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So, I've just upgraded my PC's CPU and RAM from an AMD Phenom X4 9600 with 2×2GiB DDR2-800 to an AMD Phenom II X6 1055T (the 95 version, HDT55TWFK6DGR) with 2×4GiB DDR3-1333.

The system worked - I'm using it now - but everything is a bit "off", for example:

  • The keyboard missed key strokes, and occasionally duplicated them.
  • The mouse is jumpy and unresponsive.
  • The audio output to the speakers is distorted.
  • The Nvidia display driver intermittently crashed and recovered.

Windows 7 wasn't reporting any hardware issues in Device Manager, as far as I can see all voltages, temperatures,etc are correct, the CPU model is supported by my motherboard (ASRock N68C-S) and isn't of higher power than my old CPU (both 95W).

After some quick investigation I discovered everything became normal as soon I started taxing the system (by running a CPU intensive test app), so I suspected one of the Cool'n'Quiet or Turbo Core type technologies was the cause. Having spent an hour or so rebooting with various different options switched on and off I have isolated the problem - I have had to Disable the Enhanced Halt State (C1E) setting in the BIOS to allow my computer to operate correctly all the time.

Why is this setting causing me a problem now? (It didn't with the old CPU)
Should I be concerned that I have to leave C1E disabled?
Is there some way I "fix" Windows somehow so I can re-enable C1E?

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Sounds like a BIOS bug. Have you tried upgrading the BIOS? – Sathya♦ Nov 12 '11 at 3:48
Try reseating the RAM and the CPU. Make sure pins are not bent. Make sure you applied the heatsink correctly on the CPU, and that your thermal paste/pad spread well. Like Sathya suggested, check your BIOS version. If you are still having issues, make sure the RAM timings are correct. Rarely, but sometimes, parts just aren't compatible; try replacing your upgraded components with the old ones to make sure the issue is localized to the new parts, and not some OS fluke. – emb1995 Nov 29 '11 at 5:34
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What kind of moetherboard do you have? Perhaps it isn't supplying the correct voltage, causing issues when your processor goes into a low power state.

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