KT4 won't run at 133MHz with Athlon XP2400+

Question

I have recently built a new PC with:
MSI KT4V-L Motherboard
Athlon XP 2400+ CPU
Arctic Cooling Copper Silent CPU cooler rated for Athlon XP up to 2800+
Samsung 256Mb DDR400 RAM
Matrox 80Gb HD
Sparkle GeForce 2 MX400 Graphics card with 32Mb
Running Windows XP Pro
On initial instillation, the processor is reported as Athlon XP 1800+ by
BIOS.  Is this correct?
By default the FSB frequency is set in the BIOS to 100MHz, and Memory speed is Auto.
I've managed to push the FSB up to 120, which leads to PCAlert4 reporting a
CPU speed of 1808MHz (15 x 240.5) and a CPU voltage of 1.60v.   CPU temp is
measuring 54 degrees C.
However when I try to push speed up to 133, I can't get windows to start.
It gets through POST, but then reboots before starting windows.
What's wrong?
I've read the MSI FAQ section, but nothing is even close to my problem.  I've
read the mobo manual cover to cover and several forums (including this one) and articles on the web.
They do indicate that there are compatibility issues with DDR400 memory,
which is why I went for one of the recommended brands that is known to work
with this motherboard.  In retrospect, I should have plumped for DDR333
memory since it gives me more options for increasing memory later, and would
have been more likely to work with the Athlon XP 2400+.
I've already cointacted my reseller and he just indicated that I need to
change settings in the BIOS.  I've read all about these BIOS settings and
tried dozens of combinations beyond the most obvious.
I'm considering now:
a) borrow some DDR333 to test if its the memory.
b) ask my reseller to test the mobo/cpu and ram, but this will cost me more than £30 per hour.
c) accept that I'll only run at 1.8GHz, which is a significant improvement to my previous Celeron 466.
Is there anything else I can try?
Dave

Answer 1

Thanks for the response.
Ok, I'll try to answer all questions:
1) Did you try to download the new firmware?  
No, my Live update says I've got AMIBIOS v1.80 and didn't suggest an upgrade
2) Set the FSB to 133 and the memory at 266Mhz (try not to use 333mhz DDR modules)
Done this already, but no joy.
3) After you set the options in the BIOS, it would be better if you make a fresh install of WinXP or whatever OS you have.
I'm not prepared to re-install WinXP PRO unless I see evidence that it will run successfully at FSB 133.
1. Power Supply not up to spec. Post the specs on the 3.3v, 5v, 12v rails. The Amps output for those voltage lines.
Dragon Technologies 350W Power supply model LC-B350ATX.
+3.3V 28A
+5V 35A
+12V 16A
-12V 0.8A
-5V 0.3A
+5VSB 2A
+5V & +3.3V combined load 200W
+5V & +3.3V & +12V combined load 330W
2. CPU cooler not mounted properly. 54 degrees is pretty for an underclocked CPU, double check to make sure the heatsink/fan is mounted fine. Remount to ensure that it is done properly.
Cooler mounted ok, but I thought sticky copper block on underside of cooler was a "thermal pad", so I followed instructions and did not put any thermal paste on.  I intend to rectify this, although slightly worried I'll trash die when lifting heat sink.  Anyhow, when machine first turned on, CPU temp is 40 so surely it could at least boot up Windows if only to fail 5-10mins later as temp rises to 55?
3. Memory settings too agressive, set the CAS latency to 2.5, try to set them to the higher value, just for stability testing.
Tried this, but still hangs before starting windows.
Will sort out heatsink next.
So you don't think its my DDR400 mem then?
BIOS reports CPU as 1800 when FSB set to 100 or 120.   Is this normal?
Dave