Problems with k6-2 cpus

[Milenko]

I've been using amd k6-2 processors for some time now, and I have begun to see a recurring problem with the processors. All of the systems have between 450 and 550 Mhz K6-2 processors. They are all built on SOYO 5EHM mobos. That's about the extent of the similarities (besides windows 98 and 98se). The problem is random fatal exceptions. All of them are in Vxd VMM(01). As I said, they are totally random.

So far my fix has been install a new processor and it stops throwing fatal exceptions. As all you know, RMAs suck, and I kinda doubt that all of these processors are truelly bad. I've encountered 10 or 15 of these systems over the past year or so. The only thing that makes me think they are bad is that once I change the processor, the system magically starts working perfectly. Has anyone had this problem also, or know of a fix? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Machine]

Well...
I just got done building a machine with an AMD K6/2 500...
And blue screens constantly...
I set the ram from Fast To Normal in the bios...

And that fixed it instantly..
Try that see if it fixes it

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[AlienDyne]

I had similar problems some time ago, when were building machines having Soyo 5EHM and AMD K6-2 450-500.
The machines couldn't startup or crashed during Windows installation.
I'd found out the same thing. When I tried one or two different processors, the machine was working fine.

Some things for you to do:

1. Check the correct jumper-settings.
There are 4 versions of that motherboard.
5EHM, v.1.0, v.1.1, v.1.2 and v.1.3.
2. Check the correct cpu-voltage.
There are 2 different voltages.
AMD K6-2 - 2.2V and AMD K6-2 - 2.4V.
3. Get some good cpu-fans. K6 processors need them badly!
4. Check Soyo's site for a newer BIOS version and if so, load it. www.soyo.com.tw
5. Check the memory you're using and it's settings.

Good luck...



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[Spoogy13]

First of all, SOYO sucks.

now that is out of my system, lol.

sounds like to me the cpu is overheating. that is a common thing to see when the cpu over heats, which will damage the cpu.

get a bigger heatsink and/or fan.

i also have had to get a case fan and a slot fan to help keep the amd cpu's cool.

hope this helps.

[protechpc]

I have installed many many AMD processors. The biggest problem that I have found is the processor fan and heat sink. Use a good one, and don't even think about turning the machine on without the heatsink and fan attached correctly. You may want to consider using a heatsink compound as well.

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[bruce24]

I never had heat problems with AMD K6-2's until I started using the 450's and up. The solution on my own machines is to simply open the side of the case. For customers, I use a cooling device from from 2coolpc.com. Looks funny but it works well. The temp on my 550's run at about 130 degrees with the case off and 140 with the case on (during the summer). Winter is no problem - neither is summer when the A/C is on good and cold!

[bruce24]

Forgot to mention.....you're not ah..well.. overclocking the CPU or anything dumb like that are you?

I can't believe how many people overclock their CPU's to get 50-100 xtra mhz out of them when 50-100 makes so little difference anyway. Great way to fry an AMD K6.

[3fingersalute]

I had similar problems w/many a K6/2 and I always noticed that disabling CPU Internal Cache in the BIOS made them operate correctly. I only used this for testing, if it worked, I would replace it with another AMD. I went through quite a few AMD's, but since simply replacing it with an exact replacement fixed it, I don't see how it could be anything but a bad CPU. What do you expect from a processor that costs less than $100.00 ????

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[NeuromancerIV]

We had the oddst set of problems with K6-2's in NB's. The brand new 450-500Mhz machines would randomly give false corrupted reg errors on boot,ran diagnotics, re-installed, updated bios, etc etc etc, found nothing so we removed the reg checker and they've worked fine ever since...go figure.

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