overclocking...

Hi all.
I thought i would try some more overclocking on my tbred B xp1700 (1.6v). I had it running at 2.088 stable on a NF7-S (v2.0) but wasnt happy with the fsb (174.) With pc2700 sammy RAM

This morning i put the multiplier to 9.0, and got the fsb up to 194 @ 2.6v (default) and 2.5CAS. This generated the following error:

RAM parity error - checking for segment...
Offending segment:
F800
Press F1 to disable NM1, F2 to reboot
System halted (Ctrl Alt_DEL to restart)....

Having not had this error before i rebooted (NOT pressing F1.) I then put it to 2.7v and 8-3-3-3 on the timings. This booted windows fine, but rebooted in the dragon benchmark in 3dmark2kSE.

I am going to losen the timings when i get home (as they are on aggressive) to 8-4-4-3. Will this help?

This RAM has been at 200fsb, on a kt333 board. Is the dual channel set-up that i am running preventing it from getting to 200fsb?

Thanks very much

Will

;) Each mobo handles things differently, since PC2700 is only designed to run at 333mhz (2x166) and you want it synced to FSB you can't really complain. The Dual Channel nF2 will be a good 5% faster than your KT333 even when running at the same FSB speed, IMHO stick close to 333FSB and just use the multiplier to get more out of the CPU. RAM timings make very little diff, esp on Dual Channel as that mostly reduces latency on SktA anyway, just set it to what's known to be stable.

:D Around 2.1ghz is VERY nice and so is nF2 Dual Channel even if 'only' at (or close to) 333FSB. 1.65v is actually normal voltage for TbredB and Barton (AMD set it lower) so setting this may get you a little higher and is not truly overvolting at all, just be sure your cooling is up to the task. 400FSB is nice but overhyped, SktA simply doesn't need it, not worth bothering with if you already have PC2700 and can get good speed from your CPU.

:cool: So basically, it is most likely that your RAM is less happy running o/c'ed int he nF2 compared to KT333 but your overall perf is way higher, don't worry!

Being going all afternoon on this overclocking lark. Tried to get the RAM to 200 again. During this the CPU is at default 1.6v, and the RAM at 2.7. All benchmarking in 3dmark 2001SE

1) 10x190 = 1900mhz 8-4-4-3.0 = 11345
2) 10x190 = 1900mhz 8-4-4-2.5 = 11321
3) 10x190 = 1900mhz 8-3-3-2.5 = 11423
and 11472
4) 10x192 = 1920mhz 8-3-3-2.5 = 11614
5) 10x193 = 1930mhz 8-3-3-2.5 = 11588
6) 10x194 = 1940mhz 8-3-3-2.5 = REBOOT

Damn, just so close to 200fsb lol. :rolleyes: im using 194 atm, but it rebooted half way through 3dmark2001SE.

Now i need to increase the multipler, and clock the RAM a bit. temps atm are case-27 CPU-37 (in BIOS.)

Any ideas how high i can get the multipler?

Thanks
Will

just keep upping it mate until it becomes unstable, maybe put a bit more voltage through the CPU and maybe even the RAM to try and get it higher. Some nice new PC3200/3500 RAM would be nice though and would take you well into the 200+ FSB.

Quote:

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Originally posted by Platty
just keep upping it mate until it becomes unstable, maybe put a bit more voltage through the CPU and maybe even the RAM to try and get it higher. Some nice new PC3200/3500 RAM would be nice though and would take you well into the 200+ FSB.

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I'd also suggest increasing the voltage to your RAM and CPU - just remember small steps (in voltage and frequency). Also - I've just upgraded my PSU and have found that it now has less wobble on the vcore under high load (high frequency, high voltage and 100% CPU usage that is). Before I could only get to 10 x 194MHz-ish and now I'm 100% stable at 11 x 200MHz. Before I upgraded the PSU I could also get a higher CPU frequency at a lower FSB (with a higher multiplier) than at a higher FSB (with a lower multiplier and lower overall frequency) which is why I suspected either my PSU or my mobo - decided to change the PSU and see what happened - didn't get a huge boost but it did improve things. You might want to try overclocking with the minimum of components plugged in (just CPU, RAM, HDD and GFX card if possible)

Right. Did some more ocing this evening. After finding the RAM was max stable at 193fsb, 2.7v (as my good friend streetster said, dont use 2.8v) 8-4-4-2.5, which is fairly good for pc2700 :)

Now i am happy with the RAM i did some on the CPU took it to 1.285ghz, at 1.875v. but it still was stable. Thats 11.5x192 or there abouts. I then backed off. Just booted it at 11.0x192 2.112ghz. As i really wanted to get above 2.1 im happy :). Thats 1.775v, tried to run 2k1SE, but it crashed to the desktop in High Detail Lobby.

So i will put it at 1.8/1.825ish tomorrow, and that should be stable. Last 3dmark score i got was 11768. Really want to break 12k without ocing the graphics (gainward gf4 ti4200)

Anyway, time for bed.
Oh, almost forgot. Need to get an all copper Heat Sink from some where.....and maybe a new fan

Will

;) www.dabs.com do the Volcano 11+ for £15, a very good adjustable HSF and great for the money. The better options demand a fair bit more money.

Whoop :)
2.112ghz @ 1.8v (192x11.0) Got 11844 3dmarks.

Im quite pleased with that...shame the chip voltage cant go to 1.8v. Think that may be some of the trouble...?


Ill do some tweaking tonight, then start on the graphics :)

Will

ps. 48db on that volcano 11+. isnt that a bit loud!?

Quote:

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Originally posted by blockers
Right. Did some more ocing this evening. After finding the RAM was max stable at 193fsb, 2.7v (as my good friend streetster said, dont use 2.8v) 8-4-4-2.5, which is fairly good for pc2700 :)

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2.8v won't hurt. When you start upping it to 2.9v and above, that's when you should start thinking about cooling the RAM via heatspreaders or fans. I've been running my stick with 2.8v for well over 6 months 24/7 (folding) and haven't ran into any sort of mishap.

For comparison, I've got 512MB of Kingston Value RAM PC2700 (Micron chips) and I'm able to run it up to 217Mhz 6-3-3-2.5 timings, stable (even at more loose timings, 217Mhz was still the max). Look at sig for what I'm currently running at.

BTW, if you're looking at getting a heatsink, you might want to wait until the Volcano 12 comes out or (if they're cheap in the UK, I don't know) an SLK-800 coupled with a TT SmartFan II.

Well ill see if 2.8v allows a significant difference to 2.7. Dont know if the CPU can handle more that 2.1ghz'ish...

;) Volcano 11+ on its maximum is very loud (less than a GF-FX5800ultra though). However you have 3 methods of operation with it ...

* Manually adjustable (best).

* Intelligent - varying speed by monitoring heat (you decide where the diode goes).

* Full power all the time (ouch).

Im very interested in that Volcano11. Is there a switch which allows you to change between manual, auto, and full?

Also, i tried the RAM at 2.8v. It didnt seem to like it, well it wont go any further...at 195 it crashed to the desktop in 3dmark. thats really the same as it not booting....as its not stable.

Havent managed to get any more 3dmark benching out of it. keep crashes to the desktop. Have more damn coursework to do. So ill post a bit later on.

Will

;) I'll air my usual (boring) caution that it's best to leave voltages at stock almost all of the time, certainly avoid upping it unless gains are significant.

:) Anyway the Volcano 11 runs each mode by ...

* Constant Full Speed = placing a jumper cap on.

* Manual Control = plug in the external controller that comes complete with a control knob (uses PCI slot area on the back of the case).

* Attach diode = Raises the speed as temps rise (wherever you place the diode).

:cool: Check out ThermalTake's site for more info. TBH the manual option is the one to use, still nice to have other options though.

Just did some more tweaking...why is it always late when i do this!?
The max stable i can get it to is 11x193 = 2.123ghz. CPU=1.825v (as NF7-S v2.0 undervolts by about .25 so it is only 1.8) memory = 2.7v.

RAM timings - 7-3-3-2.5
AGP frequency - 80.

and i got....11950! just 50 off my target without ocing the graphics card.

One question. What is the fsb spread spectrum that i have in the BIOS? and does it help the computer go faster? hehe :P

Thanks
Will

YEAH BABY!! put the graphics to performance and got 12028! with no strict overclocking of graphics... :)
Im damn happy. Time for some gf4 ti4200 ocing.....only took 4 days to get this far lol.

Will

;) BIG gains will come when you o/c the gfx card. Most 4200 will use 250/444 - 250/512 and o/c between 280/540 and 310/600 as a rough average. just take things steady, o/c the RAM 10mhz at a time and then repeat for the core ... back off from the extreme maximum stable and you're looking really good.

:( 'Spread Spectrum' is to do with lessening emissions and interference with other electrical systems ... leave it off as it sucks big time and often prevents stability esp when o/c'ing.

Quote:

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Originally posted by blockers
Im very interested in that Volcano11.

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Well you should lose interest in getting a Volcano 11/+ quite quickly. TT's manufacturing process of this heatsink can be a mixed bag. The reason for this is that the Volcano 11/+ was the first time TT went away from a skived fin style (ala Volcano 7+) to soldering the fins onto the base (SLK series). However, they have not perfected this process and as a result performance of V11 can vary greatly among users. You'll find users having great results, yet also you'll find equally the same amount of people that'll regard this heatsink as crap.

Therefore, if you're planning on overclocking with air, I'd recommend Thermalright's SLK-800/900/947 or MCX-462 series from SwiftTech. If, however, you are on a budget, then ThermalTake's Volcano 12 (once it's available) is an option. You can get the Aero 7+, but from the reviews I've read, the base tends to be rough out of the box and you'd need to lap it to get max performance.

Lots to consider then....i am using a volcano7+ atm. Ally and copper. I got annoyed with the loudness of the self adjusting fan, so i whacked an evercool on there. Which it is using at the moment, with a less overall temperature :) And its quiter.

;) Stick to what you've got then. Volcano11 isn't significantly superior to the Volcano7+, even the Volcano9 was a step down in some ways vs the Volcano7+. The best part of the Vol9-11 is the fan more than anything, and you can buy them seperately (TT SmatFan II). I thought the Vol7+ had a manual mode though, low medium and high speeds rather than just a temp monitored auto? The Vol7 (non +) was the auto one, unless things were very cool it would always run at full (loud) speed.

:cool: The Vol11 is a very good choice because of a good HS combined with the good intelligent fan for a low cost. There's little doubt that the likes of the SLK and MCX are superior but then they cost a fair bit more, are harder to fit, can weigh in heavy (on Skt design) and are often less compatible with mobos. Anyway I see no reason for you to need to upgrade the HSF, see how far you can get. If you need/want more then you could look to the Vol11, if it isn't good enough then use its fan on the Vol7+ (even if you need to glue).

Quote:

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Originally posted by blockers
Lots to consider then....i am using a volcano7+ atm. Ally and copper

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Aluminium and copper? If so, then you've got the Volcano 7, whereas the 7+ was an all copper solution with features Austin mentioned.

You will be better off with the heatsinks that I've mentioned earlier if you can afford it. They're all compatible with your motherboard and you shouldn't worry about the weight that much. Just remember to be more careful if you're moving your case about often. Having a heatsink that weighs 700grams+ and utilising the socket lugs can result in a lug or two to come off, so the screw in varieties using the 4 mounting holes are much better options.

Well maybe it is a Volcano 7 then.....hehe :rolleyes: Its at about 44 degrees (CPU) in a lian-li PC-60. even if that is +10 degrees (as it was read from the BIOS) 54 isnt too bad on quite air @ 1.825v :)

Thanks for the help. More fun ocing coming tonight...

Will

Just done a little bit of gf4 ocing....broke 13k 13062 to be precise. 100marks more that getting the processer running lots faster...hehe :) Its currently at 303/567. am gonna try some more on the core, but the memory doesnt like more that 567, and as in riva tuner u can only go to 567 then 594 which is artifact heaven...lol

Will

Ok, here it is. First thanks to Austin :) and everyone else who posted. Have just completed benchmarking my system as far as it will go.
Spec:
Abit NF7-S (v2.0)
2x256mb pc2700 samsung (in dual channel)
xp1700 tbred B (1.6v)
Gainward Geforce 4 ti4200

Overclocking:
11x193fsb (RAM = 386) = 2.123mhz
CPU = 1.825v
RAM = 2.7v @ 7-3-3-2.5
GF4 = 306/594 @ 1.7v (this produces artifacts so i will put this to 567 and 1.6v for normal use)

This system gets - 13254 3dmarks

Think i need to get a Albatron GF4 and get the memory at 600 :)

Thanks once again
Will

:D Very nice. IMHO 1.8v is a little too over-volted for my liking but hey I'm boring like that and if it breaks it's cheap to replace (sould even gte Barton).

;) 4200 really rock, don't they? Just rem for your CPU, gfx and RAM don't run them too near their mosts stable limits, much better to back of 1 more notch. Your PC will play everything currently available awesomely well, games that REQUIRE DX9 are still soem way off so keep hold of that 4200 for at least 6 months. Gains from 300/550 to 300/600 are less than 10% ... if you upgrade definitely get some DX9 and AA+AF loving ... but 9700 would be the least I'd rec over a 4200.

backing off now.....:) I think my brother is gonna get one of those 9800SE AIW cards. as they are about £100 can apparently u can reenble the 4 disabled pipelines some how :)

that would really rock....how much are 9800 AIW's? about £300?

thanks again austin.

;) You're probably as likely to find a 9800SE that can have all 8 pipes successfully enabled (hence = 9800PRO nonSE) as you have of being sent one by mistake or finding one lying on the street. 9800SE are not horrible, 128bit a little slower than 9600PRO and 256bit version a little faster than 9600PRO (but no o/c'ing). If you can get any 9800SE AIW for around £100 that does sound too sweet to pass up.