OC'ing ability of M7NCD ? Will it do 11x200 for 2500 Barton

[Markfw]

Newegg has a refurn foir $29, free shipping. I am thinking about replacing my ESC K7VTA3 that will only run 184x11 on my 2500 barton. I have PC3200 and PC3500 memory (one each) and it will run at 190, but not in 3d mode, then only 184. Does the nforce2 chipset have AGP lock ? Is that why my other barton 2500 in A7N8x work at 192x11 ?

 

[Killrose]

You want the M7NCDpro version for all the overclocking features. But as long as you don't need to change vcore or multiplier....the M7NCD might allow you to select 100/166/200 FSB in bios, but that i'm not sure about.

 

[Markfw]

Anybody want to verify the AGP lock question ? Is that why the K7VTA3 fails, and nforce2 boards work ?

 

[will889]

Essentially yes. However you can pin mod and socket mod the ECS board, but it's much easier to just get a Biostar M7NCD Pro. The non-pro does not have the vcore and other necesarry voltages to offset overclocking - the Pro does. Also the Shuttle AN35N Ulta is great,and will get you a higher FSB more stable than the Biostar M7NCDP. 200x11 easy on both the Biostar M7NCDP and AN35N Ultra. You may need some vcore to get it stable there, and that's where the non-pro fails. Also, the Biostar needs you to manually lock AGP/PCI in the bios for overclocking, but the Shuttle handles it automatically (you wont find a bios option for it). Shuttle also has a 12v connector for more stability. Biostar (Pro) is better laid out IMO and easier to set up than the shuttle, and will still get you 200x11. I like where the ATX connector is - with everything on the upper right hand side of the board facing the case (makes it nice and tidy). I have had the Biostar up to a max of 220 FSB, and the Shuttle to 235+. If and when and if you get either board I would pull the northbridge HS off and wipe off the toothpaste like goop, and spread some AS3/5 on the northbridge evenly thin coat). That alone will get you 200x11 more staby at possible 1.65V if you have a good XP2500. If you add active cooling with AS3 on the southbridge you get even better results (OC wise).