This document provides some frequently asked questions about SiSoft Sandra. Please read the Help File as well!
Q: The FSB speed/multiplier is incorrect.
A: Not all chipsets and CPUs are FSB aware, and in this case the BIOS is queried (e.g. through the DMI interface) for the FSB speed. DMI information is quite inaccurate for many boards since OEMs don't take the time to set it up properly. DMI also may not update with multiplier changes as it should. So you might get 66MHz regardless of multiplier.
You can double-check using the DMICFG utility (which should be on the CD that came with the board), Intel's LDCM or any other utility that supports DMI.
For Intel P6 family, AMD K5, K6-3, K7, Cyrix 5x86, 6x86/MII and IDT WinChip 2/3/4 and later CPUs the FSB speed is read directly. For most Intel chipsets the FSB is read directly as well.
Q: My AGP bus is not detected.
A: Update to Sandra version 4.20 or later.
Q: Sandra reports incorrect AGP bus speeds.
A: Check that FSB is correct. Certain boards run the AGP bus at different speeds from the specified ones and Sandra may be unable to detect this. If you're using a board which allows you to play with the AGP clock (i.e. 1/2 & 2/3 settings) the detection may not work. Also update to Sandra version 4.20 or later.
Q: Sandra reports the AGP bus is disabled! Is this so?
A: If it works then Sandra IS wrong. It seems that on certain circumstances the bus does not stay enabled all the time so that it may be reported to be disabled by the system. This depends on the BIOS and drivers. Make sure you have installed all the Intel AGP patches. Also update to Sandra version 4.20 or later.
Q: Sandra detects my AGP Video adapter as PCI!
A: If the adapter does not report any AGP capabilities (not even a header block) then it is really a PCI design adapted to work with AGP - probably an early one. AGP adapters support advanced data transfer modes and texturing which yours lacks. Technically it is not an AGP adapter. Just because it uses the AGP connector does not mean much. It has to be designed specifically for AGP if any improvements are to be realised.
Q: My USB bus is not detected.
A: The USB host may be new. Upgrade to the latest version of Sandra.