Does the Shuttle AK32L overclock better then ECS K7S5A ?

[dxpaap]

anyone know if the Shuttle AK32L overclocks well ? What type of Multiplier or voltage adjustments does it support ?

Was thinking of using the ECS K7S5A to (cheaply) upgrade kid systems - but reading a lot of problems with it (requires a really good power supply and high quality ram). Kind of defeats the purpose of getting the cheap ECS board if I have to replace the other existing components.

thanks in advance

 

[eGAK]

Preview using old power supply & memory at the start Budget Box linky

 

[Peter]

You should have quality RAM and sufficient power for ANY board. You'll find that with a weak power supply, some boards give you obvious problems right from the start, while with others the PSU dies later from being overstressed, possibly taking other stuff with it.

Also, you don't need expensive RAM with the ECS board, you just need RAM that is 100 percent OK. Athlon boards make VERY efficient use of the RAM, and won't let you get away with a DIMM that violates any timing no matter how slightly.

But ... you're not seriously saying "overclocked" and "reliable" in the same question, are you? Use the ECS board, surround it with quality stuff, and then use the money saved from not buying an expensive board to get a faster CPU and/or graphics card.

 

[Peter]

Originally posted by: eGAK
Preview using old power supply & memory at the start Budget Box linky

Gah, another one who still believes in the "Video BIOS Shadowing" myth ...

 

[dxpaap]

eGAK,

Thks for the link - very helpfull. I noticed in your signiture block "AK32L@1725/Ti4200/AC'97 on board sound" - So is this OCed ? if so, did you run into any problems or have to upgrade your power supply ?


Peter,

I actually didn't say "overclocked" and "reliable" but guess you read between the lines
Actually, not looking to OC to max degree - just enough to reliably get more performance out of my newly purchased AMD 1600+ AGOIA. Of course I'll add a good cpu HSF and extra case fan.

1. But actual wondering if all components being equal (just replacing MOB & CPU from old P2 system) - would the Shuttle AK32L or the ECS K7S5A more stable ?

2. Also, which chip set is better: ECS SisS 735 or the Shuttle VIA VT8366 & VIA VT8233 (north & south bridge).

 

[Peter]

1. If your stuff is OK, then the resulting thing will be stable. If not, then it won't.
2. VIA 8366 is KT266, which is noticeably slower than SiS 735.

Regarding the overclocking - if I were you I'd stuff it, and go with a quiet CPU fan and no extra case fan instead. For those few percent of extra speed there's little reason to bear three times the noise and the possible damage. The extra money is much better spent on a faster graphics card or DDR RAM instead of SDR - this gives you a larger boost without the at-your-own-riskness.

 

[eGAK]

New power supply:
TTGI / TT400SS
Input 100-120/200-240V ~,10/6A, 60/50Hz Output 420W ATX 2.03(12V)
+3.3V 28.0A
+5V 42.0A
+12V 18.0A
2 x Ball Bearing Fans

+3.3V rail is at 3.31V, +5V is 4.94 ? 4.98, with no adjustment of the pots.

Good SDRAM: Crucial 133 CAS2

Unlocked AXP 1600+

I don?t run the FSB over 150 mhz. The benefit of the CPU speed is limited by the memory. The mobo will not realize the full potential of DDR2700 due to no 1/5 divisor.
A "TWEENER" board

 

[osage]

the Shuttle is a much better board if you are looking to OC.. the ECS really dosen't offer much in the OC dept, but it is a great low budget board.

IMHO