems so i went back to the 2.5s as for the Hyperions well thos just caused a whole other batch of problems. My bios is the newest one Asus has released and it doesnt seem as though thats the cause of this problem beacuse it was occuring before updated that. My RAM timing is set to SPD there is no Turbo or fastest settings. How would one tell if the voltages are ok? They are set to defaluts except fot the AGP voltage. And lastly my temps are at about CPU-38 and Case 24 these are standing temps.

[OS-Wiz]

Originally posted by h4x0r3d
They are set to defaluts except fot the AGP voltage.

Tell us more about the AGP voltage and why its not set at default.

[h4x0r3d]

Beacuse the ATI is a power hungry card and it needs more juice.

[mumin]

how do I change gpu voltage?