Important : Your dual-core may not have been properly optimized!!!

Never knew that upgrading from single core to X2 (939) would be so difficult.

It is not as easy as taking out your old CPU and putting in the X2 and then boot windows.

This thread is to help upgraders have a smooth transition from single core to X2 (Socket 939).

However, be prepared for BSOD, unbootable windows, might need a clean install and many many hours!!!!

Things to do BEFORE installing X2 CPU
1) Make sure your BIOS can support X2 (may need updating)
2) Backup your important data
3) Ensure you know what you're doing - see AMD guide for CPU/heatsink installation/removal (Guide here)

Things to do when X2 CPU installed
1) Reset your bios on boot-up

2) Install ACPI multiprocessor (windows will still be running the ACPI uniprocessor)
-----Check windows first. Go to Device manager>Computer - should be ACPI multiprocessor (if so, good!!!)
-----If not ACPI multiprocessor, need to install it
-----Some links : Using update driver, Advance way (Difficult! My windows became unbootable!)
-----Alternative : Reinstall windows

3) Install AMD CPU driver (CPU Driver here)

4) Install MS hotfix for dual-core (See this page : Microsoft hotfix KB896256)
----- Alternative link for MS hotfix : KB 896256 (It works!!! Dunno whether it is V4)

5) Install AMD Dual-core Optimiser (after installing the MS hotfix) (Hyperlink same as AMD CPU driver)
-----Alternative : Use Rightmark CPU clock utility (Enable "Synchronize Time-stamp counters (TSCs) of CPU cores" in advance CPU settings)
----- Important : Need to install MS hotfix first then only Optimiser


Facts about installing the above necessary software/drivers
Your dual-core might not be running optimally
Some report of increase performance by 1-5% (true?)
Certain amount of stuttering or random speedups/slowdown in single threaded games

Does not affect Intel CPUs
Does not affect Vista

Affects dual-core AMD CPUs (939 X2 & 939 Opterons) (?? AM2 X2)

Quote regarding ACPI multiprocessor : A lot of performance gains can be unlocked by the dual-core upgrade if the correct HAL is loaded (How true is it for Windows XP?)

Things to remember about 939
We know 939 is obsolete technology.
We know doing all this is easy for some expert.
So, please give helpful info/hint rather that commenting that 939 users should upgrade to C2D/C2Q/AM2

Links to other guides for installing the above software/driver
1) Extreme systems
2) Opterons dual core (Hard|Forum)
_____________________________________________________________________

Anybody who has experience with this is welcome to contribute. Will update this post if new info is available.

The above links are found after googling for info on the net

This post has been edited by kmarc: May 18 2007, 09:32 PM

i just switch to AMD x2 3800+ with dfi nf3-ultra mobo

just that i install fresh windows and now running flawlessly

That's what I thought!!!

I was playing some games while downloading and notice that there was a noticeable lag. Searched the net and found the above links.

After I installed the MS Hotfix, no more lag!!!

___________

Another thing, go to device manager and look under computer.
It should be ACPI multiprocessor and not ACPI uniprocessor!!!

This post has been edited by kmarc: May 5 2007, 01:09 AM

Dont forget about the BIOS..
If u buy the S939 mobo much earlier, especially X2 still not yet available. The preloaded BIOS may not support x2..if it does, no problem with Windows XP since it supports dual core even no extra driver to be installed.. The AMD driver just to improve the use of dual core in x2..

Anyway, i dont think much ppl would upgrade to S939 X2 from single core right now.. S939 processor is so hard to get nowaday in retail market..

This post has been edited by accs_centre: May 5 2007, 01:09 AM

Ahem.... 21 forumers just bought X2 939 in the bulk section!!!

And still more ordering!!

This post has been edited by kmarc: May 5 2007, 01:11 AM

Does it apply to AM2 as well?

---

Added on May 5, 2007, 1:15 amnot worth to pay more for a near obsolete technology

This post has been edited by dattebayo: May 5 2007, 01:15 AM

welp, the price is quite cheap for obsolete technology.
and AM2 performance isn't that great either. i would get conroe if i were to upgrade to DDR2.

btw, back to topic. from what i read, if you install optimizer first, then hotfix, you will end up getting BSODs.

Edit: make sure you get the V4 of the MS hotfix. and u will need genuine win to download from microsoft sites. try googling if you need the direct download links without going pass microsoft verification. just in case you need the file to be redownloaded for backups.

This post has been edited by SpikeTwo: May 5 2007, 01:24 AM

Where is it? Is seems you did caught my attention! I am looking for a minor upgrade for my system even some of you might think sc939 is no more a worth investment! 939 is still good!

Hope to upgrade to AMD X2 s939 der, but no money....

Thx for the info. Will add that in.

I provided an alternative hyperlink for the MS hotfix. Not too sure whether it is V4 but I installed it and so far no problems.

Alternative to Optimizer, you can also use the Rightmark CPU Clock Utility. If you're running that program, you have to enable the "Synchronize Time-Stamp Counters (TSC) of CPU cores" in the advanced CPU settings.

Hi bro, here is a extra link for u guys to refer
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=81429


-pWs-

Thx. Will put it in.

LULz..
not sure bout you guys, but damn, i kept getting bsod's at speed higher than 2.4g orthos stable (suspected to be psu related)
and ms fixes gives me process1_yadda yadda bsod which made things worse
*now running w/o ms fix

**and im not overhauling to a new uber 1337/latest super fast yadda yadda platform with moar monies coz with this x2 upgrade its still enough for my internets and folding activities

This post has been edited by e-jump: May 5 2007, 10:41 AM

nice thread TS.

I'm planning to upgrade my CPU too.. couldn't bear to let go my RM1800 (yesteryear) ATI X800 PRO AGP 8x so stick back to s939.

Just stuffing a lot of RAM into my PC. Now 1.5GB



This post has been edited by Intrigue: May 5 2007, 08:51 AM

Post updated!

Included a guide for CPU + Heatsink installation/removal.

_________________

e-jump - I've tried OC up to 2570 Mhz on mine, so far no problems/BSOD. But I chickened out. Going to wait for my Noctua HSF first.....

__________________

Waaaa.... your X800 so expensive aaa...... My 7800 GS EE was about RM 1600 also la...

Really thinking about upgrading my GC to ATI1950PRO/XT........

P.S. Anybody knows whether dual-core AM2 and opterons are affected also?

This post has been edited by kmarc: May 5 2007, 10:24 AM

I did not experience any problem from upgrade single core opteron 146 to dual core X2 3800+ and even overclocking it up to 2.5GHz flawless.

Looks like Opterons dual core is also affected!

See hyperlink in the 1st post.

I too didn't experience any problems until I started playing single threaded games. There was a noticeable random slow-down or speedups when I was playing games.

Other than that, everything else was ok. Could overclock without any problems too.....

This post has been edited by kmarc: May 5 2007, 11:31 AM

Yes, i can OC no doubt n do orthos up to 2.5g (althouh it fails in less than 8hrs)
but it BSOD'd as soon as SMP folding client starts to fold a WU

It's all very simple actually. Just follow this guide. http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=81429


I've been running my X2 at 2.7ghz daily use for almost a year already. I don't understand y u guys r having so many probs with BSODs, Slowdown speed up during games n such. U hafta remember not to use the silly Cool n Quiet feature too when overclocking. That totally screws things up.

may i know how to check whether my x2 is optimized or not?

it's bcuz i have installed those stuff the other way around i.e. i installed the optimizer first then only the hotfix.. duh, havnt install any games yet..

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

lemme describe a bit on my xp after installing x2 into my system: my system has had BIOS updated to the latest version before i upgraded to x2. after i have installed the x2, my old windows xp's device manager doesnt have the acpi multiprocessor driver for me to be installed. after googling around, i decided to reinstall windows. guess what i have stumbled upon, my FIRST windows reinstallation ended up in MBS Multiprocessor driver which means it's like windows 98 or ME, when you shutdown ur system, in the end it'll hav a msg sayin it's now safe to turn off ur computer and then you gotta manually push the power button of ur casing...

after that i performed reinstallation another time using 'ahem' version of windows, ended up MBS Multiprocessor ALSO!!! but this time the whole system is a bit weird after the installation. atm i was really exhausted and i took some time off. when i returned, i reinstall ori windows again and this time, YES! it's finally ACPI Multiprocessor

i dunno why this happened jus that mayb something's not configured correctly by the windows installation or something else..

Ya, no C&Q if overclocking.

Where to get the guide for changing ACPI uniprocessor to ACPI multiprocessor?

I found it initially but now I don't know where it is.....

But anyway, when I followed the guide to convert to multiprocessor, my windows won't boot!!! Had to do a reinstall....

give me the link please! i been looking for 939 X2 a mighty long time.

wah..everyone that i know here that was using single core s939 now use x2 3800+ wo..spiketwo..ejump...spiketwo im loving ur sig..
me on the other hand is dumping s939 for a c2d system
but im having lot of trouble selling the proc 3000+..
what did u guys do the old single core proc? sell or keep? hope u guys dunt give me competition

Here's 2 links:

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=449741&hl=939
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=446056&hl=939

I bought from elhh82. Reliable nice trader

x2 3800 aint good enough if ur really into gaming high end
well for now, yes
haha...but not tumoro

i have one small thing to say

i'm running a dual core processor - FX-60
and having 2gb ram with x1950pro
but u guys know how much i got for 3dmark06?
merely 3900+ points
hahaha
what the heck eh?

but SupCom, FEAR, FEAR: EP, STALKER all played at max and full with highest res can play really smooth (except for SupCom in large maps where it lags a bit when too many aircrafts)

why eh?
3d mark 06 is CPU dependent in contrast to 3D Mark 05 (graphics)
hahaha

nowadays newer game engines dont really rely much on CPU. There's some exception, but those are normally not in the cup of LYNian coffee, eg the Sims 2 use more CPU than on GPU

aih ?.. me a64 3000+ stock with 2gb ram and x1950pro oso got 3800 for 3dmark06...oc 2.6ghz get 4300...fx60 should smoke 3000+ easily in 3dmark06 bcause its multithreaded..more cores higher score..something is wrong there man

Better than my 7800 GS la. Only scored 3417 (didn't overclock the 7800 GS or CPU):

SM2.0 : 1371
HDR/SM3.0 : 1304
CPU : 1562

Maybe should get a new card? Hmmm....... any new AGPs?....

Do understand my statement..
I refer to whole retail market..e.g.buing from LYP, DigiMall,etc..Not those bulk order importing from oversea.

21 forumers is a lot ?..but if from the view of whole Malaysian community?

This post has been edited by accs_centre: May 6 2007, 09:22 AM

I know la. 939 is dead. AGP is dead.

Just that a lot of people is still holding on to their "dead-end" rig.

Maybe because of financial constraint or they previously spend so much on their 939/AGP rig..... or maybe they are afraid of spending money on a new rig to find out later that it is going to phase out soon... AM2....who knows.....

Anyway, there's a thread for that..... this thread is for those who unfortunately is stuck with 939/AGP.....

^^agree.. i regret myself cause selling off my neo2 platinum just to get pciE.. actually the different cant be seen by our eyes lor.. i mean the gc.. even if still using agp card.. just the speed and bandwidth slow a bit.. still can play game what..

me no money right now, else i already order one x2 3800.. haha..
nice thread here TS..

This post has been edited by NOX: May 6 2007, 01:07 PM

Thx. Never knew that there were many things to do before and after upgrading to dual-core.

Thought I contribute what I have learn recently so that it is easier for other unfortunately-stuck-with-939 forumers when they upgrade to X2......

how come u agp + amd x2?.
mobo support agp and pcie?
faster than 7800gs is x1950pro...and there are also rarer x1950xt, as fast as x1900xtx

who says the X3800 is not good enuf. It can easily be clocked even faster than FX60. It's all about the gfx cards for a high end gaming rig, NOT the CPU.

But for games like supreme commander and COH (RTS games) they say really got difference wor..

I play COH at 2560x1600, all gfx options maxed out n thre's absolutely no lag. Smooth as baby bottoms at about 80FPS. My X2 at 2.7ghz.

SupCom I dunno coz I only played the tutorail so far.

Ur X2 at 2.6ghz enuf lor as long as u can double headshot ppl with ur AWP.

Eh? Don't understand the question...

My mobo is AGP and socket 939. Socket 939 also have AMD X2 e.g. X2 3800+, X2 4200+ and X2 4800+ (highest for socket 939).

I know about the X1950pro and X1950XT for AGP. Nvidia just release a 7950 GT for AGP too!!!

Was tempted to sell off my 7800 GS EE and get one x1950xt but my GC is adequate for current games

Of course la smooth as baby's bottom. You've got 8800 GTX SLI!!!

haha...uncle ian come to the rescue.

days of using x2 system...dont feel any difference yet. lol...maybe i havent played any dual core supported games yet. system shut down is a lil faster that's the most obvious i can see...

Wanna test the power of Dual core easy oni. Open 20 pages of IE, MSN, Yahoom IM, Xfire, run Prime95, n play game while doing all that.

This post has been edited by ianho: May 6 2007, 11:25 PM

So, anybody knows whether it affects upgrading from single-core AM2 to dual-core AM2?

Theorectically, it should right?



This post has been edited by kmarc: May 11 2007, 02:28 PM

There's definitely a difference when you upgrade to dual-core from single-core.

Some of the difference that I've noticed are:
1) Windows boot faster, and you can start doing things earlier instead of waiting for windows to boot all the drivers and applications.
2) Games run smoother, especially if you're running a lot of background apps (esp. P2P)
--- the fps in games is the same but it feels smoother, no more occasional lag due to usage of CPU power by other apps
3) Alt+Tab to windows is noticeably faster (but only in 1-2 seconds)

I can feel the differences as I just upgraded from single-core 2200 Mhz to dual-core 2200Mhz. (with the single-core overclocked to 2442 Mhz!!)

You know what? I think this thread should be kept permanent. And a good place to put is Essential Reviews and Guides

Very nice thread indeed.

but why after i upgraded from single to dual-core, my C&Q can't work anymore ?

Theoretically, Cool N Quiet can be enabled when we are overclocked.

Practically I've tested, and no problem found in 1+ years.
I have 0 lagginess effect when CnQ enabled even during gaming.

almost all X2 user here...
where's Opty Dual Core user

im thinking to upgrade my Opty from 144 to 165@170
anybody want to let go their Opty??

cannot tahan using single core doing photoshop + 3DsMax + multitab Firefox
plus im a heavy gamer myself~

Chow.

enable it in BIOS, then reinstall ur power management software from AMD website.

Wait for Barcelona

oOOoo.. didnt know theres 939s X2 thread here... heh

Btw, i read some tweak and forums abt installation of AMD X2s.

I read that (hardware forums and website) the "MS duo-core hotfix" its meant for laptops/notebooks (power issues).

So, basically the juz need to install "AMD64 X2 drivers" and "AMD dualcores optimiser" only, no need "MS hotfix".

Correct me if im wrong...

Cheers

Hey friends,

How bout rig that's running on Vista? Also need to apply those steps? I agree, this thread should be kept permenant.

Well, the Microsoft hotfix last time was for the dual core AMD Opterons IIRC. I do remember last time when i install the driver for my AMD Opteron 165 where AMD themselves claiming that their Dual Core Optimizer is not for the Opteron series. Only for the X2 series. Therefore, this is where the MS Hotfix for dual core comes in..Well, thats what i learn from AMD forum last time..

I don't think it is only for mobile CPUs. If you read the link on MS hotfix, they state that:
- "Without these updates, computers that are equipped with these power management-capable, mobile, dual-core processors may experience decreased performance or unexpected behavior". I do agree that the grammar is a bit confusing. Does MS mean ONLY computers with ACPI + mobile + dual-core or computers with EITHER ACPI + mobile or ACPI + dual-core.....

- "This hotfix also addresses the following issues on computers that have multiple processors that support processor performance states".



Vista is not affected. Windows XP needs to hotfix as it was not originally designed for multi-core CPUs that supports ACPI performance states..... Quote from MS:

"Windows XP SP2 is required on computers that have multiple CPUs that support ACPI processor performance states. This requirement includes computers that support the following items:
. Multiple physical sockets
. Multiple-core designs
. Multiple logical threads, such as Intel hyper-threading technology
Because Windows XP was not originally designed to support performance states on multiprocessor configurations, changes are required to correctly realize this support on multiprocessor systems. Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes the required changes to the kernel power manager. These changes make sure that Windows XP correctly functions on multiprocessor systems with processor performance states. "

ah sou....so don't need to apply anything on vista is it? not even the dual core optimizer?

I think not as I have not come across any websites that mention this.

So, unanswered question : Does it affect AM2?

i think
AM2 is the suckest CPU but the motherboards rock
ahahaha
the only recommended AM2 cpu is the Santa Ana and the FX-62
the X2 just a downer
ahaha

btw, i got this q la
why my fx-60 rig in my sig got only 3900+ in 3dmark 06 but in games, they run really smooth in full settings like spiderman3, company of heroes, FEAR, Q4 sume
darn

My non-OC rig only got 3416 la.... You only need at minimum of 25 fps for any games to be smooth (although gamers feel it is only smooth at >60 fps). So, if you're getting like 40 fps, then it is as smooth as a rig with a 3dmark06 score of 10k running at 100 fps!

the problem is when i redownload the new driver version of power management software from amd website and install, the new driver still keeps detecting my old type of driver....

BTW my C&Q is enable to on at bios liao...

This post has been edited by Mcrae: May 13 2007, 05:24 AM

Some games really depend heavily on GC rather than CPU...

Why not try Rightmark CPU clock? It can do what C&Q does.

Since I'm overclocking in windows, my bios C&Q is disabled. However, because I'm using RM CPU clock, in windows, the C&Q function is running. I will disable it when I'm overclocking, otherwise, in normal times, it is on.....

Can i ask some question here..

Does an OEM proc of 3800 sc939 must put a thermaltake if i'm changing a proc..

Hope didn't need to put since running out of cash..

If need then hav to borrow from brthr..

If you're not overclocking, then the stock heatsink is adequate.

If you want to overclock, then it is better to buy a third-party heatsink.

Note : Thermaltake is only one of the many choices you can find.....

Urgent help needed here. i've just bought a 3800X2 from ellh and after installing it and booting up windows, on my screen it says Files Needed: the file 'AmdK8.sys on Stuurprogrammadiskette voor AMD-processor is needed. I don't know what it is. I have already installed MSHotfix and Dual Core Optimizer. But the popup requesting for the AmdK8.sys file still exists! I've tried installing the CPU driver but it keeps detecting device driver forever! Someone help me plz as i have already deleted my old cpu driver and am unable to install the new CPU driver.

p/s i've searched for the file online but most websites say that it is a malware or spyware! HELP!

This post has been edited by Akane Soma: May 16 2007, 07:54 PM

I've never encountered this (but I had to reinstall my whole windows!! BSOD!)

Have you reset your bios?

what is the 65NM or 90NM?? i wanna upgrade my cpu to x2 but still search for the cheep price..

90nm
Battle at 90nm : Power Consumption and Performance Compared

This 2 site will slove the mystery

less power being consumed, the chips can create less heat, allowing them to be cooled with smaller, quieter fans, leading to less noise and an overall better computing experience

thats help a bit..thankx for the info..

Hey peeps!, juz to confirm, its this correct?..



I checked, i dont have "Throttle" thingie on my reg, so i created and added, its this way correct?..

Cheers

Looks ok to me. However, you're supposed to disable the new performance state policy behaviour by putting a "0" (Zero) rather than "1"

You can read the microsoft guide again. The following is what they say:

Note : This solution favors performance gains over power savings (when you disable the new performance state policy behaviour). Although benchmark performance scores may improve, battery life could be negatively affected. Accordingly, this kernel policy change may be disabled by a registry key to allow for maximum flexibility. (I guess this is for notebooks, then can put "1")

This post has been edited by kmarc: Jun 2 2007, 08:11 PM

But according quite alot peeps in http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showth...?t=81429&page=2

Saying its "1" to enable mah... "0" kinda defeats the purpose... no?..

Btw, even the peeps there saying that MS making ppl confused abt it.

Anywayz, heres another proof to put "1".
http://www.amdzone.com/modules.php?op=modl...rticle&sid=3964

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. Right-click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager, point to New, and then click Key.
3. Type Throttle for the new key name.
4. Right-click Throttle, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
5. Type PerfEnablePackageIdle for the value name.
6. Right-click PerfEnablePackageIdle, and then click Modify.
7. In the Edit DWORD Value box, type 1. In the Value data box, make sure that Hexadecimal is selected, and then click OK.
8. Quit Registry Editor.

Cheers

i use one too. not sure wat it does tho. cant notice much difference. lol...

I know what you mean. You have to realise that the post was posted by somebody. I'm just following microsofts website's guide:

"7. In the Value data box, type 0. Make sure that Hexadecimal is selected in the Edit DWORD Value dialog box, and then click OK.

Note You can type 1 in the Value data box to enable the new performance state policy behavior."

After I've read many enquiries on this function, I also did notice that many people were confused on whether to set it to 0 or 1.

Ya, it's true that there may not be a difference. I found out about all these guides/hotfixes when I had the speedups/lags. Only after following all those steps did I managed to fix my problems....

Things to do when X2 CPU installed
1) Reset your bios on boot-up

as i'm using a8n mobo...the board will automatically reset BIOS CPU and Memory timings to default...so just plug and skip this option rite??

just start reinstall windows..

Thanks for the guide! My X2 system are running fine and smooth right now! Going to enjoy it for a few next years before doing a major upgrade!

Yup. Don't have to reset the BIOS if it automatically resets for you. Nice feature thought....

Ya lo. I'm thinking of whether my upgraded rig can last another few years. I think not as I want to play DX10 games when it comes out......

i juz upgraded 2 x2 which i bought elhh...works super superb after followin instructions by our bro kmarc juz reset bios settings install hotfix n optimizer...now it works brilliantly..thanx bro.. thanx to all...

I have problem with the driver, after downloaded, i can't install because it is asking me uninstall the old driver of my cpu. If i try uninstall my old cpu driver, it will ask me to restart my comp and after restart it will auto install the driver but not the latest 1. So i keep cannot install the latest driver downloaded from the link that u have posted.

Can any1 help me?

reading all this making me scared... i'm gonna get my x2 n mobo within a week...

ATHLON 64 X2 DUAL 3.0Ghz 6000+
Abit NF-M2S

am i gonna face the same prob?

Which driver are you talking about? From my limited experience, I didn't face such problems.....

New rig or upgrading from single-core to dual-core?

If it is new rig, then the process should be easy.....

it's a new rig...

New rig shouldn't be a problem, especially AM2. This one is for 939, upgrading from single core to X2. Needs some steps to be followed. Correct me if I'm wrong

OIC. I'm not too sure about new rig as my experience with the X2 was from upgrading single-core to dual-core.

However, I think the installation of the newest AMD CPU driver together with the hotfixes and optimiser should apply to all X2. Unless of course, microsoft has updated their windows patches....

he he he~ thx god... dont hav 2 worry anything... thx guys

a very nice thread..
thumbs up..

i might upgrade my athlon3000+ to x2 3600+ or 3800+ soon.. anything i need to take notice off..?

All the details is in the first page. If you're using vista, shouldn't be a problem....

If use XP then need do those things..? Then Vista no need..?

Yup.

Pls note that this is quite old info, maybe there is newer info

just that AMD released a newer version of dual core driver

I see. I checked the link, luckily it is still the same site with the updated driver.

How much can i sell my 3000+ now.. rm 80-100..? coz if can sell at that price means i can get a dual core 360+ already.. XD..

i juz upgraded to the new x2 3800 from 3000+..
my system kept on restarting while i benchmark my system by using 3dmark05 or 06..
when i change to x2, i did not install the hotfix, but it automatically update the driver itself.. after restart, then i can see there's 2 graph on the cpu taskmanager..
already installed the dual core optimizer, but still the same..

do i really need to install the hotfix? afraid it will get worst such as BSOD or OS hang..

Yeah, probably around that much.... you can try your luck in garage sales....

By right, even if you do not install any hotfix or updates, your computer shouldn't restart or BSOD. It must be something else. Did you reset the bios? What vcore is your x2 running at now (and what's the stock vcore)?