Any way to change Thunderbird fsb from 266 to 200?

[MTAX]

My MSI mb only takes 200 mhz. I have a Thunderbird 1.2ghz with 266. Any onchip mods to make it 200?

 

[microAmp]

Originally posted by: MTAX
My MSI mb only takes 200 mhz. I have a Thunderbird 1.2ghz with 266. Any onchip mods to make it 200?

The motherboard will make it 200 MHz, no mods needed.

 

[MTAX]

For some reason, my mb sets the multiplier at 9 on my 1.2ghz. I get a downgrade to 900mhz.

 

[sandorski]

Yup, it's supposed to be 9 (133mhz fsb(266)x9 = 1197 aka 1200mhz). So, if you use a 100mhz fsb(200)*9=900mhz. What you need to do now is, to set the cpu multiplier to 12x. You might be able to do this in the BIOS and it might actually work, but if it doesn't run at 1200mhz, then you'll need to "unlock" the cpu's multiplier.

The TBird, fortunetly, is quite easy to unlock. It's best that you do a Search(here or on the net) for info on how to unlock the multiplier, but here is the simple explanation: On the top of the TBirds you will see a number of small metal lines, some will be solid, others will be cut in half. If your cpu multiplier is locked, all the lines in the "L1"(will be printed by the series of lines) section will appear to be cut in half. To "unlock" the cpu you need to join these halves back into solid lines. This can be acheived as simply as by drawing the line in with a soft lead pencil. For more permancy though, you'll want to use a conductive ink pen(electronics parts store(ICs, resistors, and capacitor parts...not TV's, stereo's VCR's )) or a rear window defogger kit(auto parts store). Read some How-To's with pics first though, it's easy, but it has to be done right to work.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: MTAX
For some reason, my mb sets the multiplier at 9 on my 1.2ghz. I get a downgrade to 900mhz.

First of all, the motherboard does not set the multiplier, the CPU is set to a certain one. The 1.2ghz is set to 9 from AMD assuming it will be on a 133mhz (266mhz), not 100mhz (200mhz)....9 x 133 = 1200. Your CPU is running 900mhz because it is running a 100mhz (200mhz) FSB. The only way you can get around this is if your motherboard has the ability to change the CPU's default multiplier. For this to happen, the CPU needs to be unlocked. Fortunately, if my memory serves me correctly, most of the 1.2ghz Tbirds (266mhz FSB) came unlocked from the factory.

If your motherboard can change the multiplier, you need to set it to "12"....12 x 100 = 1200. If your motherboard does not allow for changing the multiplier, then you can either manually set it on the CPU by a combination of cutting and closing bridges, or you can buy one of those "Golden Socket" overclocking devices. These two methods are really not ideal however since physically modifying your CPU can kill it, and the GS device costs ~$50. I hope this helps..




Edit: D'oh! sandorski types faster..

 

[MTAX]

I thought unlocking the Thunderbird bumps it from 200 to 266....not the other way around?

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: MTAX
I thought unlocking the Thunderbird bumps it from 200 to 266....not the other way around?

Nope. The 266 basically assures you that the cpu will run at 133mhz fsb, with a 200 TBird there is no such assurance(although I believe most will anyway). It also, as you now know, changes the default cpu multiplier. Your 266 TBird has a 9x multiplier, and a 200 TBird has a 12x multiplier.

 

[MTAX]

I guess there's no way to make my 1.2ghz work at full speed with my new MSI k7t. Hope geeks have good return policy.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: MTAX
I guess there's no way to make my 1.2ghz work at full speed with my new MSI k7t. Hope geeks have good return policy.

You can unlock it and change the multiplier to 12 (from 9).

It will work at a full 1200 MHz then.

Viper GTS

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: MTAX
I guess there's no way to make my 1.2ghz work at full speed with my new MSI k7t. Hope geeks have good return policy.

Yeah, what Viper Said... No offense, but are you reading these replies? All you need to do is set the multiplier to 12 in your bios. Simple..that's it.

 

[MTAX]

The msi k7t master does not have any provisions for changing the multiplier.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: MTAX
The msi k7t master does not have any provisions for changing the multiplier.

Are you sure? What is the specific model number? I thought most of their boards did allow the multiplier to be set. Are there any dip switches on the board?

 

[MTAX]

Yes. The exact model is ms-6347. I did a web search.

 

[Insane3D]

I just checked the .pdf file for the K7T Master's manual. It appears you are correct, the bios does not allow the changing of the multiplier, either throug hthe bios or with dip switches on the board.

Sorry, looks like you are out of luck.

 

[McCarthy]

CPU sets the multiplier.
MB sets the FSB.

Simple, eh?