FX 60 on A8R MVP with X1900XTX and 2GB OCZ RAM

[BATMAN3677]

Just wondering if anyone out there is running a similar set or if not, at least has suggestions on what i need to do to overclock my FX60 safely/stable? I want to push it a little, but I don't want to fry a $1K chip.

This is my setup,

Asus A8R-MVP rev 102 BIOS 0402
AMD 64 FX 60 2.6Hz Dual Core
OCZ 1x2GB 2.3.2.5 2.6v 2CAS
ATI Radeon X1900XTX 512MB
WD740 10000RPM 8mb cache
Thermaltake 680w PSU
Zalman 9500 CPU cooler
Using the onboard sound card

I just recently bought all this stuff and a bit of a newb when it comes to overclocking. I have been reading a lot about it, on this site and many others, but thought it would be better to ask someone who already has this board/chip.

Right now I am getting about 19800 for my 3dmark03 score
and about 11200 for my 3dmark05 score
and a little over 5900 for my 3dmark06 score runnning everything on stock speeds.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[BATMAN3677]

Asus A8R-MVP rev 102 BIOS 0402

AMD 64 FX 60 2.6Hz Dual Core

OCZ 1x2GB 2.3.2.5 2.6v 2CAS

ATI Radeon X1900XTX 512MB

WD740 10000RPM 8mb cache


Thermaltake 680w PSU

Zalman 9500 CPU cooler

Doubt anyone needed it, but just in case someone needed to see specs on any of the hardware, i thought i would provide links

 

[n7]

Okay.

Everything you'll need to change is in the advanced menu.

First, go to Advanced. Pic.
Then CPU Configuration. Pic.
Second to the bottom, you'll see i've brought up the HT Link Speed menu. Set that to 800 aka 4x, or later, if you raise your HTT (FSB) to over 250, then set to 600.
800 for now though.

Now go to the last item in the CPU Configuration menu, Memory Configuration (right below HT Link Speed). Pic.

See how i've set Memclock Mode to Limit?
Set it like that, & then select Memclock Value like i have in that pic, & select the 166 divider.
Later on, you can try different dividers, etc., when you find out your RAM's maximum overclock.

To make sure RAM is set to 1T, see this part of the Memory Configuration menu: Pic.
Go to User Config Mode & set that to manual, & you will then be able to go down to CMD-ADDR Timing Mode & select 1T.

Above that you see MCT Timing Mode, which are all the timings for your RAM.
I'd suggest leaving those settings at auto for now, but if you wish, you can set your CAS, TRAS, TRP, & TRCD to what your RAM is rated for.

Now, to actually overclock the CPU.
Go back to the main advanced menu, & select JumperFree Configuration.
That takes you here: Pic.

Since you now have set up your HT Link speed & RAM divider, you can now begin to gradually raise the HTT, or as its worded there, CPU frequency.
Unlike the other selections, you have to select CPU frequency, & then manually key in the speed you want.
Start off slow. 205, then if that's successful back in Windows, 210, etc.
For now, i'd suggest setting Vcore to 1.4V, & leaving overvoltage off.
For Ram, 2.65-2.8 is safe for now. Use whatever yours is rated for.

With each increase, check the stability with those programs i mentioned earlier.

CPU-Z is a great program for telling you what speed your CPU & RAM are running at, if you don't have that already.

Good Luck!

 

[BATMAN3677]

Alright, i'll give it a try and post what happens. IS there any tools i can use to make sure the cpu is running stable? What about temp... I have asus probe installed and i want to make sure the chip isn't getting too hot, what are safe temps for over clocking?

 

[BATMAN3677]

Btw, thanks for helping out?

 

[zanta]

Batman3677,

Nice setup. I'm also using an FX-60, but I'm using an Asus a8n sli premium board and a pair of Corsair 3500llpro 2GB memory chips. I performed a slight overclock by just configuring my RAM specs to the standard specs for the RAM as was done in the following thread on Corsair's site:
http://www.houseofhelp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45839

I know it's not the same RAM as you, but just increasing my CPU Frequency to 219 from the stock 200 and leaving the CPU Multiplier on the default of 13 gave me a slight overclock to 2.85GHz. My temps under load never reach above 46C I believe - have to check notebook when I get home. From what I've read, 2.8GHz-2.95GHz can be done on Air with this chip safely. I'm also using the same HSF as you. I left the Vcore settings and memory voltage settings to the default and have not increased any voltages above stock settings. All is very stable and I've played Doom 3 for 3-4 hours a time. I'll post my 3DMark scores later tonight as we also have the same video card.

 

[BATMAN3677]

Hi N7

Well, i tried those settings and, i had to shut down my machine take the battery out, and clear the CMOS, just to get it to post again The good news is, i think i know what i did wrong... What is the processor frequency muliplier supposed to be set to? Because when you set AI overclocking to Manual, and FID/VID change to Manual, the default setting for the processor frequency mulitplier is x6.5... i changed it to 7. I set everything else exactly. I printed everything you posted, in a quick hurry before i left friday and i didn't realize that my printer cut off half the picture so i didn't see that in your example it is X10... is that what i should set mine too? P.S... as a newbie... what does the mulitplier do? how does it affect the end result? HEre is my guess (240 cpu frequency X10)= 2400 Mhz? Anyways, i had the frequency up to 205... just to be safe... like i said the only thing differernt that i did was i had the mulitplier at x6.5....

Now... not sure if it was just the CPU setting that made the pc crash... could it have been setting my ram to 1T? Should it be at 2T?

P.S, from what i can tell my ram can go up to 2.8v without voiding the warranty.


Zanta,
Any luck with those bench marks?

 

[n7]

First off, do NOT use the same settings as i have used.

Those are merely pictures to show where things are in the bios.

Your CPU runs at 13x200 = 2600 MHz (do the math, multiplier x HTT/FSB = clockspeed).

In your case, you have an FX-60, so your multiplier is unlocked.

Therefore, if you wish, you can just raise the multiplier to 14x, for example, & you'll have 2800 MHz, if you can get that stable.

I'd suggest reading thru here to understand what you're doing a bit more before you screw around much more: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=28&threadid=1497607
You've got a rather expensive CPU that you don't want to mess up

 

[BATMAN3677]

so here is a question.... is it better to overclock using the mulitplier or the frequency?

If i put 14x and set it to 200 = 2800

and putting it to 10x and setting the frequency to 280 would/should give me the same clock speed... However... what is putting more stress on the CPU?

I'm going to read the link... maybe the answer is there. Thanks for all the help your giving me.... It make sense as to why the pc wouldn't post... at 205 frequency and x7 multiplier... i was trying to run my 2600 at 1400mhz... yikes LOL... (of course i wouldn;t have been laughing right now if my chip had been damaged)...

Anyways, i'll be more careful. I am going to try 14x and 200

Oh by the way... if you look at the OCZ link... r u sure i can set it to 1T instead of 2T?

Let me know

Thanks Again

 

[n7]

Well, the one big benefit of buying the absurdly expensive FX series CPUs is the fact you can OC w/o touching the HTT/FSB, which allows for rather easy OCing, since you then don't have to touch LDT (HT Link) speeds, or RAM dividers.

So yeah, i'd personally likely try just running it @ 14x200 initially.

However, in theory, higher HTT with higher RAM frequencies also generally = slightly higher performance than @ the speed clockspeed but at stock HTT/RAM speeds...that's where the fun of tweaking around comes in

If i was in your shoes, since the mobo you & i have doesn't achieve high HTT speeds with the RAM 1:1, i'd try her @ 14x200, & then just see how much higher you can go with the RAM @ 200 (aka 1:1 - means it's running same speed as HTT)
Your OCZ should be able to handle some OCing.

If you actually want to get serious about OCing though, you need to OC in steps like in Zebo's guide. Once you know the max HTT, max RAM, & max CPU speed you can achieve, it's easy to know what settings you can then use.

As for the RAM @ 1T, yes you want to be running it @ 1T not 2T.
There's a significant performance hit if you run it @ 2T, so unless you can't run it @ 1T for some reason, then certainly do.

 

[BATMAN3677]

Well.... i made it where i had to take out the battery and reset the CMOS again. There has to be a setting i am doing wrong so here is what i did

AI overclocking = Manual
CPU Frequency = 200
PCI E frequency = 100
FID/VID change = Manual
Processor frequency Multiplier = x14
Processor Voltage = 1.35V (stock)
DDR Voltage 2.65 (mine can handle up to 2.8)
V-Core Overvoltage = Disabled
South Bridge Overvoltage = Auto
PEG link Mode = Disabled
PEG Buffer Length = Auto

HT link Speed = 800

Memory:
Clock = 166
and timing mode = 1T
and 2-3-2-5 (stock settings)

This caused it not to post.... Should i set the HT link to Auto and maybe the South Bridge to Disabled...

Or should i bring down Multiplier back to 13x and try a faster frequency like 210?

Let me know what yout think.

P.S since i just got this board and the A8R32-MVP is coming out, i am most likely going to RMA it (since i still have time to do so) and get the A8R32

 

[n7]

Obviously, your CPU isn't capable of running 2.8 GHz @ default vcore like you tried there.

I'd try bumping up the HTT slowly @ a 13x multiplier, & you might have to add more vcore.

Seriously, i think you may want to understand more what you're doing before getting too much into OCing. I get the impression you don't know really why you're doing what you're doing, & i don't know how to really explain it any better, sorry
Heck, your FX-60 isn't fast enough for you as it is ?

Also, unless there's something actually wrong with your A8R-MVP, RMAing it = wrong
I really don't have much respect for people who just RMA their components because they want something else, etc, since that costs us consumers money later in higher prices, etc.

As you having not much luck OCing...sure the mobo isn't perfect, but it OCs well...you just have to get the hang of doing things in steps.
I'd suggest using Zebo's guide.

Lower your RAM way down to 100, heck even use the 2T command if you want, so that the RAM's outta the equation.
Then start raising your CPU speed to find its max before you worry about RAM settings.

Keep in mind, you won't get a big overclock out on an FX-60 though, since it's already clocked higher.

 

[BATMAN3677]

Fair enough about the RMA thing. The biggest reason for wanting to do that is not to just get the latest version. I heard that crossfire with x1900s on this board = issues and that the new board fixes that since it has the same chipset as the x1900. That was my main reason for wanting to. I do understand about return's though because i know the box i got was returned: the box wasn't sealed, wasn't packaged the way a normal ASUS board is packaged (bought enough Asus boards to know) and the manual inside had stains/folded up... but i gave the benfit of the doubt and tried to use the board anyways.... so i can see why its a pain to others when people RMA for no reason.

As far as the chip... will give it a try tonight and see how it goes

 

[zanta]

Batman3677,

If I?m not mistaken, you never reported your actual temperatures when running Asus? PC Probe 2.0. I?m running Asus? PC Probe 2.0 that came with my motherboard CD. As others have stated, I would definitely read up on some good overclocking guides prior to making any adjustments and also record your temperatures for the motherboard and cpu at stock speeds for everything. Additionally, you need to purchase/use a digital thermometer for recording your room temperature as well.

Your room temperature will more than likely fluctuate, so you need to record that every time you also record any load temperatures for the cpu and motherboard. I?ve read where your motherboard temperature should never exceed 10C difference from your room/ambient temperature. I?m not a temperature or overclocker Guru, but I?ve read this on a few places around the web. By recording your temperatures at stock speeds and repeating the exact same load tests during any overclocking, you are sure to reduce the likelihood of overheating or any problems.

I keep a little notebook handy and write down everything I do in the BIOS [before change/after change] and while performing any tests. If you have the memory at stock settings for timings and voltage, you may just want to increase the CPU frequency in small 5MHz increments while leaving the CPU Multiplier at 13 [default for FX-60]. I?ve had no problems with the following:

CPU Frequency: 219MHz
CPU Multiplier: 13
219MHz X 13 = 2.85GHz
HTT: 4X and 5X ? 219MHz X 4 = 876MHz and also tried 219MHz X 5 = 1095MHz

CPU Frequency: 224MHz
CPU Multiplier: 13
224MHz X 13 = 2.91GHz
HTT:4X

My 3DMark ?06 score with CPU at 2.91GHz was 6,047. I left the x1900xtx at stock speeds during this test. I ran the test again with CPU at 2.85GHz and overclocked the video card to VPU to 668MHz and memory to 794MHz and the new 3DMark ?06 score was 6,158. I didn?t run the score again with the CPU at 2.91GHz and the new video card settings because I am in the process of testing other components.

I?m currently running at 2.85GHz with no problems and plan on taking the time to actually test the limits of my memory, cpu and motherboard over the weekend. I?ve been reading the following guides:

http://www.planetamd64.com/index.php?showtopic=12066
http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Guides/OCguide/4.html
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=888001
AMD settings for FX-60:
http://www.amdcompare.com/us-en/desktop/details.aspx?opn=ADAFX60DAA6CD

I hope this helps. I believe you should have no problems with 2.85GHz running stable 24/7 once you get a handle on overclocking and your temperatures. Most people recommend load temperatures never exceed 50C during any tests. I try to abide by that rule and games usually don?t push my 2.85GHz anywhere near 50C.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Dude, you should of waited for the new Asus A8R32 ATI580MB, there out now!

 

[BATMAN3677]

Welll, i think i know what is causing the pc to hang completely... Setting mem to 1T. As soon as i do that... my pc won't even post and i have to take the battery out.

Zanta, pc probe and my computer report about 36-40C depending on how long its been running and what i am doing of course... i would say after a while of playing it is right at 40 C.

Well... if the chip can handle 2.8, i would be very happy. I am going to see what happens when i try that setting 13x and 219 with HT at 600 at first...

I am going to try to do this by dropping the mem clock down to 266 to elimate mem out of the equation.

 

[tedrodai]

That 1T issue is a problem with the A8R-MVP. You'll have to go with 2T (as you discovered) unless I'm mistaken. Although there's a new ASUS A8R32-MVP Deluxe review on the anandtech front page, and it's looking pretty darn good =).

 

[zanta]

Batman3677,

Have you had any problems clearing your CMOS? I see that you have done that several times and I've yet to do so on my board. I'm just wondering if you had any tips or setting that you had to do in order to clear CMOS. Just remove the battery or do you also have to adjust the jumpers and let it sit for a while or so. Additionally, did you have to do this when changing settings [cpu mulitplier] by small 5MHZ changes or larger changes made at one time.

Thanks

 

[BATMAN3677]

Hi Zanta,

Yes in addition to removing the battery, i had to change the cmos jumper from 1-2 to 2-3 wait 5 seconds then switch it back before it rebooted... which clears all settings (very annoying since there is not much room in there with an x1900xtx.... it pretty much covers the spot where the battery is, and it is a pain to get the battery to release. The jumper for the CMOS is by my SATA connections and the connections coming from my PC Case... so that is a bit of a pain to. I just got to figure out... what i am doing wrong cause i should be able to overclock this processor to at least 2.8.... don't know why it keeps just hanging before even posting...

 

[BATMAN3677]

Well i have an update. I found out what was causing all the problems. In the ASUS manual the memory banks are mislabled and i did not have my memory running in dual channel. As soon as i put that in the right spot. Things started to work. I am running stable at 2.8GHZ, my 3dmark scores went up 1300 points and i am very pleased with the board. I had to leave memory at 2T which is a known issue for the board. FSB is running at stock speeds. HTT is on auto. OH... key... do not disable over voltage on North and south bridge... leave that to auto. This allowed for the correct voltage automatical. Now... its sitting at about 1.45 volts. Its running at 40 -48 C temp... so i don't think i am going to overclock it unless i gett a better cooling system. Thought i would update you all. I will try to put som screen shots here for others who are looking to do the same thing.