FragTek
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AMD 64 MOBILE GUIDE
(1) What is a Athlon 64 Desktop Replacement (DTR) CPU?
It's a mobile version of the Athlon 64 desktop processor
(2) Are there different types of Athlon 64 mobile processors?
There are four types (all using the same Socket 754 interface as the desktop Athlon64):
(a) The 1.5v DTR CPUs come in four flavors currently, a 3700+ with a clock speed of 2.4Ghz and 1MB of L2 cache with the CG core, a 3400+ model with a clock speed of 2.2Ghz and 1MB of L2 cache with the CO and CG cores, a 3200+ model with a clock speed of 2.0Ghz and 1MB L2 cache with the improved CG revision core, and a 3000+ model with a clock speed of 1.8Ghz and 1MB L2 cache with the improved CG revision core.
(b) The 1.4v(65w)"mobile" CPUs which are basically just DTR CPUs rated to run at a lower default voltage (although the CG DTR 3200+ will also run at 1.4v with complete stability)
These CPUs come in three flavors, a 3200+ model with a clock speed of 2.0Ghz and 1MB L2 cache with the improved CG revision core,a 3000+ model with a clock speed of 1.8 Ghz and 1MB L2 cache with the improved CG revision core, and a 2800+ model with a clock speed of 1.6Ghz and 1MB L2 cache with the improved CG revision core.
(c) The 1.2v (35w)"true mobile" CPUs. There are two models, a 2800+ model with a clock speed of 1.8Ghz and 512k L2 cache with the improved CG revision core, and a 2700+ model with a clock speed of 1.6Ghz and 512k L2 cache with the improved CG revision core.
(d) The 90nm Oakville core (awaiting more info.)
(3) Is that every mobile CPU available?
According to AMD technical documents it is not. All the CG core processors except for the 1.2v true mobile CPUs appear to be available in the older C0 revision core. To ensure that one is getting a CG core check the processor part number and make sure it ends with either -AR or -AX as shown here:
http://www.amdboard.com/amd64_opn.html
(4) What is the difference between the mobile Athlon 64s and the desktop revision Athlon 64s?
(a) Both CPUs feature a multiplier half lock. In other words, like the desktop chip, the mobile chips' multiplier is locked at a maximum number but unlocked for all lower multipliers down to 4x.
(b) The mobile processors are all, except for the 3400+ DTR, newer CG revision CPUs. Most desktop CPUs remain the older C0 revision. The advantages to the CG revision is that it runs much cooler than the C0 revision chips. Max TDP for the line of C0 revision cores is 89W compared with a max TDP of 81.5W for the CG revision cores. The CG revision of the Athlon 64 also overclocks better than current desktop C0 revision chip. The CG revision CPUs also feature an improved memory controller.
(c) Because the mobile Athon 64 CPUs are not desktop processors even though they can physically fit in the desktop socket, the BIOS of the motherboard you want to use must recognize the microcode. Otherwise the system will either fail to boot (most common problem) or the CPU will lock down to 800mhz (4x mutliplier). One user has claimed to be able to use clockgen to change the multiplier; I am unable to confirm this.
(d) The mobile CPUs lack the Integrated Heatspreader (IHS) common to the desktop processors. This allows better cooling of the CPUs as heatsink contact is directly with the CPU core itself. But as a result of this, the CPUs are "shorter" than their desktop counterparts and heatsink contact is a very real concern. Most backplates, whether included with the motherboard or the ones AMD includes with their retail chips will not work properly - the screw poles aren't deep enough. Only one heatsink setup works properly without modification with the mobile CPUs, the Thermalright SLK-948U Heatsink.
(5) So, I want to go mobile, but which CPU should I choose?
Here are some factors to consider:
(a) The difference between 1MB of L2 cache and 512k of L2 cache at the exact same speed is approximately 5%. What that means is that you would need for example a 2.1Ghz 512k L2 cache Athlon 64 to equal the performance of a 2.0Ghz 1MB L2 cache Athlon 64. So, obviously since all CG cores overclock to the same range, 2.4-2.5Ghz on aircooling, one should prefer a CPU with a full 1MB of L2 cache.
(b) Get a CG core. Simple. They overclock better and run cooler
(c) Given the choice, the obvious CPUs to select are the 3200+ DTR or any of the 1.4v mobile CPUs. These all feature a full 1MB of L2 cache for maximum performance. Please note that the lower the speed the lower the mutliplier of the chip and the higher the HTT/FSB needed to get a succesfully overclock into the 2.4-2.5Ghz range.
(d) Wait, but aren't the 1.4v mobile Athlon 64s much cooler running than the DTR processors? Actually, no they're not. Remember that when AMD rates thermal output they only give the max output for the single top of the food chain CPU. Thus, for the desktop and mobile C0 revision, the highest is a 3400+ at 89W. For the CG revision DTRs the highest is a 3400+ at 81.5W. Now here's where you need to pay attention. The highest CG revision 1.4V mobile CPU is the 3200+ and NOT the 3400+ so the TDP listed of 62W cannot be compared to the other CPUs. In fact, if you compare it to the DTR CPUs and do a little guestimation (don't know if there's a linear relationship between clockspeed and heat) you'll see that these are basically CG DTR CPUs running at 1.4V These are just rebranded DTR CPUs.
(e) But still, shouldn't the 1.4v mobiles overclock higher than the CG DTR?
Yes, since the they need less power at defaults, 1.4v mobiles will allow more voltage headroom, just make sure you are able to provide adequate cooling.
(6) Do I need to run 1:1 memory to achieve peak performance on the Athlon 64? (Applies to AMD 64 Mobiles too)
In real world performance NO, In Benchmarks, MAYBE
Given the Athlon 64 architecture and the integrated memory controller, there is no statistically significant advantage to running memory at a 200 setting versus a 166 setting at, for example, around DDR400 speeds. Even at the 200 setting the memory in an Athlon 64 system is running async. The memory speed is arrived at by using a divisor off the Athlon 64 CPU speed (i.e. a /12 divisor.) Also, unlike the Pentium 4, the Athlon 64 is not bandwidth starved; thus, the difference in memory speeds between DDR400 and DDR 500 is at most 1-2%. This means if you have cas 2 ddr400(BH-5 for example) And you have htt@240(10x240=2400mhz total cpu speed) ddr400 @ 166 (2-2-2-6) you are not going to see much of a performance hit if you use a divider. vs. (10x240=2400mhz total cpu speed) ddr533 at 1:1. (3-4-4-8) because the cas 2 timings will make up for the lower total memory speed.
(7) What motherboards work properly with a mobile Athlon 64?
As of right now, only the below listed motherboards are confirmed to work to varying degrees; with the worst offenders requiring software hacks. Please note that the DTR and Mobile and True Mobile CPUs (the latter two are the "mobile CPUs" referred to in the rest of the paragraph) have different microcode. At the current time the implication of this is not fully known. Upon initial testing, it seems that support for a DTR CPU does not guarantee proper support for mobile CPUs (e.g. the CPU may be properly recognized but multiplier and/or voltage may no longer be modifiable.) On the other hand, support for mobile CPUs seems to indicate full support for the DTR CPUs. Again, these are just initial findings and more compatability testing is needed before this can be confirmed. In the future more motherboards will be added should they be found to be compatible with the mobile Athlon 64 processor.
LEGEND
AGP/PCI lock = working AGP/PCI lock. This allows for maximum overclocking
FID = muliplier control, from 4x to the maximum multiplier of the particular CPU. Useful for those looking to eek out every last drop of performance through high HTT
HTT = hypertransport bus speed is adjustable. Think of this as a frontside bus speed. The processor speed is arrived at by multiplying the HTT by the FID
Vcore = CPU voltage is adjustable
Vdimm = memory voltage is adjustable
LDT = HTT multiplier is adjustable. Different than FID. Sometimes overclocking necessitates that you lower this.
BOARDS THAT WORK WITH AMD64 MOBILES (MAY REQUIRE BIOS UPDATES)
(a) SiS 755/964
ASRock K8S8X [AGP/PCI Lock, FID 4x-Max, HTT adjust, VCore, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v, Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - If your shipping BIOS is 1.50 then the board will boot fine but lock down to a 4x multiplier (800Mhz speed). You'll also get an error and have to go into the BIOS. Discard changes and exit and it should continue the boot cycle. At that point you should already have a Win95/98 boot disk in there with another floppy with the flash program and the latest 1.70 BIOS. If your shipping BIOS is 1.60 you shouldn't have to do anything but if you're running a 1.4v mobile CPU you need to update to the latest 1.70 to allow multiplier control if desired. While the DTR will allow for use of the maximum 1.55v, the voltage remains locked at a maximum of 1.45v for the mobile 1.4v CPUs.
(b) nForce3-250; nForce3-250GB
Asus K8N-E [AGP/PCI Lock, FID 4x-Max, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v] - will boot with the shipping BIOS and runs smooth. A self-adhesive gasket is used on the back-plate to help absorb any vibration. This can easily be removed by gently prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver
Chaintech VNF3-250 Zenith Value Edition [AGP/PCI Lock, FID 4x-Max, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v, Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - will NOT boot with shipping BIOS. What that means is that you have to get *another* DESKTOP CPU and flash to the new BETA 5/7/04 BIOS.
Then swap out the desktop with the mobile chip. At that point the motherboard will boot but the CPU will lock down to a 4x multiplier (800Mhz) To correct this one needs to go into the Frequency/Voltage control menu in the BIOS and enable voltage adjustment and MANUALLY select the proper voltage for the chip. Then, in the same menu select the FID control and manually select the proper multiplier for the chip. Reboot and the problem should be solved.
DFI Lan Party UT nF3 250GB Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v, 62w 3200+ mobile and low pwer true mobiles. All seem to work great. - will boot with the shipping BIOS and runs smooth. You will be able to install windows but there are some cold boot issues with the shipping bios. flash with this bios and this should correct the problem Also makes the vdimm go up to 4.0V with a 3.3 line mod or adjustable pot on your psu.
MSI K8N Neo Platinum [AGP/PCI Lock, FID 4x-Max, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] The board has some SERIOUS quality issues (there are too many problems to list but users are seeing everything from stability issues at stock, inability to get voltage to stay above 1.45v, only parttime working RAM divisors, flakey AGP/PCI locks, to multiplier and voltage settings that won't 'stick') Unfortunately, this is nothing new with MSI boards. What that means is that you may get a board that works fine but it is *much* more likely that you will get a board that is a big POS which will cause you to waste endless hours pulling out your hair trying (and failing) to get the board to work correctly. Until further notice, this motherboard is NOT a good choice to use with mobiles (or any other CPU for that matter.) The motherboard will boot with the shipping BIOS but the CPU will lock down to a 4x multiplier (800Mhz) To correct this one needs to update to the latest BETA bios 1.4b2 Please take note that the backplate is *glued* on, which means it's tough to get off and you need to get it off. Using acetone or heating the adhesive up with a hairdryer should allow the backplate to be easily removed. Be careful and don't use sharp objects as they may damage the board.
Epox 8KDA3(+/J) [AGP/PCI Lock, VCore via vmod, VDimm, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - As manufactured the board WILL NOT work with mobiles. However, it appears this limitation is a result of a very low voltage given to the mobile CPU while retaining the stock multiplier which causes it not to boot. By doing a vmod and giving the CPU the proper rated voltage the board will boot and allow for some tasty overclocking as well. So, unless you know how to properly perform a vmod on this board you can scratch it off the list.
(c) nForce3-150
AOpen AK89 Max [AGP/PCI Lock, FID 4x-Max, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v, Athlon 64 Mobile 1.2v] - the 1.4v mobile will boot. However, the 1.2v mobile will NOT boot with s
hipping BIOS. What that means is that you have to get *another* DESKTOP CPU and flash to the 1.07a BIOS. Then swap out the desktop with the mobile chip. At that point, with both CPU types, the motherboard will boot but the CPU will lock down to a 4x multiplier (800Mhz) and reduced voltage. To correct this one needs to go into the BIOS and enable voltage adjustment and MANUALLY select the proper voltage for the chip. Then, select the FID control and manually select the proper multiplier for the chip. Reboot and the problem should be solved. One reported quirk with the combination involves the HTT resetting after the computer is turned off and then cold booted; it does not appear to be an issue when the system is simply restarted.
Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro [AGP/PCI Lock, VCore, VDimm, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v] - will boot with shipping BIOS. However, HTT adjust is not available in the BIOS, but rather must be selected in Windows using clockgen. Also, no multiplier selection is available. One reported quirk is that voltages above 1.5v don't get saved properly in the BIOS, thus the system cannot be restarted. Rather, a full power off and then reboot is needed at which point the user must reapply the voltage selection.
(d) VIA K8T800/8237
Asus K8V Deluxe [NO AGP/PCI Lock, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v, Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - works fine out of the box. Correct speed and multiplier automatically selected by shipping and latest BIOS.
MSI K8T Neo-FIS2R [NO AGP/PCI Lock, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v] - will not boot initially; user must clear CMOS. System will then boot up with CPU voltage at 1.1v and unidentified speed. User must then go into the BIOS and set CPU voltage to the proper 1.5v and the correct speed is then recognized by the BIOS upon reboot. Must do a clean install of Windows after CPU is used.
(8) I do vmods, does that mean I can use other boards?
It has come to my attention that one board will NOT work as configured from the factory but if you know how to do a voltage mod you can get it working.
(9) Do any Micro ATX motherboards with mobiles?
MSI K8TM-ILSR [Tested with Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - a user claims to have this combination running. Upon booting the CPU will lock down to a 4x multiplier for a speed of 800mhz. However, using ClockGen and CPUID the proper multiplier and voltage can be selected for a perfectly working mobile Athlon 64 setup.
(10) Do any SFF Socket 754 systems work with mobiles?
Shuttle SN85G4 V2 [Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v] - a user claims to have this combination running with a nice healthy overclock to boot. Apparently, a desktop CPU is needed. After booting with a desktop CPU then switch out the CPU with a mobile CPU *without* clearing the CMOS. The setup possibly even involves an AGP/PCI lock as the user is reporting reaching up to 270 HTT. As of now, no other details are known and no other users have reported attempting the combination.
Soltek EQ3801 [Tested with Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - a user claims to have this combination running with a nice healthy overclock to boot. As of now, no other details are known and no other users have reported attempting the combination. Of concern however is proper contact of the heatsink with the mobile CPU.
(1) What is a Athlon 64 Desktop Replacement (DTR) CPU?
It's a mobile version of the Athlon 64 desktop processor
(2) Are there different types of Athlon 64 mobile processors?
There are four types (all using the same Socket 754 interface as the desktop Athlon64):
(a) The 1.5v DTR CPUs come in four flavors currently, a 3700+ with a clock speed of 2.4Ghz and 1MB of L2 cache with the CG core, a 3400+ model with a clock speed of 2.2Ghz and 1MB of L2 cache with the CO and CG cores, a 3200+ model with a clock speed of 2.0Ghz and 1MB L2 cache with the improved CG revision core, and a 3000+ model with a clock speed of 1.8Ghz and 1MB L2 cache with the improved CG revision core.
(b) The 1.4v(65w)"mobile" CPUs which are basically just DTR CPUs rated to run at a lower default voltage (although the CG DTR 3200+ will also run at 1.4v with complete stability)
These CPUs come in three flavors, a 3200+ model with a clock speed of 2.0Ghz and 1MB L2 cache with the improved CG revision core,a 3000+ model with a clock speed of 1.8 Ghz and 1MB L2 cache with the improved CG revision core, and a 2800+ model with a clock speed of 1.6Ghz and 1MB L2 cache with the improved CG revision core.
(c) The 1.2v (35w)"true mobile" CPUs. There are two models, a 2800+ model with a clock speed of 1.8Ghz and 512k L2 cache with the improved CG revision core, and a 2700+ model with a clock speed of 1.6Ghz and 512k L2 cache with the improved CG revision core.
(d) The 90nm Oakville core (awaiting more info.)
(3) Is that every mobile CPU available?
According to AMD technical documents it is not. All the CG core processors except for the 1.2v true mobile CPUs appear to be available in the older C0 revision core. To ensure that one is getting a CG core check the processor part number and make sure it ends with either -AR or -AX as shown here:
http://www.amdboard.com/amd64_opn.html
(4) What is the difference between the mobile Athlon 64s and the desktop revision Athlon 64s?
(a) Both CPUs feature a multiplier half lock. In other words, like the desktop chip, the mobile chips' multiplier is locked at a maximum number but unlocked for all lower multipliers down to 4x.
(b) The mobile processors are all, except for the 3400+ DTR, newer CG revision CPUs. Most desktop CPUs remain the older C0 revision. The advantages to the CG revision is that it runs much cooler than the C0 revision chips. Max TDP for the line of C0 revision cores is 89W compared with a max TDP of 81.5W for the CG revision cores. The CG revision of the Athlon 64 also overclocks better than current desktop C0 revision chip. The CG revision CPUs also feature an improved memory controller.
(c) Because the mobile Athon 64 CPUs are not desktop processors even though they can physically fit in the desktop socket, the BIOS of the motherboard you want to use must recognize the microcode. Otherwise the system will either fail to boot (most common problem) or the CPU will lock down to 800mhz (4x mutliplier). One user has claimed to be able to use clockgen to change the multiplier; I am unable to confirm this.
(d) The mobile CPUs lack the Integrated Heatspreader (IHS) common to the desktop processors. This allows better cooling of the CPUs as heatsink contact is directly with the CPU core itself. But as a result of this, the CPUs are "shorter" than their desktop counterparts and heatsink contact is a very real concern. Most backplates, whether included with the motherboard or the ones AMD includes with their retail chips will not work properly - the screw poles aren't deep enough. Only one heatsink setup works properly without modification with the mobile CPUs, the Thermalright SLK-948U Heatsink.
(5) So, I want to go mobile, but which CPU should I choose?
Here are some factors to consider:
(a) The difference between 1MB of L2 cache and 512k of L2 cache at the exact same speed is approximately 5%. What that means is that you would need for example a 2.1Ghz 512k L2 cache Athlon 64 to equal the performance of a 2.0Ghz 1MB L2 cache Athlon 64. So, obviously since all CG cores overclock to the same range, 2.4-2.5Ghz on aircooling, one should prefer a CPU with a full 1MB of L2 cache.
(b) Get a CG core. Simple. They overclock better and run cooler
(c) Given the choice, the obvious CPUs to select are the 3200+ DTR or any of the 1.4v mobile CPUs. These all feature a full 1MB of L2 cache for maximum performance. Please note that the lower the speed the lower the mutliplier of the chip and the higher the HTT/FSB needed to get a succesfully overclock into the 2.4-2.5Ghz range.
(d) Wait, but aren't the 1.4v mobile Athlon 64s much cooler running than the DTR processors? Actually, no they're not. Remember that when AMD rates thermal output they only give the max output for the single top of the food chain CPU. Thus, for the desktop and mobile C0 revision, the highest is a 3400+ at 89W. For the CG revision DTRs the highest is a 3400+ at 81.5W. Now here's where you need to pay attention. The highest CG revision 1.4V mobile CPU is the 3200+ and NOT the 3400+ so the TDP listed of 62W cannot be compared to the other CPUs. In fact, if you compare it to the DTR CPUs and do a little guestimation (don't know if there's a linear relationship between clockspeed and heat) you'll see that these are basically CG DTR CPUs running at 1.4V These are just rebranded DTR CPUs.
(e) But still, shouldn't the 1.4v mobiles overclock higher than the CG DTR?
Yes, since the they need less power at defaults, 1.4v mobiles will allow more voltage headroom, just make sure you are able to provide adequate cooling.
(6) Do I need to run 1:1 memory to achieve peak performance on the Athlon 64? (Applies to AMD 64 Mobiles too)
In real world performance NO, In Benchmarks, MAYBE
Given the Athlon 64 architecture and the integrated memory controller, there is no statistically significant advantage to running memory at a 200 setting versus a 166 setting at, for example, around DDR400 speeds. Even at the 200 setting the memory in an Athlon 64 system is running async. The memory speed is arrived at by using a divisor off the Athlon 64 CPU speed (i.e. a /12 divisor.) Also, unlike the Pentium 4, the Athlon 64 is not bandwidth starved; thus, the difference in memory speeds between DDR400 and DDR 500 is at most 1-2%. This means if you have cas 2 ddr400(BH-5 for example) And you have htt@240(10x240=2400mhz total cpu speed) ddr400 @ 166 (2-2-2-6) you are not going to see much of a performance hit if you use a divider. vs. (10x240=2400mhz total cpu speed) ddr533 at 1:1. (3-4-4-8) because the cas 2 timings will make up for the lower total memory speed.
(7) What motherboards work properly with a mobile Athlon 64?
As of right now, only the below listed motherboards are confirmed to work to varying degrees; with the worst offenders requiring software hacks. Please note that the DTR and Mobile and True Mobile CPUs (the latter two are the "mobile CPUs" referred to in the rest of the paragraph) have different microcode. At the current time the implication of this is not fully known. Upon initial testing, it seems that support for a DTR CPU does not guarantee proper support for mobile CPUs (e.g. the CPU may be properly recognized but multiplier and/or voltage may no longer be modifiable.) On the other hand, support for mobile CPUs seems to indicate full support for the DTR CPUs. Again, these are just initial findings and more compatability testing is needed before this can be confirmed. In the future more motherboards will be added should they be found to be compatible with the mobile Athlon 64 processor.
LEGEND
AGP/PCI lock = working AGP/PCI lock. This allows for maximum overclocking
FID = muliplier control, from 4x to the maximum multiplier of the particular CPU. Useful for those looking to eek out every last drop of performance through high HTT
HTT = hypertransport bus speed is adjustable. Think of this as a frontside bus speed. The processor speed is arrived at by multiplying the HTT by the FID
Vcore = CPU voltage is adjustable
Vdimm = memory voltage is adjustable
LDT = HTT multiplier is adjustable. Different than FID. Sometimes overclocking necessitates that you lower this.
BOARDS THAT WORK WITH AMD64 MOBILES (MAY REQUIRE BIOS UPDATES)
(a) SiS 755/964
ASRock K8S8X [AGP/PCI Lock, FID 4x-Max, HTT adjust, VCore, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v, Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - If your shipping BIOS is 1.50 then the board will boot fine but lock down to a 4x multiplier (800Mhz speed). You'll also get an error and have to go into the BIOS. Discard changes and exit and it should continue the boot cycle. At that point you should already have a Win95/98 boot disk in there with another floppy with the flash program and the latest 1.70 BIOS. If your shipping BIOS is 1.60 you shouldn't have to do anything but if you're running a 1.4v mobile CPU you need to update to the latest 1.70 to allow multiplier control if desired. While the DTR will allow for use of the maximum 1.55v, the voltage remains locked at a maximum of 1.45v for the mobile 1.4v CPUs.
(b) nForce3-250; nForce3-250GB
Asus K8N-E [AGP/PCI Lock, FID 4x-Max, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v] - will boot with the shipping BIOS and runs smooth. A self-adhesive gasket is used on the back-plate to help absorb any vibration. This can easily be removed by gently prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver
Chaintech VNF3-250 Zenith Value Edition [AGP/PCI Lock, FID 4x-Max, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v, Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - will NOT boot with shipping BIOS. What that means is that you have to get *another* DESKTOP CPU and flash to the new BETA 5/7/04 BIOS.
Then swap out the desktop with the mobile chip. At that point the motherboard will boot but the CPU will lock down to a 4x multiplier (800Mhz) To correct this one needs to go into the Frequency/Voltage control menu in the BIOS and enable voltage adjustment and MANUALLY select the proper voltage for the chip. Then, in the same menu select the FID control and manually select the proper multiplier for the chip. Reboot and the problem should be solved.
DFI Lan Party UT nF3 250GB Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v, 62w 3200+ mobile and low pwer true mobiles. All seem to work great. - will boot with the shipping BIOS and runs smooth. You will be able to install windows but there are some cold boot issues with the shipping bios. flash with this bios and this should correct the problem Also makes the vdimm go up to 4.0V with a 3.3 line mod or adjustable pot on your psu.
MSI K8N Neo Platinum [AGP/PCI Lock, FID 4x-Max, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] The board has some SERIOUS quality issues (there are too many problems to list but users are seeing everything from stability issues at stock, inability to get voltage to stay above 1.45v, only parttime working RAM divisors, flakey AGP/PCI locks, to multiplier and voltage settings that won't 'stick') Unfortunately, this is nothing new with MSI boards. What that means is that you may get a board that works fine but it is *much* more likely that you will get a board that is a big POS which will cause you to waste endless hours pulling out your hair trying (and failing) to get the board to work correctly. Until further notice, this motherboard is NOT a good choice to use with mobiles (or any other CPU for that matter.) The motherboard will boot with the shipping BIOS but the CPU will lock down to a 4x multiplier (800Mhz) To correct this one needs to update to the latest BETA bios 1.4b2 Please take note that the backplate is *glued* on, which means it's tough to get off and you need to get it off. Using acetone or heating the adhesive up with a hairdryer should allow the backplate to be easily removed. Be careful and don't use sharp objects as they may damage the board.
Epox 8KDA3(+/J) [AGP/PCI Lock, VCore via vmod, VDimm, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - As manufactured the board WILL NOT work with mobiles. However, it appears this limitation is a result of a very low voltage given to the mobile CPU while retaining the stock multiplier which causes it not to boot. By doing a vmod and giving the CPU the proper rated voltage the board will boot and allow for some tasty overclocking as well. So, unless you know how to properly perform a vmod on this board you can scratch it off the list.
(c) nForce3-150
AOpen AK89 Max [AGP/PCI Lock, FID 4x-Max, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v, Athlon 64 Mobile 1.2v] - the 1.4v mobile will boot. However, the 1.2v mobile will NOT boot with s
hipping BIOS. What that means is that you have to get *another* DESKTOP CPU and flash to the 1.07a BIOS. Then swap out the desktop with the mobile chip. At that point, with both CPU types, the motherboard will boot but the CPU will lock down to a 4x multiplier (800Mhz) and reduced voltage. To correct this one needs to go into the BIOS and enable voltage adjustment and MANUALLY select the proper voltage for the chip. Then, select the FID control and manually select the proper multiplier for the chip. Reboot and the problem should be solved. One reported quirk with the combination involves the HTT resetting after the computer is turned off and then cold booted; it does not appear to be an issue when the system is simply restarted.
Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro [AGP/PCI Lock, VCore, VDimm, LDT; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v] - will boot with shipping BIOS. However, HTT adjust is not available in the BIOS, but rather must be selected in Windows using clockgen. Also, no multiplier selection is available. One reported quirk is that voltages above 1.5v don't get saved properly in the BIOS, thus the system cannot be restarted. Rather, a full power off and then reboot is needed at which point the user must reapply the voltage selection.
(d) VIA K8T800/8237
Asus K8V Deluxe [NO AGP/PCI Lock, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v, Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - works fine out of the box. Correct speed and multiplier automatically selected by shipping and latest BIOS.
MSI K8T Neo-FIS2R [NO AGP/PCI Lock, HTT Adjust, VCore, VDimm; Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v] - will not boot initially; user must clear CMOS. System will then boot up with CPU voltage at 1.1v and unidentified speed. User must then go into the BIOS and set CPU voltage to the proper 1.5v and the correct speed is then recognized by the BIOS upon reboot. Must do a clean install of Windows after CPU is used.
(8) I do vmods, does that mean I can use other boards?
It has come to my attention that one board will NOT work as configured from the factory but if you know how to do a voltage mod you can get it working.
(9) Do any Micro ATX motherboards with mobiles?
MSI K8TM-ILSR [Tested with Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - a user claims to have this combination running. Upon booting the CPU will lock down to a 4x multiplier for a speed of 800mhz. However, using ClockGen and CPUID the proper multiplier and voltage can be selected for a perfectly working mobile Athlon 64 setup.
(10) Do any SFF Socket 754 systems work with mobiles?
Shuttle SN85G4 V2 [Tested with Athlon 64 DTR 1.5v] - a user claims to have this combination running with a nice healthy overclock to boot. Apparently, a desktop CPU is needed. After booting with a desktop CPU then switch out the CPU with a mobile CPU *without* clearing the CMOS. The setup possibly even involves an AGP/PCI lock as the user is reporting reaching up to 270 HTT. As of now, no other details are known and no other users have reported attempting the combination.
Soltek EQ3801 [Tested with Athlon 64 Mobile 1.4v] - a user claims to have this combination running with a nice healthy overclock to boot. As of now, no other details are known and no other users have reported attempting the combination. Of concern however is proper contact of the heatsink with the mobile CPU.
