How to install the AMD X2 drivers, hotfix, the correct way.

[Garrett]

Am I the only one who gets a BSOD after installing that stuff? :(
-edit- I found out that the "hotfix" is the culprit...

I reversed the driver and hotfix installs and windows boots again...lol

The reason I tried to install them is because Flatout 2 crashed ingame, and it did not crash with my previous cpu, the opteron 146 @ 3ghz

I have installed the AMD dual-core optimizer and the crashes are gone, thank goodness :D

What could be so wrong with that hotfix that it causes my windows xp sp2 install to BSOD... anyone have an opinion on this matter?

[GAR]

Am I the only one who gets a BSOD after installing that stuff? :(
-edit- I found out that the "hotfix" is the culprit...

I reversed the driver and hotfix installs and windows boots again...lol

The reason I tried to install them is because Flatout 2 crashed ingame, and it did not crash with my previous cpu, the opteron 146 @ 3ghz

I have installed the AMD dual-core optimizer and the crashes are gone, thank goodness :D

What could be so wrong with that hotfix that it causes my windows xp sp2 install to BSOD... anyone have an opinion on this matter?

Good to hear you fixed it bud!

[Garrett]

Yeah well... definitely good indeed...
I tried one last time to install that damn hotfix and BAM another BSOD... so I guess it's not gonna work for me :D
At least I'm not experiencing stutters or lag or whatever :)

[GAR]

Yeah well... definitely good indeed...
I tried one last time to install that damn hotfix and BAM another BSOD... so I guess it's not gonna work for me :D
At least I'm not experiencing stutters or lag or whatever :)

If ur not having any problems, then dont worry about the hotfix, ur good to go.

[Kelldore]

Greets,

Ive been looking at this thread for a while, Ive got a new ASUS A8R32-MVP Deluxe Crossfire Mobo and a X2 3800+ AMD, i just got my comp shipped to me, but have not applied the hot fix and the dual core patch, just to double check, i need to turn off CnQ in the bios before applying either one correct? Thanks in advance GAR. :D

[GAR]

Greets,

Ive been looking at this thread for a while, Ive got a new ASUS A8R32-MVP Deluxe Crossfire Mobo and a X2 3800+ AMD, i just got my comp shipped to me, but have not applied the hot fix and the dual core patch, just to double check, i need to turn off CnQ in the bios before applying either one correct? Thanks in advance GAR. :D

Hey, CnQ should be disabled if your going to do any overclocking, if not then it might be usefull to enable it, and your welcome bud!

[Kelldore]

Allrighty i did all the steps mentioned in page one and now i am just waiting to install BF2 and CS source( will post tommorow with results ) to see if everything is going to work fine, just to double check, My AMD driver versions says 1.3.2.0 im assuming thats the correct one?

[NightCrawler™]

Yes...

[keldererik]

Thanks alot, great thread, this hotfixes did it for me :banana:

[GAR]

Thanks alot, great thread, this hotfixes did it for me :banana:

You're welcome!! :woot:

[OCZSpeedJunky]

Hey GAR, I assume since this is a "software" tweak/fix, that it should have the exact same effect with the Dual Core AM2 CPU's correct?? Just making sure, 'cuz when my X2 4800+ gets here tomorrow, after I get everything up and swapped I'll add all the hotfixes and such ya have here. LMK if it should be good to go and I'll put it in. Nice sticky bud. :thumbsup:

[pc131]

You're welcome!! :woot:
hello,

please insure me if i'm doing right:

1) I download & install drivers for AMD X2 processor:

THIS ONE?

"AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core Processor Driver for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 Version (x86 and x64 exe) 1.3.2.16"

2) I install Microsoft HOTFIX for Windows XP to enable proper work of dual-core processors: KB896256

3) I make sure that proper key with DWORD value 1 exists in registry.

4) I make sure that boot.ini contains /usepmtimer statement.

5) I install amd-dual-core-optimizer.

6) REBOOT

I was not fully sure about all this because there are 2 sites on AMD web:

AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core Processor Utilities & Updates
http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_13118,00.html

and

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_9706,00.html
http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_9706,00.html

But i suppose both sites have the same drivers and the same dual-core-optimizers

Can I have Cool'N'Quiet enabled then? I DO NOT overclock.

My hardware:
AM2 X2 3800+
2x1GB GEIL 800MHz
ASUS M2N-E
...
and more

[CannonFodder]

For those who are unable to set ACPI Multiprocessor in the device manager after a single core upgrade you can now use attached tool...

Chr0nicles, a Dutch forum member at www.hardware.info, has created a tool which lets you change the HAL on the fly, something you can't do without reinstalling XP...

:toast:

Did this attachment get lost during the server upgrade?

[crisis]

Has anybody tried this fix?
I get tha error message at every reboot but am leary of this type of fix. Any input woulf help.

[NightCrawler™]

On the Dutch forum where it came from many have used it without issues...

[Jokerl90]

Gar, thanks for the great info!.
Almost a year since your first post and it's still rockin!

[NightCrawler™]

Did this attachment get lost during the server upgrade?
I've uploaded it again.... same post...

[egyteam]

should I apply these steps after installing mobo driver and graphic card driver or just apply these steps before installing anything ?

[CannonFodder]

I've uploaded it again.... same post...

Thanks.

[OCZSpeedJunky]

I actually just did this little fix on my AM2 X2 4800+ and it works fine, no issues. Didn't see a heck of a big performance increase though. Might have to go play a bit and try more benchies :)

OCZ

egyteam: go ahead and do it after installing your other drivers. It will work fine.

[ZL1Killa]

ok so do you do this if you go for overclocking the new am2 amd processors or not? i do not want cool and quiet nor none of that bs. just want to build my setup install xp and the main things i need.

do i need this?

[madcho]

The is a hotfix on xp64 ?

[woicer]

Hello, i have problem with my computer.
Before i start, i want to say: My english SUCKS hard. If you cant read... try :P
(i used translator on some places)

Okay, i play Battlefield 2142. First time i used this computer, it worked fine.
I played the demo and the full version with no problems and high FPS.
But one day was getting self suddenly lows fps so self formats the computer.
I installed battlefield 2142, but whot? still low fps, so i begin to search on the internet to find a answar on my 'low fps' question, and now, im here.
I think the 'low fps' problem is for my dual core processor.
I think my computer will complete BF2142 with no problems:

nVIDIA geforce 7900GTX
and AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4400+
Ram 2048MB

After the formatreingngnrigeinge, i do this:
1. Install drivers for motherboard
2. for graphiccard
3. latest directX
4. for my soundcard

and then, i tried this:

AMD Optimizer
with 2 cores - low fps
with 1 core - low fps

AMD Drivers X2
with 2 cores - low fps
with 1 core - low fps

AMD Optimizer + AMD Driver
with 2 cores - low fps
with 1 core - not good, but okay

I can play on maps there is not any fights, but if i come too the center of the map, or there is fight.. low fps and its hard to play.
I don't know why its so bad. I have a good computer and i have download correct patches etc. Someone know whats the problem can be? I have a swedish computer and a bad english.

thank you

[madcho]

battelfied is writed using foots i think ...

[GAR]

The is a hotfix on xp64 ?

Nope this is only for win32.

[GAR]

This is at @ woicer

reinstall windows man, the fix to everything!!!!!!! but before try reinstalling your drivers to your video card.........go intothe bios and optimize.

[osiris999]

if your talking about your e6600 then your in the wrong thread

[madcho]

if your talking about your e6600 then your in the wrong thread

he talk about his 4400+

[MagicMan]

Hi guys,

I have followed the steps given, which have been very helpful, but it still has not completely sorted my problem and wondering if any of you guys could help me a bit more. I have a dual core AMD X2 4400+ @ FX60 (stable) and i play a lot of UT2004 as its my favorite game, but i have a slight lag while I'm playing (it isn't because of over clocking as it's the same at stock) . I have installed the the MS hot fix and AMD optimizer and they have helped to sort the stuttering a little, but still not smooth with stuttering at certain points. I have tryed everything, including formatting my HDD quite a few times. When i do things in windows everything runs smooth and i also do a lot of video editing and that runs fine as well. Other games like quake 4, HL2, doom3 seem to run ok, but it does feel like doom 3 isn't playing as well as it should, but maybe its just my imagination LOL. My other specs are:-

A8N32-SLi Deluxe
2 gigs of rams
2 x 6600gt ( I'm getting a 8800gtx for Christmas, maybe the stuttering might go away with that )
X-FI sound card
enermax 500w
2 x 160gb maxtor and WD raptor 74gb HDD

My other hardware is fully working and i know there not broken as I've tested them all, i don't know why the patches aren't working for me as the seem to work with a lot of other people :(. I'm starting to think i should go back to single core but i really want to keep my X2. I never had any problems with my pc about 4 weeks ago until i upgraded my CPU. Also all drivers are the latest and i have the newest mobo bios.

Sorry for the long post, but i hope some of you guys could help me if you have any other ideas.

Any help is much appreciated, thanks for your time :) .

[woicer]

This is at @ woicer

Okay, i play Battlefield 2142. First time i used this computer, it worked fine.
I played the demo and the full version with no problems and high FPS.
But one day was getting self suddenly lows fps so self formats the computer.
I installed battlefield 2142, but whot? still low fps, so i begin to search on the internet to find a answar on my 'low fps' question, and now, im here.
I think the 'low fps' problem is for my dual core processor.
I think my computer will complete BF2142 with no problems:
haha, yes its correct
do you know why?

[benne]

I just installed the AMD Dual Core Optimizer - it really works! (I had already done the other steps before - but I did not know about the Optimizer until I read this thread). Games now run much smoother - Thanks!!

JUST ONE THING:

There is a known compatibility issue with the Dual Core Optimizer and older versions of d-tools. When I first installed the Optimizer it put my machine into a restart loop - I noticed it restarted when it would usually load d-tools and checked on their website for info and it turns out they have recently released an update that fixes it. You can install the update from www.daemon-tools.cc/ - I believe the problem actually lies in the SPTD driver supplied with d-tools, a newer version of this driver can be found here http://www.duplexsecure.com/ (should you not want to upgrade d-tools).

If anyone else has this problem and is in the restart loop - just load windows using "the last settings that worked" (or something similar) from the boot menu (F8 at startup). Then just update d-tools and reinstall the optimizer.

Apologies if this has already been mentioned, I didn't have time to read the whole thread - perhaps the issue should be noted in the guide for others that may have the problem.

[Raybo]

I have had zero problems from the get go.

I did DL the MS optimizer but other than that it's clear sailing.

:toast:

[Kakarot_ALX]

Hy guys.
Got my system a few weeks back : x2 3800+,MSI K9NU neo-v,1Gb Kingmax 667,Seagate 160Gb Sata 2.....
And since then nothing but trouble. I have tried the fix ilustrated in the fisrst page but nothing has changed.
I am expierencing problems in Warcraft , Gothic 2,3 and NFSU2 .I am at wits end. Is there any other solution , than maybe the waranty ?

[Raybo]

Hy guys.
Got my system a few weeks back : x2 3800+,MSI K9NU neo-v,1Gb Kingmax 667,Seagate 160Gb Sata 2.....
And since then nothing but trouble. I have tried the fix ilustrated in the fisrst page but nothing has changed.
I am expierencing problems in Warcraft , Gothic 2,3 and NFSU2 .I am at wits end. Is there any other solution , than maybe the waranty ?

What timings on your ram?

:stick:

[Kakarot_ALX]

Everything stock. The timings are 5-5-5-15....... 2T with 1.85 V ( the ram voltage is blocked)
I am realy desperate.

[Mr Dead]

Just installed Vista 32bit Ultimate, so should I installed any of these drivers or not?

[GAR]

Just installed Vista 32bit Ultimate, so should I installed any of these drivers or not?

No, this is only for windows XP.

[Titus]

AMD has released a new version, 1.1.1 of their Dual Core Optimizer utility. The latest version of this utility adds WHQL certification and includes a new 'gaming mode' for 4x4 motherboards...

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_13118,00.html

Edit: how do I run this Optimizer?...do I have to do anything special?...I ran the setup file, rebooted and don't see the program installed anywhere...is it listed in Device Manager?...how can I verify that it is installed and working properly?

[csimon]

AMD has released a new version, 1.1.1 of their Dual Core Optimizer utility. The latest version of this utility adds WHQL certification and includes a new 'gaming mode' for 4x4 motherboards...

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_13118,00.html

Edit: how do I run this Optimizer?...do I have to do anything special?...I ran the setup file, rebooted and don't see the program installed anywhere...is it listed in Device Manager?...how can I verify that it is installed and working properly?

control panel>add remove programs>dual-core optimizer.
It's there but who knows what it does or how/if it works.

[showmanlkz]

Edit: how do I run this Optimizer?...do I have to do anything special?...I ran the setup file, rebooted and don't see the program installed anywhere...is it listed in Device Manager?...how can I verify that it is installed and working properly?

it does install something, you can find a AMD icon and two text files in installation folder.

I assume only in 4X4 system will use that AMD icon? In normal dual core system we dont need to do anything?

[arfett]

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8008/amddriversqq7.th.jpg (http://img216.imageshack.us/my.php?image=amddriversqq7.jpg)

Anyone know why I'm getting this error when I attempt to install the AMD dual core driver?

[ahwai]

look like there new fix from MS , anyone try it ?????

please let us know if u install it and how is it :) :)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=B0FF829D-C427-4F40-BC56-F481837EFFBE#Overview

[RPGWiZaRD]

There's in fact 2 new hotfixes, that one you listed above is some sort of a new patch, didn't impact on speed for me (unsure if there's any noticable difference in any way yet) but this one gave a 1~4% increase depending on application (already had the old hotfix installed):

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=C2AB5A48-8240-4934-BBD8-34FB8A0FCE3B

Overview

Install this update to fix a situation where your Windows-based system that supports processor power management features, and is equipped with multiple processors, may experience decreased performance. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

It's both for Intel and AMD, is replacing the old "WinXPdualcorehotfix.exe" and I've heard it helped some Conroe owners already too.

And here's some "real-world" comparision using PCSX2 PS2 emulator which IMO is the perfect test as this emulator is very CPU dependant in majority of the games (and RAM latency / tight timings matters somewhat too) while gfx card can even be downclocked severly in lots of games without an FPS drop depending on CPU & gfx card combo, thus making it a perfect test for changes that applies to CPU performance:

before
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2318/ff12beforevr1.th.jpg (http://img156.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ff12beforevr1.jpg)

after
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/8979/ff12afterso9.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ff12afterso9.jpg)

(That's from FF12 FYI)

[NightCrawler™]

Interesting..... I've installed that patch and the system seems a lot more responsive....

[ahwai]

There's in fact 2 new hotfixes, that one you listed above is some sort of a new patch, didn't impact on speed for me (unsure if there's any noticable difference in any way yet) but this one gave a 1~4% increase depending on application (already had the old hotfix installed):

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=C2AB5A48-8240-4934-BBD8-34FB8A0FCE3B

Overview

Install this update to fix a situation where your Windows-based system that supports processor power management features, and is equipped with multiple processors, may experience decreased performance. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

It's both for Intel and AMD, is replacing the old "WinXPdualcorehotfix.exe" and I've heard it helped some Conroe owners already too.

And here's some "real-world" comparision using PCSX2 PS2 emulator which IMO is the perfect test as this emulator is very CPU dependant in majority of the games (and RAM latency / tight timings matters somewhat too) while gfx card can even be downclocked severly in lots of games without an FPS drop depending on CPU & gfx card combo, thus making it a perfect test for changes that applies to CPU performance:

before
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2318/ff12beforevr1.th.jpg (http://img156.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ff12beforevr1.jpg)

after
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/8979/ff12afterso9.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ff12afterso9.jpg)

(That's from FF12 FYI)

THX for let me know;) ;)
Mirror download KB896256 All Language
http://downloadmirror.intel.com/df-support/10862/eng/Multiple_Processors_Hotfix.zip

[RPGWiZaRD]

I've been experimenting a little in which order you should install these to get best performance as it seems to vary a bit now with these new patches added. But this works best for me (yes I've even formatted 3 times and reinstalled windows too :p:):

1) AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 (http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/amdcpusetup.exe) / Opteron™ (http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/amdcpusetup.exe) Dual Core Processor Driver (note there's an "Opteron" driver too in Opteron driver section which I usually pick for my Opteron 165 altho I think it doesn't matter if you pick the X2 driver or Opteron as it seems to be the same package)
2) Hotfix KB924441 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=B0FF829D-C427-4F40-BC56-F481837EFFBE#Overview)
3) Hotfix KB896256 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=C2AB5A48-8240-4934-BBD8-34FB8A0FCE3B) (newer version of windows dual core hotfix, it's got same code as the old one and you don't need/shouldn't install that one anymore as this seems to provide slightly better performance even)
4) AMD Dual-Core Optimizer (http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/Setup.exe) (the updated one released in November)

[pcfreak]

THX for let me know;) ;)
Mirror download KB896256 All Language
http://downloadmirror.intel.com/df-support/10862/eng/Multiple_Processors_Hotfix.zip

just downloaded it but it has WindowsXP-KB896256-v3-x86-xxx.exe :(
so use direct link instead

edit: the only option I get is to install it but I need it for a fresh install so can someone host the WindowsXP-KB896256-v4-x86-ENU.exe file?

[jonicadalton]

Installed the latest one just now and it worked fine. I also installed the latest AMD Optimizer prior.

I don't notice a difference but that's just based on my observations and has no scientific basis whatsoever.

[800ster]

I've been experimenting a little in which order you should install these to get best performance as it seems to vary a bit now with these new patches added. But this works best for me (yes I've even formatted 3 times and reinstalled windows too :p:):

1) AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 (http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/amdcpusetup.exe) / Opteron™ (http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/amdcpusetup.exe) Dual Core Processor Driver (note there's an "Opteron" driver too in Opteron driver section which I usually pick for my Opteron 165 altho I think it doesn't matter if you pick the X2 driver or Opteron as it seems to be the same package)
2) Hotfix KB924441 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=B0FF829D-C427-4F40-BC56-F481837EFFBE#Overview)
3) Hotfix KB896256 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=C2AB5A48-8240-4934-BBD8-34FB8A0FCE3B) (newer version of windows dual core hotfix, it's got same code as the old one and you don't need/shouldn't install that one anymore as this seems to provide slightly better performance even)
4) AMD Dual-Core Optimizer (http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/Setup.exe) (the updated one released in November)

From looking at the MS KB articles is seems that KB896256 contains older versions of all the files that are in KB924441. I would have thought it was best to switch (2) & (3)?

KB896256
Date Time Version Size File name
--------------------------------------------------------------
28-Sep-2005 23:35 5.1.2600.2765 134,272 Halmacpi.dll
29-Sep-2005 00:02 5.1.2600.2765 2,136,064 Ntkrnlmp.exe
28-Sep-2005 23:35 5.1.2600.2765 2,057,344 Ntkrnlpa.exe
28-Sep-2005 23:35 5.1.2600.2765 2,015,744 Ntkrpamp.exe
29-Sep-2005 00:04 5.1.2600.2765 2,180,096 Ntoskrnl.exe
28-Sep-2005 23:32 5.1.2600.2765 30,720 Arpidfix.exe

KB924441
File name File version File size Date Time Platform
Ntkrnlmp.exe 5.1.2600.3014 2,137,600 12-Oct-2006 12:26
Ntkrnlpa.exe 5.1.2600.3014 2,059,136 12-Oct-2006 11:45
Ntkrpamp.exe 5.1.2600.3014 2,017,280 12-Oct-2006 11:45
Ntoskrnl.exe 5.1.2600.3014 2,181,888 12-Oct-2006 12:28

So it might be in your case that it works best because you have not in fact applied KB924441?
I shall experiment myself when I have time but anybody else got any feedback on these hotfixes?

[NightCrawler™]

edit: the only option I get is to install it but I need it for a fresh install so can someone host the WindowsXP-KB896256-v4-x86-ENU.exe file?
http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/7/e/f7e5675e-faa7-4a52-bb0c-5a8ba4c2cf02/WindowsXP-KB896256-v4-x86-ENU.exe

[Pedrovsk]

Hey everyone,

Just noticed the release date of the AMD Dual-Core Optimizer is November 2006. Just checked that I downloaded the one I'm using now in August 2006. This November release is smaller than the former.

Should I install it over or uninstall the older one first??

Also - Do I need to follow all of these steps again? I have MS HOTFIX and latest AMD CPU drivers already installed in order. If I change AMD Dual-Core Optimizer I must remove all of them?

Thank you!


From looking at the MS KB articles is seems that KB896256 contains older versions of all the files that are in KB924441. I would have thought it was best to switch (2) & (3)?

KB896256
Date Time Version Size File name
--------------------------------------------------------------
28-Sep-2005 23:35 5.1.2600.2765 134,272 Halmacpi.dll
29-Sep-2005 00:02 5.1.2600.2765 2,136,064 Ntkrnlmp.exe
28-Sep-2005 23:35 5.1.2600.2765 2,057,344 Ntkrnlpa.exe
28-Sep-2005 23:35 5.1.2600.2765 2,015,744 Ntkrpamp.exe
29-Sep-2005 00:04 5.1.2600.2765 2,180,096 Ntoskrnl.exe
28-Sep-2005 23:32 5.1.2600.2765 30,720 Arpidfix.exe

KB924441
File name File version File size Date Time Platform
Ntkrnlmp.exe 5.1.2600.3014 2,137,600 12-Oct-2006 12:26
Ntkrnlpa.exe 5.1.2600.3014 2,059,136 12-Oct-2006 11:45
Ntkrpamp.exe 5.1.2600.3014 2,017,280 12-Oct-2006 11:45
Ntoskrnl.exe 5.1.2600.3014 2,181,888 12-Oct-2006 12:28

So it might be in your case that it works best because you have not in fact applied KB924441?
I shall experiment myself when I have time but anybody else got any feedback on these hotfixes?

I think that's because the details on the KB896256 files are from revision 3.2 (last updated on september) so it doesn't reflect changes made on v4 (last released on December).

[800ster]

Good point. MS seem to have updated the files to V4 but not the KB article that states the file revisions.

[800ster]

Just had another quick look at this. I don't know if the fixes make any config changes but in respect of files it looks like KB924441 is redundant on my system. Both fixes only update the same 2 files (and no others) on my A64X2 PC - ntkrnlpa.exe & ntoskrnl.exe.
KB924441 takes them to v3016 (from v2622) and then KB896256 overwrites them again to v3023.
As the Dual-core Optimizer does not appear to touch these files I would guess that providing KB924441 is installed prior to KB896256 (as RPGWiZaRD suggested) then any order is OK.
Now to test if these fixes make any difference anyway!

[Pedrovsk]

I've read somewhere that the new AMD Dual Core Optimizer doesn't add the /usepmtimer at boot.ini after you install it. I've never removed the /usepmtimer tag since I added it manually even before AMD Dual Core Optimizer was released... anyone knows if I should still leave the tag there or not?

[GAR]

I've read somewhere that the new AMD Dual Core Optimizer doesn't add the /usepmtimer at boot.ini after you install it. I've never removed the /usepmtimer tag since I added it manually even before AMD Dual Core Optimizer was released... anyone knows if I should still leave the tag there or not?

Hey i forgot to mention in the PM to you, /usepmtimer is added by the MS HOTFIX, so if you install the hotfix no need to add it, but if you are not going to install the hotfix then yes you should add it.

[Pavlos]

hi guys,

first of all, have a nice 2007 all of u.

I am running a Laptop with Mobile CoreDuo T2400 ( Yonah ) , and i am waiting a new opteron 170 dual core for my desktop, to upgrade the 754 socket, with xp pro sp2.

I understood that the opteron has a need for that upgrade ( registry,hotfix) but wat about the CoreDuo..?

And sorry for asking this in this topic, but i was looking for a dual core cheap upgrade for my current system . I wasn't able to find the toledo 4400+ so i gοt the 175 Opteron. I thought that it will help in cad programs and 3D enviroment ( not games ) much than the mobile athlon did.

Tell me i didn't spent my money for nothing.

Thanks guys and

Happy new year to all of u :toast:

[Littleluk]

Should I install these fixes on a brand new installation of win server 03 r2 x64?

[ShaTR]

Hey guys, just a quick question. (looked thru the thread, but can't seem to find an answer)

Just got an Optee 165, and i want to use cool'n'quiet (powerNOW) to throttle down the CPU when idle, but i can't seem to get it to work. applied the updates and whatnot as per post 1, but doesn't seem to want to take.

had a venice 3200 before this one, and had CnQ working perfectly. any idea how to get this darn CPU to throttle down, or is it just not possible with optee's????

Thanks in advance :)

[mohit]

umm i read this thread and i am jst confused now ....what do i do if i am building a new rig with a 3800x2 am2 + asrock mobo ?

ill be doing a fresh install of xp sp2 ...so can i just first install the drivers for amd x2 series (downloaded from amd.com) and then install the dual core optimizer next ?

i dont want CnQ enabled as ill be overclocking ...somebody plz guide me as to what exactly has to be done ?

thanks in advance.

[Sonic9]

To cancel CnQ, simply disable it in BIOS.
But for drivers, hotfixes and dual core optimizer it's recommended for any dual core amd cpu, oc'd or not ...

[Pavlos]

Guys,
what about the core duo ? Does this cpu needs the hotfixes and drivers ?

[csimon]

Guys,
what about the core duo ? Does this cpu needs the hotfixes and drivers ?:slap:

[GAR]

Guys,
what about the core duo ? Does this cpu needs the hotfixes and drivers ?

Im not gonna be mean bro dont worry, the intel cpu's do not need any hotfixes or drivers to operate, for some reason amd cpu's perform a tiny bit better with drivers and this hotfix.

[adidassler]

Hi!

Im having problem with my F.E.A.R, which is ok wayback im using a venice 3000+ s939, and just upgraded to x2 4200 stock, why i cant run the game?

i already installed correctly the game, also the optimizer, direct x 9,
im using

x2 4200
dfi expert
2x512 gbfx gskill
forsa 8800gtx


Thanks!

[dasnaksta]

Is there somewhere I can downlaod this HotFix in French? it won't support the english version :p
Thanks

[GAR]

Is there somewhere I can downlaod this HotFix in French? it won't support the english version :p
Thanks

For different languages, i would contact MS, if its available they will email it to you..... good luck.

[XiN]

Is there somewhere I can downlaod this HotFix in French? it won't support the english version :p
Thanks
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=fr&FamilyID=c2ab5a48-8240-4934-bbd8-34fb8a0fce3b

[Hawk2]

I registered just to let everyone know my experiences. I put together my first AMD X2 computer. I used all new parts installing XP pro on a new HD. Following Gar's outline precisely I have run into absolutely no problems yet. I am running "cool and quiet" (can't tell what it really does though). I know Morrowind, Doom 3, and Fear (all with latest patches) run perfectly. I'm still loading various games and will post if I ever run into problems.

I just wanted everyone to know my experiences so maybe it will help trouble shoot a problem for someone else. And thank you Gar for posting your findings. My X2 system works great!!

[ShaTR]

hey guys,

still can't figure out how to solve my CnQ (PowerNow!) problem with my Opteron 165. i just can't get it to work.


Minimal power management

Enabled in bios

everything set to stock and auto with regards to vcore and HT

AMD Driver installed

can anybody help me pleeeeeeeese

oh, board is an NF4 ultra-d btw.

[Titus]

do these fixes apply to Vista as well?...or is there no longer a need for the MS hotfix, etc?

[GAR]

do these fixes apply to Vista as well?...or is there no longer a need for the MS hotfix, etc?

Vista does not need this hotfix.

[ablatt]

I see the AMD Dual Core Optimizer is available for the X2 but not listed under the Opteron download section.

Should I use the one for the X2 or assume it's not available/needed for the Opteron?

Anybody tried it?

[nike]

im usin it, and i guess it works.. at least do my frames stay stable

[csimon]

I use it too ...dunno if it works but it does install and uninstall.

[Kimball]

How come I as a opteronuser cant see the dualcoreoptimizer in the systray? The process is all goin, everythin installed correctly, but I just cant "open" it? Occurs to everyone usin Opteron I assume? :/

[Aramdin]

What do you mean? I never saw an Dual Core Optimizer icon in my systray...Does it even exist? You prolly mean something else :)

[Kimball]

What do you mean? I never saw an Dual Core Optimizer icon in my systray...Does it even exist? You prolly mean something else :)

oooh, crap. Read "On 4x4 Systems, right click on the AMD logo system tray icon and select “Gaming Mode” in order to turn “Gaming Mode” on/off." but didnt notice the "4x4", nvm ^^

[Brother Esau]

Ok...heres what I can add about applying the hot fix deal. The process is completely unecessary from my experimentations with this after numerous reformat installs, I find that if you install the AMD CPU driver after the chipset drivers and then let windows download all of the current updates and then install the Nov release of the Dual core optimizer and reboot and check the Boot ini it reads exactly the same as the reg edit method listed in the thread here! I suppose the new dual core optimizer does the config for you and I will also be one of those who say that it does run 2-4c hotter when doing the rededit process!

[swaaye]

http://forums.gaspowered.com/viewtopic.php?p=5570#5570



To make one thing perfectly clear: /pmtimer is no magic bullet!

A little background: some time back, in the days when the Pentium processor was created, some schmuck at Intel decided that it would be a good thing to use a CPU register that was incremented with each clock cycle as a timing source. Game and multimedia applications were quick to use this (look up "RDTSC" if you want to know more).

For those who can't see why this is bad:

For one, this is by no means an easy source for "walltime". With CPUs running at different speeds, each CPU has a different number of "ticks" per unit of real time, so the TSC's speed has to be determined in relation to a physical clock.

In recent times, this has become even worse. Today's processors can change their core frequency prett ymuch arbitrarily, without warning. Intel Core (2) Duos can even run at different speeds per core. Enter the Windows process scheduler. That beast usually shuffles processes between CPUs at a high rate (explaining the nice ca. 50% load per core in the task manager you see on single-threaded applications, and some minor performance losses). So if an applications does two TSC reads to get a time difference, it has multiple sources of inaccuracy: CPU speed changing and CPUs running at different speeds. Scheduling between CPUs may even cause the second measurement to give a value "before" the first one. And yes, this is bad.

This, among other things, is why Microsoft introduced a call "QueryPerformanceCounter" in the API. It implements compensation logic for some effects. With the hotfix, it is also possible to use the aforementioned "/pmtimer" boot option to make QPC use the power management timer instead of the TSC.

Some games, e.g. early versions of Serious Sam 2 and all versions of Battlefield 2 use(d) RDTSC directly and thus screwed up because there was/is no proper compensation for that timer behaviour. AMD released a driver that makes the RDTSC option friendly. And now for the kicker: Intel has a synchronised per-chip TSC, so no compensation beyond the lock speed should be necessary. (In other news, most modern Intel-Chipsets should by now implement a so-called HPET, that is lightyears ahead of any other timer found on PC hardware. If you care, you might want to look for a way to use that one instead of the PM timer.)

Using that option does in no way enable some previously unused processing power, nor should it have any objective influence on the behaviour of Windows itself. All it does is make a single API call use a different time source.

[nullface]

Just a quick, the hotfix, does it support AM2? (/Brisbane cores)

[uberkoozy]

I'm wondering about how necessary it is to install the KB896256 Hotfix in the OP.

The issue is that a recent update from MS windowsupdate, KB929338 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929338) includes even newer versions of these 4 files:


File name File version File size Date Time Platform SP requirement
Ntkrnlmp.exe 5.1.2600.3051 2,136,064 19-Dec-2006 14:15 x86 SP2
Ntkrnlpa.exe 5.1.2600.3051 2,057,600 19-Dec-2006 12:55 x86 SP2
Ntkrpamp.exe 5.1.2600.3051 2,015,744 19-Dec-2006 12:55 x86 SP2
Ntoskrnl.exe 5.1.2600.3051 2,180,352 19-Dec-2006 14:17 x86 SP2

Does this not render 896256 redundant in this case?

[woodlouse]

Hi folks, I'm new here but having just upgraded from single core Athlon64 4000+ to dual-core Opteron 180 I need a bit of help with a couple of issues.
I'm running a dual boot with XP and Vista on seperate drives and changed the cpu without reinstalling either.
The Vista installation went smoothly enough - detected new cpu , installed drivers etc . No problem.
The XP installation booted up fine, detected dual core and shows two windows in task manager. However I cant seem to install the AMD drivers (amdcpusetup.exe). I uninstalled the old drivers in device manager but when I tried to run amdcpusetup.exe I get message box saying that I need to uninstall old drivers in CONTROL PANEL. I dont have any AMD items in control panel??
Yes I did reboot several times but was only able to reinstall the old drivers via the windows new hardware detected thingy.
Is there somewhere I can get the opteron drivers that arent locked up in an .exe file that I cant access, so that I can update drivers manually in device manager?
Or any other suggestions please.

System
Asus A8N SLI deluxe
Dual core Opteron 180
2gb RAM DDR
nvidia 7800gt
250gb and 300gb SATA drives

[woodlouse]

Its Ok I found my old athlon 64 driver has appeared in Control panel - I'm sure it wasn't there before.

[Pnr]

thanks for nice guide :up: i really do see improvements after installing those drivers and hotfixes . 120 more marks in 3dmark05 and 5k more in aquamark . Only problem was ms hotfix which is linked in guide , it gave me bsods after installing optimizer . i updated to hotfix v4 and all runs perfect now . So i suggest you do the same in your guide ...

[GAR]

thanks for nice guide :up: i really do see improvements after installing those drivers and hotfixes . 120 more marks in 3dmark05 and 5k more in aquamark . Only problem was ms hotfix which is linked in guide , it gave me bsods after installing optimizer . i updated to hotfix v4 and all runs perfect now . So i suggest you do the same in your guide ...

Thanks bro, can anyone send me a link to the hotfix v4, a stable link....if not please email it to me so i can update my guide, thanks email is gar1983@gmail.com

[TEDY]

Just a quick, the hotfix, does it support AM2? (/Brisbane cores)

i would like to know that too:stick:

[Pnr]

Thanks bro, can anyone send me a link to the hotfix v4, a stable link....if not please email it to me so i can update my guide, thanks email is gar1983@gmail.com
Stablest link, posted on previous page ...


http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/7/e/f7e5675e-faa7-4a52-bb0c-5a8ba4c2cf02/WindowsXP-KB896256-v4-x86-ENU.exe

[TEDY]

again:

do we owners of X2 BRISBANE also do this ??????

[GAR]

again:

do we owners of X2 BRISBANE also do this ??????

Yes, this is for any AMD X2, only if you are using windows XP SP2.

[TEDY]

yep i installed march version of xp sp2....hehe

[Kpeters]

First of all Gar i want to thank you for retrieving and posting this info.

I installed the drivers from AMD and the Hotfix. then I started noticing an incredible decrease in frame rates about 20-25 fps less than It usually gave me. Later I changed my vid card an everything started working as it should. I just assembled my computer but do you guys thinnk it would be wise to formatt? I have uninstalled and isntalled the dirvers again a milllion times.


3D benchmark said my score was 1637.

System:
AMD X2 4200+
1.5 GB memory 533 DDR2 Kingston
PNY 7300GT Geforce
MSI motherboard with 550 Nvidia chipset

Thanks!

[Donster]

Hi guys

Ive just bought an FX60 and wanted to make sure im doing this right.

1\ Download and install the AMD driver for windows XP from the link below.

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_9706,00.html

AMD Athlon™ 64/FX Processor Driver for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 Version (x86 and x64 exe) 1.3.2.16

http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/amdcpusetup.exe

2\ Download and install the MS hotfix, WindowsXP-KB896256-v4-x86-ENU.exe - is this the correct version ? or do i have to install multiple patches ? ....

3\ Edit my registry to enable the patch.

4\ Edit my boot.ini and add the command /usepmtimer

5\ Download and install the AMD Dual core optimizer from

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_9706,00.html

http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/Setup.exe

That sound like the correct way ? any help appreciated.

Regards Ryan

[GAR]

Hi guys

Ive just bought an FX60 and wanted to make sure im doing this right.

1\ Download and install the AMD driver for windows XP from the link below.

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_9706,00.html

AMD Athlon™ 64/FX Processor Driver for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 Version (x86 and x64 exe) 1.3.2.16

http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/amdcpusetup.exe

2\ Download and install the MS hotfix, WindowsXP-KB896256-v4-x86-ENU.exe - is this the correct version ? or do i have to install multiple patches ? ....

3\ Edit my registry to enable the patch.

4\ Edit my boot.ini and add the command /usepmtimer

5\ Download and install the AMD Dual core optimizer from

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_9706,00.html

http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/Setup.exe

That sound like the correct way ? any help appreciated.

Regards Ryan

Hey Ryan, your doing everything right, all looks good. :woot:

[Donster]

Thanks alot GAR :) my system is up and running, I ran 10 loops of 3d mark 06 and left memtest on over night, got 15 passes ! just gota test some games but im sure itll be fine, once again many thanks.

Ryan

[SnipeR²]

.....3\ Edit my registry to enable the patch.....

Ok, so apparently the new hotfix adds the reg info automatically. Cuz when i went to edit the registry, there was already a throttle folder in the specified location with the "PerfEnablePackageIdle" value and the DWORD value was already set to 1 and hexadecimal was also already selected. Is this the same for anyone else who tried to edit the reg to enable the patch??

[lucky jim]

Well I became quite irritable last night trying to figure out what the hell was going on with my PC... I upgraded to a 3800+ X2 from a 3700+ and installed the drivers and dual core optimizer before shutting down and installing the new CPU.

The first time my PC came up fine, but Windows detected new hardware, installed new drivers and prompted me to reboot. Ever since then I would get a BSOD a few seconds into XP with a DEVICE_IRQL_LESS_THAN_OR_EQUAL message. I assumed it was just some incompatibility with my new drivers and proceeded to update my chipset drivers, BIOS, uninstall all the apps that were running, etc. Until I finally came to the dual core optimizer, which as soon as I start it up in safe mode, my PC would restart.

I don't suppose anyone is familiar with this problem? I tried installing the hotfix afterwards, but I was still getting the same problem. When I get home from work I plan to install the hotfix, add the registry value and then try re-installing the dual core optimizer. Anyone have any other suggestions?

All my drivers are now updated and virtually NO other software is running... there is no conflict, and it's some weird thing with the dual core software.

[lucky jim]

I just installed the AMD Dual Core Optimizer - it really works! (I had already done the other steps before - but I did not know about the Optimizer until I read this thread). Games now run much smoother - Thanks!!

JUST ONE THING:

There is a known compatibility issue with the Dual Core Optimizer and older versions of d-tools. When I first installed the Optimizer it put my machine into a restart loop - I noticed it restarted when it would usually load d-tools and checked on their website for info and it turns out they have recently released an update that fixes it. You can install the update from www.daemon-tools.cc/ - I believe the problem actually lies in the SPTD driver supplied with d-tools, a newer version of this driver can be found here http://www.duplexsecure.com/ (should you not want to upgrade d-tools).

If anyone else has this problem and is in the restart loop - just load windows using "the last settings that worked" (or something similar) from the boot menu (F8 at startup). Then just update d-tools and reinstall the optimizer.

Apologies if this has already been mentioned, I didn't have time to read the whole thread - perhaps the issue should be noted in the guide for others that may have the problem.

Aha... I read almost every page of this thread last night... but not this one :) I will definately have to try this tonight.

[KoHaN69]

Thanks for the guide GAR, was your first post upated with latest links?

just curious - any one here with amd quad - 2 dualcores in a dual-socket mobo?

[ImportantAwareness89]

Do you still need the MS hotfix? Someone did say that the newer fixes by M$ should fix things right? I assume I have it because Windows Updates says I've installed everything...

[Tomatomanz]

Heyaz peeps!,juz gotten x2 3800 not long ago to replaced my 3000+.

Juz to confirm, its this correct?..

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9350/dualcorefixoc0.jpg

Btw, is it alrite if i install MS hotfix after AMD optimiser?.. :rolleyes:

Cheers :)

[Monkey_Nut]

lo all
i just want to make sure if i got this right

i want to do a fresh install of xp with hotfixes up to may 07 on a sata drive and dual core
do i install xp and press f6 and install sata drivers then finish install of xp, then amd optimizer reboot press f5 and select dual core.

thanks

[TEDY]

you don't need sata drivers ....

[MaTr1x]

Oke guys to clarify, I have done the installation this weekend and will tell you what you need to do now ( I copied some things from Donster's post #594 ):

1\ I've downloaded the AMD driver for windows XP from the link below.

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_9706,00.html
http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/amdcpusetup.exe
AMD Athlon™ 64/FX Processor Driver for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 Version (x86 and x64 exe) 1.3.2.16

Although it says 1.3.2.16 here the installer from that link says it will install 1.3.2.0, I already had that one installed but did it anyways, after installation my device manager says the AMD driver is 1.3.2.0.

2\ Download and install the MS hotfix, WindowsXP-KB896256-v4-x86-ENU.exe.

3\ Edit my boot.ini and add the command /usepmtimer

4\ Download and install the AMD Dual core optimizer from
http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_871_9706,00.html
http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/utilities/Setup.exe

Although WindowsXP-KB896256-v4-x86-ENU.exe adds the registry entries by itself now I still had to manually add the /usepmtimer in the boot.ini. I noticed this after I had installed the AMD Dual core optimizer so I've added this to the boot.ini manually. No problems whatsoever, haven't noticed any difference though after the patch.

[birdie800]

This optimzer only helps with certain games, right? It doesn't do anything for faster boot up with XP? It's weird cuz on my backup rig (see sig), the black screen with the scrolling bars only scrolls once or twice and then boots up, but with my new rig, it takes 7/8 scroll throughs before it boots into XP. I thought my new rig would be much faster.

[blackwinterday]

It doesn't say install windows xp hotfix in the first message. It only says download. Should we install the hotfix after the installation of AMD drivers?

It would be good if someone corrects this.

[Varsos]

Hi guys
does this guide apply to mobile processors too?I have a laptop with Turion TL56.

Thanks a lot

[TGYoung]

Hi all:

I'm kind of tagging on to this thread since it talks about the AMD Dual-Core Optimizer extensively.

Recently acquired an HP box with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ running Windows Vista.

One of the first games I installed was Quake 3 and it ran poorly, with a semi-periodic brief pause in the game every couple of seconds or so.

Looking around the Internet and this forum I became aware of the "AMD Dual-Core Optimizer" at AMD's site. The write-up said "The AMD Dual-Core Optimizer can help improve some PC gaming video performance by compensating for those applications that bypass the Windows API for timing by directly using the RDTSC (Read Time Stamp Counter) instruction."

Although I wasn't sure if that was the issue with Quake 3 I figured installing the Optimizer couldn't hurt, so I downloaded and intalled it. Only thing is, it doesn't seem like it's really installed on my machine. The "AMD Dual-Core Optimizer" shows up in the startup list and is available to be uninstalled via Control Panel\Programs and Features. But, when I run Device Manager and look at the drivers for the processors I see:

Driver Provider: Microsoft
Driver Date: 6/21/2006
Driver Version: 6.0.6000.16386
Digital Signer: Microsoft Windows

where I'd expect to see a driver provided by AMD. And Q3 still runs like crap!

How can I tell if the AMD driver is installed and running? And how do I get Q3 to perform properly on this machine!

TIA.

Tom Young

[Draxx]

You need to install the AMD Processor driver as well ;)

Its found on the same download page as you got the optimiser from.

[krille]

My dad is about to take over my old Dual-Core S939 system (FX-60, ASUS A8N-Sli Premium) and he insists on getting the Swedish version of XP Pro for it. So essentially I'm wondering, is there hope for him? Is there a dual-core hotfix for non-English versions of XP Pro? Swedish in his case?

Thanks!

[krille]

Ah great, none? Is there a DC hotfix compatible with Windows XP Professional Swedish?

[JEB]

Just a quick question please - what's the best tool for using to benchmark your before and after results? Just built a new rig with an X2 6000 so want to see what difference the hotfix\patch\optimizer makes.

[GAR]

You can use Counter Strike stress test, 3dmark 01-06, aquamark3.

[scott14]

Deleted.

Gar's subsequent post explains away what was here, so it is removed to prevent confusion.

[GAR]

Note You can type 1 in the Value data box to enable the new performance state policy behavior.
8. Quit Registry Editor.

As you can see, 1 enables it, 0 disables it, my instructions clearly say 1, to enable it.

[scott14]

GAR

AAaaahhhhh


Thanks for clarifying that!

[twiggy]

Thanks GAR! Fixed my CSS prob.

I guess I'm kinda late to the dual core party lol.

[Matas]

At first, I set "0" in registry and installed optimizer. But I noticed that I should set "1" in the registry and after that I changed value to 1. It seems that I have broken the order... Should I do the new install step by step, or it doesn't matter that I changed "0" to "1" after optimizer installation?

[yichen382]

The X2 machine I am gonna build is not for gaming. It's for financial data analysis only. In my case:

1. Does the MS Hotfix help?
2. Does the AMD X2 Driver help?
3. Does the Dual-Core Optimizer help?

Thanks.

[Pedrovsk]

Hey everyone how's it going? Been a long time. :P

I've noticed there is an AMD X2 Driver version 1.3.2.0053, released September 2007. It's 14MB. 1.3.2.16 was from 2006 and 2,82MB.

I'm puzzled since 1.3.2.0053 should actually be lower than 1.3.2.16? But it's bigger and released more recently as well.

Also the Amd Dual Core Optimizer says it's been released in August 2007. New optimizer? Old optimizer has 4,42MB but this new Aug 07 one has 4,67MB.

I made the same question more than 1 year ago (wow time passes by fast :shocked:), but didn't really get an answer so:

To update AMD CPU Drivers and/or AMD Dual Core Optimize which one of these methods should I use?:

I. Uninstall both of them regardless of order and install the new ones

II. Uninstall both of them in order (AMD Driver then Dual Core Optimize) and then install the new ones in order.

III.Install new ones over the old ones

IV. Install the new ones in order after following the following steps?:

1 - Uninstall the Hotfix, go into ad/remove programs, click on show updates and remove update numbered KB896256

2 - Reverse the registry entry.

3 - Uninstall the AMD drivers.

4 - Uninstall the AMD Dual Core Optimizer.

5 - Done.

So can I get an answer this time? Please? Thanks a bunch! :)

[KoHaN69]

Ah great, none? Is there a DC hotfix compatible with Windows XP Professional Swedish?

Install English XP, then install the Swedish MUI (a retail product)

[rahzel]

i just reformatted my machine and installed windows xp with all the updates to feb 2008.
my question is, do i still need do do all these patches and updates for my 3800+ X2 S939?

also, the original post is quite dated so its hard to find the right files needed.

help please?

[vcp-cur]

i think that all you need is the dual core optimizer from www.amd.com
they have 2 things that u need there
i dont know what else is needed, i have an x2 4200+ myself S939 and I installed 2 files from amd.com .. i dunno what else i need

[rahzel]

ok, so i went ahead and installed both anyway.

but i accidentally installed them in the wrong order. i installed the AMD drivers first (which is correct), then i modified my registry, installed the NEW optimizer, then i installed the old (which was all wrong). reason being, the OP didn't say to download and install the patch (i know... i should have figured that). but is it ok that i installed the new one first, then the old? and that i modified my registry before i installed the old optimizer?

[Nikolasz]

I just replace, my dads s939's single core cpu 3500+ to 3800+x2 no updates, simply windows ask to restart pc!
Task maneger says 2 cpus and windows working with two at time.

He got all sp2/sp3 updates!
Plz install microsoft updates via net and you will be all fine.
Now relax guys

[dwire]

Greetings everyone! First post here, as I had some sort of issue for about a year not allowing me the ability to post, just read; not pointing fingers here at moderator(s)/webmaster either! They probably have already seen or read some of my posts elsewhere and thought it better to keep me quiet!

OK, good going GAR! Now I am getting ready to build up another new custom OS for the server (H8DCE with a pair of 940 Pin Opteron 285's now, Monday they will be 290's) Anyhow, I have a major daunting task ahead of me. I would like a bit of advise here. This neato deal GAR posted is not needed for XP SP-3, would that be the correct assumption? As well, since I am going to be playing the driver game again with this MB chipset, hardware, OS, and CPU all over again, can anyone help me out with exactly what I should be downloading and installing from AMD? I will not be using C&Q; I am water-cooled and running fine. I can also tell you that I had to do a lot of work pissing around with drivers from Nvidia, combining pieces of old and new drivers to get the best performance, which is a hard thing to do, especially when you can end up totally crapping out the OS install in the process. I hope I documented what stuff worked last time, and what order I did them in, and besides, I'll bet there are new drivers in the mix to have to experiment with already by now!

Anyhow, the Nvidia crap is my own burden, and of course I would not ever have to start all over again if MS had not decided to THIS TIME not disclose to me when they sent me the emails with links to the RC's of SP-3 (mainly SP-3 RC) that this time they would not be sending me updates as they had in the past when testing for them, but that I would have to uninstall and reinstall the next RC; RC1, RC2, RC3 et al! So dumb me did the usual, and prudent thing and slipstreamed/integrated the RC. Ah OH! While SP-3 RC was a beautiful thing, it has/had MAJOR problems, and here I had spent several months installing enough apps even all in folders and such in the start menu to fill one entire 19" flat panel of my desktop! Needless to say, my "friends" at MS got a profane earful about this.

So any advise here? I am going to be throwing many questions at many areas/forum threads here, as well as many other forums, to minimize the F^UP rate on this deal. Main two questions appropriate here are:

1) Totally cool GAR update deal not needed with final release of SP-3 - TRUE/FALSE.
2) What exactly should I be getting from AMD for my install, any ideas here? As well, does MS make anything worth a crud as far as drivers, patches, hot-fixes, updates and what not that would benefit my AMD Opty's? As well, I suppose chipsets too, but I am pretty darn sure Nvidia can do a good job of throwing out the best of what they can offer there, and I have found that to ALWAYS BE JUNK!) I usually stay as far away from MS's patches and updates unless it applies to their OS, otherwise, best bet is to contact the vendor of the hardware.

I will give you "some of my machine specs, as If I put everything here, it would take an entire thread page length! Literally after I switch OS's from XP-32, SP3 (I hope there is an SP-4 next, but am not holding my breath!) and skip the worst OS since ME, in fact VISTA might even beat ME in the totally junk arena, and push this thin into Windows 7, when that is done, and I am ready to retire this machine, I will be contacting the Smithsonian Institute, as I am pretty certain (while it surely is a mess and no effort has gone into beauty here) this may be one of the most complex, integrated server systems ever built by an individual. Perhaps there are a few other geeks suck as myself that have me beat here, but if they do, I really pity them! And NO I AM NOT BRAGGING, as this is the reason this machine has been down more than up throughout its lifetime, and is now basically "obsolete" technology most folks would say...

Thanks for any help anyone can provide for me here, and I'll put some of the important data of the server below.
dwire
MB: H8DCE (Supermicro) It will OC, but only though software with the correct antique version of clockgen, which all the experts tell me is not the way to go, and normally I would agree, but for this thing, actually is BETTER than the BIOS; sounds crazy I know...
Chipsets: Nvidia Pro 2200, and 2050
Memory: 8GB (8*1GB infineon (Quimonda) Single Rank PC3200 DDR400 ECC REG BUFF 184-Pin RAM)
Drives: (ON MOTHERBOARD) 7 SATAII (All some sort of RAID), 1 SATA BlueRay Drive, (PCIe Controller) 8 SATAII on a PCIe BUS; 4 Internal, 4 In External PCI Expansion Bay (All some sort of RAID) ALL HD's Seagates.
Every PCI type Slot full, and a Magma 7-Slot PCI expansion Bay currently "Only" holding 5 cards...
Everything is water-cooled, drives (except the four outboard and DVD's, Tape, Floppy; the obvious...)
CPU's, Chipsets, both Video cards are water-cooled as well.
Every single jumper, plug, port, etc used up, or turned off in BIOS to remove the IRQ in XP (you can do that, it just won't let you put something else in its place!)

Ask if this is not enough insane info to answer the above two questions. Thank you again, and take it easy on me, as this is post #1 here, so I guess I am a newbie...

Best regards,
dwire

[Celcius]

I know the thread is old, but I've got a relevant question:

I recently bought an AM2 A64X2.
1. Are these fixes still needed for modern games or do only older games need them? (XP Pro SP2) I'm thinking about just installing the dual-core optimizer and calling it a day...
2. If the rig is only an office pc with some movie watching, are any of these fixes needed?

thanks

[Cyber-Mav]

are any of these fixes or dual core optimizer needed when using windows 7?

[demonkevy666]

are any of these fixes or dual core optimizer needed when using windows 7?

no.

[Cyber-Mav]

thanks for the reply, i have been running windows 7 with none of these patches and fixes installed and everything is running great.

[barberic]

Hi Everyone,
Just signed up after being referred here from http://lounge.windowssecrets.com/index.php?showtopic=768908&pid=810068&st=0&#entry810068&

I am running XP-Sp3 dual boot with Windows 7 RC and I can confirm that these tweaks are not required with Windows 7. Microsoft fixed the problem in Vista with a better timer and it’s carried over into Windows 7.

I’ve been wrestling with this speed problem on my XP machine for over 6 months.
I program simple 2D games using Delphi and DirectX with a DirectX timer to control the games. Some time after upgrading to a dual core AMD Athlon 64X2 6000+ I found that games designed to run at 25 frames per second (FPS) ran at 21 FPS, games at 40 FPS ran at 32 FPS.
And only on my machine – no one else had this problem. I always thought it was either a Video Card or DirectX problem and so never found an answer. Through a long process of elimination I eventually narrowed it down to a CPU problem and then found this forum where I thought I had found the fix.
Yes, I say I thought I had found the fix because when I first followed the instructions at the beginning of this post it worked, or so I thought. I was so excited, I had at last got my and my programmer friends games to run at the correct speed again.
My joy was short lived. When I closed this page the speed problem returned.

This open web page workaround is the same ‘fix’ as some other workarounds I’ve learned that make the games run at their designed speed..
1. Run dxDiag from the command line and leave it running.
2. Have Windows Media Player running.
3. Leave a web page open with a You Tube video on it.
4. Leave a web page open with a Flash advert on it.
5. Have any P2P client open.
6. Run a program called TimerResolution.exe from http://www.hotlib.com/27554/dl/TimerResolution.zip This is a handy little utility that tells you your default timer resolution and lets you reset it to the maximum, usually around 1. On my machine the default timer resolution is 15.625 and this resets it to 0.977 milliseconds.
7. Lastly as I said above, leave this web page open.
After working through the instructions I went straight to my latest game. The problem was fixed. I then restarted my computer. The problem was back. Return to this page, problem fixed again.

All these workarounds temporarily fix the problem. What they do is reset the timer resolution to 1, in my case to 0.997 and then revert to the default resolution when they close.

I have worked through the ‘How to install the AMD X2 drivers, hotfix, the correct way’ several times but without success.

My machine is nearly 2 years old. The specs are
CPU - Athlon 64X2 6000+ AM2 Dual Core
Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-MA770-DS3 rev1
Video Card - Asus EN7200GS 256M PCIE
Windows XP SP3 dual boot with Windows 7 RC

I updated the CPU drivers with this - AMD Processor Driver Version 1.3.2.0053 for Windows XP. The link to the Microsoft Hotfix is broken but when I downloaded it from Windows Update it told me I didn’t need it because I have XP-SP3. I presumed then that I didn’t need to do the ‘Throttle’ Registry fix. I did it anyway when I found the fix wasn’t working but that did nothing.
I’ve also tried turning C&Q off and back on in the BIOS.

Am I doing something wrong or does it not always work or is my timer problem something different.

I would love to fix this annoying problem. Please can anyone help.

[FireDragon]

Go to AMD.com and download the duel core optimizer (only for windows XP) it is supposed to fix this issue with the time stamps and allow them to run at what they r supposed to

there is also a sticky post in best of AMD i think it is that has a how 2 about installing it, that should fix your problems (u might b doing something wrong re-read it and or try the AMD driver, also maybe try the windows driver and c if that helps w.e u do DON'T use them both together make sure one is uninstalled b4 u try the other)

Dragon

edit- guess if none of that works it may b time to re-install your OS and start all over, and applying the AMD or Microsoft hot fix right off, like b4 your other drivers and so on and restarting; or upgrade to Win7 as they have all time stamp issues taking care of and it doesn't require any kind of patching

[barberic]

a sticky post in best of AMD
Ahmmm I think we are in that topic now. What you suggest is the first post in this thread.

that should fix your problems (u might b doing something wrong re-read it and or try the AMD driver,...
Could you please read my post again. You will see I have already been through that several times.

I have also tried a clean install of XP-SP3 on a separate drive with nothing but the graphic drivers installed and the duel core optimizer. That didn't fix it.

Thanks for your interest in my problem.

[Nikolasz]

I just replace, my dads s939's single core cpu 3500+ to 3800+x2 no updates, simply windows ask to restart pc!
Task maneger says 2 cpus and windows working with two at time.

He got all sp2/sp3 updates!
Plz install microsoft updates via net and you will be all fine.
Now relax guys

It was stable that way, but not enugh..

I try with amd dual core optimiser and was not stable enugh, with crappy performance as 1 cored cpu.
Best way and moust stable xp pc was to dissable one of two cores.

Why intel didnt make pacth for intel cpu to reprogram rom inside processors?

[TVFREAKAZOID]

What do i need to do regarding the hot fix if and when I upgrade to windows7?

[barberic]

What do i need to do regarding the hot fix if and when I upgrade to windows7?
Short answer - NOTHING.

[TVFREAKAZOID]

Good! :D


Short answer - NOTHING.

[Nikolasz]

Short answer - NOTHING.



Windows 7 fix all problems related to x2 3800+ cpu ?


If so i will install windows 7

[barberic]

I only had Win 7 RC but it looks to me like the problem is fixed.

[Nikolasz]

Today i made install win7 on my dads comp.
It seems wery stable(for now). Cpu is supported in device maneger.
No crashes in 1 hour of hawy works such as updates and instalations.
Tomorow ill put 64 bit antivitus, spybot s and d, directx and all what he need it

I will let you know if works ok or donot, i hope win7 will swallow x2 cpu :D

[Nikolasz]

Win 7 ultimate x64 works perfectly on athlon x2 3800+ !!

Edit

win7 never crash on athlon 3800+ x2 so far all great and fine