Shimms Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 (edited) So a lot of people seem to report that they can use both cores on a Core 2 Duo, 8.8.1 kernel. There are also some people who report that without disabling one of the cores, their system either panics, or is jumpy. I'm one of the few who can't run with both cores, and its pissing me off. I'm starting to suspect its not a problem with the 8.8.1 kernel, but rather a problem with a specific mix of hardware (or BIOS settings) that causes this issue. I'd like to start gathering some specs from people who both have C2D working and those who don't - perhaps we can find a common element that causes this failure. On a related note, does anyone with my specs have both cores working? If so that would lend weight to a BIOS setting. My Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 (2.13 GHz) Asus P5LD2-VM (945 Chipset) GMA-950 Onboard GFX 1GB Kington PC2-5300 RAM (single stick) PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-109 Western Digital 160Gb SATA HDD 8.8.1 Darwin Kernel Version 8.8.1: Wed Jan 10 01:14:49 CET 2007; root:/nebukadnezar/BUILD/obj/RELEASE_I386 i386 i386 Edited January 12, 2007 by Shimms Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggie Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 I'd like to start gathering some specs from people who both have C2D working running perfect, both cores c2d E6400 ga-965p-dq6 1gb kingston ram asus x1600 (qe ci) jas 10.4.8 sse2, see3 semthex 8.8.1 kernel Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-274204 Share on other sites More sharing options...
sg Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 what sort of settings do you have enable for the CPU? stuff like speedstep should be disabled, i think the C1 whatever instruction might have to be enabled. hopefully someone with your board and an e6x00 can report their bios CPU settings for you. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-274215 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shimms Posted January 13, 2007 Author Share Posted January 13, 2007 After playing around a little more I seem to have solved this issue. Adding idlehalt=0 to the kernel flags at boot seems to have fixed it. I've been up and running for 1:53 without any freezes or panics. Its also much much faster :wink2: Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-274706 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reaktor Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 (edited) My system locks up regularly I have a: Core 2 Duo E6600 ( @ 2x3.0 GHz ) Asus E5W DH Deluxe ( 975X Chipset ) 2 GB PC6400 RAM ( Dual Channel ) ATI Radeon X1900XT 256 MB Westen Digital Raptor 150 GB jas 10.4.8 sse2, see3 semthex 8.8.1 kernel How do I do to use idlehalt=0 ? Where do I write it? If that solves it I would be so so happy! Edited January 14, 2007 by Reaktor Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-275756 Share on other sites More sharing options...
guiyoforward Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 as far as I know, the problem is mostly solved with some tricks for DESKTOP processors. MOBILE PROCESSORS do not work with both cores enabled - I haven't seen a proof at least. I begged, I cried, I offered money and tried to start a bounty, but this is apparently very low on the wizzard's priorities lists, unfortunately... Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-275865 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reaktor Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 as far as I know, the problem is mostly solved with some tricks for DESKTOP processors. MOBILE PROCESSORS do not work with both cores enabled - I haven't seen a proof at least.I begged, I cried, I offered money and tried to start a bounty, but this is apparently very low on the wizzard's priorities lists, unfortunately... Do you know what tricks to use for the Desktop processors? (As I have a Desktop Processor) Also - How do I disable one of my two core's? (Better to run stable with one core than crash all the time with two cores) If I can get the system stable with two core's, that would be awesome! Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-275881 Share on other sites More sharing options...
guiyoforward Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 sorry, no idea about the tricks, I was just referring to the ones posted above in this thread, that type of thing. for running only one core, you need to type "cpus=1" or similar at darwin boot - search around... now, oh mighty haxors, please help us run dual core on our machines!!!! Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-275938 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shimms Posted January 14, 2007 Author Share Posted January 14, 2007 My system locks up regularly I have a: Core 2 Duo E6600 ( @ 2x3.0 GHz ) Asus E5W DH Deluxe ( 975X Chipset ) 2 GB PC6400 RAM ( Dual Channel ) ATI Radeon X1900XT 256 MB Westen Digital Raptor 150 GB jas 10.4.8 sse2, see3 semthex 8.8.1 kernel How do I do to use idlehalt=0 ? Where do I write it? If that solves it I would be so so happy! When your computer turns on, after the BIOS screen, but before the grey Apple loading screen, press F8 a few times. This will bring up the Darwin boot prompt allowing you to specify boot options. Type idlehalt=0 or cpus=1 (give each a try) to see if that solves your issue. If it does solve it, rather than having to type it in each time, you'll want to edit com.apple.Boot.plist. Search around for info on how to do that. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-275944 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shimms Posted January 14, 2007 Author Share Posted January 14, 2007 Do you know what tricks to use for the Desktop processors? (As I have a Desktop Processor)Also - How do I disable one of my two core's? (Better to run stable with one core than crash all the time with two cores) If I can get the system stable with two core's, that would be awesome! Adding idlehalt=0 to the kernel flags at boot seems to have fixed it. I've been up and running for 1:53 without any freezes or panics. Its also much much faster Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-275947 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reaktor Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 (edited) When your computer turns on, after the BIOS screen, but before the grey Apple loading screen, press F8 a few times. This will bring up the Darwin boot prompt allowing you to specify boot options. Type idlehalt=0 or cpus=1 (give each a try) to see if that solves your issue. If it does solve it, rather than having to type it in each time, you'll want to edit com.apple.Boot.plist. Search around for info on how to do that. I've tried both, my com.apple.Boot.plist looks like this: <key>Kernel Flags</key> <string>platform=X86PC cpus=1 idlehalt=0 fn=3 -v</string> .. Still the same problem. Could it be that the graphics card gets to hot? In Windows, The graphics fan go faster as the card gets hotter, I don't know if the card does this in Mac OS X Gonna try to clock down my machine to standard clocks now. Thanks for the help so far! edit: It feels like it is the graphics card, when I do Exposé for example, I can almost be sure that the system will freeze Edited January 14, 2007 by Reaktor Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-275949 Share on other sites More sharing options...
guiyoforward Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 what kind of feedback do the kernel developpers need to fix a problem like this one? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-276627 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZAKsPop Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 I've tried both, my com.apple.Boot.plist looks like this: <key>Kernel Flags</key> <string>platform=X86PC cpus=1 idlehalt=0 fn=3 -v</string> Shouldn't it be either cpus=1 or idlehalt=0 not both? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-276755 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiaboliK Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 (edited) (guiyoforward @ Jan 14 2007, 08:11 PM) as far as I know, the problem is mostly solved with some tricks for DESKTOP processors. MOBILE PROCESSORS do not work with both cores enabled - I haven't seen a proof at least. I begged, I cried, I offered money and tried to start a bounty, but this is apparently very low on the wizzard's priorities lists, unfortunately... ive got both cores working with semthex beta 8 and a t7200 on a commell lv-677 mobo. using no special boot keys. Edited January 16, 2007 by DiaboliK Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-276772 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hixatchi Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 i have an x1900xtx and i believe the freezing is due to the graphics driver because i have the same problem the only way to avoid the freezing while using expose or genie effects is to install the dvd without any drivers which includes not instaslling titan or the neopehsu x1xxx supprot so do not install any drivers. it will use the default vesa driver Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-276798 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mykell9999 Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 i got both cores working when i upgraded my cpu from a Pentium D 805 ( 2.66 gig - fsb 133 ) to a Pentium D 820 ( 2.8 gig fsb - 200 ) without having to change my kernel ( which was b8 - Nov.27.06 ) . it's really hard to pin down what caused both cores to work for me bec. i moved my install from an 80gb ide hd to a 200 gig sata drive at the same time. i used to think the problem was kernel related but now i think it might be hardware related, maybe something to do with the cpu's native fsb? or could it have been the move from ide hd to a sata drive? imho, i am leaning more towards the cpu than the hd change. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-276823 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reaktor Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 Shouldn't it be either cpus=1 or idlehalt=0 not both? Probably. Anyhow, I've tried both but the system still keeps on freezing i have an x1900xtx and i believe the freezing is due to the graphics driver because i have the same problem the only way to avoid the freezing while using expose or genie effects is to install the dvd without any drivers which includes not instaslling titan or the neopehsu x1xxx supprot so do not install any drivers. it will use the default vesa driver If I don't install the graphics drivers, is there anyway I can change the screen resolution to my displays native 1680x1050? I can only choose 1024x768 in the display menu Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-277021 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinosx Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 (edited) mykell9999: my processor and fsb is identical to this of the macbook (core duo t2500 2.0) and it still doesn't work, has to be the kernel! http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/macbook.ars Dell 9400/E1705 t2500 2.0 1gig ram 120gig hd Edited January 16, 2007 by kevinosx Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-277414 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bikedude880 Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 Doesn't have to be the kernel. It could easily be a kext (ACPI anyone?) Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-277436 Share on other sites More sharing options...
guiyoforward Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 or it can be the BIOS. I agree, the mobile processors on the mac notebooks are exactly the same as in the dells, and nosuccess so far in running both cores. that's number one on my wish list... Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-277441 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yaduhin Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 (edited) i have toshiba p100-324 with c2d t7400 and both cores are running... installed (after some dificulties) 1.4.8 JaS edition for intel sse3 only. about BIOS i can't help much - it has VERY few options, almost no advanced settings available... one thing: i had to disable (in BIOS) lan card and support for PS2 mouse & keyboard - but laptop keyboard works, Edited January 17, 2007 by yaduhin Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-277616 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinosx Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 hmm that's interesting yaduhin...I don't know what the deal is, I messed around a bunch with the bios settings doing all sorts of stuff and nothing worked, the only time I MAYBE saw a little improvement on the stuttering was when I disabled the LAN and touchpad, but I could be wrong! I've tried the jas 10.4.6, and intel combo update 10.4.8 through apple and nothing better, I also am running the latest semthex kernel. have to revert to cpus=1 Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-277829 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allsop Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I have the same board as you Asus P5LD2-VM with a E6600 and Semthex kernel Jan 10 and have both cores running. So a lot of people seem to report that they can use both cores on a Core 2 Duo, 8.8.1 kernel. There are also some people who report that without disabling one of the cores, their system either panics, or is jumpy. I'm one of the few who can't run with both cores, and its pissing me off. I'm starting to suspect its not a problem with the 8.8.1 kernel, but rather a problem with a specific mix of hardware (or BIOS settings) that causes this issue. I'd like to start gathering some specs from people who both have C2D working and those who don't - perhaps we can find a common element that causes this failure. On a related note, does anyone with my specs have both cores working? If so that would lend weight to a BIOS setting. My Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 (2.13 GHz) Asus P5LD2-VM (945 Chipset) GMA-950 Onboard GFX 1GB Kington PC2-5300 RAM (single stick) PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-109 Western Digital 160Gb SATA HDD 8.8.1 Darwin Kernel Version 8.8.1: Wed Jan 10 01:14:49 CET 2007; root:/nebukadnezar/BUILD/obj/RELEASE_I386 i386 i386 Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-278098 Share on other sites More sharing options...
guiyoforward Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 I think that's a desktop processor. mobile processors are the main issue. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-278797 Share on other sites More sharing options...
semthex Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 You can strip the issue down to mainly Dell and Acer and a very few others, proberly cause of broken bios/acpi and possible hardware side RTC. I really took my time to fix this issue for those computers but I could not come to any idea which could possible fix this for the ppl, maybe trying to flash BIOS might help or not. I would cut Dell of the list of wishlist for hackBooks. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/38428-core-2-duo-with-both-cores/#findComment-278856 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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