CPU and RAM on overclock

[Kabob]

I'm about to overclock my system for the first time ever, and I have a question for anyone who can answer me.

I'm running an Athlon 64-Mobile 3200+ on an ASRock K8S8X w/1GB of PC4000 RAM. If I want the RAM and the CPU to be running at the same speed when I overclock, what exactly do I do? Do I need to se the RAM speed to 200MHz and then overclock the HTT?? Do I need to set the RAM speed to the speed that I want to hit with my CPU?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

-Kabob

 

[BlueWeasel]

You always want to run the RAM at the same speed as your front side bus (FSB) to get the best performance.

For example, let's say you can run the 3200+ at 200 FSB. By running the RAM any less than that, the memory is operating at a slower FSB speed compared to the chip. However, since you've got PC3200 that's meant to run at 200 FSB, then it shouldn't even be an issue.

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel
You always want to run the RAM at the same speed as your front side bus (FSB) to get the best performance.

For example, let's say you can run the 3200+ at 200 FSB. By running the RAM any less than that, the memory is operating at a slower FSB speed compared to the chip. However, since you've got PC3200 that's meant to run at 200 FSB, then it shouldn't even be an issue.

ok, so when it asks me to increase the CPU speed (which is really the FSB speed, correct?) and it starts at 200 MHz, what should my RAM setting be set at? If I want to increase the CPU speed to say...230 MHz, should my ram be set on 200 MHz or 230 MHz. I would think 200 MHz since the FSB would increase the speed of that.

And my RAM is PC4000, not PC3200. For some reason though my mobo wants me to run it at a max of 200 MHz...which I can't figure out. There is however a new BIOS update which I think fixes this problem. (I hope)

-Kabob

 

[BlueWeasel]

The CPU speed and FSB speed are two different things. The CPU speed is derived from the FSB speed and the multiplier you are using.

CPU Speed = multiplier x FSB

For example, a 2500+ Barton is designed to run at 166FSB x 11.0 multiplier = 1830mhz.

When possible, you always want to run the RAM at the same FSB as the CPU is running (1:1 ratio). However, if you board doesn't let you go over 200 FSB on the RAM speed, then it just means the memory is running a little slower than the FSB of the CPU.

 

[Kabob]

I don't think my mobo allows me to go over 200MHz FSB then. I don't see where I can change it at least.

It has a part in the BIOS that says "Actual CPU frequency: 200MHz" or something like that. It also has an option for "Maximum multiplier." There is nowhere to change the FSB speed that I see, just the Memory speed. Out of curiosity, is it better to run the CPU at a higher speed with a non 1:1 ratio, or leave it as it is with that ratio? If I were to upgrade my mobo to allow for more tweaking, should I go for an Asus K8N-E Deluxe or a DFI Lanparty UT? Since I probably won't but either of these for a long long time, what should I do at the present about the memory/CPU speeds??

Also, I can change the CPU speeds...why can I not change the FSB speeds? Is it just a part of the mobo that I cannot mess with?

-Kabab

 

[Kabob]

Here's what my BIOS actually say:

CPU Host Frequency
Actual Frequency (MHz) 200 (I can adjust this)
Spread Spectrum Enabled/Disabled
Processor Maximum Multiplier 10x (can adjust this)
Processor Maximum Voltage 1.450v (can adjust this)


Memory CLK 200MHz (can adjust to major memory speeds at or below PC3200 speeds...)
CAS Latency 3 (can adjust a little bit)
Burst Beats 8 Beats
TRCD 4CLK (adjustable)
TRAS 8CLK (adjustable)
TRP 4CLK (adjustable)
MA Timing 1T (adjustable)

Under my Hyper Transpoer configuration, I have these options:
HT Width 8bit/16bit
HT speed 200/400/600/800
HT Tristate Enabled/Disabled
CRC Flood Control Enabled/Disabled

Under my AGP setting, I can set the AGP Aperture Size to 32/64/128/256 MB...what exactly are these for? Any clue?

so, can anyone who's adept at the whole overclocking scent tell me exactly what I can and cannot do with this motherboard?

Also, how can I engage, disengage (or is it always engaged) the PCI/AGP lock?

Thanks for the help!!
-Kabob

 

[effee]

Rule of thumb of AGP aperture size is to set it to half your gfx card memory, meaning if you have a 128mb card, set it to 256.

 

[Fern]

Under my AGP setting, I can set the AGP Aperture Size to 32/64/128/256 MB...what exactly are these for? Any clue?

When you AGP card runs outta vid ram, it'll use system ram. The AGP setting controls how much of your system ram may be allocated for use by your card.

Here's an article LINK

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: effee
Rule of thumb of AGP aperture size is to set it to half your gfx card memory, meaning if you have a 128mb card, set it to 256.

Wouldn't half of my 128MB card be 64MB??

Anyone have any clues about the FSB/CPU/RAM speeds and such??


-Kabob

 

[flexy]

Originally posted by: effee
Rule of thumb of AGP aperture size is to set it to half your gfx card memory, meaning if you have a 128mb card, set it to 256.

mhhhmmm-kay ? (Looking confused....)

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: flexy
mhhhmmm-kay ? (Looking confused....)

Agrees wholeheartedly...

 

[Fern]

Guys, the rule of thumb stuff is OK, but read the very good (and not too long) article I linked.

A quote:

The requirement for AGP memory space shrinks as the graphics card's local memory increases in size. This is because the graphics card will have more local memory to dedicate to texture storage. So, if you upgrade to a graphics card with more memory, you shouldn't be "deceived" into thinking that you will need even more AGP memory! On the contrary, a smaller AGP memory space will be required.

It is recommended that you keep the AGP aperture around 64MB to 128MB in size, even if your graphics card has a lot of onboard memory. This allows flexibility in the event that you actually need extra memory for texture storage. It will also keep the GART (Graphics Address Relocation Table) within a reasonable size.

Fern