Cannot change clock multiplier to overclock

[mobobuff]

Here's a picture of the SoftMenu in my BIOS. There is NO option to change the clock multiplier so that I can overclock. The option is given to directly change the FSB (200) and I've tried that both with and without locking the AGP/PCI speeds and even the smallest increase (205) creates an unstable system. The multiplier is always 14 and I can't change it, idealy I'd like to set it at 16 (for 3.2 Ghz), and the manual for the Abit IS7 mobo shows a screenshot of the SoftMenu screen WITH a Multiplier setting, but I don't have it.

Here is a shot of CPU-Z Proc stats.

Here is a shot of CPU-Z Mobo stats.

I'm sure my PC2100 RAM is a huge bottleneck for the overclocking, but I didn't think a tiny overclock of 205 would make the system unstable (it'll load the OS but after 10 or so minutes it will get buggy, I've had sudden loss of power to my USB ports, and just a random restart). Should I forget about trying to OC until I can get some faster RAM? Current timings are 2.5 3 3 6

 

[JHeiderman]

I'm sure some better experts than myself will chime in here shortly but I think the basic answers to your questions are:

1) Intel CPU's are multiplier locked, you can't change them.

and

2) Yes your PC2100 ram is most likely holding you back (understatement) from upping the FSB.

- J

 

[LTC8K6]

P4's are locked up tight on the multi. You need better ram.

 

[mobobuff]

Damn that Intel.

Alright, I'll bump "better RAM" up a few notches on my priority list. Thanks.

 

[jhurst]

PC2100 = DDR266

Your trying to run your RAM @ 400mhz+ when it is rated to run @ 266mhz. I'm surprised it even POSTs. Get some PC3200 at least. That 2.8 chip will do @ least ~3.4 unless you are the unluckiest person ever. Alot of 2.8C's will do upwards of 3.7ghz. I run mine @ 3.6 with PC4000 @ 1:1 (FSB @ 257, DDR514).

Before you bought a P4, I'm surprised you didn't do at least a little research to see that ALL Intels are multiplier-locked. Up that FSB as far as it will go though.

 

[mobobuff]

Yeah, you'd think I would've known that... I feel rather ashamed... well I suppose you learn something new every day.

Yeah I'm excited to how high I can go with it, it was a little fast out of the box so that's promising. I'll hafta start shopping for faster RAM soon. When I built this system I used previous RAM from a 2 year old system, intending to buy some DDR400 later down the road. Seems that road just got quite a bit shorter.