Help: Biostar MB w/ Athlon XP 2500+ Mobile = crash

**C-speed** · 02-17-2005, 03:54 PM

Hello,
I purchased a Biostar M7NCG400 mb along with an Athlon XP Mobile 2500+ cpu and when it boots up into Windows XP, it will crash/freeze! I can't figure out why... all the bios settings are correct. I've swapped out 5-6 different pieces of RAM and even tried removing devices from the system.

I'm running an Opus 150w PS as well.... If I put another CPU in, ie: Athlon 1600+, it boots and works just fine with the same hardware and ram. If i put the new Athlon 2500+ mobile cpu into another PC, it works fine! So my conclusion is that it must be the Biostart MB causing the crash (freezing) with the 2500+ cpu.

I've tried upgrading the bios on the Biostar as well as underclocking the cpul, but no luck...

I see alot of people on MP3car using this combination... can anyone shed some light? Thanks!

**MatrixPC** · 02-17-2005, 04:21 PM

I don't have the Biostar mobo, so I can't really give you the exact problem/solution.
Did you check the FSB setting for the CPU (voltage) and other regarding to the "un-usuall" CPU?
Maybe some setting that make the combination won't work.
Also, what type of RAM are you using? If you are using onboard video card, make sure the RAM is not DDR400 (PC3200). Cuz the onboard video card/memory don't work with DDR400.

**gizak** · 02-18-2005, 09:53 AM

I currently have the same mb sitting on the desk w/ a mobile 2200. I have a similar problem. Basically I can't get windows xp even installed. As soon as it gets to the part where it's trying to load windows (blue bar going back and forth screen) it will freeze. *Sometimes* I'll make it to the next screen where it will then freeze again.

I've tried 2 different ram types (kingston value ram & corsair extreme xms - both 333mhz) in different slots and had no luck. I also swapped out the cd-rom drive (i was using an old one which I thought may have gone bad).

I might have to try using one of my desktop athlons as you have to see if I get the same result, but after extensive research I've found that many people experience memory/video issues with the board. Since the board uses onboard ram, it's finicky about what it likes. I read that the kingston value ram works fine for many people but I'm still leaning toward the motherboard being too picky on it.

If I have time tonight, I'll try a few last things and if it doesn't work I'm gonna RMA it back to Newegg (thank god I bought it from them!). If that's the case, does anybody have some suggestions on other micro-atx motherboards that support the amd mobile chips well as well as being able to underclock/undervolt them?? (yes I did a search and seen the epox & asus ones, but would like some confirmation)

C-speed, let me know if you have any luck and I"ll do the same.

**C-speed** · 02-19-2005, 09:45 PM

gizak: ya, it sounds like you're having the exact same problem as I am... the system works fine with my cheapo ram and an AMD 1600+ XP cpu... it just will not work with any combination of RAM (cheap or other) and the AMD XP 2500+ mobile.

I've even tried a different AMD 2500+ cpu and it does the same thing. However, if i put the cpu in a Shuttle system or any desktop system, it works fine!

I read that the cpu needs to have the voltage and FSB, etc settings perfect, so i'll play with those and see what i come with.

Let me know what you find.

**mpfjr** · 02-19-2005, 10:01 PM

Running same mobo and cpu with zero problems. look under Newbie forum and under shopping list thread for my components.

**C-speed** · 02-20-2005, 05:56 AM

gizak: figured it out tonight! The cpu and MB are VERY finicky (sp) about the FSB and multiplier settings. With my XP 2500+ mobile, it would not work with the default (detected) settings in the bios.

Once I set the FSB and multiplier, the system booted up and ran stable with no problems whatsoever!

Select EXPERT in the advanced menu, then set the following options (this is for my 2500+ mobile):
Voltage: 1.45
FSB: 166
Multiplier: 11

Good luck!

**gizak** · 02-20-2005, 03:09 PM

omg man, i think it's working...you are my hero. I was so ready to either RMA this thing, or pour my vodka all over it and throw a match on it lol. It's finally finishing the install of XP as we speak...hopefully it makes it all the way through. I'll let ya know if any other problems come up.

btw, I found this site: http://www.thedigerati.us/info/amdcpuchart.html#xpm to find the default settings, but even though I'm running a 2200, I still used your settings, except lowered the voltage to 1.35v. Hey, it's working and it's overclocked by 200ish mhz which is fine by me, at least until I get it in the car lol. I'll run some stress tests on it to make sure it's in tip top shape.

**C-speed** · 02-21-2005, 01:12 AM

Congrats!! Ya, i'm stoked that its working now... I can finally enjoy the carpc haha..

Glad I could help... Enjoy!

**Cheech** · 05-24-2005, 06:34 PM

thread resurrect - I had the same issue with a 2200+ 35w Athlon, and this thread saved my ***

**gizak** · 05-24-2005, 06:42 PM

Glad you managed to find it via searching! FYI: I still havn't touched my bios settings since I set it, and it's still running fine lol - despite it being over 100 degrees outside =) The only problem I'm currently having is I think my BT dongle isn't liking the heat, as I have to unplug and replug it to work with my BT GPS.