Mini Upgrade

[-ChEM-]

that all sounds ok, you should get up to 2.8 pretty easily but it depends on steppings as always, heres some info:

Single Core Steppings: The list below is a general guide to the strength of steppings from best to worst (as determinded by their probability of reaching 3GHz):

1. CABNE 05xx (excluding 0540)
2. CABYE 0540
3, CABNE 0540 / CABYE 05xx (excluding 0540)
4. CAB2E 05xx
5. CABGE 05xx

It should be known that CAB2E's are more variable than other steppings. They are a bit hit or miss, a fact which diminishes their probability of hitting 3GHz. Many do, but many are stuck below 2.75. This assessment will be reviewed periodically as more info becomes available.

[The Codfather]

Sounds damn good to me, I'm guessing I can tell steppings via the number printed on the core, but also via CPUz right?

As for the CPU itself I was looking at the Opteron 146 2.0GHZ;

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=311094

And this'd be the correct cooler I think;

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_2627.html

All sound alright?

[DanceswithUnix]

I have the 64 pro cooler, it is lovely and quiet but struggles in my mid-atx sized case. It seems to be blowing air away from the PSU intake fan, so not as much air is being vented out of the case as with the stock cooler. I measured out 92mm with a ruler, but it was still a shock to see the thing in real life! Hate to think how big a Ninja cooler must be.

If you have a full sized tower it will totally rock, as even in my marginal case I am still very happy with it. I am stunned at how cheap the thing is as well.

[The Codfather]

Well, I have an Akasa Eclipse 62 case at the moment, which is marginally bigger than a standard tower case, so I'm expecting good things

[-ChEM-]

you wont get it from cpu-z, it only shows the revision stepping (a0,b1,e6) etc

if you need any help with the OCing you can get me on msn at thechemix@_____________elitemail.org

edit: i added some ___'s so i dont get trawled

[The Codfather]

Thanks a lot.

In the end even if I end up with one that's not got fantastic stepping and only manage 2.6 or something, I'll still be more than pleased as it'll be a massive jump from what I have now (even the standard clocks would be) many thanks for all the help though, I think I'll be very happy with this upgrade.

[DanceswithUnix]

That is a very nice mini upgrade. I do hope you tell us what you are doing when you come to do a full upgrade

BTW, I noticed that Scan is cheaper on the 64 Pro cooler: I paid <14 quid for mine.

[The Codfather]

Ah, nice one, I swear I looked for that on Scan and couldn't see it >__<

Yeah, hopefully, I'll get this sorted then won't have to touch this PC again and I'll start building the new one probably end of this year/beginning of next year depending on funds etc..

Many thanks though, I'll report back on OC'ing successes (and probable failures) when I get the parts next week.

[The Codfather]

Ack. I knew something like this would happen. It seems Scan have stopped sourcing the Opteron 146 OEM.. so either I pay retail which means an extra &#163;40 for a fan I'll never use and a shiny box, or more likely I need to look for other options.

So does anyone know anywhere I can source an Opteron 146 OEM beside the obvious eBay, or if the Opteron 144 is worth going for as I'm guessing it'll still clock well, just not as high as the 146 would have.

[DavidM]

Or you follow my earlier suggestion and request it to appear on TodayOnly

[The Codfather]

>__<

I didn't realise that thread had updated, I only checked it once before i left work. I shall request promptly, thanks David.

[The Codfather]

Parts have finally been ordered now.

In a nice turn of events KustomPCs had the Opteron 148 on sale for &#163;152 so I decided to go for that in the end.
I'm still a little shakey about the OC'ing but I'll tell you how I get on when all the bits arrive

[-ChEM-]

post the stepping here before you start

[The Codfather]

Will do. The parts have arrived, I'll get everything up and running at stock then post back with the stepping info.

I'm actually away all weekend so I'm not going to overclock anything or even put the Zalman on my 7900GT until probably Monday night.

[The Codfather]

Everything's all up and running. My chip is a CACJE stepping which from what I've read can get fairly good results.

I'm so glad I bought the Zalman for my 7900GT, the stock fan is like a hairdryer.. :/

[The Codfather]

I'm all ready to get this clocked now, I have my new PSU in and everything's back to life. I'm gonna run through a few 3DMark's and some Prime just to make sure everything's good at stock, then I'll need some help on where to start