Help with P4 2.6 OC

[sps]

I just upgraded my computer with an Abit IS7-E, P4 2.6C w/ retail heatsink, and 2 x 256MB Buffalo PC3200 (Winbond CH5). I have it Prime95 stable at 3.0 GHz (231x13.0) with the memory at 5:4 (185MHz at 2.5,3,3,7). Temps are same as with stock speed (37 idle, 55 at full load) - seems high to me, but it is an Abit board. If I keep the memory at 1:1, I can't get past about 220MHz. I would ideally like to run at 3.25GHz (1000 FSB, 200 memory) since I am forced to run the memory slow in order to get above 2.8 GHz, but it's not stable in Prime95 above 3.0 GHz. At 3.25, temps are still like stock but Prime95 errors out. I tried bumping the CPU volts up from 1.525 to 1.55, but still can't get Prime95 stable above 3.0 GHz. I don't want to go very high - especially with the stock heatsink. Does anybody have any ideas or suggestions? I am trying to get the most out of this system and something tells me that I can do better than 924 FSB and 185 memory bus. If I can't get to 3.25 GHz, am I better off at 2.86 since the memory will be at 220MHz? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[bacillus]

try bumping up the DIMM voltage a notch!

 

[sps]

Originally posted by: bacillus
try bumping up the DIMM voltage a notch!

Do you think this might help even if the memory would be running at or below spec?

 

[JustStarting]

Buffalo CH-5 modules are having problems with timings on Intel boards. Check the abit forums and see.

Also, Buffalo CH-5 has an internal voltage regulator that limits voltage to a 2.75v cap. It's not the best choice for OC'ing.

 

[sps]

Last night I got the FSB up to 240 stable under Prime95 at default vcore. I raised the memcore up to 2.65. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it or if that's just a coincidence. I haven't tried lowering the memcore at 240 since. I will try that when I have more time to confirm if that has anything to do with it. I had the FSB at 250 with Prime95 stability by bumping the vcore up to 1.6 but temps were about 5C above temps at default voltage at full load (they were reported at up to 60C!). So I think 240 might be about the best I can do without better cooling. When I was at 250 FSB, my dog was laying in front of the case and was partially blocking one of the front intakes, so maybe that accounted for part of the temp rise. I may try for 250 again without the dog there and see if that makes a difference.... I am currently using the stock intel heat sink pad. I have some Artic silver at home. Would it make much of a difference to switch to the Artic Silver? Also, does Artic Silver go bad with time? My tube is about 3 years old (it's been capped and stored in a ziplock bag). I am a bit concerned about the temps of 37C idle and 50-55C full load even at stock speeds. I have heard that Abit boards are usually report temps high, but this seems pretty high considering the room temp is 68 and the case is an Antec SX830 (with new Antec 350W SmartPower) with 4 80mm case fans.....