Socket A overclocking 101

[Tech2]

Well, I haven't been here for quite a while, since my old slot A days. I have finally decided to try overclock my 1.2GHz Tbird. I have ordered an Alpha PAL8045, which should arrive next week, but I would like to ask some newbie questions, if I may.

First off, my current setup:

1.2GHz Tbird 266 (9x133)
Abit KT7A Non-RAID
2 sticks of Crucial PC133 CAS2

Now my questions:

BIOS - I currently have my RAM timings set to the most aggressive. Should I set them to default before overclocking?

What is the default core voltage for my CPU? I have it set to 1.6v right now, but I thought the default was 1.65v.

What is the best way to start OC'ing my rig? Should I inch up the FSB until I encounter a problem, then up the Vcore? Or should I inrease the multiplier right off (I plan on unlocking the CPU with conductive paint)?

What are some of the other BIOS settings I should be aware of? IE, can I set my PCI and memory bus at a speed different from the FSB?

Whew - lots of questions, I know. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Tech2

[NorthernYankee]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tech2


BIOS - I currently have my RAM timings set to the most aggressive. Should I set them to default before overclocking?

Leave them aggressive

What is the default core voltage for my CPU? I have it set to 1.6v right now, but I thought the default was 1.65v.

Set Your core voltage to 1.85 or max for your board.

What is the best way to start OC'ing my rig? Should I inch up the FSB until I encounter a problem, then up the Vcore? Or should I inrease the multiplier right off (I plan on unlocking the CPU with conductive paint)?

That board tends to have a max FSB of between 145-150 so go from there. When you get to Your max fsb then up the multiplier and gp tfrom there, And just use a #2 pencil instead of the paint.

--NY

[Tech2]

Norhtern Yankee,

Thanks for the response. Just so I'm sure I understand:

Leave my multiplier at 9 and up the FSB. When I get to the point that the rig doesn't boot, back the FSB down and up the multiplier, then repeat the process.

Correct?

And what about the BIOS setting for DRAM Clock? Should it be set to Host CLK or HCLK+PCICLK? I currently have it set to Host CLK.

Lastly, why do you suggest using a pencil rather that conductive paint? I have heard that the pencil graphite doesn't "last" and may have to be re-done over time. Is this true, in your experience?

Thanks again.

Tech2

[The Therion]

Hello and welcome back to the forums :)

You should leave the memory at HOST CLOCK since you will be running it at more than 133 (by upping the FSB over 133).If you had it at HOST+PCI ,with the FSB at 133 ,you would be forcing the memory to work at 133+33=166 which is way out of specs even for Crucial.

The pencil trick is cheap and easy and what people say that it wears off after a while is exxagerated in my opinion.I have done it only once and it didnt need to be redone yet (almos t a year after) ;)

I suggest you use a good heatsink-fan and aply Arctic Silver 2 conductive paste between cpu-heatsink ,and northbridge-heatsink.

Good luck ,have fun and keep us posted ! :)

[NorthernYankee]

Well said Therion

--NY

[Tech2]

Thanks for the welcome, The Therion.

Yep, got the good heatsink ordered (Alpha PAL8045), and a tube of AS2 in my tool kit.

I'll definitely let you know how it goes, and I'll probably have more questions along the way.

You guys have always been very helpful, in the past, and I have always considered this the #1 forum for Athlon overclocking, that's why I'm back.

Regards,

Tech2

[Tech2]

Well, I got the new Alpha, very nice.

I ended up using a pencil to unlock my CPU. I removed my mother board to install the HSF, re-installed everything, booted up, and got nothing. Couldn't even acces BIOS. I reset the BIOS, rebooted, still nothing. Removed the mobo, HSF and CPU, and I noticed that I had gotten some Arctic Silver on the CPU near some of the bridges, so I cleaned it with a toothbrush and some Ivory soap. After rinsing thoroughly, and blow drying, I reassembled everything, and reset the BIOS one final time.

I booted to BIOS and set my CPU to it's default speed (9x133) and it ran fine. So I went to 10x133, fine. I'm currently at 11x133 (1.466) and running great, but it seems that whenever I up the FSB, I get random lock-ups, at any multiplier, even 9x. I tried 11.5x133 and Windows (XP) locked at the splash screen. I had the same problem with my old slot A Athlon, and I always suspected my NIC couldn't handle the higher FSB. The only 2 PCI cards I am using from that old set-up are the NIC and SB Live.

My CPU voltage is currently at 1.8v. Temps? I'm not sure, since I am using Motherboard Monitor and it says my CPU temp is 28C at idle. Surely this is wrong.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

[Tech2]

I forgot to add that I did not remove my Northbridge chipset cooler and apply AS. Could this be the reason for the instability at the higher FSB speeds?

[The Therion]

You mean even if you try 9x134 or 9x135 it freezes?

Aplying AS to the northbridge will surely help ,even a little.

[TubeScreamerX]

Originally posted by The Therion
You mean even if you try 9x134 or 9x135 it freezes?

Aplying AS to the northbridge will surely help ,even a little.

Yes, but he shouldn't be surprised if he doesn't get any noticeable difference. The only place the northbridge becomes important is if you're running your FSB high. 134/135 is not high. Just my $0.02...

*tsx