Can't overclock C2 533a in Abit BX6 rev.1

[manowar]

I recently bought a Celeron 533a coppermine hoping I would be able to overclock it to 800MHz. I was successfull in overclocking my Celeron 300a to 450MHz but can't seem to overlock the 533a. I can't even overclock it to 600MHz using 75MHz FSB. It boots fine but when it loads Win2K it crashes. When I set it back to 533MHz it's fine. I'm using an Asus slotket that supports FC-PGA (the store only had this type) so I wonder if another (like Abit's slotket) would be more successfull. Or is my motherboard too old?

Here's my system:
Abit BX6 rev.1 (latest bios)
192MB Micron pc100 RAM (128 MB + 64MB)
Promise ATA66 controller card
Quantum 7200RPM 9.1GB HD (ata66)
Maxtor 5400RPM 10GB HD (ata66)
Toshiba M1302 8X DVD 40X CD
Soundblaster Live
3Com 3c900 nic

and I'm also using a big heatsink and fan for the 533a.

 

[Phatswalla]

I don't think the model of the board is your problem, I got a friend's C2 566 running at 876mhz no problem on an original BX6. Have you updated to the newest bios?

 

[Nick Stone]

MB is not too old, same as mine; (CII566@952)
What voltage did you try for 75 FSB? Did you try 100 FSB (800mhz) using 1.7 up to 1.85 volts?
If you get close, consider golden orb or PEP66 H/S and fan.
Thermal grease; consider Artic Silver or Circuit Works Silver heatsink compound.
Leave case open, keep it cool. You got a lot of stuff in there. Something might not like 75 FSB. That's why 100FSB is better.
One guy couldn't get there until he got an MS6905 master sloket.

 

[manowar]

yes I have the latest bios. tried different voltage settings up to 1.70 (the highest it can go). Maybe I should set the slotket to a higher voltage so I can get more higher options in softmenu. Anyway, it's possible I may have to try testing without the extra cards, just the basics and see if it can work. Also, I've already tried using thermal compound.

 

[Bill L.]

"I'm also using a big heatsink and fan"
"Also, I've already tried using thermal compound."

I'm not familiar with that brand of heatsink/fan. Sure sounds like it could be heat though. I've found that it's harder to get proper contact with the cumine CPUs than with the earlier Celerons. Also. was there any thermal tape on the heatsink? Get it cleaned off. Make sure CPU and heatsink are making good contact with properly applied thermal compound.

Seems I read somewhere that only certain heatsinks are approved for cumine CPUs. Has something to do with the clip and off center location of the CPU. Anyway, I've had no trouble with the GW FKP32 or the GOrb. My board is a BX2r2, but it shouldn't be your MB which is holding you back.

Bill

 

[AtomClock]

Hey I have the ABIT BX6 v1 and an ABIT Slotkit. My CII 566 runs all the way up to 952 when I run windows 98SE but as soon as I try to boot in win2k it crashes before win2k even comes up (it crashes at exactly the same place... while the blue line is about 50-75% across). The only way I can get win2k to boot is by droping down to default 566MHz. I have a 300a@450 that will boot win2k so it is not the MB or ram. I think it has something to do with the slotkit and win2k. I just don't understand how my CPU when clocked at 952 (1.85v) or 850 (1.75v) can pass any stress test while in win 98se but it won't even boot win2k. I have tried bumping the voltage to 1.9, adjusted memory cas, and played with just about every other setting in the bios.

So, try instaling win98 and see if that works... I am looking at getting an ASUS CUSL2. I think that will allow me to go up to 952.

 

[crab's better half]

Besides what everyone has suggested, I think your slotket could be the problem. We used the MSI MS-6905 MASTER (VER 2) with great results on our two Abit mobos: Abit BH6 and Abit BX6 with CII 566 FC-PGA/at 952.

 

[Coki]

ABIT SUCKS.

I had same trouble with Celeron 566@850 get another board.

 

[manowar]

Well, I haven't had time to try anything yet cause of work but it has been running fine normal speed. I'll try using an Abit slotket first. If it doesn't work with all the suggestions you've made then I'll try an Asus CUV4X motherboard. If that doesn't work, then it's probably the CPU. Oh well ...

But thanks all.

 

[mschell]

Hey Coki,
Would you please elaborate on your statement.
The whole idea about Celeron overclocking is using older, less expensive components. While the BX6 is not so hot for overclocking the latest Cumines which need high FB speeds, it's a natural for the 100MHz Celeron. Many people have one sitting around (retired) from duty so they can be had very cheaply.
In case you're too young to remember, that "sucky" BX6 was about the only board you could use to overclock the original Celerons and P-II's without the contact masking required with every other motherboard including Asus boards. In fact, if it weren?t for Abit and the original Softmenu, we might still be fiddling with jumpers but Asus owners are very familiar with jumper fiddling as even their present boards need manual jumper placement for overclocking.