Help With Overclocking XP 2500+ on Epox 8RDA+

[Slick5150]

As a prefece, I am new to overclocking, so I am by no means on expert on what I'm doing here.

In any case, I've been running a system with an Epox 8rda+ motherboard. I just purchased a new Athlon XP 2500 "Barton" processor. From everything I've been reading, it should be easy to overclock to XP 3000 speeds pretty easily. However, here's what happens. I'm able to get it up to 12.5x166mhz without a problem (identified as an XP 2800+ upon bootup), but if I go to 13x166, it defaults back to 11x100 (failsafe speeds I assume?).

What exactly is going wrong here? Should I not be expecting it to go to 13 multiplier? I know people have bumped up the FSB, but I have PC 2700 RAM, so am I correct that it should be left at 166? Is there something else I should be doing?

Thanks very much for any help.

 

[BaboonGuy]

nope your problem is voltage. not every barton can 3200+ speeds on default voltage, so just up your voltage a little bit. go by .25s upwards until it works, just remember dont go voltage crazy, the safe mark is 1.8V and under

 

[pspada]

I'll bet, assuming your memory can handle it, that you can run that chip at 12.5x200fsb without problems.

 

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: pspada
I'll bet, assuming your memory can handle it, that you can run that chip at 12.5x200fsb without problems.

12.5 X 200? That seems a bit high (2.5 GHz). Mine tops out at 2.3-2.4, and isn't really rock stable above 2.25 Ghz...

 

[Slick5150]

Thanks for the replies, but I have a couple followup questions now:

- In the BIOS, my CPU Voltage Regulator is simply set to default. What is the default speed so I can bump it up a little? Are there any dangers from doing this?

- As far as saying my RAM should be able to operate at 200mhz, how do I know? I have 2x512mb of Crucial PC2700 RAM. If I set the FSB to this and run the ram at this speed, what are the signs this is too fast for it? Can it damage the ram?

Thanks again

 

[osage]

the Crucial pc2700 will prob not run @200mhz, it could with loose timings, but I doubt it. you will most likely need to get some pc3200 or better to run at those speeds.

see here for answes to your follow-up questions, Memtest is your friend

 

[bjc112]

Originally posted by: BaboonGuy
nope your problem is voltage. not every barton can 3200+ speeds on default voltage, so just up your voltage a little bit. go by .25s upwards until it works, just remember dont go voltage crazy, the safe mark is 1.8V and under

Yes, 1.8v is your limit.

Don't be afraid to bump your Vdimm to 2.8v...

 

[bjc112]

Originally posted by: pspada
I'll bet, assuming your memory can handle it, that you can run that chip at 12.5x200fsb without problems.

Don't jump the gun buddy..

2500 mhz from a Barton? I would be hard pressed to find one that will run stable on air @ that speed.

 

[pspada]

Oops, I meant 11.5x200, not 12.5x200.