Need advice for my KT7e and OCing

[SerebReal]

I've got an Abit KT7E and a Duron 850 w/ a crappy HSF, and it's time to upgrade.
I've already decided on swapping my GeForce 2 MX for a GeForce4 TI 4200, so the next step is a CPU to match.
I'm not interested in a new board, I'm just not ready to layout more $ at the moment. I am thinking about buying a GlobalWin SAK38 ($17) and cranking my 850 up a bit for now, but would it be smarter to go for a faster processor?

If I should go for a new CPU..
I have 512MB of RAM, which I think is 128MB PC100 and 384 of PC133. My board supposedly supports up to 1.7GHz tbird CPUs, but only at 200fsb. From what I've read, it is not a problem to crank that up to up to 147fsb. However, I am curious if I could buy a 266fsb tbird (they are quite a bit cheaper) and run it at less than 266? I'm looking at buying a 1.4 TBird and running it at 1.6 or so.
Also, would it be neccessary to supplement the cooling on my chipset? Lately the fan on my chipset has been uncooperative, not spinning up, etc., how much damage would that do?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions,
Lou

 

[SerebReal]

One more question: would it be better to go for a Volcano 7 for $18 (and set it to always run full-speed) instead of the SAK38?

 

[Rafael]

I dont know if ur mobo will work with the new Athlon XPs. But if you are going to get the Athlon TB 1.4, make sure to get a unlocked chip so U can change the multiplier.
I dont know if U are going to be able to put the FSB @ 147 Mhz. The highest FSB on these KT133Es Ive seen was 124 Mhz. But anyways worth a try if U are going to overclock. I think it will be better to only use the PC133 memos. Take the PC100 out.
About the HSF, I dont know which one is better. But I know they are both very good. So either one U get U will be fine. And the fan on the chipset I dont think it will affect that much. But U can replace it with a blueorb if U want.

Good luck!

Raf

 

[Rafael]

BTW, welcome to AnandTech forums!

Raf

 

[SerebReal]

From what I've read on other posts here, the KT7E will do 133fsb unofficially, and Abit officially says no XPs.

But what I'm most curious about, is will 233 TBirds run fine at less than 233 fsb? I don't see why they wouldn't like a less-demanding setting.


Thanks Raf

 

[Rafael]

U meant 133 FSB right?
It will run under 133 Mhz, but make sure to get a unlocked Athlon TB then. So U can change the multiplier.
Take this example a 1.2 Ghz TB 133 FSB, the multiplier is 9x. So if its unlocked you can change to 12x and then run @ 100 Mhz FSB. And still gonna be a 1.2 Ghz TB.
But if get a locked 1.2 Ghz 133 FSB TB, and you run @ 100 Mhz, it will run only @ 900 Mhz. Not a very good deal.

Raf

 

[SerebReal]

Raf,
Am I correct that all you much do is bridge the L1 gaps on the core to 'unlock' a tbird? or is that only on a duron?
I would feel comfortable briding those gaps.
However, if you have to actually buy an unlocked part, where should i start looking for one at?

Thanks,
Lou

 

[Rafael]

Yes! Just close all the bridges of L1 to unlock the processor.
A unlocked chip has all the L1 bridges closed, it must be intact. With no gaps due to the laser cut.

Raf