AMD Duron Cache Problem

Hi
I have just upgraded from my Pentium 166 to a AMD Duron 750Mhz CPU,Gigabyte GA-71XE4 mainboard and 64mb ram. I was just looking at the startup screen the other day and noticed that my cpu is using L2 64K cache. I noticed when I bought the processor that it had L1-L8 cache markings on it, but I didn`t bother at first. Anyway, I need to know if I can put the cache to 128K and also how to do it.
Also can you explain what is and what does the CPU cache do.
One more thing, my CPU temp sometimes go`s to 71`c
, is that normal? Im very concerned about this that im even underclocking it to 675mhz instead of its normal 750mhz operation.
Thanx Larry

1. RE: AMD Duron Cache Problem
lbyard Mar-10-01 05:21 PM
In response to message 0

That is too hot! The maximum specified die temp (which is probably running hotter than what motherboard the is detecting) for the Duron is 90 deg C. Are you using a heatsink-fan approved for Duron processors and heatsink grease?
The AMD Duron processor features 128kB of on-chip L1 cache memory and 64kB of full-speed, on-chip L2 cache memory. The motherboard chipset interfaces with the 64K L2 cache. See http://abdnet.com/ebook/whatis/cachemem.htm for a definition, etc.
References:
Socket A Athlon and Duron Heatsink Tip: http://duxcw.com/digest/guides/cpu/socketa/heattip.html
Duron Data Sheet: http://www.amd.com/products/cpg/duron/techdocs/pdf/23802.pdf
Socket A AMD Processor and Heatsink Installation Guide : http://www.amd.com/products/cpg/athlon/pdf/23986.pdf
System Cooling Guidelines/Power Supplies and Cases: http://www.amd.com/products/cpg/athlon/pdf/cooling_guide.pdf
Recommended cooling solutions: http://www1.amd.com/products/duron/thermals
Larry

2. RE: AMD Duron Cache Problem
pikachu Mar-10-01 05:33 PM
In response to message 1

Hi
Larry, I am using a heatsink and Ball Bearing Fan that is even recommened by AMD. When i installed it there was a black strip at the bottom. I asked the technician who sold it to me what to do. He said that the heat from the cpu will melt the silicon(black strip) and that was all. The fan i am using is a CoolerMaster. Did i put the heat sink wrong?
Anyways when i said it goes up to 71 that it does, but if i leave it alone it stays at about 62~65`c. The 71`c temp im getting from the gigabyte utility that monitors hardware,etc..
Could that be faulty?The g/byte util i mean.
PLEASE HELP!
THANX

3. RE: AMD Duron Cache Problem
lbyard Mar-10-01 05:49 PM
In response to message 2

Well, I haven't seen the stuff. Usually, when there is something on the bottom of a heat sink it is Teflon, or something like that. And it usually has a thin, plastic protective film, which is pealed-off before attaching the heat sink to the CPU. That was fine for Socket 7 CPUs, but I would not use it on T-Birds or Durons. If it melts as the tech said then it should be pretty much stuck to the CPU. Is it? Thermal grease is probably much better and is pretty much emphatically specified by AMD. That is what I use. The CPU idle temp seems quite high. Larry

4. RE: AMD Duron Cache Problem
pikachu Mar-11-01 12:34 PM
In response to message 3

Hi Larry
OK, i went to coolermasters web site and found out how to install my fan. Apparently the one i got, the black film doesn`t have to be removed, they say the so called" thermal conduction material" will automatically "phase change" when cpu temp goes up to 50~60. I dont know what this means and whether i should let it do its work or interfere. This is what the installation.pdf guide says: <br>
<br> "Interface Material is a kind of high thermal conduction material, which can provide
more contact surface between CPU and cooler, and let the CPU heat (thermal power) more
easier and quicker transfer to cooler.
Currently, most of Cooler Master's coolers are attaching Phase-Change Interface
Material on them. When the CPU surface temperature goes up 50~60 , the Phase-Change
Interface Material will auto melt. During this melting period, the Interface Material will fill
the roughness area between CPU and Cooler. It will generate more contact surface and
area between CPU and Cooler than normal Interface Material.
<br>
PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO!
Should i take the thermal conduction material and replace it Thermal Grease?
Thank You
P.s> The model number of this fan&heatsink is DP5-5G11 and its a coolermaster.

5. RE: AMD Duron Cache Problem
lbyard Mar-11-01 04:07 PM
In response to message 4

Interesting… I would lean towards replacing it all together. Larry
http://www.neoseeker.com/Hardware/Products/DP55G11/DP55G11_reviews.html

6. RE: AMD Duron Cache Problem
pikachu Mar-16-01 08:42 PM
In response to message 5

Hi Larry
OK, i managed to get my cpu temp down but i dont know if its low enough. My current cpe temp is 42`c idle and when processing 44`c,is this the right temperature?
Thank You

10. Duron Temperature
lbyard Mar-17-01 05:25 PM
In response to message 6

108 deg F. That's about what it should be, but cooler temperatures (maybe 2 or 3 deg. C) are possible. How did you do it? Larry

11. RE: Duron Temperature
pikachu Mar-17-01 06:32 PM
In response to message 10

Hi Larry
Well i had a look at the cpu and heatsink and the tech was wrong it didn`t bond to the cpu, i started messing around with it and and found out that when i pushed the heatsink a bit more down on the cpu(while pc is still on) that the temperature dropped from 66 to 41`c in about 2 seconds. When i realeased it it shot straight back up to 65`c. So the clip that holds the cpu to the socket was not pushing down hard enough, so i took a wire hangar and a pair of cutting pliers and cut them into 2 small rods and slit them into the grates of the heatsink and placed the clip on top of them that way it gives the clip more resistance and the clips pulls harder. And thats how i did it.
Anyway thats my problem wrapped up. Thanks Larry, who knows what would of happened if i had just left it like that.
ThanX

12. RE: Duron Temperature
pikachu Mar-17-01 06:33 PM
In response to message 10

Hi Larry
Well i had a look at the cpu and heatsink and the tech was wrong it didn`t bond to the cpu, i started messing around with it and and found out that when i pushed the heatsink a bit more down on the cpu(while pc is still on) that the temperature dropped from 66 to 41`c in about 2 seconds. When i realeased it it shot straight back up to 65`c. So the clip that holds the cpu to the socket was not pushing down hard enough, so i took a wire hangar and a pair of cutting pliers and cut them into 2 small rods and slit them into the grates of the heatsink and placed the clip on top of them that way it gives the clip more resistance and the clips pulls harder. And thats how i did it.
Anyway thats my problem wrapped up. Thanks Larry, who knows what would of happened if i had just left it like that.
ThanX

14. RE: Duron Temperature
pikachu Mar-18-01 07:33 AM
In response to message

Hi
Thanx Deerslayer i`ll look into it.
I also think that soon, its gonna come back and
bite me on the a?s. LOL
==Pikachu==

15. RE: Duron Temperature
deerslayer Mar-18-01 01:52 PM
In response to message

Globalwin wbk 38
is supposed to be one of the best for socket a. loud but very good!

633 Celeron @1055, Abit bx-133, 256 pc 133 @ cas 2-2-3, ATI radeon 64 mb DDR 11 fans and counting!

17. RE: Duron Temperature
lbyard Mar-18-01 03:27 PM
In response to message 15

It it's loud it isn't going in any of my computers. Larry

16. RE: Duron Temperature
lbyard Mar-18-01 03:26 PM
In response to message 12

For the record, one should never apply direct force on the die of an AMD Socket A processor. They break easily. The die is that little rectangular thing in the middle of the CPU; in essence it is the CPU. I would buy a new cooler. Larry

18. RE: Duron Temperature
pikachu Mar-18-01 04:18 PM
In response to message 16

I`ll do that Larry
ThanX

21. RE: AMD Duron Cache Problem
andreadebiase Mar-20-01 04:32 PM
In response to message 0

hi, i have a Duron 700 and runs at 30-35 degrees. I also have a very "normal" heatsink that came with the CPU, has a thermal pad on the bottom. You say u have a 750MHz, well this is more than 700 but 71 degrees is really too much.

22. RE: AMD Duron Cache Problem
lbyard Mar-20-01 07:05 PM
In response to message 21

I haven't completed testing yet, but I have a 1.1 Ghz Athlon T-Bird that is running about 41-44 deg C in idle with the case open. More later. Larry