Another user from Italy had this same issue, IIRC.

Nexxen wrote on 2024-08-02, 10:52:

Another user from Italy had this same issue, IIRC.

Here on vogons ? Could not find the thread 😒

acl wrote on 2024-08-04, 11:27:

Nexxen wrote on 2024-08-02, 10:52:

Another user from Italy had this same issue, IIRC.

Here on vogons ? Could not find the thread 😒

It was an italian user, he had issues with a dual cpu board.
I'm wondering if it wasn't some P-III maybe.

Anyway, could you post, even in multiple parts, pics of your board?
Maybe some parts are missing, of the VRM...

A friend had one of these in-period. It was a fickle beast. Even when it did boot SMP, it was unstable.

In my notes I wrote: socket1 + ram slots 3 and 4 otherwise no post
socket1+2 2xMP2000+ 4x single rank otherwise no post
Never mismatch dual + single rank

Hope it is the same for you

Pic is my folder but not mine, there is a cap that isn't there on mine.
FF31 chip, lower right part. (not the circled one)

Nexxen wrote on 2024-08-04, 12:36:

Anyway, could you post, even in multiple parts, pics of your board?
Maybe some parts are missing, of the VRM...

Sure !

Next pictures

And some other + the PSU

Nexxen wrote on 2024-08-04, 14:59:

In my notes I wrote: socket1 + ram slots 3 and 4 otherwise no post socket1+2 2xMP2000+ 4x single rank otherwise no post Never mi […]
Show full quote

In my notes I wrote: socket1 + ram slots 3 and 4 otherwise no post
socket1+2 2xMP2000+ 4x single rank otherwise no post
Never mismatch dual + single rank

Hope it is the same for you

Pic is my folder but not mine, there is a cap that isn't there on mine.
FF31 chip, lower right part. (not the circled one)

The power section of the board seems very different from mine. Different revision ?

Also, i think i have one missing very small SMD capacitor on the back. on picture "8.jpg" in the top left section. Near the top left screw hole : C761. But it is probably not an issue (seems connected to the mouse/keyboard connector).

Regarding ram, i tested several kits / sticks but never mixed them.
I will try with slots 3 and 4 only but i had no issues booting in single CPU mode with ram in random slots

acl wrote on 2024-08-04, 19:05:

I'll take mine out and compare. Maybe something is missing.
After that I'll fire it up with to check voltages but I can't locate my other MP2000+, and this is a huge issue for me as the problem here is CPU x2...

Do you have a link to the molex mod? This is interesting.

The mod was done by a previous owner but even before buying it i read that the board was subject to power connector issues (by design)

It's even mentioned on TheRetroWeb : https://theretroweb.com/motherboards/s/tyan-s2460

I found this link explaining the mod : https://forums.overclockers.com.au/threads/pl … y-plans.104944/

It might reduce the current drawn from the +5V ATX by providing another +5 from a molex connector. Otherwise i read that the ATX connector could melt and catch fire 🔥🔥🔥

acl wrote on 2024-08-02, 10:00:

• Only one or two very slightly bulging capacitors

Slightly bulging should be taken to mean completely ruined.

Two CPUs is a significantly higher power drain than one, and that's where capacitance is important. Your "sometimes it gets part way" description fits with power issues, especially alongside bulging caps.

Replace them.

Also try a nice new power supply. That one you've pictured looks very cheap and nasty. You can even use a brand new PSU, just 4 of the pins of the ATX connector will be hanging over.

Check that your power supply can produce at least 30 amps on the 5v line. I got a power supply with 35amps on the 5v line for my copy if this board, and it’s been running a pair of 2133mhz Athlon MPs for almost two years without issue.

Most modern ATX power supplies are 12v focused, lots of power on the 12v, not so much on 5v. If you’re using one of those, you’ll see the behavior you see, 1 cpu is fine, two won’t boot.

I’m guessing your psu is 25 amps or less on 5v and that’s the issue. Need 30 amps or higher on 5v with these athlon duallies.

I retract my post, missed the photo of the psu specs. Clearly 5v amps are not the concern. Apologies for missing that.

When you did your two cpu test, did you have the molex mod connected to the psu? I worry that if the molex 5/12v is on a different rail in the psu than the ATX cable, that could cause issues.

For the record, I’ve had two of these 2460s, one I used for 6 years from 2003 through 2009, the other in the last two years. Neither have had any issues with the atx connector thermals, even when running the cpus at full tilt and a gpu running a game. The only evidence I’ve seen is one article mentioning the issue back then. I’d honestly run without that molex mod unless you plan on hammering the machine (keeping both cpus running hard). If you’re not running with the molex, then I’m out of ideas 😀

Hoof wrote on 2024-08-05, 05:34:

I retract my post, missed the photo of the psu specs. Clearly 5v amps are not the concern. Apologies for missing that.

You could still be correct. I'm not familiar with this brand/model but 50A is a pretty extreme claim and not all manufacturers are truthful about their specs.

The highest-rated working 5V rail I could find for my S2466 was an old Antec Truepower at 40A, and that needed a full recap.

Since the S2460 is notorious for power delivery dodginess anyway, you're going to want a pretty damn stable supply.

That would be my second diagnosis but only after the recap mentioned by many.

SquallStrife wrote on 2024-08-05, 03:26:

Slightly bulging should be taken to mean completely ruined. […]
Show full quote

acl wrote on 2024-08-02, 10:00:

• Only one or two very slightly bulging capacitors

Slightly bulging should be taken to mean completely ruined.

Two CPUs is a significantly higher power drain than one, and that's where capacitance is important. Your "sometimes it gets part way" description fits with power issues, especially alongside bulging caps.

Replace them.

Thanks
I was considering that, but for the 3 or 4 motherboards i re-capped in the past, it never solved my issue (unfortunately). Finger crossed for this one.

SquallStrife wrote on 2024-08-05, 03:26:

Also try a nice new power supply. That one you've pictured looks very cheap and nasty. You can even use a brand new PSU, just 4 of the pins of the ATX connector will be hanging over.

I'm using this power supply on purpose because it can provide >30A on the +5V (The sticker says 50A but I'm suspicious).

Edit : And @Cyfrifiadur is suspicious too about the 50 Amps 😃

My test bench power supply is a modern(ish) 1000W Silverstone Strider Gold, so better quality... but it can only provide 25A on the +5V which is below the requirements for this system.

I tried anyway with the modern PSU but saw no improvements (might be because of the +5V...)

Hoof wrote on 2024-08-05, 05:48:

When you did your two cpu test, did you have the molex mod connected to the psu?
[...]
If you’re not running with the molex, then I’m out of ideas 😀

I will try that. I think i only tried with the molex.

I'm leaving soon for holidays so i will post the test results i a week or two. Will order the capacitors in the meantime. I will try to find another 30+A PSU, i think i have another one somewhere...

Yeah fair point on 5V ratings on new PSUs.

Recapping is rarely a magic bullet, but yeah I do think in this case it is a pertinent step.

Couldn't hurt to drop the bus to 66 and see if both CPU's detect

(Ie underclock the crap out of it for testing)