Big problem with Dual Core Upgrade

[exorcism]

My complete and detailed system specs are below.

I recently upgraded from an AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8GHz 512KB Winchester CPU to my current AMD Athlon X2 4800+. I have never had any problems with my computer until this upgrade.

However, my computer is crashing all the time now! If I enable Cool'n'Quiet in the bios the computer frequently halts with "Machine Check Exception" and always halts during games. However, with CnQ disabled the computer frequently halts with "Bad Pool Caller" (at any given time, regardless of what I'm doing.)

This is happening all the time now and it is very frustrating! Like I said, I’ve never had problems until this upgrade.

I’m not over clocking, or doing anything unusual (that I’m aware of.)

I’m a bit concerned the power supply isn’t powerful enough to handle this CPU. I can’t seem to find any AMD certifications or recommendations for power supplies. I don’t want to buy anything I don’t absolutely need, and I only have about $100 to spend if I do. However, I really need to get this fixed ASAP.

I also remember in the old days there was a danger of chipping or cracking the core when installing the heatsync. Is that still a problem and should I be concerned that I installed it wrong?

What do you think is wrong with my system, and how can I fix it?

Thanks


OS:
Fresh Install Windows XP Pro SP2, all patches


CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ 2.4GHz 1MB L2/ea.
Stock heatsync (heatpipe version) runs at ~40-45C
Driver:
AMD Processor Driver 1.2.2.2 (actual file version 1.2.2.0)
Windows XP hotfix (files+registry)

Motherboard:
Asus A8V-Deluxe Via K8T800Pro + VT8237 Bios 1017
Driver:
VIA Hyperion Pro 5.07A

Memory:
Corsair VS1GBKIT400 1GB Kit (2x 512MB) DDR400 PC3200 CAS2.5 Value Select Memory Dual Channel Configuration @ 400MHz


Power Supply:
EnerMax Noisetaker 370W EG375P-VE
+3.3V: 27A (89.1w) +5V: 27A (135w) 2x +12V: 18A (216w)/ea.


Video Card:
PNY Verto GeForce 6800GT 256MB GDDR3 AGP 8x idles at ~61c
Driver:
nVidia 81.98

Sound Card:
Creative Labs Sound Blaster 2 ZS
Driver:
Creative Labs 02.08.0004

Wireless Card:
Asus WiFi-G RALink RT2500 PCI
Driver:
RALink 2500 3.1.0.0


Hard Drive:
Maxtor DiamondMax 10 6B300S0 300GB Serial ATA (1.5Gb/s) 7200RPM Hard Drive w/16MB Buffer

DVD-RW:
Pioneer DVR-A08XL Firmware 1.20-B

Floppy Drive:
Standard 1.44MB 3.25"

 

[apache_lives]

My complete and detailed system specs are below.

I recently upgraded from an AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8GHz 512KB Winchester CPU to my current AMD Athlon X2 4800+. I have never had any problems with my computer until this upgrade.

However, my computer is crashing all the time now! If I enable Cool'n'Quiet in the bios the computer frequently halts with "Machine Check Exception" and always halts during games. However, with CnQ disabled the computer frequently halts with "Bad Pool Caller" (at any given time, regardless of what I'm doing.)

This is happening all the time now and it is very frustrating! Like I said, I’ve never had problems until this upgrade.

I’m not over clocking, or doing anything unusual (that I’m aware of.)

I’m a bit concerned the power supply isn’t powerful enough to handle this CPU. I can’t seem to find any AMD certifications or recommendations for power supplies. I don’t want to buy anything I don’t absolutely need, and I only have about $100 to spend if I do. However, I really need to get this fixed ASAP.

I also remember in the old days there was a danger of chipping or cracking the core when installing the heatsync. Is that still a problem and should I be concerned that I installed it wrong?

What do you think is wrong with my system, and how can I fix it?

Thanks


OS:
Fresh Install Windows XP Pro SP2, all patches


CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ 2.4GHz 1MB L2/ea.
Stock heatsync (heatpipe version) runs at ~40-45C
Driver:
AMD Processor Driver 1.2.2.2 (actual file version 1.2.2.0)
Windows XP hotfix (files+registry)

Motherboard:
Asus A8V-Deluxe Via K8T800Pro + VT8237 Bios 1017
Driver:
VIA Hyperion Pro 5.07A

Memory:
Corsair VS1GBKIT400 1GB Kit (2x 512MB) DDR400 PC3200 CAS2.5 Value Select Memory Dual Channel Configuration @ 400MHz


Power Supply:
EnerMax Noisetaker 370W EG375P-VE
+3.3V: 27A (89.1w) +5V: 27A (135w) 2x +12V: 18A (216w)/ea.


Video Card:
PNY Verto GeForce 6800GT 256MB GDDR3 AGP 8x idles at ~61c
Driver:
nVidia 81.98

Sound Card:
Creative Labs Sound Blaster 2 ZS
Driver:
Creative Labs 02.08.0004

Wireless Card:
Asus WiFi-G RALink RT2500 PCI
Driver:
RALink 2500 3.1.0.0


Hard Drive:
Maxtor DiamondMax 10 6B300S0 300GB Serial ATA (1.5Gb/s) 7200RPM Hard Drive w/16MB Buffer

DVD-RW:
Pioneer DVR-A08XL Firmware 1.20-B

Floppy Drive:
Standard 1.44MB 3.25"

Update the bios

 

[exorcism]

I have the latest bios and I have tried many combinations of setting the bios to similar settings as before and resetting it to defaults. Neither makes a difference (other than the C&Q setting mentioned above.)

 

[endyen]

Good call.

 

[easymoney9]

First try raising your Vcore voltage a tenth or two and do the same for for ram. If that doesnt work see if any of your friends also use the same type ram but different manufacture so you can swap out to see if the ram is the problem. I would also check case air flow because your video card is running a pretty high temp at idle. See if the software that came with your video card has a fan speed option. If not download Rivatuner and install it because it has a fan controller built in. A 370 watt power supply is a little light but I would try the other things first before I would replace it.

 

[apache_lives]

I have the latest bios and I have tried many combinations of setting the bios to similar settings as before and resetting it to defaults. Neither makes a difference (other than the C&Q setting mentioned above.)

VIA based board uch, but you said it was working before, have you got your old CPU to verify the board still works fine?

and have you tried to clear cmos (thats what u meant by defaults?)

 

[apache_lives]

First try raising your Vcore voltage a tenth or two and do the same for for ram. If that doesnt work see if any of your friends also use the same type ram but different manufacture so you can swap out to see if the ram is the problem. I would also check case air flow because your video card is running a pretty high temp at idle. See if the software that came with your video card has a fan speed option. If not download Rivatuner and install it because it has a fan controller built in. A 370 watt power supply is a little light but I would try the other things first before I would replace it.

370w PSU that is a little light - that would be the issue

now thats a good call

 

[oh1cook]

I recently upgraded the processor in my ASUS A8V Deluxe motherboard from a 3200 + Winchester to a 3800 X2 Manchester with no problems at all. I have the processor running @ 2.4 GIG. I have a non-stock heatsink(Thermaltake all copper), and everything is stable. I am running the new BETA bios for the motherboard(1018), but also ran the same BIOS you listed (1017) with no issues with the X2 dual-core. I have a good 420 watt power supply, but that does not seem to be the issue. Your temps seem a bit high with no overclocking.

 

[oh1cook]

Send processor back and get a 3800 X2 Manchester. Overclock to 2.4 GIG. The stock cooler should be fine at this speed. Save money to buy a 7800 GS agp graphcis card.

 

[Kanavit]

thats why i stayed away from dual cores. i bought the 1mb A64 4000+ instead, and loving it. why deal with this headache? anyways almost 0% software is utilizing dual core technology, and why should people pay for two cpu in one and only using one most of the time , lol. :lol:

but to try to help your problem, set your memory to 2t timing.

 

[MU_Engineer]

That PSU is a little on the small end for that setup, especially with that video card. I looked at the power calculators and they recommend at lest 350W for that kind of a setup. If 350W is a minimum, most recommend 100W above that.

Your CPU and GPU are running pretty hot. My 4200+ runs at 40-45 C only under 100% load, otherwise it is about 25-28 C. That's with stock clock/Vcore settings and stock AMD chip-in-a-box heatsink. Some PSUs get flaky under high temperatures and near maximum outputs. Maybe you could try to run your computer with the side off and a large box fan pointed at it and see if that helps. Or borrow a friend's 400-450W+ PSU and see if that works too.

 

[Superheat]

I would look at the power supply. You are pushing the limits of your current power supply, the video card you have is power hungry.

Superheat

 

[Caboose-1]

You need a power supply? Check this one out: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103937 I have the same model except its 50 watts less, handles my system just fine. This should handel yours.

 

[exorcism]

Couple of quick responses to a lot of questions I've been asked:

-All the drivers are the latest stable available.

-The bios is the latest available. The CMOS has been cleared and have tried using my bios settings and the defaults. Doesn't make a difference (except the C&Q option above.)

-Temps/Volts:
(With case fully assembled, sides on, etc.)

Idle:
200.26x5.00 1001.28mhz 1.1v
Processor temp: 30C (86F)
"Temp1": 18C (64.4F)
"Temp3": 16C (60.8F)
Vcore: 1.09v
+12v: 11.43v
3.3v: 3.30v
Vcc: 5.01v
5vsb: 4.96v

Load:
(running dnetc on both cores)
200.26x12.00 2403.07mhz 1.4v
Processor temp: 49C (120.2F)
"Temp1": 18C (64.4F)
"Temp3": 31C (87.8F)
Vcore: 1.36v
+12v: 11.31v
3.3v: 3.30v
Vcc: 5.01v
5vsb: 4.93v

According to AMD's tech sheets, the processor is designed to run at 49-65C.

-Most of the parts in this system are not very old.
Video card: Got it when Doom3 came out (little over a year.)
Motherboard/RAM/Old proc: Got when Everquest2 came out (around a year.)
Powersupply: Got when the video card killed my old power supply (was a 250w), around a year.

-The video card has always ran at this temp since I got it. It's actually running a bit hotter now, but I have to clean the dust out of its tiny heatsync every couple of months. (Time to do it again, starting to buzz a lot too.)

-I upgraded to this processor mostly for working in Adobe Premiere and encoding. These programs and more use the dual-core feature and it helps a lot. Every OpenGL game I have and several Direct3D games do as well.

-I have been looking at and considering the Enermax Liberty 500w which is about $105 at zipzoomfly.

-I let Prime95, dnetc, and Hot CPU Test Pro 4 run overnight. None reported errors and there were no crashes.

 

[Grimmy]

If you plan to spend over 100 bucks on a PSU, I'd recommend looking at this PSU, I remembered MMM advised this one. I think its a good deal.

XG Vortec

Output +3.3V@15A, +5V@40A, +12V@37A, -5V@0.6A, -12V@0.6A, +5VSB@2A

 

[RichPLS]

I think an Antec TPII 550 watt for $89 looks better quality than that one... the TPII gives you two rails of 12volt

And the next step up I am making will be to a FSP Epsilon 600 for $130 or a FSP Epsilon 700 for $170
You get 4 rails of 15A each, which can dynamicaly distribute the power so all 60 amps can flow through one rail if needed.

 

[pip_seeker]

It sounds like this error message is quite bad, I ran a google check on it and it appears there's about 30 different things that can cause this error.

Here is one of the links from the search that might help...

http://www.aoaforums.com/forum/crashed/25309-bad_pool_caller.html

 

[gersson]

Did you reinstall windows? If you did, try doing it again.

If still no gains, then try the CPU on another mobo, also with a new windows install. Still have problems? RMA the CPU.

HOWEVER, most likely, if it IS a hardware prob, then its your mobo.

 

[Grimmy]

It sounds like this error message is quite bad, I ran a google check on it and it appears there's about 30 different things that can cause this error.

Here is one of the links from the search that might help...

http://www.aoaforums.com/forum/crashed/25309-bad_pool_caller.html

Wow... it could be the video driver doing that.

Nice find... Pip

Try reinstalling the driver 1st before doing everything.

Edit: errr:

Well, I'm finally getting some answers with this situation. I switched out the graphics Card, and the BAD_POOL_CALLER no longer shows UP! I'm guessing the next step is to get XP installed, and then possibly reinstall the drivers for the graphics card. Otherwise, there is always the 3 year warranty option! So far, this situation seems to be under control! THANKS to all who helped out!!! MUCH APPRECIATED!!!
drphil3001

Ummm.. if he switch out cards, wouldn't that force XP to install new drivers? Unless the error is also connect to another hardware error, reinstall of XP may be the best solution. I guess thats where the other 29 other issues could be related to as well.

 

[ecosoft]

Reading your sys specs and the fact the thing boot, BUT gets flaky indicates to me that your memory MAY be the problem ... run memtest86 and see whatchya get.

 

[BaronMatrix]

I have the latest bios and I have tried many combinations of setting the bios to similar settings as before and resetting it to defaults. Neither makes a difference (other than the C&Q setting mentioned above.)

The problem is -most likely- your KT800, it does not support the 1000MHz that ALL X2s support. Even a bios flash won't increase HTT speeds. But I coul dbe wrong. Go to Asus' or Vias sites and see if KT800 will support the X2.

 

[luminaris]

Good call. I went and located that board at several sites and they don't indicate anything about being able to handle the X2 at all. I know most boards that don't indicate this you can flash the BIOS to correct it but this one, I just don't see it.

That board may not be able to handle it.

 

[Grimmy]

Well for that particular board, it should handle it. I'm not to sure about the 1000mhz HTT speed.

Funny thing, the bios version is 1013 is listed to be used. Not sure how updated they keep that website up, since the latest non beta is 1017.

These are all the AMD CPU's that board:

AMD Opteron 144 (revE4) (Socket939) ALL
1017.002

AMD Opteron 146 (revE4) (Socket939) ALL
1017.002

AMD Opteron 148 (revE4) (Socket939) ALL
1017.002

AMD Opteron 150 (revE4) (Socket939) ALL
1017.002

AMD Opteron 152 (revE4) (Socket939) ALL
1017.002

AMD Opteron 154 (revE4) (Socket939) ALL
1017.002

AMD Opteron Dualcore 165 (revE6) (Socket939) ALL
1017.002

AMD Opteron Dualcore 175 (revE6) (Socket939) ALL
1017.002

Athlon 64 3000+ (CG version) (Socket939) ALL
1009

Athlon 64 3000+ (rev.D) (Socket939) ALL
1007
Earlier BIOS may boot up with single channel memory only
Athlon 64 3000+ (rev.E3) (Socket939) ALL
1011

Athlon 64 3000+ (rev.E6) (Socket939) ALL
1014

Athlon 64 3200+ (CG version) (Socket939) ALL
1009

Athlon 64 3200+ (rev.D) (Socket939) ALL
1007
Earlier BIOS may boot up with single channel memory only
Athlon 64 3200+ (rev.E3) (Socket939) ALL
1011

Athlon 64 3200+ (rev.E4) (Socket939) ALL
1015.002

Athlon 64 3200+ (rev.E6) (Socket939) ALL
1014

Athlon 64 3400+ (CG version) (Socket939) ALL
1009

Athlon 64 3500+ (CG version) (Socket939) ALL
ALL

Athlon 64 3500+ (rev.D) (Socket939) ALL
1007
Earlier BIOS may boot up with single channel memory only
Athlon 64 3500+ (rev.E3) (Socket939) ALL
1011

Athlon 64 3500+ (rev.E4) (Socket939) ALL
1015.002

Athlon 64 3500+ (rev.E6) (Socket939) ALL
1014

Athlon 64 3700+ (rev.E4) (Socket939) ALL
1011

Athlon 64 3700+ (rev.E6) (Socket939) ALL
1015.002

Athlon 64 3800+ (CG version) (Socket939) ALL
ALL

Athlon 64 3800+ (rev.E3) (Socket939) ALL
1011

Athlon 64 3800+ (rev.E6) (Socket939) ALL
1014

Athlon 64 4000+ (CG version) (Socket939) ALL
1007

Athlon 64 4000+ (rev.E4) (Socket939) ALL
1011

Athlon 64 4000+ (rev.E6) (Socket939) ALL
1015.002

Athlon 64 FX-53 (Socket939) ALL
ALL

Athlon 64 FX-55 (CG version) (Socket939) ALL
1007

Athlon 64 FX-55 (rev.E4) (Socket939) ALL
1012

Athlon 64 FX-57 (rev.E4) (Socket939) ALL
1013

Athlon 64 FX-60 (rev.E6) (Socket939) ALL
1017.002

Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 3800+ revE4(Socket939) ALL
1014

Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 3800+ revE6(Socket939) ALL
1014

Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4200+ revE4(Socket939) ALL
1013

Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4200+ revE6(Socket939) ALL
1014

Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4400+ revE6(110W Socket939) ALL
1013

Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4400+ revE6(89W Socket939) ALL
1015.002

Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4600+ revE4(Socket939) ALL
1013

Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4600+ revE6(Socket939) ALL
1014

Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4800+ (Socket939) ALL
1013

Sempron 3000+ (rev.E) (Socket939) ALL
1011

Sempron 3200+ (rev.E) (Socket939) ALL
1011

 

[pengwin]

yah try gettin a new PSU