E2180 & ECS 945GCT-M/1333 @ Frys $78.99

[PieIsAwesome]

Originally posted by: strifext
Picked up one at Concord, CA. Retail CPU 2200, great for my budget machine. Can anyone more knowledgeable than myself confirm that bios doesn't have any overclocking features (fsb frequency and voltage all grayed out). I'd love to push it a little, but getting a new board would slightly kill the deal. Any way to overclock this with the 945gct-m?

I'd like to know too, it doesn't seem like the board will let me change the FSB...

 

[konakona]

lol I didnt check the thread and thought I lucked out when the rep said they were out of 2180s so they would give me a 2200 instead. Retail it is, pretty good deal I suppose. Now I need to find a way to dispose of that mobo, already got a IP35-E sitting pretty awaiting the new CPU

 

[AMDBOY]

xyyz, When you were at the Anaheim store, did they have the E2180?

Also, the specs on the E2200 (1MB L2 cache) seem to be nearly the same as the E4500 (2MB L2 cache). Is there any difference between the two, besides the L2 cache? The E4500 is said to O/C very nicely. Same for the E2180 or E2200?

They both seem like hot deals. Kind of confused on the Ram:
ECS945GCT-M mobo:
It will run dual-channel DDR2 PC5300 (667MHz) up to 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB?

Which Ram to choose while at Fry's? Tia.

The ad says 1333MHz FSB. The spec from MFGR. page says FSB 1066/800/533 MHz . I'm confused. This the same mobo as in Fry's ad? Thanks for any input.
Edit: Never mind, must be mobo vers.3 as seen here

 

[Idex]

Picked up the e2200 at the city of industry frys

 

[konakona]

I am using abit P35-E and 4x HP DDR2 667 ram with this CPU.

with 0.2v+ to vcore, the chip POSTed @3.5 but got stuck while loading the OS. at 3ghz (275FSB) windows works fine, played games for few hours and havnt crashed yet or anything. Considering that I am only using the stock cooler with it, it aint shabby at all.

The mobo seems to retail for $59.99, wonder if I could sell it locally...

 

[AMDBOY]

Very nice deal. Thanks for the info. May I ask, what version is the mobo you guys are getting? Thanks.

 

[quadomatic]

I picked up the E2200 bundle today. Just barely made it as far as getting it while it was still in stock. I only picked up the E2200 because they told me the E2180 was discontinued and oos. I finally ordered ram for $3 a stick from costcentral as well.

Does anyone know whether the BSEL mod works well? A couple people on fatwallet tried the BSEL mod and it worked for them. One person said that it crapped out when trying to load up the OS, so it's probably about luck. Many of these people may have been trying stock cooling on the cpu though, but it might be the motherboard that craps out, not the processor, so we'll see.

How would you change voltage? I'm a n000b to oc'ing, and someone mentioned voltage being a problem with E2200 bsel on this mobo.

Anyone else have luck with BSEL?

 

[Wolfcastle]

Originally posted by: quadomatic
I picked up the E2200 bundle today. Just barely made it as far as getting it while it was still in stock. I only picked up the E2200 because they told me the E2180 was discontinued and oos. I finally ordered ram for $3 a stick from costcentral as well.

Does anyone know whether the BSEL mod works well? A couple people on fatwallet tried the BSEL mod and it worked for them. One person said that it crapped out when trying to load up the OS, so it's probably about luck. Many of these people may have been trying stock cooling on the cpu though, but it might be the motherboard that craps out, not the processor, so we'll see.

How would you change voltage? I'm a n000b to oc'ing, and someone mentioned voltage being a problem with E2200 bsel on this mobo.

Anyone else have luck with BSEL?

A BSEL was spotted recently in a densely wooded area in Yosemite.

 

[MaskedAvenger]

I bought two of the 2200 combos at the Anaheim Fry's at 3:30pm Sunday.
I mentioned to the clerk that Fry's was offering the 2200 at the same price as the 2180.
The clerk had heard of the deal, but did not have the correct code to enter the 2200 combo into their system.
He asked his manager, the manager gave him the code and asked him to make a note on the terminal with the code for the 2200 combo.
The code is 5495339 for the 2200, versus 5495329 for the 2180.

Enjoy!

 

[jiffer]

Originally posted by: AMDBOY
Very nice deal. Thanks for the info. May I ask, what version is the mobo you guys are getting? Thanks.

To the best of my knowledge, the ECS 945GCT-M/1333 comes in only one version, V3.0. That's the motherboard you get with this combo.

I consulted the webpage at:

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSi...ture&MenuID=44&LanID=0

...which has the same information as the link you posted.

Originally posted by: quadomatic
Does anyone know whether the BSEL mod works well? A couple people on fatwallet tried the BSEL mod and it worked for them. One person said that it crapped out when trying to load up the OS, so it's probably about luck. Many of these people may have been trying stock cooling on the cpu though, but it might be the motherboard that craps out, not the processor, so we'll see.

How would you change voltage? I'm a n000b to oc'ing, and someone mentioned voltage being a problem with E2200 bsel on this mobo.

Anyone else have luck with BSEL?

I bought one of these combos, but I haven't tried the BSEL mod. I put the E2200 CPU on a Gigabyte GA-G31MX-S3 motherboard (which commentators at NewEgg, FatWallet, and various hardware review sites, etc. have declared to be "pitiful" when it comes to overclocking, which shows how little they know), and I got it to run at 3.2GHz (11 x 291MHz) with onboard VGA enabled just by adjusting the bus speed and the memory speed ratio. I left the voltage control on "Automatic", which set the CPU voltage to 1.25V. I used a stock cooling fan that came with an E4300 but I did not use any thermal grease because I don't want to have to clean it off later if I swap out the processor or the CPU cooler. The CPU temp is about 45 degrees C at idle, which is colder than my coffee. In the past, I've been able to get various samples of the E21xx series to run between 2.8GHz and 3.2GHz at stock voltage with the stock cooler, so this particular E2200 is probably from a good batch, but other people should be able to get similar or even better results, especially if they use "extreme" overclocking measures.

I put a Celeron 430 on the ECS 945GCT-M/1333 motherboard I got with the Fry's combo. There are no options in the BIOS to adjust the CPU bus speed, CPU multiplier, or any voltages. The BSEL mod *might* work if the motherboard identifies the modified CPU as one that has a higher bus speed (1066 or 1333), but this motherboard is not very suitable for overclocking. The memory speed options are limited 400, 533, 667, and "Auto", even though this motherboard is also supposed to support 800MHz if your CPU runs at a 1333MHz bus speed. Obviously, the chipset would be overclocked at those settings (I'm not sure about the PCI-Express bus). It's not exactly a cool-running chipset to begin with, so I personally would not feel comfortable putting a 1333MHz dual core CPU on this motherboard.

I would guess that the Intel 945 chipset is the primary factor that limits overclocking ability (it seems to hinder EVERY 945-based motherboard I've ever tried), followed closely by memory voltage issues. Based on my own experience, I would guess that most of the people who have trouble getting motherboards to work are probably using the wrong kind of memory but blaming the motherboard for their problems. In any case, I will repeat that the ECS 945GCT-M/1333 is not very suitable for overclocking.

On the other hand, it is well made and quite stable when used for its intended purpose--a budget motherboard meant to be run at stock speeds with 1.8V JEDEC-compliant memory modules.

By the way, I was surprised by the stock CPU cooler that came with the E2200. It's exactly like the one that came with the Celeron 430. The heatsink is all-aluminum and half as tall as the heatsink that comes with the E21xx series of processors (which is also all-aluminum). E21xx processors are rated at 65W, and Celeron 4xx processors are rated at only 35W. The E2200 runs faster than the E21xx processors, so I'm surprised that the heatsink is so small.

For the sake of comparison, the E4xxx and E6xxx 65W series of processors have a heatsink with a copper core and a low speed fan. The quad core Q6600 105W processor has a CPU cooler that is identical to the one that came with the Pentium D 89W series of processors (the heatsink is just like the one that comes with the E6xxx 65 processors but the fan is much faster). I guess the E2200 must be the coolest-running Intel dual core processor we've ever seen.

 

[quadomatic]

Originally posted by: jiffer

Originally posted by: AMDBOY
Very nice deal. Thanks for the info. May I ask, what version is the mobo you guys are getting? Thanks.

To the best of my knowledge, the ECS 945GCT-M/1333 comes in only one version, V3.0. That's the motherboard you get with this combo.

I consulted the webpage at:

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSi...ture&MenuID=44&LanID=0

...which has the same information as the link you posted.

Originally posted by: quadomatic
Does anyone know whether the BSEL mod works well? A couple people on fatwallet tried the BSEL mod and it worked for them. One person said that it crapped out when trying to load up the OS, so it's probably about luck. Many of these people may have been trying stock cooling on the cpu though, but it might be the motherboard that craps out, not the processor, so we'll see.

How would you change voltage? I'm a n000b to oc'ing, and someone mentioned voltage being a problem with E2200 bsel on this mobo.

Anyone else have luck with BSEL?

I bought one of these combos, but I haven't tried the BSEL mod. I put the E2200 CPU on a Gigabyte GA-G31MX-S3 motherboard (which commentators at NewEgg, FatWallet, and various hardware review sites, etc. have declared to be "pitiful" when it comes to overclocking, which shows how little they know), and I got it to run at 3.2GHz (11 x 291MHz) with onboard VGA enabled just by adjusting the bus speed and the memory speed ratio. I left the voltage control on "Automatic", which set the CPU voltage to 1.25V. I used a stock cooling fan that came with an E4300 but I did not use any thermal grease because I don't want to have to clean it off later if I swap out the processor or the CPU cooler. The CPU temp is about 45 degrees C at idle, which is colder than my coffee. In the past, I've been able to get various samples of the E21xx series to run between 2.8GHz and 3.2GHz at stock voltage with the stock cooler, so this particular E2200 is probably from a good batch, but other people should be able to get similar or even better results, especially if they use "extreme" overclocking measures.

I put a Celeron 430 on the ECS 945GCT-M/1333 motherboard I got with the Fry's combo. There are no options in the BIOS to adjust the CPU bus speed, CPU multiplier, or any voltages. The BSEL mod *might* work if the motherboard identifies the modified CPU as one that has a higher bus speed (1066 or 1333), but this motherboard is not very suitable for overclocking. The memory speed options are limited 400, 533, 667, and "Auto", even though this motherboard is also supposed to support 800MHz if your CPU runs at a 1333MHz bus speed. Obviously, the chipset would be overclocked at those settings (I'm not sure about the PCI-Express bus). It's not exactly a cool-running chipset to begin with, so I personally would not feel comfortable putting a 1333MHz dual core CPU on this motherboard.

I would guess that the Intel 945 chipset is the primary factor that limits overclocking ability (it seems to hinder EVERY 945-based motherboard I've ever tried), followed closely by memory voltage issues. Based on my own experience, I would guess that most of the people who have trouble getting motherboards to work are probably using the wrong kind of memory but blaming the motherboard for their problems. In any case, I will repeat that the ECS 945GCT-M/1333 is not very suitable for overclocking.

On the other hand, it is well made and quite stable when used for its intended purpose--a budget motherboard meant to be run at stock speeds with 1.8V JEDEC-compliant memory modules.

By the way, I was surprised by the stock CPU cooler that came with the E2200. It's exactly like the one that came with the Celeron 430. The heatsink is all-aluminum and half as tall as the heatsink that comes with the E21xx series of processors (which is also all-aluminum). E21xx processors are rated at 65W, and Celeron 4xx processors are rated at only 35W. The E2200 runs faster than the E21xx processors, so I'm surprised that the heatsink is so small.

For the sake of comparison, the E4xxx and E6xxx 65W series of processors have a heatsink with a copper core and a low speed fan. The quad core Q6600 105W processor has a CPU cooler that is identical to the one that came with the Pentium D 89W series of processors (the heatsink is just like the one that comes with the E6xxx 65 processors but the fan is much faster). I guess the E2200 must be the coolest-running Intel dual core processor we've ever seen.

So...there's nothing I can do but use BSEL on this mobo, which may not even work...I think I'll ditch this motherboard and pick up an IP35-E or a Conroe1333

 

[Nessism]

I can confirm that the cooler on the E2200 is darn small (can't compare to the others intel models since I haven't seen them). Running under load at 2900mHz and 1.4V, with the side case open, max temp is reading at 55C - reasonable. Going to install a larger cooler anyway since it's a transfer from another box, but the stock cooler seems just fine for general usage, including overclocking.

 

[quadomatic]

Originally posted by: Nessism
I can confirm that the cooler on the E2200 is darn small (can't compare to the others intel models since I haven't seen them). Running under load at 2900mHz and 1.4V, with the side case open, max temp is reading at 55C - reasonable. Going to install a larger cooler anyway since it's a transfer from another box, but the stock cooler seems just fine for general usage, including overclocking.

Did you do this with BSEL on the ECS mobo, or a different one?

 

[cubeless]

Originally posted by: jiffer

Originally posted by: AMDBOY
Very nice deal. Thanks for the info. May I ask, what version is the mobo you guys are getting? Thanks.

To the best of my knowledge, the ECS 945GCT-M/1333 comes in only one version, V3.0. That's the motherboard you get with this combo.

I consulted the webpage at:

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSi...ture&MenuID=44&LanID=0

...which has the same information as the link you posted.

Originally posted by: quadomatic
Does anyone know whether the BSEL mod works well? A couple people on fatwallet tried the BSEL mod and it worked for them. One person said that it crapped out when trying to load up the OS, so it's probably about luck. Many of these people may have been trying stock cooling on the cpu though, but it might be the motherboard that craps out, not the processor, so we'll see.

How would you change voltage? I'm a n000b to oc'ing, and someone mentioned voltage being a problem with E2200 bsel on this mobo.

Anyone else have luck with BSEL?

I bought one of these combos, but I haven't tried the BSEL mod. I put the E2200 CPU on a Gigabyte GA-G31MX-S3 motherboard (which commentators at NewEgg, FatWallet, and various hardware review sites, etc. have declared to be "pitiful" when it comes to overclocking, which shows how little they know), and I got it to run at 3.2GHz (11 x 291MHz) with onboard VGA enabled just by adjusting the bus speed and the memory speed ratio. I left the voltage control on "Automatic", which set the CPU voltage to 1.25V. I used a stock cooling fan that came with an E4300 but I did not use any thermal grease because I don't want to have to clean it off later if I swap out the processor or the CPU cooler. The CPU temp is about 45 degrees C at idle, which is colder than my coffee. In the past, I've been able to get various samples of the E21xx series to run between 2.8GHz and 3.2GHz at stock voltage with the stock cooler, so this particular E2200 is probably from a good batch, but other people should be able to get similar or even better results, especially if they use "extreme" overclocking measures.

I put a Celeron 430 on the ECS 945GCT-M/1333 motherboard I got with the Fry's combo. There are no options in the BIOS to adjust the CPU bus speed, CPU multiplier, or any voltages. The BSEL mod *might* work if the motherboard identifies the modified CPU as one that has a higher bus speed (1066 or 1333), but this motherboard is not very suitable for overclocking. The memory speed options are limited 400, 533, 667, and "Auto", even though this motherboard is also supposed to support 800MHz if your CPU runs at a 1333MHz bus speed. Obviously, the chipset would be overclocked at those settings (I'm not sure about the PCI-Express bus). It's not exactly a cool-running chipset to begin with, so I personally would not feel comfortable putting a 1333MHz dual core CPU on this motherboard.

I would guess that the Intel 945 chipset is the primary factor that limits overclocking ability (it seems to hinder EVERY 945-based motherboard I've ever tried), followed closely by memory voltage issues. Based on my own experience, I would guess that most of the people who have trouble getting motherboards to work are probably using the wrong kind of memory but blaming the motherboard for their problems. In any case, I will repeat that the ECS 945GCT-M/1333 is not very suitable for overclocking.

On the other hand, it is well made and quite stable when used for its intended purpose--a budget motherboard meant to be run at stock speeds with 1.8V JEDEC-compliant memory modules.

By the way, I was surprised by the stock CPU cooler that came with the E2200. It's exactly like the one that came with the Celeron 430. The heatsink is all-aluminum and half as tall as the heatsink that comes with the E21xx series of processors (which is also all-aluminum). E21xx processors are rated at 65W, and Celeron 4xx processors are rated at only 35W. The E2200 runs faster than the E21xx processors, so I'm surprised that the heatsink is so small.

For the sake of comparison, the E4xxx and E6xxx 65W series of processors have a heatsink with a copper core and a low speed fan. The quad core Q6600 105W processor has a CPU cooler that is identical to the one that came with the Pentium D 89W series of processors (the heatsink is just like the one that comes with the E6xxx 65 processors but the fan is much faster). I guess the E2200 must be the coolest-running Intel dual core processor we've ever seen.

the hsf with the retail e4500 i got at frys was all alum...

and are u sure about the bios not having fsb setting? on the earlier version of the board you had to set it to AUTOMATIC to get the fsb option... seems odd that they took options out, but not unbelievable...


and the 1.0 version seems not to like my adata 800 (dual sided) but likes the hp 667 stuff from the other hot deal...

 

[Ricochet]

Does anyone know how long this deal is good til?

 

[jiffer]

Originally posted by: ricochet
Does anyone know how long this deal is good til?

Until Tuesday. But it will probably be back on sale again in the next two weeks, possibly even on Wednesday.

By the way, Fry's B&M is also selling a combo with the Athlon BE-2300 and the ECS GEFORCE7050M-M for $68.99 plus tax.

Originally posted by: cubeless
the hsf with the retail e4500 i got at frys was all alum...

Then it appears that the E4500 has the same HSF as the Pentium E21xx. I was basing my observation on the heatsinks that came with the E4300 and the E6300/6400/6600/6700. It's possible that the HSF was "downgraded" when the E4500 was released (just as the HSF was "downgraded" when the E2200 was released), but I haven't seen one of those myself.

Originally posted by: cubelessand are u sure about the bios not having fsb setting?

Yes, I'm sure. The CPU multiplier and FSB speed are displayed in the BIOS, but they are greyed out and cannot be adjusted. The only "overclocking" adjustments available are memory speed and memory timings.

Originally posted by: cubelesson the earlier version of the board you had to set it to AUTOMATIC to get the fsb option... seems odd that they took options out, but not unbelievable...

What "earlier version" are you referring to? I've seen the ECS 945GCT-M V1.0, and the BIOS is a bit different (I'm talking about the whole layout). I haven't seen V2.0 in person, but judging by photographs of the boards, V2.0 is a lot different from V1.0. The 945GCT-M/1333 V3.0 bears a strong physical resemblance to the 945GCT-M V2.0, but I think of the 945GCT-M V1.0 as a different motherboard, despite the similarity in model numbers.

Originally posted by: cubelessand the 1.0 version seems not to like my adata 800 (dual sided) but likes the hp 667 stuff from the other hot deal...

I've been using A-Data 1GB PC2-6400 double-sided modules and Transcend 512MB PC2-6400 modules without any problems, but the only stability testing I've done has been with the latter.

 

[disastinator]

Originally posted by: quadomatic
I picked up the E2200 bundle today. Just barely made it as far as getting it while it was still in stock. I only picked up the E2200 because they told me the E2180 was discontinued and oos. I finally ordered ram for $3 a stick from costcentral as well.

Does anyone know whether the BSEL mod works well? A couple people on fatwallet tried the BSEL mod and it worked for them. One person said that it crapped out when trying to load up the OS, so it's probably about luck. Many of these people may have been trying stock cooling on the cpu though, but it might be the motherboard that craps out, not the processor, so we'll see.

How would you change voltage? I'm a n000b to oc'ing, and someone mentioned voltage being a problem with E2200 bsel on this mobo.

Anyone else have luck with BSEL?

I have the E2200 running OCCT stable at 2926MHz @ 1.55v on an Asrock 4CoreDual-SATA2 board. I did the BSEL mod first and the system wouldn't boot into Windows so I went for broke and did the 1.55v volt mod (the 1.55v was simple and within the max spec for the CPU). With a Tuniq 120 my idle temp is 30C and full load at 60C. CoreTemp 0.96.1 reports Tj.Max at 85C. With C1E enabled, the system is at 1600 MHz most of the time and temp is 13C.

You may want to do the BSEL mod first and see if the ECS mobo would be stable with it at stock Vcore. If not and if you have the patience (I didn't) you may want to try the 1.4v mod first (which like the the 1.55v mod is also simple - only two lands to connect).

BSEL mod
Look for: "800 -> 1066 FSB Mod"

Voltage Mod
Warning: The mod positions are correct but the the CPU arrow on the diagrams is reversed.

You may also want to download and read the relevant pages of the Intel Data Sheet to understand exactly what you are doing and verify that the mods are correct.

 

[marathon]

Originally posted by: disastinator

I have the E2200 running OCCT stable at 2926MHz @ 1.55v on an Asrock 4CoreDual-SATA2 board. I did the BSEL mod first and the system wouldn't boot into Windows so I went for broke and did the 1.55v volt mod (the 1.55v was simple and within the max spec for the CPU). With a Tuniq 120 my idle temp is 30C and full load at 60C. CoreTemp 0.96.1 reports Tj.Max at 85C. With C1E enabled, the system is at 1600 MHz most of the time and temp is 13C.

You may want to do the BSEL mod first and see if the ECS mobo would be stable with it at stock Vcore. If not and if you have the patience (I didn't) you may want to try the 1.4v mod first (which like the the 1.55v mod is also simple - only two lands to connect).

BSEL mod
Look for: "800 -> 1066 FSB Mod"

Voltage Mod
Warning: The mod positions are correct but the the CPU arrow on the diagrams is reversed.

You may also want to download and read the relevant pages of the Intel Data Sheet to understand exactly what you are doing and verify that the mods are correct.

Thanks for the Voltage Mod Info.

I am little unsure about which default voltage I should use, since my default is only 1.18v and the site you linked also has default of 1.2875, 1.325v and the one you used 1.35v.

Was your default that high? Which one should I start with?

Thanks

 

[watek]

I tried the bsel with the e4500 and ECS. Worked but was not stable. Picked up a refurbished Abit IP35-E at Fry's for $50! Now I'm stable at 333 x 10 with 1.39 vcore with retail HS. Looked around local fry's for the refurbished Abit IP35-E for $50!!!

 

[quadomatic]

Originally posted by: watek
I tried the bsel with the e4500 and ECS. Worked but was not stable. Picked up a refurbished Abit IP35-E at Fry's for $50! Now I'm stable at 333 x 10 with 1.39 vcore with retail HS. Looked around local fry's for the refurbished Abit IP35-E for $50!!!

WOAH, they carry stuff like that? I wish I knew that...I don't really feel like going back. It's a long drive for me.

 

[quadomatic]

Originally posted by: disastinator

Originally posted by: quadomatic
I picked up the E2200 bundle today. Just barely made it as far as getting it while it was still in stock. I only picked up the E2200 because they told me the E2180 was discontinued and oos. I finally ordered ram for $3 a stick from costcentral as well.

Does anyone know whether the BSEL mod works well? A couple people on fatwallet tried the BSEL mod and it worked for them. One person said that it crapped out when trying to load up the OS, so it's probably about luck. Many of these people may have been trying stock cooling on the cpu though, but it might be the motherboard that craps out, not the processor, so we'll see.

How would you change voltage? I'm a n000b to oc'ing, and someone mentioned voltage being a problem with E2200 bsel on this mobo.

Anyone else have luck with BSEL?

I have the E2200 running OCCT stable at 2926MHz @ 1.55v on an Asrock 4CoreDual-SATA2 board. I did the BSEL mod first and the system wouldn't boot into Windows so I went for broke and did the 1.55v volt mod (the 1.55v was simple and within the max spec for the CPU). With a Tuniq 120 my idle temp is 30C and full load at 60C. CoreTemp 0.96.1 reports Tj.Max at 85C. With C1E enabled, the system is at 1600 MHz most of the time and temp is 13C.

You may want to do the BSEL mod first and see if the ECS mobo would be stable with it at stock Vcore. If not and if you have the patience (I didn't) you may want to try the 1.4v mod first (which like the the 1.55v mod is also simple - only two lands to connect).

BSEL mod
Look for: "800 -> 1066 FSB Mod"

Voltage Mod
Warning: The mod positions are correct but the the CPU arrow on the diagrams is reversed.

You may also want to download and read the relevant pages of the Intel Data Sheet to understand exactly what you are doing and verify that the mods are correct.

Thanks disastinator for the voltage mod and bsel info. Also, major thanks on the warning on the cpu arrow being reversed. Even though the arrow is reversed, are the pins still in the right spot? It looks like they used the same pins but just pretended like the arrow was oriented in a different direction.

I'm not sure of what voltage mod to do, but I guess I'll do the 1.4v mod, and if that doesn't work I'll give the 1.55v mod a shot.

Just wondering, but why do you recommend I try the 1.4v mod first? Also, do you think I should use a multimeter to check whether the connection is good? Nobody mentioned this before, so I figured I ask.

I was thinking about ditching this mobo and giving the ASRock Conroe1333 a shot. With BSEL and voltage mod I could probably make it to 3.2 ghz or more, but it probably isn't worth selling this motherboard and getting another one just so I can get a little less than 300mhz more in performance.

 

[disastinator]

Yes the pins are in the right spot. The picture of the actual mod confirms this.

I recommend doing the 1.4v mod since the mobo is different and may already run stably with the slight voltage increase. With an Abit IP35 for example, the E2200 should overclock at stock vcore quite easily.

Yes of course you must check that the connections are good. I forgot to mention this, sorry.

One more tip: Use the stock HSF until you can boot to Windows and are able to run the stress test. The stock cooler is just a lot easier to mount and remove than most aftermarket coolers. Just be sure to stop the stress test when the temps get a bit high .. say high 50s. If you can run the stress test at all for a few minutes it's a good sign that with the right cooler your rig will remain stable.

 

[disastinator]

marathon,
For the purposes of the mod I took what's indicated in the retail box as my default voltage. I believe I read somewhere in the same article that that is what you take as your default voltage. I know CPUZ may report something different.

 

[quadomatic]

Hmmm, it looks like the Circuitwriter is stocked at any radioshack anymore. I stopped by earlier today and couldn't find it.

I guess I'll have to look around for a rear window defogger kit. I might have one lying around my house, but I'm don't know. Any chance that using an old read window defogger kit that I have lying around would be bad? As in, is the stuff no good for making circuits after a while?

 

[marathon]

Originally posted by: disastinator
marathon,
For the purposes of the mod I took what's indicated in the retail box as my default voltage. I believe I read somewhere in the same article that that is what you take as your default voltage. I know CPUZ may report something different.

O.k. I see 1.35 on my box as well. But mine is max voltage, not default voltage. Does you box show both default and max voltages?

Just want to make sure I don't choose the wrong start point.