AMD Opteron 170 overclocking adventure...

[NightshadowUK]

I can't remember the last time I saw one of these threads on HEXUS so now that I've got some free time on my hands I thought I'd have some overclocking fun and get feedback from you lovely people along the way.

[Note: I'll be using thumbnails to keep the thread looking pretty, give them a click to view the images in all their glory.]

My system specs can be found to your left under the aptly named 'My System' drop-down and the chip I'm experimenting with is a CCBWE 0550UPMW.

I tested the memory out a while ago using MemTest and it did the following at 2.8v:



If need be I'll experiment some more with Corsair's finest at a later date, but to be honest I can't see it getting much higher than that.

Anyways, onto the main event. Upon starting my adventure this evening I opted for something relatively simple:



--> CPU-Z validation <--

2.4GHz at 1.35v (stock) using a DDR333 divider to keep the memory at 200MHz. Nothing fancy but not a bad start considering it's a 2GHz CPU.

To be continued...

[Fat Gat]

Good start lad, what cooler you using on the Opteron?

[dmuz]

2.4GHz at 1.35v (stock) using a DDR333 divider to keep the memory at 200MHz. Nothing fancy but not a bad start considering it's a 2GHz CPU.
To be continued...

The Opty 170 is a pretty awesome chip if you get a decent one. Those speeds are pretty much what I run mine at - I wanted to run it as fast as possible using stock voltage to run it cool. After a lot of faffing I settled at 2.6G although I run it on water. The best stable speed I managed was just under 3G with some crazy ass V. How come your ss shows a temp for each core - I thought there was only one sensor (and why the big temp difference?).

[Zak33]

I was trying to find a sensible priced 170 last month on Ebay but I settled eventually for a normal twin core A64, the 3800+.

However that sropped straight in at 2.5, but as it's summer (or allegedly its summer) I knocked it back to the same 2.4 as yours and the 333 divider obviously now lands the ram back at 400.

However, do be aware that Opterons do prefer clock speed to bus speed.

I use an AMD heatsink from a 4800. Which is ironic as this chip is now running as a 4800.

[NightshadowUK]

Good start lad, what cooler you using on the Opteron?

Scythe Infinity.

How come your ss shows a temp for each core - I thought there was only one sensor (and why the big temp difference?).

There's actually three CPU temperatures, one for each core (these comes from probes within the CPU itself) and one from a probe on the motherboard (which I ignore).

A difference in core temperatures is pretty common apparently and nothing to worry about.

However, do be aware that Opterons do prefer clock speed to bus speed.

How d'you mean - the higher the multiplier the better kinda thing?

[NightshadowUK]

Update ~ Same as before except the FSB is now at 250 and I knocked the memory down to CAS 2.5:



--> CPU-Z validation <--

Next up is 2.6GHz ...

[DataMatrix]

Heh, retro overclocks, lemme go get my Atari

[NightshadowUK]

Update ~ HT multiplier down to 3x, FSB up to 260:



--> CPU-Z validation <--

Gotta say I'm stoked it hit 2.6GHz on stock voltage, even for a 'retro' overclock it's pretty sweet.

EDIT: It passed 8 hours Orthos, w00t!

[NightshadowUK]

ORTHOS stable - 2.6GHz @ 1.35v:



Chuffed to say the least, there's no real reason for me to push further but in the interest of science I think I shall.

[Nemz0r]

Heh, wish my old A64 3200 could clock like that, it only manages 200MHz overclock, 2.2GHz, orthos stable. 2.25GHz relatively stable but not for 24/7.