Epox 8K5A2 + XP1600 OC combo (anyone else having problems?)

[MichaelD]

I know that overclocking is a gamble; sometimes it works, sometimes not. I bought the XP1600 AGOIA/8K5A2 combo b/c everyone else was doing 166x10.5 with no probs, rock solid stability etc.

I paired it up w/a 512mb stick of Corsair PC3200, to ensure memory wouldn't be an issue.

I've had nothing but probs with this combo since day 1. Cold boots usually result in a 3-tone (Hi-Low-Hi) sound, and it shuts down. When it finally comes back up, the FSB has returned to 133, but all other settings are fine.

I replaced the powersupply. I've upped the voltage all the way to 1.9 volts and this still happens.

Did I get a bad CPU? Is this mobo a bum board? Once I'm into Windows it's rock stable. Help.

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

what was the stepping on the cpu, do you remember?
also the date?

how are the temperatuers?
+5, +12, +3.3 voltage lines under load?

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks for the reply. It's a Week-13, Y-step; allegedly the BEST overclocker out there.

It's not the PS, as I replaced the Chieftec PS (which has excellent ratings) with an Antec 430-watt Trupower (yesterday!) and the problem is still there.

Temps are fine. ONce it's in Windows, it's stable. 42C idle, about 48C loaded.

Something is very wrong. Tonight I will try leaving the CPU at 10.5 x 133 (stock 1600 speed) and see what I can do w/the memory. I would like to doubt that anything is wrong with my $200 stick of Corsair PC3200, but you n ever know.

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

somethings fishy heh
try memtest86, it will tell you if the ram is fubared

if all else fails, try a new board
(8k3a [8k3a+ if yoiu wnt raid] an awesome board)

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: ChampionAtTufshop
somethings fishy heh
try memtest86, it will tell you if the ram is fubared

if all else fails, try a new board
(8k3a [8k3a+ if yoiu wnt raid] an awesome board)

Did that. Used a 400mb test sample (I have a 512mb stick) for about 8 hours...not a single error. :|

Maybe this particular CPU is just not a good overclocker? I tried up to 1.9 volts with no effect.

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

that cpu is an awesome overclocker....
can you test in a friend mobo if you dont wanna buy one?
(or maybe you can go somewhere where they have a return policy, just dont use anything but the board...they will never know heh )

 

[MichaelD]

I have a KT266a system that currently has an 1800XP in it. I'm going to swap CPUs and see what happens. I will put the 1600/Corsair combo on the 266a and check it out.

Thanks.