Limited X2 4800+ OC

[SneakyStuff]

CPU-Z photobucket link

I have not been able to push my CPU any further by increasing the bus speed (which i'm ashamed to say is all I've ever really known). I increased the voltage .012 to be 1.344 but other than that I really haven't done much else. The CPU is running on the stock heatsink with ceramique as a thermal compound. While gaming I can touch the CPU heatsink and it really isn't all that hot, leading me to believe I can push it much more I just lack the know how. Any help is greatly appreciated and sorry if this is a simple question but I'd like to learn.

edit: I should add that when I try to increase the bus past 218MHz I will not get a successful boot, I will be prompted to start in safe mode or enter system options to change the frequency.

 

[Marty502]

Don't bother with voltages just yet. They're the last thing you should try to do to squeeze extra speed. Leave them all on stock settings by now. And disable Cool N' Quiet in the BIOS.

First thing first... did you drop your memory multiplier? If you haven't, your memory is running at the same speed than your FSB, and you're pushing it to it's limits. Use a multiplier to drop your memory speed, and you will have more headroom to overclock your CPU. And don't worry, the performance loss by dropping the memory speed is irrelevant. And certainly more so when your CPU goes faster.

EDIT: Just saw your screenshot... I'm an idiot.

I'd drop the HTT multiplier if I was you and see what happens. Also, don't increase voltages until you get better cooling! Use Everest, Speedfan or some sort of temperature monitoring software.

 

[SneakyStuff]

OK, drop the HTT multiplier then what? lol.

I remember that option in BIOS, it is something like 5,4,3x

 

[Marty502]

Then try and raise your FSB again. If the HTT was the culprit, you'll have some more headroom to overclock.

Also, just to do an isolate test, you should drop the memory multiplier to the minimum, the HTT to 3x, and try and see how far your CPU stretches it's legs.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Drop the HT speed to 4x and see if the bus reaches 250. If the bus gets there, you'll have to drop the HT to 3x to go any higher.

I'm willing to bet that the high HT speed, 1091, is the culprit.

To make sure your RAM doesn't hold you back when you start going above 222, set the DRAM speed to "DDR2 667" in the BIOS. Or you could just overclock your RAM. That G.Skill will probably overclock nicely to 450 MHz easily.

 

[SneakyStuff]

Originally posted by: cusideabelincoln
Drop the HT speed to 4x and see if the bus reaches 250. If the bus gets there, you'll have to drop the HT to 3x to go any higher.

I'm willing to bet that the high HT speed, 1091, is the culprit.

To make sure your RAM doesn't hold you back when you start going above 222, set the DRAM speed to "DDR2 667" in the BIOS. Or you could just overclock your RAM. That G.Skill will probably overclock nicely to 450 MHz easily.

I am at 232FSB at the moment with a 4X HTT, although in my BIOS I see no option to set the RAM speed to DDR2667, the RAM is supposedly DDR2800 by default though and is running on an automatic setting I believe. RAM link

EDIT: Update

I'm very pleased that it landed 3.0GHz on the mark, running a stress test at the moment, does everything appear correct there?

-3Dmark06 failed twice at CPU test 2, trying a lower frequency.

-3Dmark06 completed @2950MHz with an increase from 9624 to 10260 in score

 

[Marty502]

Sounds right, then. 3 Ghz is a terrific sweetspot. Now don't be a cheapskate and buy a proper fan for it!

I wish my X2 could go that fast! Mine hits a serious wall at 2.8 Ghz and no matter the voltage, it's all blue screens and failures.

Passing a full 3DMark06 test doesn't guarantee full stability though... I'd take it down to 2.9 or 2.8 Ghz until I got better cooling if I was you.

EDIT: Wow, that's the stock vcore? If so, you have a terrific chip.

 

[SneakyStuff]

I just bumped it .012 because at 1.344 it is still within the default Brisbane operating power (1.345). I figure at 2950MHz I am a 5700+ now according to the wikipedia Brisbane naming list w/ speeds. Thanks for the help I am actually motivated to get an AC freezer now!