Asus M2N-E and SLI Overclocking Guide
Download a copy in .doc form with pictures from link below
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzew...files/asusm2nguide.doc
Caution: It is true that Overclocking can enhance and boost performance of any machine. But, if not taken serious overclocking can damage components or even cause them to become disabled. Never adjust settings in the Bios without full knowledge of what you're doing. Always remember to back up your system using system restore before attempting any changes. You and you alone take full responsibility for the results directly connected to overclocking the CPU, memory, motherboard, or other hardware components.
Note: If your system will not reboot after changing the settings in the BIOS. You may have to clear the CMOS on the motherboard. Page 2-19 of the Asus M2N-E motherboard manual has directions on how to clear the CMOS. This will reset the BIOS setting to default so you can boot the system.
Objective
Effectively overclock an AMD Athlon AM2 CPU and Memory on an Asus M2N-E to a stable and safe setting for ultimate performance and usage. Not all types of AMD processors and memory modules yield the same overall enhancements in performance. Your hardware may differ from the types used in this guide. Remember we are trying to accomplish stability with performance; your experience may be different using the components installed in your system.
Hardware used for testing in this how-to guide:
With the exception of the M2N-E motherboard your system hardware maybe different from the hardware I used. This guide will help with overclocking the M2N-E even with different Ram, Video cards, CPUs and Power supplies.
Hardware (All bought at www.NewEgg.com)
· CPU- AMD A64 X2 4200+ 65W 2.2 GHz AM2 Windsor Model 1m cache
· Memory- 2 GB kit Mushkin 1 GBx2 DDR2 800 MHZ #996527
· PNY 6600 GT P PCI-e 128 MB video card
· Maxtor 120 GB Sata drive 7200 RPM
· Orion 585 megahertz Power Supply 24 P pin
Software
· Microsoft windows vista ultimate edition
· Prime 95 version 2414 Download @: www.mersenne.org/prize.htm
· CPU Burn-in version 1.0 Download @: users.bigpond.net.au/cpuburn/
· Memtest86 version 3.3 Download @: www.memtest86.com/
· CPU -Z version 1.41 Download @: www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
New system builds
Make sure that bios settings are set to defaults\auto and OS is properly installed before attempting any overclocking of the system. If you have problems with the installation of your operating system or hardware incompatibilities please check the Asus web site for bios updates, which may fix these problems. Do not attempt to overclock a system with hardware or OS software problems.
Your new CPU should have a "BURN-IN" performed for least 5 hours using a utility such as Prime 95, or CPU burn-in to ensure maximum overclocking ability and stability. Both program links for download are show above in the software used for system guide section.
Note: Make sure AMD Cool 'n' Quiet technology is "Disabled", turned off in the bios before attempting any over-clocking of the system. Leaving this option enabled can cause serious damage.
Memory configurations
Users that are unfamiliar with the Asus M2N-E memory installation and configurations. Here is a guide to help you.
1. Yellow slots are Dual channel #1 meaning slot (A1 and B1). They are next to each other.
2. Black Dual channel slots are #2 (A2 and B2). However, if you are planning on just using a single Dimm you may use any Slot number A1, B1, A2, or B2. Note: Some slots may work better with a single Dimm versus others. Check in the Asus M2N-E manual on page 2-10 for more information.
Remember, if you have problems booting or installing OS, try moving the single Dimm to another slot. It might fix the problem. Also running memtest86 after installing RAM will eliminate the possibilities of you blaming the memory for the cause of your problem.
Settings
Memory settings can be very confusing and dangerous at the same time. Memory manufactures use different voltages, timings, and clock speeds for each of their line of memory modules. This motherboard uses DDR2 memory modules ranging from 533 MHZ to 800 MHZ. The guide below shows how-to properly change the memory settings for each of the different speeds of DDR2 memory modules (533-800) that are accepted by M2N-E motherboard. The memory I used for this guide is Mushkin DDR2 800 1 GBx2 kit. Model number 996527.
For all reason of stability and safety we are going to leave all ram settings on "AUTO" for know with exception of Memory Clock Frequency. Set this value one speed lower then your actual DDR2 speed.
An example...the mushkin I used here in this test is DDR2 800. So I am going to set the Memory Clock Frequency to: [DDR2 667] Your Dram configuration screen should look like the picture below in the Bios. So if you were using DDR2 667 you would set the memory clock frequency 1 speed lower to DDR2 533...and so on for others.
Make sure you have Prime95, CPU-Z and Memtest86 or similar programs installed prior to overclocking. We are going to use these programs to check for stability and performance. The links for these programs are listed above in the guide.
CPU OVERCLOCKING For BASIC USERS
Note: Advanced users look for my post called
"CPU OVERCLOCKING for ADVANCED USERS"
I am not going to get involved right now with all the technical terms associated with Bios settings for Front side bus, HTT Multipliers, LDT's, etc. The next section, "CPU OVERCLOCKING for ADVANCED USERS" will get into detail about these settings. Once you have completed this Section of the Guide, you can continue through the advance section feeling more comfortable about Overclocking. Here we are going to try to make overclocking your computer very SIMPLE! Just make sure to read this guide and follow the directions carefully and you will be satisfied with the results.
OK. Lets Get Started!
We are now going to change some settings in the Bios.
Go into your BIOS by pressing, "delete" when prompted in the beginning of boot-up process at the post screen.
Part I
Go to the Advanced tab (pic1) in the Bios and highlight the arrowed tab called Jumper Free Configuration and press enter.
(pic 1)
A new window will open with new selections. Highlight AI Tuning (pic 2) and change the setting from ?Auto? to ?AI Overclock?.
(pic 2)
Next, highlight the word Overclock Options (pic 3) and press enter.
(pic 3)
A new window will open with the new selections. Highlight the [overclock 3%] (pic 4) and press enter.
(pic 4)
Go to the Exit tab (pic 5) along the top. Highlight the "Exit and Save Changes" and press enter. Confirm by pressing enter and your done.
Note: If your system will not reboot after changing the settings in the BIOS. You may have to clear the CMOS on the motherboard. Page 2-19 of the Asus M2N-E motherboard manual has directions on how to clear the CMOS. This will reset the BIOS setting to default so you can boot the system. Here is a pic of the page:
PART II
Confirm the settings you just changed in the BIOS with CPU-Z? (Shown below). This will show you the Core speed in Mhz, Multiplier, Bus speed in Mhz, and Hyper transport (HT) Mhz. You can also see the speed of the Memory by clicking the ?Memory Tab? at the top of the window.
Part III
Your system will now reboot with the new settings entered in the Bios. We are going to try to raise the Overclock in increments, start at the [3% Overclock] and ending at [10%Overclock]. When the system reboots back into Windows, we are going to check the stability of your overclock at each setting.
Make sure no other programs are running in Windows. If you have your screen saver set to run before 15 minutes, you may want to change it's settings so it will not interrupt the test.
Open Prime95 and along the top click "Options". Move down to "Torture Test" and click. In this window make sure the "Blend (Test some of everything....)" Is checked and click Ok.
Note: Do Not try to open, run, or access anything in Windows while running these tests. Run this test for 15 minutes total.
[Note: For systems with Dual core X2 AMD processors ONLY]. Open 2 applications of Prime95. Go to the "Torture Test" window in each app and before clicking "OK" and running Prime95, shrink the windows into smaller boxes on you desktop as shown in (pic). Click "Ok in the first app of Prime95 and Now "Ok" in the other open Prime95 window. Running 2 apps of Prime95 will access both Cores of the AMD to give you a good stress on the CPU. Notice in the picture the % of each core being used. This is a very effective program for stability.
PART IV
Once you have completed a good stability test for at least 15 minutes try using some applications in windows for a bit. If everything went well with no errors then you ready to try the next highest overclocked setting????..
?GO BACK TO PART I ? of Overclocking for Basic Users and REPEAT all the steps up to this paragraph until you find a instability or an error.
If you notice any problems the overclock setting might be too high in the BIOS. Go back and change the setting to the previous setting and try stability again. Remember, Overclocking is all trial and error. Hopefully you can accomplish a high overclock setting before seeing errors.
This concludes the Asus M2N-E SLI Overclocking Guide for Basic Users. I?m glad I could help you understand and perform the steps needed to overclock a system. If you have any questions about this Guide or just want to drop me a note.
Send it to Lilacice2000@yahoo.com.
The author of this guide is not responsible for broken, damaged, or faulted computer hardware. Asus, Cpu-Z, prime95, Cpu burn-in, Mushkin ram, PNY, Maxtor and others named in this guide are registered trademarks and have NO affiliations with the author.
Download a copy in .doc form with pictures from link below
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzew...files/asusm2nguide.doc
Caution: It is true that Overclocking can enhance and boost performance of any machine. But, if not taken serious overclocking can damage components or even cause them to become disabled. Never adjust settings in the Bios without full knowledge of what you're doing. Always remember to back up your system using system restore before attempting any changes. You and you alone take full responsibility for the results directly connected to overclocking the CPU, memory, motherboard, or other hardware components.
Note: If your system will not reboot after changing the settings in the BIOS. You may have to clear the CMOS on the motherboard. Page 2-19 of the Asus M2N-E motherboard manual has directions on how to clear the CMOS. This will reset the BIOS setting to default so you can boot the system.
Objective
Effectively overclock an AMD Athlon AM2 CPU and Memory on an Asus M2N-E to a stable and safe setting for ultimate performance and usage. Not all types of AMD processors and memory modules yield the same overall enhancements in performance. Your hardware may differ from the types used in this guide. Remember we are trying to accomplish stability with performance; your experience may be different using the components installed in your system.
Hardware used for testing in this how-to guide:
With the exception of the M2N-E motherboard your system hardware maybe different from the hardware I used. This guide will help with overclocking the M2N-E even with different Ram, Video cards, CPUs and Power supplies.
Hardware (All bought at www.NewEgg.com)
· CPU- AMD A64 X2 4200+ 65W 2.2 GHz AM2 Windsor Model 1m cache
· Memory- 2 GB kit Mushkin 1 GBx2 DDR2 800 MHZ #996527
· PNY 6600 GT P PCI-e 128 MB video card
· Maxtor 120 GB Sata drive 7200 RPM
· Orion 585 megahertz Power Supply 24 P pin
Software
· Microsoft windows vista ultimate edition
· Prime 95 version 2414 Download @: www.mersenne.org/prize.htm
· CPU Burn-in version 1.0 Download @: users.bigpond.net.au/cpuburn/
· Memtest86 version 3.3 Download @: www.memtest86.com/
· CPU -Z version 1.41 Download @: www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
New system builds
Make sure that bios settings are set to defaults\auto and OS is properly installed before attempting any overclocking of the system. If you have problems with the installation of your operating system or hardware incompatibilities please check the Asus web site for bios updates, which may fix these problems. Do not attempt to overclock a system with hardware or OS software problems.
Your new CPU should have a "BURN-IN" performed for least 5 hours using a utility such as Prime 95, or CPU burn-in to ensure maximum overclocking ability and stability. Both program links for download are show above in the software used for system guide section.
Note: Make sure AMD Cool 'n' Quiet technology is "Disabled", turned off in the bios before attempting any over-clocking of the system. Leaving this option enabled can cause serious damage.
Memory configurations
Users that are unfamiliar with the Asus M2N-E memory installation and configurations. Here is a guide to help you.
1. Yellow slots are Dual channel #1 meaning slot (A1 and B1). They are next to each other.
2. Black Dual channel slots are #2 (A2 and B2). However, if you are planning on just using a single Dimm you may use any Slot number A1, B1, A2, or B2. Note: Some slots may work better with a single Dimm versus others. Check in the Asus M2N-E manual on page 2-10 for more information.
Remember, if you have problems booting or installing OS, try moving the single Dimm to another slot. It might fix the problem. Also running memtest86 after installing RAM will eliminate the possibilities of you blaming the memory for the cause of your problem.
Settings
Memory settings can be very confusing and dangerous at the same time. Memory manufactures use different voltages, timings, and clock speeds for each of their line of memory modules. This motherboard uses DDR2 memory modules ranging from 533 MHZ to 800 MHZ. The guide below shows how-to properly change the memory settings for each of the different speeds of DDR2 memory modules (533-800) that are accepted by M2N-E motherboard. The memory I used for this guide is Mushkin DDR2 800 1 GBx2 kit. Model number 996527.
For all reason of stability and safety we are going to leave all ram settings on "AUTO" for know with exception of Memory Clock Frequency. Set this value one speed lower then your actual DDR2 speed.
An example...the mushkin I used here in this test is DDR2 800. So I am going to set the Memory Clock Frequency to: [DDR2 667] Your Dram configuration screen should look like the picture below in the Bios. So if you were using DDR2 667 you would set the memory clock frequency 1 speed lower to DDR2 533...and so on for others.
Make sure you have Prime95, CPU-Z and Memtest86 or similar programs installed prior to overclocking. We are going to use these programs to check for stability and performance. The links for these programs are listed above in the guide.
CPU OVERCLOCKING For BASIC USERS
Note: Advanced users look for my post called
"CPU OVERCLOCKING for ADVANCED USERS"
I am not going to get involved right now with all the technical terms associated with Bios settings for Front side bus, HTT Multipliers, LDT's, etc. The next section, "CPU OVERCLOCKING for ADVANCED USERS" will get into detail about these settings. Once you have completed this Section of the Guide, you can continue through the advance section feeling more comfortable about Overclocking. Here we are going to try to make overclocking your computer very SIMPLE! Just make sure to read this guide and follow the directions carefully and you will be satisfied with the results.
OK. Lets Get Started!
We are now going to change some settings in the Bios.
Go into your BIOS by pressing, "delete" when prompted in the beginning of boot-up process at the post screen.
Part I
Go to the Advanced tab (pic1) in the Bios and highlight the arrowed tab called Jumper Free Configuration and press enter.
(pic 1)
A new window will open with new selections. Highlight AI Tuning (pic 2) and change the setting from ?Auto? to ?AI Overclock?.
(pic 2)
Next, highlight the word Overclock Options (pic 3) and press enter.
(pic 3)
A new window will open with the new selections. Highlight the [overclock 3%] (pic 4) and press enter.
(pic 4)
Go to the Exit tab (pic 5) along the top. Highlight the "Exit and Save Changes" and press enter. Confirm by pressing enter and your done.
Note: If your system will not reboot after changing the settings in the BIOS. You may have to clear the CMOS on the motherboard. Page 2-19 of the Asus M2N-E motherboard manual has directions on how to clear the CMOS. This will reset the BIOS setting to default so you can boot the system. Here is a pic of the page:
PART II
Confirm the settings you just changed in the BIOS with CPU-Z? (Shown below). This will show you the Core speed in Mhz, Multiplier, Bus speed in Mhz, and Hyper transport (HT) Mhz. You can also see the speed of the Memory by clicking the ?Memory Tab? at the top of the window.
Part III
Your system will now reboot with the new settings entered in the Bios. We are going to try to raise the Overclock in increments, start at the [3% Overclock] and ending at [10%Overclock]. When the system reboots back into Windows, we are going to check the stability of your overclock at each setting.
Make sure no other programs are running in Windows. If you have your screen saver set to run before 15 minutes, you may want to change it's settings so it will not interrupt the test.
Open Prime95 and along the top click "Options". Move down to "Torture Test" and click. In this window make sure the "Blend (Test some of everything....)" Is checked and click Ok.
Note: Do Not try to open, run, or access anything in Windows while running these tests. Run this test for 15 minutes total.
[Note: For systems with Dual core X2 AMD processors ONLY]. Open 2 applications of Prime95. Go to the "Torture Test" window in each app and before clicking "OK" and running Prime95, shrink the windows into smaller boxes on you desktop as shown in (pic). Click "Ok in the first app of Prime95 and Now "Ok" in the other open Prime95 window. Running 2 apps of Prime95 will access both Cores of the AMD to give you a good stress on the CPU. Notice in the picture the % of each core being used. This is a very effective program for stability.
PART IV
Once you have completed a good stability test for at least 15 minutes try using some applications in windows for a bit. If everything went well with no errors then you ready to try the next highest overclocked setting????..
?GO BACK TO PART I ? of Overclocking for Basic Users and REPEAT all the steps up to this paragraph until you find a instability or an error.
If you notice any problems the overclock setting might be too high in the BIOS. Go back and change the setting to the previous setting and try stability again. Remember, Overclocking is all trial and error. Hopefully you can accomplish a high overclock setting before seeing errors.
This concludes the Asus M2N-E SLI Overclocking Guide for Basic Users. I?m glad I could help you understand and perform the steps needed to overclock a system. If you have any questions about this Guide or just want to drop me a note.
Send it to Lilacice2000@yahoo.com.
The author of this guide is not responsible for broken, damaged, or faulted computer hardware. Asus, Cpu-Z, prime95, Cpu burn-in, Mushkin ram, PNY, Maxtor and others named in this guide are registered trademarks and have NO affiliations with the author.
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