need confirmation on Northwood 1.8A

[jughead]

I'm seeing a lot of success with the 1.6A chip, but I would like to know if people are having similar success with the 1.8A.

Is getting 2.4 (133 fsb) with increased voltage a sure thing. How high does the voltage have to be to have stability if I was to use an Asus P4B266 mobo? Has anyone pushed the clockspeed beyond 2.4? thx in advance.

 

[KenAF]

All the P4 chips will do 2.4GHz with slightly increased voltage (some will do it at stock voltage) on a mainboard like the P4B266. There is really no reason to spend the extra $50 on a 1.8A. The only real question is whether you will be able to hit 2550-2650MHz...many are able to hit those speeds, but a few are not. Note that the P4B266 mainboard apparently works better for overclocking then the cut-down P4B266-C version for oems.

If you look through the last few days of posts on this forum or hardforum.com, you'll find numerous posts from people running the 1.6A @ 2550MHz to 2700MHz using the stock Intel heatsink with slightly increased voltage.

 

[JellyBaby]

You might want to wait a bit longer and wait for cpu databases to fill up a bit, like the one at Overclockers.com. First reports are always from those who have success stories. The failures may show up a bit later.

Overclockers hinted that it may be best to wait for the next stepping for that "guaranteed" overclock. But like Ken said initial reports are good, even with the "0" stepping. Call me cautious.

 

[TimidOCer]

<< All the P4 chips will do 2.4GHz with slightly increased voltage (some will do it at stock voltage) on a mainboard like the P4B266. There is really no reason to spend the extra $50 on a 1.8A. The only real question is whether you will be able to hit 2550-2650MHz...many are able to hit those speeds, but a few are not. Note that the P4B266 mainboard apparently works better for overclocking then the cut-down P4B266-C version for oems.

If you look through the last few days of posts on this forum or hardforum.com, you'll find numerous posts from people running the 1.6A @ 2550MHz to 2700MHz using the stock Intel heatsink with slightly increased voltage. >>



I havent been able to find any info on anyone who got the C mobo .. where did you find out that it doesnt oc as well or are you just speculating that?

 

[KenAF]

Timid,

We had a post from someone earlier today...that found the system would not boot when a Microsoft mouse was plugged into one of the USB 1.1 ports when running 150+MHz FSB. Using the P4B266's USB 2.0 slots eliminated the problem. The P4B266-C does not have the USB 2.0 slots. Obviously, 150FSB becomes important if you want to run a 1.6A @ 2400+MHz, or a 1.8A @ 2700+MHz. Of course, you could always use a non-Microsoft USB mouse (the problem only affects Microsoft mice?), a PS/2 mouse, or a separate USB PCI card.

Of course, it's also possible that this was an isolated incident...I agree that we should not rule out the P4B266-C yet for >150MHz FSB overclocks.

 

[Robor]

I've got a P4B266-C and 1.6a on order. I use a PS/2 mouse so I don't plan to plug anything into the USB ports. Hopefully the stuff will be here on Wednesday. I should have some info after that. (fingers crossed)

 

[TimidOCer]

<< Timid,

We had a post from someone earlier today...that found the system would not boot when a Microsoft mouse was plugged into one of the USB 1.1 ports when running 150+MHz FSB. Using the P4B266's USB 2.0 slots eliminated the problem. The P4B266-C does not have the USB 2.0 slots. Obviously, 150FSB becomes important if you want to run a 1.6A @ 2400+MHz, or a 1.8A @ 2700+MHz. Of course, you could always use a non-Microsoft USB mouse (the problem only affects Microsoft mice?), a PS/2 mouse, or a separate USB PCI card.

Of course, it's also possible that this was an isolated incident...I agree that we should not rule out the P4B266-C yet for >150MHz FSB overclocks. >>



Yes I read that ... I would hope its an isolated incident if not I know more then a few people will be a bit dissapointed... We will just have to wait and see

 

[jughead]

KenAF,

If I just used the thermalpad instead of Arctic Silver, will I still be able to achieve 2.4+ with the 1.6A? The reason I ask is because I have zero experience with removing the pad with whatever chemicals and then lapping the cpu. Also, if I wait later for another "stepping", how does that make a difference?

 

[JellyBaby]

<< I wait later for another "stepping", how does that make a difference? >>

A new stepping is just tweaking the chip manufacturing process to produce better yields and to fix "errata". Both AMD and Intel do this with their chips over time. The gain to overclockers is a better chance at reaching higher MHz values. Future steppings almost always mean the chips OC better.

From what I read the P4s available now have a very early step marking which is a bit unusual for Intel.

 

[whateverdude]

I got a 1.6a and a p4b266-c oem from googlegear and am happy with it so far. read some of the other threads about the northwoods for my specs and results.

I think 16x150, 2.4, 1.6v should be no problem with either better cooling or also, I think I put too much AS on the chip. I lapped the hs a little but didnt want to do the chip because it would erase all the markings on it. it ran and benched in 3dmark 2k1 and sandra but would lock up in MOH and got pretty hot, upper 40's.

also, its true about usb not working at 150. not a biggie to me, i can use my explorer in ps/2 port and im sure theyll fix this in an update.