OC'ing expertise required

[Viper409]

I have a bunch of questions for you overclocking gurus here.<BR><BR>1. I have my FSB set at 160 MHz. My CPU voltage is at 1.60, and my mobo overvolts about 0.03 to 0.04. The multiplier is at 11.5 so CPU speed is 1840, and 1800 is stock. My RAM voltage is at 2.9, but mobo sends 2.88. The timings are at 6-2-2-2.0. If I increase my FSB any higher, like 3 MHz, it becomes Prime95 unstable. Same happens when multiplier increase. Is there anything I can do to increase it?<BR><BR>2. Can my CPU only take a certain FSB, or doesn't that matter as long as the core speed is close to stock?<BR><BR>I'm gonna try lowering the multiplier and increasing the FSB, but I don't think that'll make a diff.

[TranceJunkieXL]

If your CPU voltage is only 1.6, why don't you try increasing it a bit. Those things will run 1.85v without having issues, provided you are using a decent HSF. PC2700 should be able to run 166FSB without being unstable, so it's most likely the CPU needing more voltage. Then again, I don't remember if you have a Palo or a T-bred. It may be the CPU that is sticking you on the FSB. What is the max multiplier you have been able to boot the system at (cut your FSB to 133 and see where that gets you). Then increase the voltage and see if you can't get it higher.

[FTO]

I agree with rithemking, try increasing the voltage, then try raising the FSB or multiplier. If raising the voltage doesnt help much then....<BR><BR>GET A JIUHB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Viper409]

I just tried 163 x 11.5 with 1.65v and errored. I remember having it at 1.85 once, and the temps were through the roof. But, I'll try what you suggested rithem. Thanks.

[therealwesty]

You may try slacking the RAM timings a little bit. I have a 2000+ running at 12.5x166 = 2088 with PC2700 RAM and I have to run 2-3-3-6 timings. BUT, by running those timings I got to increase the FSB and get more performance at the bottom line. My CPU voltage is still 0nly 1.6 and the DDR voltage is 2.7.

[Viper409]

My computer really sucks now. I had it Prime95 stable at 166.12=2 GHz @1.8v. Then I raised it to 180, didn't work, then 170 didn't work, then 166 again, and didn't work, even 165 didn't work. I've changed the multiplier so that it sits at or around 2 GHz. I may have to up the voltage just a tiny bit, but I know that it was stable at 166 at one point, and I'm going to try to get it again. If I have my Vcore at 1.85, how long can I expect my CPU to be able to run compared to stock voltage?<BR><BR>Update: I changed my RAM timings to 7-3-3-2.5, and it is now stable. I'm going to try dropping the timings to 6-3-3-2.5 and see if that works. It did before, and I hope it does again. I think I found a nice stable OC now, and I'll run 3DMark with my videocard OC'ed too, and see what I get.

[TranceJunkieXL]

Crucial isn't known for making overclocker-friendly RAM. I'm willing to bet the specs were originally CAS 2.5 or CAS 3.0 if it was running unstable at stock speeds with the CAS latency set at 2.0. Am I right?

[Viper409]

I don't know what it was, cause when I raised the timings to 7-3-3-2.5 from 6-3-3-2.5, it was stable. I have dropped back to 6, but haven't run Prime95. It's running great now, and I'm quite happy with it. I certainly can notice a difference in XP load up time between 133 FSB and 166.

[Viper409]

I've had to drop back to my 160x11.5 OC. It didn't stay stable all day at 166. I was dropping WU in F@H, and Prime95 was no longer stable. I guess I'll just have to stick with this one.

[Viper409]

I've got some new cooling on the NB, and put the passive cooler from the NB on the SB. I had it at 166x12, but it rebooted on me. I need a new PSU, but can't afford. Anyways, I lowered the multiplier, but I don't think that helped. I can always try again. I may have some pics of the cooler I have on there. I'm pretty sure it's sufficient. I'll ask Colin to host them for me, if it's alright with him.

[Colin]

Viper409 of course it's alright!<BR><BR>Just send them over to colin.sun@pcstats.com and I'll send you the links. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

[Viper409]

Here you go guys:<BR><img src="http://members.lycos.co.uk/csmo/Forum/Viper409/case.jpg"><BR>I think that's all an Intel cooler is good for anyways! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

[Colin]

Viper409 I forgot to ask you, how ar eyou attaching the Intel HSF? That's a great use for the heatsink by the way! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> Very creative!

[Viper409]

Zipties. Before you get all shocked. I got them extremely tight, and I made sure of contact before that. And it's good contact too.

[TranceJunkieXL]

Yeah, I can see that ziptie. Whatever works man! Besides, weren't you the one who recommended using zip ties on an EPoX NB cooler Colin?<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"> People do listen to ya you know.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

[Colin]

Viper409 that's cool I use zipties all the time! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> They work great... Haha don't be ashamed! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"><BR><BR>lol well it makes me feel special that you guys listen to me. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Now I got a warm and fuzzy feeling... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"><BR><BR>You used a good amount of thermal paste between the Northbridge and its hsf right?

[Viper409]

<br><br><< <i>You used a good amount of thermal paste between the Northbridge and its hsf right?</i> >><br><br><BR><BR>Sure did!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

[Colin]

Kewl... Well on the wknd I expect to see some higher overclocks from you! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

[Viper409]

I don't really wanna try going higher. I had it running at 166x12, but it rebooted on me. I think I'll need a new PSU, and those aren't cheap. I'll see what I can do, but I'm not guaranteeing anything.

[Colin]

Haha... it's cool dude, no pressure! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">