2300 Series Turion 64 X2 TL-50 800mhz?

I've been trying to fix this problem since I upgraded to Vista. My cpu core's only run at 800mhz regardless of what I try to do. I've tried the amd drivers, didn't work. I tried the rmclock 225 app and that didn't work either after following the instructions on their site.

I found that the Everex ST 5340T has a newer bios (R1.09 7/6/07) and I was going to go to the store and extract the bios and then flash my bios on my laptop. The units are idential other than the color and branding. All headers are in the same locations, and even the bios layout is the same. And everything in the bios is identical also other than the cpu. That laptop is using a Turion 64 X2 KL or something like that, but it is 1600mhz and both cores are being read correctly by windows.


Has anyone known about this? Or is there a newer firmware for the 2300 series to allow both cores to run at 1600 instead of 800 ?

 

I think it sounds like you've done a lot to figure out what's wrong. I do not like the idea of flashing the BIOS a different CPU (single core) concerns me and if it fails you will be in bad shape. I have one suggestion only because it works for me on TL-52. Notebook Hardware Control. 2nd tab to right CPU speed set to "max performance" then check.

You say Windows reads correctly? Can you elaborate on that?

 

Please see the thread - "2300 Upgrades available?" For a parallel discussion.

Before you even attempt that flash, I suggest talking with AMI (the BIOS publisher) about compatibility. The Averatec 2370 & 2371 are likely even closer sibling machines, yet AMI told me the 2371 BIOS is NOT compatible with the 2370.

If AMI says the Everex & Averatec BIOS are compatible (both came off Twinhead's production line) please let us know!

 

Well I'm not going to email AMI because I know that it is the same motherboard and the same bios.

I'm just going to go to Officemax with my thumbdrive and copy the bios and then flash mine. If I brick my laptop, oh well. If not, which I'm sure I will not then I will post the bios for others.


Again, I have a 2300 series notebook, not the 2370 or 2371, just plain 2300.

If I could find pictures of these laptops it would make the comparision visual for everyone to see, but since I can't find anything, then I'll just have to A-Team it ;D

 

If I go to Averatec's site, support, download drivers and select the '2300 series' the ONLY PC listed is the 'AV2370HM1E-1'; also known as the 2370.

But do let us know how the BIOS flash goes. I really am hoping the motherboards are identical and it works.

 

Ok,

I went to OfficeMax and pulled the bios from the Everex ST5340T that they had on display. No problem, I flash my Averatec 2300 notebook and I reboot and then it says checksum error, Press F1 to go to setup, Press F2 to load failsafes and continue. Pressing F1 just goes into the bios, Pressing F2 just reboots and stops at the same point.


Soooo, now I'm freaking out hardcore. Scouring ebay for a motherboard, looking online for an AMI bios utility. Then I remember, I don't think I use the "clear cmos switch" DOH. So I think about just tearing down the laptop and trying to manually clear the cmos.......Then I was just playing around in the bios swearing and I just went in and chose "disregard changes and reboot" I did that and it booted right into windows. showed both processors at 1.6ghz and 2GB's of memory and I'm typing this on the laptop right now.

I attached the bios that I pulled from the Everex.


Oh, one last thing, the bios splash screen says Everex and not Averatec.

But, have fun.

 

Try uploading again.

After you extract the .zips, then rename each file with .rar and extract them together to get the bin.

 

Interesting. I'll try this over the weekend, when I have the time to deal with the possibility of bricking my computer.

Any other comments on how the new bios affects the 2370? (i.e. fan behavior)

Edit: Anyone know how to make a bootable CD from the .bin? I've tried Google but I don't want to do it until I really understand what's happening.

 

The fan operation is the same as with the stock bios. The only weird thing that I encountered was that it only read half of my memory. I have two 1gig sticks and it only registered 989mb's. I had it register all 2gigs in windows but I didn't have enough time to figure out if that is just a bios situation or windows.

Both core's read under windows as 1.6ghz instead of 800mhz. The fan does not run anymore or less.


I used a usb thumb drive that I formated and made bootable and used that to boot from in order to flash the bios.

I firmly beleive that if you use the switches like I said above you will not have any issues.


Have fun, And don't worry about bricking your laptop! As long as the flash doesn't get interupted it will work just fine and you will be able to flash it back if it doesn't work out for you or you don't like something. Your not going to brick your unit. I got over that last night after spending a little more time with the laptop.

 

One thing I noted is that the Everex ST5340T R1.09 binary is 378KB in size, versus 512KB for the Averatec R1.05.

It's been too long since I paid attention, but as I recall the binary file is a bit for bit image of the firmware. If so, the '2300 series' has 512K and the supplied Everex file is only re-writing the first 378K. Good, bad, who cares?

Since you have volunteered to be our guinea pig Jackyl, please do let us know if you run into any unexpected or inexplicable troubles. My notebook is a production machine so understandably I'm being cautious.

Also, could you please tell us which tool you used to do the flash? Per chance is it the same tool supplied with Averatec's R1.05 release?

Thanks-

 

The OfficeMax nearest us doesn't carry the Everex line - this isn't unusual as there are store to store variations. Curious... I just did a Google on 'Everex ST5340T'. Exactly 3 listings came up.

This model is listed as expected on the Everex site, but unlike every other model on the page, this model did NOT link to any information - all there is is a model number.

Next up was a link to the Everex user forum, sorted by model. The section on the ST5340T has ZERO posts. Nothing, nada, zip.

The last listing appeared to be to an Everex support site, but required registration to proceed, so I didn't.

It's almost like this model exists, but doesn't exist. Weird.

 

Sorry, this is the 2nd time I'll be ever flashing a bios (first was my Asus).

So I'm assuming you're using the AFUDOS.exe from Averatec and loading the .bin file?

The reason I asked about a CD is because I don't have a jumpdrive. Would an SD card work as well?

And once again, sorry for my noob-ness.

 

I used the flash utility that was supplied on averatec's site.

 

I went ahead and made a bootable CD with the AFUDOS.exe and .bin file, which I renamed to bios.bin for the sake of convenience using Nero.

From A:\, I changed directory to D:\ (CD) and entered:

AFUDOS /iBIOS.BIN /n /pbnc

Watched it do it's magic, then turned off my computer when finished.

Turned it back on and was greeted by the Everex splash screen and went ahead and cleared CMOS.

And low and behold...

Success. This increased by Vista score from 2.2 to 2.3. So far it's reporting my RAM to be 1919mb, and I have 2 gigs.

Many thanks Jackyl!

 

admlam,

That is awesome!

You used /n /pbnc and everything is good, great


But then you say you cleared the cmos. what method di you use to do this?

2370 interesting, see my notebook says 2300 series on the bottom. It is the version before yours. But still the same guts.

 

My notebook also says model #2300. But the part # is N2370. I believe they are all the same notebook.

As for methods, I followed the instructions you provided, in discarding changes and exit.

 

Great,

The one thing that I did not try is to set the power features and see if the cpu throttles down to say 800mhz when on battery or even on a/c for that matter.

I just checked to see if it was running at 1.6ghz per core and that everything was working and the memory read correctly.


I'm glad that this information at least helped one person turn something that a manufactuer did not want to follow through with into something that works correctly.



I do have a program that I can use to edit the .bin. I'll try to take the Averatec splash screen from the 1.05 averatec bios and put that in place of the Everex splash that is on the 1.09. Then I think this would be a solid bios

The Everex splash screen just bothers me ;D

 

It could be a Twinhead splash screen (this lappy's ODM) and I would be much happier. But really, I don't mind. I'm not around to watch this thing boot up anyhow.

As for running at 800mhz, CPU-Z does show that it throttles correctly. It's 4x multipliers while idling for 800mhz and 8x multipliers on load to get 1600mhz.

Honestly, I didn't buy an Averatec for their excellent customer service and support. I've come to rely on its awesome community of users, the de facto Averatec tech support , to get this thing working.

 

Hey Jackyl & admlam-
Thanks for your excellent work. While I am still curious about the difference in binary size, it's obvious you are changing some code that really does need changing.

After I find out what happens in the next few weeks between Averatec and the California Attorney General's office, I'll likely follow your route as I doubt Averatec is going to pony up to releasing the equivalent code under their banner.

 

Dear Jackyl, Admlam, & Serenityconsulting,

I read your postings with delights! After upgrading to Vista, my Ave 2370 encountered the same problem. The CPU always runs at 803MHz. I would like to flash the BIOS too, but I am not very good at computer. I certainly do not want to make the laptop an expensive paperweight. Would you please take the time to clearly tell me?

1- How to make the bootable disk for and USB drive,
2- Which files to include in there beside those following files (boot files AFUDOS.exe, R1.09.bin),
3- The complete and step-by-step DOS Command line to execute the flashing.

I would like to thank you very much for your help.
Pdxtran (newbie)

 

Thank you guys. I seached some info online and tried to do it myself. I got it done, and the computer now shows 1.6GHz. The Everex screen is a little bit annoying anyway. Hope someone can fix it soon.

Thank you very much for all the information you posted here!
Pdxtran

 

I contacted AMI support about all of the above. The contact wouldn't address this specifically but it sounds like the Everex bios isn't quite 100% for the 2370 (the '2300 series'); closer match for the 2371. However aside from the splash screen the contact wouldn't discuss it much.

This unit is in the business of selling generic bios code at $40-$60 a pop, but quickly said the only source of the 'correct' code has to come from Averatec. He had nothing to sell me.

For those who care, lifting and cross-loading the code is a copyright violation. Still, I applaude the work that has been done. I plan on trying to hammer at Averatec next week to get them to release a new bios for the 2370 - after all, we know the new code resolves known issues.

Oh, the initial return email from AMI asking me to phone them had a subject line that suggests that perhaps AMI actually has a 2.1 version of the bios.

 

...forget to mention. I did not relay to AMI where I learned any of the above.

 

Interesting

I have not been able to work on the bios to remove the splash screen. If someone else wants to take it over go for it.

 

rofl. Well, isn't that nice to know?

Even if this bios wasn't 100% compatible with the 2370, I haven't noticed any problems or missing functionality.

But given my lack of feedback here, you can rest assured that so far it's been working great. Moreover, the drastic boost in performance in gaming and debugging is much appreciated.

 

Okay, after I made sure I had the means to revert to Averatec's R1.05 BIOS, I loaded the Everex R1.09 code.

[side note: I found I hadn't done the job properly the first time with the .rar tool I used. That's why I thought the code was shorter than the actual BIOS firmware - both Averatec's and Everex's BIOS are 512K.]

Some things still feel a bit slower than XP, some things are no faster, but overall...this is where the Vista WOW was hiding! With the proper BIOS code to work against, the Averatec 2370 (2300 series) and 2GB of RAM makes Vista step up and shine. The notebook does run a tiny bit warmer, to be expected, but certainly not beyond design specs. My system fan doesn't run any louder than it previously did.

How many complaints could Averatec avoid by just posting the #@^% BIOS update on their web site?

I will continue monitoring for glitches over the next week or so. I'd appreciate it if those of you who are also experimenting with the Everex code would post any abnormalities you have found.

Oh, and to bolster the new forum at http://www.averatec-forums.com, I would like to start this thread there too in the 2300 section.

I really only had two Vista tech support issues with Averatec - the CPU speed (clearly a BIOS issue as contended by AMD), and the stability of the wired Ethernet adapter. I still don't know if this is a driver issue, BIOS issue, or both. Time will tell.

 

The thread there can be accessed at:
http://www.averatec-forums.com/index.php?topic=24.0

 

im having a little problem, i hope somebody can help, i recently upgraded 1gb of ram to my 2370 or 2300 same thing, CPU-Z reads the new memory, but, windows either vista, or XP, and the BIOS wich is 1.05 only reads 960MB not 2GB or near that number like is suppose to. when i Flash my BIOS to upgrade to 1.05 some weird "CMOS Checksum Bad" windows pops up everytime i start my computer, the only way to clear this is pressing F1 and Esc. and enter. I was using Vista but i went back to XP, and all this problems are the same whether i am in vista or in XP, what can i do?, please help.!!!

 

Bebecho-
I would suggest first reflashing your BIOS using Averatec's R1.05 tool. Second, I would suggest downloading MemTest86 - this is freeware that can create a self-booting CD. Burn the CD and boot.

MemTest86 will take several hours to do an exhaustive test of your RAM, running your notebook CPU at full-tilt the whole time - make sure you have provided for very good air flow around your notebook.

 

Just to let everyone know that I have encountered the 800 mhz problem. Since I installed Vista, the machine runs at 800 mhz and cannot be made to run at 1.6 Ghz.

Fortunately, I was able to get rmclock to work. It requires a bit of tweaking to get the power management working. My performance went from 1.0 to 2.4. SuperPI score went from 4:13 to 2:16.

Still sucks that I have use rmclock to get around this problem though. ON another note, the computer's cpu runs properly under Linux. However, I wouldn't recommend running Linux at this time since there are still incompatiblity issues with wireless and suspend to RAM.

Paul

 

I contacted Averatec regarding the BIOS issue. They claim that the motherboard manufacturer have not sent them a new bios, so they can't upload the new version. They claimed that no one has contacted them with this Vista being slow issue and that my case is the first. Has anyone on this board contacted them. May be everythings loaded Vista and complain that Vista is slow for the wrong reason.

My case is #09212153PS. If anyone in the future call Averatec and they claim no knowledge, ask them about this case.

On the plus side, they did not claim that going to vista means you get no support. They said they will contact corporate and get back to me next week.

Let's see, the laptop have broken twice and the last repair took 3 months, now this. Averatec isn't making me into a repeated customer.

 

What a crock of lies!!!
I have a letter from the office of the California Attorney General's office regarding Public Inquiry Unit case #173793. With this letter, I have a copy of a letter dated July 9, 2007 from Sean Wiedeman, Averatec Inc.'s ACC Manager to the CA-AG in reponse to my complaint.

In Mr. Wiedeman's letter he indicated that my denial of service was in error and he would have someone contact me. I did receive that call and I indicated that I had two problems: A- instability in the wired Ethernet driver and B- a BIOS issue that prevented Vista from fully using the capabilities of the CPU.

I have heard NOTHING to date from Averatec since that phone conversation. Further when I tried to follow-up with Averatec support, I was again denied service because I had installed Averatec's Vista Express Upgrade.

This situation is so ludicrous it captured the attention of Ed Foster, author of InfoWorld's Gripe Line column: http://weblog.infoworld.com/gripeline/archives/2007/08/an_aversion_to.html

Now, keep in mind that the 2371 manual shows a picture of BIOS version R1.07, and several of us are running Everex's version R1.09.

Averatec's actions pretty much imply that they have consciously decided to abandon the 2370, and are willing to lie to achieve that goal.

 

Have you tried installing a cpu driver from AMD? My AMD notebook needs one to alter cpu speed.

 

If you are running XP, yes there is a CPU optimization driver available from AMD. However, AMD does not produce such a driver for Vista because the support is built into Vista (got this by contacting AMD).

However, Vista relies on certain BIOS values to implement full support for the X2 mobile CPU - the newest BIOS available for download from Averatec for the 2370, R1.05, does not provide the proper information to Vista.

The proper BIOS code does exist for the 2370 BIOS - only at this point the only source is a twin PC offered by Everex.

 

RM Clock works flawlessly

 

when updating to everex 1.09 bios through a winflash program posted on averatec's website, i restarted my pc, and i get a list of drives, and then it says "cmos checksum bad" is that normal, how can i make it disappear? thanks for help.

 

use of the /L2 switch in the DOS version forces a reset to optimal values - I haven't used the Windows version to know how to do that in that flashing software.

However, it is pretty simple to go into the BIOS and find the option to reload optimal values. That does the same reset and your problem should disappear.

 

so is running rmclock the same as updating the bios in terms of cpu efficiency or is one method better than the other.

 

A bios update would mostly likely eliminate the need to use RMClock. That would obviously be the better solution. But a bios update is not available and it does not appear to be coming anytime soon. Until it does, RMClock solves the problem and enables both cores work at full speed.

 

what about this everex bios is it better then using rmclock in terms of performance?

 

Well, RmClock is an application and not a service. This means you have to login at 800 Mhz and then run the program. Even if you set it up to startup at login, you'll be prompted if it's safe to run because it is not digitally signed.

As to whether it is better performance than the Everex Bios, I have no idea. The Everex Bios is not a good idea since it will definitely void your warranty (unless you flash it back before you sent it back to Averatec). RmClock does have an advantage where you get greater control of your power management. You can for example control how long it takes your cpu to ramp up to full speed due to load. You can try to get greater battery life by running your CPU at a lower than specified voltage.

 

I have RMClock set to run at startup via a registry entry and have never been prompted if it's safe to run.

 

Thank you for posting these instructions in such great detail everyone!

Now I have another problem:
I used the utility from the Averatec site to flash my BIOS to the Everexx ones. This solved the processor issue. But then the screen began to flash and distort randomly and the computer was only reporting 1G of RAM as opposed to the 2G that I have in it. I decided to give it a restart, but as soon as I shut it down it wouldn't turn on again. It will power on, but will not post or show the splashscreen.

I also tried swapping the RAM sticks out one at a time in each dimm to see if one was bad or something, but with no luck.

Any suggestions?

 

Just to make sure I'm not misinterpreting somethng... I'm assuming your BIOS flash completed normally and your PC booted to Vista correctly at least once? Further, the video issues were taking place within Vista?

If that's the case, we likely have two co-mingled issues. Power and video driver.

For the power issue, unplug the notebook from AC and remove the battery. Hold down the power switch for at least 10 seconds. Then reinstall both battery and AC, followed by holding down the power switch for at least another 10 seconds. Finally, release the power switch and then press it normally.

Unless your BIOS flash was screwed up (that is, you didn't get confirmation that it completed correctly) or (one of your guesses) BOTH memory modules failed, you should see the Everex splash screen. When you do, press the Delete key to enter the BIOS setup (it is no longer the F2 key).

Within the BIOS setup, look for the option to load optimal values and select it. Exit the BIOS setup, saving changes. You should now boot normally into Vista.

Your RAM count should now be correct. You may or may not still need to re-install or update your video driver.

 

/n means program nvram, but what does /pbnc mean??

 

SOOO... that would mean that a 2371 BIOS should work with a 2370.

Does anyone have a 2371 and is willing to extract the BIOS?
That way we have an Averatec splash screen. However who knows what improvements were made between 1.07 (A2371) and 1.09 (Everex).

 

Yes, the flash completed properly and I was able to boot into Vista (the Everexx splashscreen appeared and everything). The video issues were taking place ONLY when completely booted into Vista. I restarted once and entered the BIOS setup to look around. I exited without making any changes and booted into Vista once again, with the same video issue taking place. I restarted again with the intention of changing a couple things in the BIOS setup, but this time it wouldn't POST, show the splashscreen, or anything.

 

Try the unpower/repower sequence. I've restarted any number of 'dead' notebooks and with similar techniques, desktops, this way.

 

It means someone was typing too fast and missed some characters.

These are the commands used by Averatec:
/p /b /n /l2

And here is the full set of possible commands:


AMI Firmware Update Utility
Copyright (C)2005 American Megatrends Inc. All Rights Reserved. Ver.4.07
Usage: AFUDOS <ROM File Name> [Option 1] [Option 2]...
or
AFUDOS <ROM File Name> <Command>
or
AFUDOS /M<Mac Address>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commands:
/O - Save current BIOS into file
/U - Display ROM file's ROMID
Options:
/P - Program main BIOS image
/B - Program Boot Block
/N - Program NVRAM
/C - Destroy CMOS checksum
/E - Program Embedded Controller Block
/K - Program all non-critical blocks
/Kn - Program n'th non-critical block only(n=0-7)
/Q - Silent execution
/REBOOT - Reboot after programming
/X - Don't Check ROM ID
/S - Display current system's ROMID
/Ln - Load CMOS defaults: (n=0-3)
L0: Load current optimal
L1: Load current failsafe
L2: Load optimal from ROM file
L3: Load failsafe from ROM file
/M - Update bootblock MAC address if it exists
Example: /M1234ABCD will update MAC to 1234ABCD
/R - Preserve ALL SMBIOS structure during NVRAM programming
/Rn - Preserve SMBIOS type N during NVRAM programming(n=0-255)
Example: Use '/R0 /R11' will preserve type 0 and 11 if
they exist.

 

I tried doing this a few times, with no luck. Ha, I'm feeling like I might be out of options.