MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum Overclocking (deals with the Memory)

[Fenuxx]

I am using an MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum mobo (rest of specs are in my sig), and I want to start experimenting with OCing. However, when I start upping the bus speed on my machine, at between 215-225MHz (it varies with each time I try), the system REFUSES to boot. After a reset or two, BIOS comes up with an "Overclocking error", and tells me to quit overclocking. I have a feeling that it is my RAM, as maybe it doesn't like to go to those speeds.

Here's what I've done so far to isolate the problem to RAM:

1.) Turn off Cool 'n' Quiet.
2.) Set HTT multiplier different multiples, from 1x - 5x.
3.) Turn off Spread Spectrum
4.) Turn off High Performance AND Aggressive Timing
5.) Set RAM max speed to 200MHz, and manually set timings (usually, I have them to 'Auto')

This is how I figure that it is the RAM at fault, but I could be wrong. Is there something I'm doing wrong? I would think that the RAM could be locked down, and if not, am I screwed? Also, if it matters, THIS is the RAM that I have. It has a CL of 2.5, so it isn't bad, the full timings are 2.5-3-3-7, and they were the best (as far as latency goes) that I could get at the time I bought my system (and they were about $50 more too 🙁 ). Anyway, I would appreciate the help from all you Neo2 owners, as I'm sure there's SOMETHING I can do. Thanks again.

 

[strend]

A64 OC guide (this forum). very clean and simple guide.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=28&threadid=1497607&enterthread=y

That memory will not OC well, if at all. Lower memory speed to 166, then up CPU "FSB".

edit, example:

My OC looks like this:

Socket 754 3000+ (10x multi)

CPU FSB-240 (default 200)
Memory-166 (+40 for a effective speed of 206)
HTT:4x (for 4x240=960)

 

[11427]

Try setting your mem to 166, 2.5,3,7,3 and HTT to 4X.

 

[Fenuxx]

OK, thanks guys. I sure as hell hope this works. If I set my memory to 166MHz, and then OC the FSB to 240, that will give me a 2.40GHz clock speed (3800+ territory) and 206MHz memory. Thats EXACTLY what I want. OK, I'll try it when I get home. Again, I appreciate the help, as for the life of me, I couldn't seem to get around this problem. Its weird that the search function didn't turn up any results for me. Maybe its because of the very few hours of sleep I got 😛 .

 

[Fenuxx]

Sweeet! I am now running at 2.51GHz, with an HTT at 251, with memory running at 201MHz. I am wondering about the memory, because I set it at 166MHz, and BIOS tells me I have DDR333 at 201MHz. Shouldn't my memory be running at 217MHz? Anyway, it IS working, and I am very thankful that you guys were able to help. Man, I feel like such a n00b 😛 .