Embedded Intel Atom® Processors
Technological Conversations about Intel Atom® Hardware, Software, Firmware, Graphics
1155 Discussions

Atom Denverton C3538 processor, memory working very slow.

DPona
Beginner
1,982 Views

The processor and memory are very slow. Compiling the ixgbe network card driver takes 10 minutes. The maximum read speed of DDR4 2133 SODIMM is 742 MB / sec. Custom motherboard with Atom Denverton C3538 processor, quad cores 2.1 GHz. SODIMM module: Crucial DDR4 8Gb 2400MHz CT8G4SFS824A. BIOS: coreboot 4.9 + intel FSP + seabios. WD Blue WDS250G2B0B 250GB, M.2 2280, SATA III Hard Drive. Debian 7 (Linux version 3.2.0-4-amd64 (debian-kernel@lists.debian.org) (gcc version 4.6.3 (Debian 4.6.3-14) ) #1 SMP Debian 3.2.96-2).

Why the slow operation of the processor and memory is possible? What settings can be changed in Intel FSP and coreboot to speed up the processor and memory? Or how can I identify problems with hardware - incorrect voltage and so on under linux os?

 

Full boot log in attached file: putty_com5_coreboot_seabios_debian.zip

 

Bandwidth64 memory test:

 

This is bandwidth version 1.5.1.

CPU family: GenuineIntel

CPU features: MMX SSE SSE2 SSE3 SSSE3 SSE4.1 SSE4.2 AES XD Intel64

Cache 0: L1 data cache,       line size 64, 6-ways,   64 sets, size 24k

Cache 1: L1 instruction cache, line size 64, 8-ways,   64 sets, size 32k

Cache 2: L2 unified cache,    line size 64, 16-ways, 2048 sets, size 2048k

Notation: B = byte, kB = 1024 B, MB = 1048576 B.

CPU speed is 2099.99 MHz.

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 128 B, loops = 30408704, 741.4 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 256 B, loops = 15204352, 741.2 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 384 B, loops = 10136196, 741.4 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 512 B, loops = 7602176, 740.9 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 640 B, loops = 6186563, 742.6 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 768 B, loops = 5155479, 742.7 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 896 B, loops = 4418982, 742.7 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 1024 B, loops = 3866624, 742.7 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 1280 B, loops = 3040824, 742.3 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 2 kB, loops = 1933312, 742.7 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 3 kB, loops = 1288855, 742.5 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 4 kB, loops = 966656, 742.6 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 6 kB, loops = 644398, 742.6 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 8 kB, loops = 475136, 742.4 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 12 kB, loops = 316738, 735.7 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 16 kB, loops = 237568, 736.2 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 20 kB, loops = 190008, 734.7 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 24 kB, loops = 152880, 708.7 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 28 kB, loops = 70200, 374.0 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 32 kB, loops = 61440, 371.4 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 34 kB, loops = 57810, 371.2 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 36 kB, loops = 52780, 371.1 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 40 kB, loops = 49140, 371.2 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 48 kB, loops = 40950, 371.3 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 64 kB, loops = 30720, 371.3 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 128 kB, loops = 14848, 368.6 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 192 kB, loops = 9889, 368.9 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 256 kB, loops = 7424, 368.9 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 320 kB, loops = 5916, 369.6 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 384 kB, loops = 4930, 369.6 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 512 kB, loops = 3712, 369.6 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 768 kB, loops = 2465, 369.6 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 1 MB, loops = 1856, 369.6 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 1.25 MB, loops = 1479, 369.5 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 1.5 MB, loops = 1260, 369.4 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 1.75 MB, loops = 1080, 366.9 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 2 MB, loops = 896, 356.9 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 2.25 MB, loops = 784, 350.9 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 2.5 MB, loops = 725, 351.2 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 2.75 MB, loops = 644, 351.0 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 3 MB, loops = 588, 351.3 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 3.25 MB, loops = 551, 351.1 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 3.5 MB, loops = 504, 351.2 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 4 MB, loops = 448, 351.3 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 5 MB, loops = 360, 351.4 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 6 MB, loops = 300, 351.4 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 7 MB, loops = 252, 351.5 MB/s

Sequential read (64-bit), size = 8 MB, loops = 224, 351.4 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 256 B, loops = 13893632, 678.4 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 512 B, loops = 6946816, 677.2 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 768 B, loops = 4631193, 677.1 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 1024 B, loops = 3473408, 677.2 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 1280 B, loops = 2778684, 677.7 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 2 kB, loops = 1769472, 678.6 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 3 kB, loops = 1179630, 678.6 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 4 kB, loops = 868352, 677.1 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 6 kB, loops = 578866, 677.5 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 8 kB, loops = 442368, 679.0 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 12 kB, loops = 289433, 672.9 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 16 kB, loops = 217088, 673.4 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 20 kB, loops = 173628, 673.1 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 24 kB, loops = 128310, 596.1 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 28 kB, loops = 79560, 434.8 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 32 kB, loops = 69632, 430.8 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 34 kB, loops = 65518, 431.5 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 36 kB, loops = 61880, 432.0 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 40 kB, loops = 55692, 431.7 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 48 kB, loops = 46410, 430.6 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 64 kB, loops = 34816, 430.5 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 128 kB, loops = 16896, 420.3 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 192 kB, loops = 11253, 412.6 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 256 kB, loops = 8192, 405.5 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 320 kB, loops = 6528, 402.1 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 384 kB, loops = 5440, 398.5 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 512 kB, loops = 3968, 395.5 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 768 kB, loops = 2635, 392.6 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 1 MB, loops = 1984, 390.9 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 1.25 MB, loops = 1581, 389.6 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 1.5 MB, loops = 1302, 388.2 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 1.75 MB, loops = 1008, 347.2 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 2 MB, loops = 768, 297.0 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 2.25 MB, loops = 560, 248.7 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 2.5 MB, loops = 450, 221.8 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 2.75 MB, loops = 391, 207.7 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 3 MB, loops = 336, 198.0 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 3.25 MB, loops = 304, 192.9 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 3.5 MB, loops = 270, 188.8 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 4 MB, loops = 240, 183.5 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 5 MB, loops = 180, 176.1 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 6 MB, loops = 150, 171.7 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 7 MB, loops = 126, 168.5 MB/s

Random read (64-bit), size = 8 MB, loops = 104, 166.1 MB/s

0 Kudos
7 Replies
CarlosAM_INTEL
Moderator
1,331 Views

​Hello, @DPona​:

 

Thank you for contacting Intel Embedded Community.

 

In order to be on the same page, could you please clarify the meaning of "custom motherboard"?  Is it related that this board has been design by you or a third-party company?

 

In case that it is a third-party design, please let us know the name of the manufacturer, part number, model, and where we can find the information related to it.

 

On the other hand, if it is your design, could you please let us know the sources that you have used to develop your project? By the way, Is it has been reviewed by Intel?

 

Waiting for the information that should answer these questions.

 

Best regards,

@Mæcenas_INTEL​.  

0 Kudos
DPona
Beginner
1,331 Views

Hello, Maecenas_INTEL

 

The motherboard was developed by the company in which I work. Our company is called "Teleplatforms". We used the platform Harcuvar as a reference design. Motherboard has has been successfuly reviewed by Intel. What other data is needed about our motherboard to help solve our problem?

 

Best regards,

Dmitry Ponamorev.

0 Kudos
CarlosAM_INTEL
Moderator
1,331 Views

​Hello, @DPona​:

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

Based on your previous communications, in order to be on the same page, please kindly provide us the following information:

 

1. May we know how often do you see this error? The failure rate.

 

2. What BIOS RC version are you using?

 

3. What ME/TXE/SPS version are you using?

 

4. What SKU and CPU stepping are you using?

 

5. What Operating System (OS) and version are you using?

 

6. What happen when this message occur? System hang or shut down?

 

7. Do you observe this on Customer Reference Board (CRB)?

 

8. What version of Memory Reference Code (MRC) are you using?

 

Waiting the information that should answer these questions.

 

Best regards,

@Mæcenas_INTEL​. 

0 Kudos
DPona
Beginner
1,331 Views

Hello, Maecenas_INTEL

 

  1. If this can be called a error. Rather, it is a state of low productivity. There is always. On all motherboards made by us (10 pieces).
  2. We using BIOS: intel FSP 15D99 +coreboot 4.9 + SeaBios (select Harcuvar motherboard in coreboot)
  3. We using: Intel (R) Flash Image Tool. Version: 4.0.4.181 SPS version: 4.0.4.181
  4. Intel atom C3538 Denverton, B1 stepping (SR3L7). P/N: HW8076502444301.
  5. Debian GNU/Linux, with Linux 3.2.0-4-amd64
  6. No message occure, all work but very slow.
  7. We can't do that because the reference board has a problem with a socket (post code 0x63) - broken.
  8. Do not quite understand what you mean. I use intel FSP version 15B99 to initialize the memory.

 

Best regards,

Dmitry Ponamorev.

 

0 Kudos
CarlosAM_INTEL
Moderator
1,331 Views

​Hello, @DPona​:

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

Based on the provided information, could you please confirm that you have implemented the Intel(R) Firmware Support Package [FSP] following the guidelines stated in the Intel(R) FSP for Denverton-NS Developer's Guide document # 574519? This document can be found when you are logged into your Resource and Design Center (RDC) privileged account at the following website:

 

http://www.intel.com/cd/edesign/library/asmo-na/eng/574519.htm

 

Could you please use the Intel(R)® Driver & Support Assistant [Intel(R) DSA] on the affected units, try to reproduce the problem, and let us know the results? This tool can be found at:

 

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/detect.html

 

Waiting for your reply.

 

Best regards,

@Mæcenas_INTEL​.

0 Kudos
DPona
Beginner
1,331 Views

Hello, Maecenas_INTEL

 

When developing the BIOS, I did the following:

 

I downloaded intel FSP from https://github.com/IntelFsp/FSP .

Than I configured and patched intel FSP binaries whith intel BCT tool (downloaded from https://github.com/IntelFsp/BCT). 

Than I downloaded coreboot from for https://github.com/coreboot/coreboot. I added FSP binary files to coreboot and compile them for Harcuvar platform.

Next, I use the intel spsFITs tool utility: added file descriptor region and Intel ME region, compile the BIOS file and flashed in to the motherboard.

 

The system has booted well (linux Debian) but works very slow. I found the reason - the SVID bus did not work. SVID bus lines viewed by the oscilloscope (SVID_CLK, SVID_DATA and SVID_ALERT), no activity was noticed. Circuit design is correct (passed Intel review).

 

I need information on which settings in spsFITs can affect the operation of the SVID bus? What SOC Straps settings or GPIO settings in spsFITs can lead to shutdown of the exchange on the SVID bus? 

 

 

Best regards,

Dmitry Ponamorev.

 

0 Kudos
CarlosAM_INTEL
Moderator
1,331 Views

​Hello, @DPona​:

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

Based on your previous communication, could you please answer our previous questions?

 

Waiting for your reply.

 

Best regards,

@Mæcenas_INTEL​. 

0 Kudos
Reply