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Home / I-Opener Areas / I-Opener Technical Stuff K6III-333......any different settings? Specific tweaks for this chip

K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) ckbone Profile I just installed a K6III-333 in a V4b, no soldering, running at 200mhz, 2.0v. I'm wondering if there are any specific settings, or tweaking utilities that can be used with this AMD chip. It's performance is pretty impressive as is..... I cannot get CPU Idle 5.8 to work at all...big crashes. It has worked with all the other CPUs I'ved tried. Any cooling progs known to work with this chip? Another strange thing....when scandisk runs with other chips there is only a blue screen....with this chip I see the scandisk screen normally. What's going on here? Anybody have any benchmarks using this setup? Has anyone been successful using CPUCool with this chip? And has anyone successfully used CPUCool to adjust the FSB? There's an option in the prog to do just that..should work like SOFTFSB...but should automatically adjust the FSB on boot. Any feedback on this setup is appreciated..... 07-23-2001 04:14:33

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) Linuxguru Profile | Email The stock setting of 66 x 3 = 200 is very stable and reliable, and gives big gains in performance over every other available chip. There's really no need to overclock . You can check the original Sandra numbers posted by Turbo3. I'm not sure about the scandisk issue. I've never had any problems with scandisk with any of the other chips either, but I've only used the DOS 6.22 version of scandisk. 07-23-2001 11:51:02

Is it perhaps under voltage? (modified 0 times) klotz Profile I believe software cooling works by executing the HLT instruction. Other threads have shown that CPUs running under voltage do not recover from the HLT instruction. 07-23-2001 17:50:40

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) ckbone Profile Hummm......Klotz, what do you mean by "under voltage"? I thought 2.0v was the correct setting. I found the benchmarks posted by Tackhead in the Technical Ref section.....Mine are slightly higher....but I may be using a different Sandra version. I know there are specific utilities which enable stuff for this CPU that the I-O bios lacks...haven't found them yet. This is a pretty neat chip...too bad they're hard to find. 07-23-2001 18:14:06

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) Linuxguru Profile | Email Last time I looked, they were still available retail at Frys' for $29.95. I don't think that's likely to have changed, since they had an inventory of between 5k to 15k chips left, and the *only* reasonable uses are for I-Opener and budget Socket-7 upgrades, for which there are now many better options available. 07-23-2001 18:38:37

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) ckbone Profile Trying to mail-order from Fry's is next to impossible, as reported on this board. So unless you have someone get you one from Fry's in person...you're SOL. In case anyone is interested, these K6III-333 chips are a drop-in upgrade for a V5 I-O. You only have to change the voltage to 2.0v using the on-board switch. They have 256k cashe on the chip, which all other I-O chips lack....this really speeds up the whole system. You need a late I-O board to do this (V4b or V5)....I-Os that came with a Winchip don't have the necessary on-board switch. You could add it by soldering. FWIW....I built a std socket seven computer using this chip....it's surprisingly fast. Made a really cheap setup that works well. 07-24-2001 03:47:11

Past problems with K6-III 333 (modified 0 times) klotz Profile ckbone, I have two of these and could not get them to work over 200, which would be fine for a drop-in for a V5, but as I'd done considerable work to get the v3 and already had a 233 MHz WinChip, I wanted more. One of the big problems I had was with the CPU not returning from the HLT instruction at higher speeds. It worked fine at 200, but not faster. Various board luminaries pointed out the voltage issue with HLT to me, and so I'm reporting it to you. With Windows you can use K6CLK to change the multipler post-boot. With Linux you can use k6mult (see http://freshmeat.net/projects/k6mult) to do the same thing. You might try running one of these and setting the speed down a little lower (since that may be easier for you to change than the voltage), and see if Rain or some other CPU coller works then. If so, it may be justifiable to tweak the voltage higher. Another option is to try a different K6-III+ 333 chip. They seem to have personalities. Like I said, BadFlash has several running at higher speeds, but I had to buy a K6-III+ 450 to get it to run at a higher speed (333 in my case). BTW, if anybody wants to buy my K6-III+ 333, which I bought at Fry's, I'll sell them by mail/paypal. They are tested to work at 200 MHz, and would be fine for a V4b or later drop-in. 07-24-2001 15:27:12

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) Linuxguru Profile | Email AFAIK, Frys' only had the vanilla K6-III/333, not the K6-III+ with PowerNow (supported by k6clk/k6mult). I haven't been there for a while, they may have III+ chips in now. 07-24-2001 16:23:46

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) ckbone Profile Yeah....my K6III-333 is not the "+" version, so I guess k6clk will not work for tweaking. Any other options? Klotz...if you really have the "+" version I might be interested. 07-24-2001 17:04:13

K6-III PowerNow Qustion (modified 0 times) klotz Profile Gee, I dunno. I don't want to spread false information. But my recollection is that the Fry's chips were destined for a cancelled laptop, and had the mobile features. My 450 MHz K6-III+ ids as a K6-III, and it definitely has PowerNow, since k6mult works and changes the CPU speed and Linux cpuinfo reports the capability as present. I'm at home today or else I'd pull out my 333's and take a look at them. But they're no different from anyone else's from Fry's (well, they're the high-temp ones; some people bought low-temp ones). For more information on the K6-2+/K6-III+, see http://linuxsavvy.com/staff/jgotts/k6-2+ It's Linux info, but there is good general info there as well. Here is info on the K6-2 and K6-III series, with technical data on the + series as well, from AMD: http://www.amd.com/K6/k6docs/index.html Here are the results from my K6-III+ 450 from PC Liquidators, running at 333. You should be able to check the Model and Stepping in the Windows Control Panel, System tab. % cat /proc/cpuinfo processor : 0 vendor_id : AuthenticAMD cpu family : 5 model : 13 model name : AMD-K6(tm)-III Processor stepping : 0 cpu MHz : 334.104 cache size : 256 KB fdiv_bug : no hlt_bug : no f00f_bug : no coma_bug : no fpu : yes fpu_exception : yes cpuid level : 1 wp : yes flags : fpu vme de pse tsc msr mce cx8 pge mmx syscall 3dnowext 3dnow k6_mtrr bogomips : 665.19 07-24-2001 18:17:46

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) Scott_A Profile ckbone: is this the popular Fry's K6-III 333MHz AFK upgrade chip that you're using? 07-26-2001 23:26:31

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) ckbone Profile Yeah it is....I got it in a group buy off this board some time ago....just got around to trying it. I wasn't aware it was available as a "+" version, but it's pretty fast as is without any specific tweaking...still working on it. I'm in the process of installing a faster hard drive...I never could enable DMA on this one. 07-27-2001 03:47:46

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) Linuxguru Profile | Email To clarify again: Frys' never sold a III+ during the (still ongoing) CPU sale, only the vanilla III, but it was a special version that was qualified for an extended temperature range, but lower clock frequency: the AMD K6-III/333AFK. They also sold a few AFRs (standard temperature range). Neither of these support PowerNow, but they are exceptionally easy to use in various Super-7 motherboards (in addition to the I-Opener), since they have a Vcore of 2.2v, and are well-supported by various BIOSes. All the AMD K6-III+/450ACZ and K6-II+/450 CPUs have come either from TigerDirect or Software'n'Stuff in Santa Clara. These support PowerNow, but have a Vcore of 2.0v, so it's difficult to use them for most desktop upgrades (other than the I-Opener). There's no difference in performance per clock, but the III+ runs cooler per clock and has more headroom for overclocking. They can be tweaked to 600+ MHz. This has made the III+ a much sought after and scarce item, and has driven prices on EBay to $80-$100. A less expensive alternative, with slightly lower performance but with all the other benefits of the III+ is the II+/450, which is still available for around $30, but has only 128K of L2 cache. 07-27-2001 12:58:08

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) ckbone Profile Thanks for the info about these chips...Since the K6III-333 and the K62+-450 are still available, which of the two has more potential, without soldering. I've got both....The 450 has less cache but can be overclocked using K6clk. I've got a large cpu fan and could easily add another thru the ram door. Would a 450 tweaked outperform a 333 with its large cache, both running at 200mhz? Remember...no soldering. 07-27-2001 16:27:45

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) Ragnar Profile CKBone, Since you don't want to solder, you need to be very careful about overclocking. Without the dropping resistor Q16 has to do all the load of shedding the extra heat. That's a lot of heat in a small package. Yes, a fan blowing in through the ram door will definitely help, but only so much. When I was starting to overclock, I didn't trust what the bios or mbprobe were reporting so I used a seperate electronic temperature sensor ( OK, my indoor/outdoor electric gardening thermometer ) to keep track. I placed the probe less than 1/8 of an inch to get a really accurate reading. I suggest that you increase your speed cautiously and set a temperature mark that you don't want to cross and stick with it. Frying Q16 is a minor problem but it will fry a lot of nearby components before it goes. Without soldering or case mods I would suggest that ~266mhz will be the safe limit. 300 mhz with a processor fan and ram door fan is walking a tightrope without a net. 07-27-2001 22:44:50

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) Linuxguru Profile | Email At the same clock speed of 200 MHz, the III will outperform the II+ by a small factor, because of the larger cache. However, the II+ has better performance potential in an unmodified V4b or V5, since it can be set to 4x66 or 4.5x66 with k6clk, thus getting to 300 MHz with no soldering mods. Worst case, you can run a II+ at the default 3x66, and it will run only slightly slower than the III, but with better long-term reliability due to lower power consumption. 07-28-2001 01:40:07

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) ckbone Profile I spent some time comparing a K63-333 and a K62+-450 in my V4b. At 200mhz they seem pretty equal, the 333 benchmarks slightly faster. Using CPUFSB the 450 would overclock to 225mhz, the 333 only went to 210mhz. Overclocked the 450 is noticeably faster, benchmarks faster. Other benefits: the 450 runs cooler, almost 10 degrees C. Also, CPUIDLE 5.8, a cooling prog, works on the 450, cooling it even further. I'm sticking with the 450... Now here's another question...Can someone explain how to get K6clk working? apparently you have to install the file k6clkini, before the main prog K6clk will work. I want to run K6clk from windows.....the K6clkini is installed from DOS(I think). I'm confused about this procedure. Help.... 07-29-2001 17:11:42

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) Ragnar Profile Ckbone, The simplest and fastest way is to use the dos version and insert it into your autoexec.bat file. Copy k6clk.exe to C:\. Then insert the line "k6clk x", where x is your multiplier 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, and 6. I don't remember if it has a 2, or a 2.5 setting. You may have to play around on what line you put it on, depending if you have any other lines of code in your autoexec.bat file. But, be careful, Badflash has reported that he killed one iopener by clocking at 300 mhx and not using anything to cool Q16. 07-29-2001 17:28:08

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) ckbone Profile Thanks Ragnar.....but I still want to use the Windows version. With that version you can easily change back and forth between settings. I have a laser guided non-contact digital temperature meter.....I can easily get readings off Q16. I don't need to go all the way to 300mhz....266mhz would make me happy. Is anyone using the Windows version of K6clk? What's a safe temperature for Q16? 07-29-2001 17:49:07

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) Ragnar Profile Sorry if I wasn't to clear where to put k6clk.exe. The program k6clk.exe goes in C:\. the line "k6clk x" goes in your autoexec.bat file. If you do it this way, you don't have to worry about k6clk.ini. It isn't needed for the dos version to work. You can check what your multiplier is set at in windows by going to the msdos window and typing the line "k6clk =" to find out what your multiplier is. If you want to change it, just edit your autoexec.bat file. And the multipliers that the program supports are 2,3,3.5,4,4.5,5.5,and 6. Just remember, that the bios will not report what k6clk is doing. Neither does Sandra. I use this version because k6clkwin was causing me some kind of irq problem. Use search to find the discussion that I had with several of the other members of the board when I first learned to use this program. Just search "Ragnar" and it will pop up sooner or later. 07-29-2001 18:02:06

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) Ragnar Profile ckbone, It was my understanding that to get k6clkwin to work is 1. copy k6clk.ini into your autoexec.bat file. 2. Then just run the program k6clkwin after windows has loaded. If there are no software conflicts you should'nt have a problem. 07-29-2001 18:07:34

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) ckbone Profile Thanks again Ragnar.....K6clk rocks! Following Ragnar's instructions this V4b is now running happily at 233mhz....Sandra benchmarks ALU577...FPU276. I had to make one change...the line you add to autoexec.bat is "k6clkini.com" (no quotes). After windows boots, you can then adjust the cpu multiplier (I'm running at 3.5 for now). This setup is neat because you can easily go up one step at a time....check temps, benckmark, etc. I had no problems with this Windows version at all....after you find your best setting, you can install the DOS version, so it'll load up the new multiplier at bootup. FWIW...The newest Sandra Program (Sandra 2001te) reports this multiplier change, and the cpu speed correctly. Perhaps an earlier version did not. The H.Oda program Wclk, puts a small window with a real-time readout of the cpu speed on the desk-top....it too works correctly. I haven't tried to raise the FSB and use the new multiplier at the same time...I'll try that when I finish my new fan setup, and after I get some temp readings off q16. This k6clk prog only works with a K62/3 "+" series. Remember there's some risk of over-heating q16....Probably 266mhz is as high as you should go without risking overheating. Also you will need fan cooling of some sort. I've got a mid-size cpu fan, which sticks out through a cut hole in the case, powered by an external 12v power supply. I also have a smaller fan blowing through the ram door, directly on the ram chip and q16. My hard drive is external, so that source of heat is outside, plus this opens up the innards for better air flow. Using several temp monitor programs, my cpu and M-Board temps stay between 29/31C. So far this setup at 233mhz is rock solid. This is a perfect setup for a V4b or a V5, particularly if you don't want to try soldering. Remember....If you run a K62+-450 at 233mhz you get more than a CPU boost...you also get the added external cache. This makes for quite an improvement. Thanks everyone.... 07-30-2001 07:21:29

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) Ragnar Profile ckbone, I must have an older version of k6clk. Mine doesn't include k6clk.com. Also I have the lastest version of Sandra, mbprobe, and cpuinfo. Obviously(?), if you change the fsb through hardware change, it will confuse these programs if you are using a k6+. Glad you got it to work, though. 07-30-2001 08:34:05

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) ckbone Profile Ok....I found two more programs that do the same thing as K6clk. The first is the H.Oda prog Wcpu....it's free and a very neat program. It also provide all kinds of information about your setup. Download it from the H.Oda website, the latest version is there. The next program I tried is the latest version of CPUCool 9.02 (I think that's the version). It too can be gotten many places, but the latest version is on the main home page...Poiden's page. This prog costs $13....but it does quite a few things, CPU cooling, temp measurements with taskbar readouts, memory optimazation, FSB adjustment, CPU multiplier changes (only on AMD "+" series), a bunch of other tweaks. It's quite a program. Your settings (all of them) can be saved on a reboot. (No DOS stuff here). To get full functionality of the program you have to register and pay the $13. It's worth it. FWIW... Using CPUCool, I've got the FSB adjusted to "70" and the multiplier set to 3.5. The system is running at 245mhz, no sweat. Get a V5, an AMD k62+-450, run CPUCool, you've got a fast system without any soldering.....do some soldering tweaks and no telling how high you can go.... 07-31-2001 17:31:43

RE:K6III-333......any different settings? (modified 0 times) ckbone Profile In case anyone is interested this last tweak raised the Sandra benchmarks to 612/292.... 07-31-2001 17:39:42

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