Abit AV8 233 FSB limitation? 2563Mhz limit?

[dansthunder]

After getting my RMA replacement AV8 from abit, (rev 1.0 to rev 1.1 now), I'm finally able to overclock! However, it seems that I can't get above a 233 FSB to boot up windows. Memtest86+ passes fine, but no "error free" bootup.

I'm running an AV8 rev1.1 w/ latest bios, a 3500+ winchester, and 4 sticks of Micron PC3200 single sided 512mb dimms. All stock voltages. I can't get a 1T post past ddr200 setting, so I run it at 2T.

At first, I was running a 10.5 x 233, (2448 Mhz) stable. Everything boots fine. SuperPI passes with flying colors, Doom3 works great. I'm using a ddr333 memory speed setting, and a 4x HTT. I've tried 3x and 2x, but haven't seen much of a difference. (I'm a little dismayed, since other people are running 2600Mhz+)

Now, if I take that same setup and say run 10 x 240, SuperPI fails, sometimes partial boots of windows, etc. What gives? Taking the board to 10.5 x 234, and it will fail superPI right off the bat.

Even running 277 x 9.0, ddr200, ht x2, still won't even get past post.

So, since I seem to be stuck at 233, I tried 11 x 233. (2563 Mhz). With a cpu voltage boost to 1.55v, I'm rock solid stable. DDR is set to DDR333 (running at 183.5mhz), HTT x3. ( I haven't tried x4 HTT)

Should I be happy with 2563 Mhz with a 3500+, water cooled setup?

Am I missing something?

Thanks for your help,

Dan

 

[imported_whatever]

Have you tried lowering the CPU multiplier so that you can test the maximum FSB you can do? try setting the multi to something low (6 or something, just so that you can be sure that it is not the CPU that is limiting the OC) and seeing how high you can get the FSB. Also try this with the RAM at some low setting so you can make sure that it is not limiting you either. After you figure out the max clock that the FSB can do, try increasing the RAM setting and finding out what it can do. Once you have both of those figured out, try finding out what the CPU can do at whatever vCore you are willing to go to.
edit: does the AV8 have a PCI lock? I think I remember something about it not, but in my current state of mind () am not sure, it could be the A8V or something that does not.

 

[miketheidiot]

i'm not sure if i am confusing this board with another, but a few boards do top out in the 230-240 fsb/hht/wtfever its called

 

[dansthunder]

Yes, it's got a PCI/AGP lock, and it's enabled. I can pick any multiplier, as long as I don't go over 233 fsb. As you can see, the cpu runs fine at stock voltages at 2450ish, and dropping it to a 2400, with a lower multiplier and higher clocks results in a crap fest of errors, no boot, etc. Doesn't matter if I pick 10x, 9.5, 9x etc. A FSB clock higher than 233 wont let me boot windows. (Actually 234 will, but get a few "system has had a serious error" and SuperPI couldn't pass a calc if it tried. In effect, I found the max FSB this board will do is 233.

I had rma'd my board to a rev 1.1, since the locks were broken on the 1.0 I had. At least I can overclock to 2563 now.

The memtest86+ iso is a godsend. So much faster to boot up on cd, rather than windows. I know if it memory passes clean, at least I have a chance. It's also handy to see what your memory settings and speed are. I spent 2 days trying 100's of combos, and have a huge log of trials and tribulations. Getting the memory timings locked down to something stable was a pain in the ass.

I had also went out and purchased some OCZ 3200 EL memory. I could clock that memory to no end, without a hitch, but it refused to post at all with 1T. My cheap Micron stuff would run 1T as long as my ddr divider was set to ddr200. I ended up returning it, since I couldn't justify the $500 for 2 gig.

Dan

 

[GML3G0]

So, since I seem to be stuck at 233, I tried 11 x 233. (2563 Mhz). With a cpu voltage boost to 1.55v, I'm rock solid stable. DDR is set to DDR333 (running at 183.5mhz), HTT x3. ( I haven't tried x4 HTT)

that's your problem. the HTT x 3 is buggy, you have to use x5, x4, or x2.

 

[dansthunder]

Well I'll be! I set my HTT x4, and now I"m running at 2610 stable. SWEET! I can confirm that a HTT x3 will limit you to a 233 FSB on an Abit AV8 rev 1.1

Just finished another level of Doom3, and SuperPI runs fine.

My temps under load are 41-43 C, I'm running a swiftech water cooling system, and I love it.

Now, the big question is, how far do I take this?


Thanks for your help! I still can't believe I'm running at 2600+ after two days of frustrating testing!

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Abit Av8 rev 1.1 | PC Power & Cooling 510W Deluxe | Swiftech H2O-120 Rev3 Liquid Cooling | AMD 3500+ Winchester @ 2610 Mhz | 2 GB PC3200 | ATI X800 Pro 500:525 water cooled

 

[GML3G0]

The AGP lock will stop working after 260FSB. After that, (at around 266) you'll have to use the 8:2:1 divider and pray that your video card likes the speeds.