Overclocking Help

[xSnowblindx]

Ok, a like fifteen minutes ago, i just did my first real overclocking on my Alienware. I made the 2800+ (full specs in sig) run at 2.21ghz or so (200x11). I'm wondering how i know when i've pushed my CPU far enough, and when it's stable still. Also what temperatures should i look for? So what else should i look for in my BIOS?

My RAM is Corsair XMS PC-3200, i'm guessing that i shouldn't touch the settings on that.

My vid card is a GeForece FX 5700 Ultra (128mb), is there any way to overclock a little more performance out of this?

Remember this is all under stock Alienware cooling (couldn't be that bad, right?)

Thanks!

 

[imported_whatever]

download and run a program called Prime95. run the "blend" torture test (options -> torture test). if this fails, you need either an increase in vcore or a decrease in clock speed.
also run cpu-z. see what core processor you have. (different cores oc differently). a temperature you should stay below is 60C, that is for the full load temperature.
for the temperature and stability: i mean when prime95 has been running the torture test for 8 hours (although heat will peak in under 1, stability requires at least an 8 hour test).

 

[xSnowblindx]

Ok, i ran CPU-Z, it's a Barton core.

So i ran Prime95, and after just like 30-40 min, it came up with an error, something about dividing or something? Is this because of my overclock? Arg.

 

[cyberfuzz]

sure hope you didnt pay over 1k for that system :\ alienware is always a ripoff. and you will need to touch your ram if you want peak performance, you'll want a 1:1 fsb ratio for your ram/proc. so whatever you set your fsb to for your proc you have to do the same for your ram.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

and you will need to touch your ram if you want peak performance

What is that supposed to mean??

sure hope you didnt pay over 1k for that system :\ alienware is always a ripoff.

True or not, He asked for help, Not a flaming..:roll:

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

xSnowblindx

You need to look in the BIOS for AGP/PCI divider settings so that you are keeping the AGP @66mhz and PCI slots @33 mhz.. If they are allready, you may have to bump cpu and/or ram voltages a little. Also remember, overclocking is "your mileage may vary". Your proc may not hit as high as you want it too.

 

[xSnowblindx]

Well i'm hoping that my 2800+ Barton can OC to at least a 3200+ (what it's at now).

So chances are, this was a problem cause by my vcore settings? Right? So i should just up the voltages on my processor slowly until it is stable again?

If this is the case, i probably need to get a motherboard monitor to see if my cpu stays in safe heat ranges, right?

Thanks.

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: xSnowblindx
Well i'm hoping that my 2800+ Barton can OC to at least a 3200+ (what it's at now).

So chances are, this was a problem cause by my vcore settings? Right? So i should just up the voltages on my processor slowly until it is stable again? Yep

If this is the case, i probably need to get a motherboard monitor to see if my cpu stays in safe heat ranges, right? Get it here HERE

Thanks.

 

[xSnowblindx]

Ok, i upped my vCore settings to ~1.7v, and i'm still getting the error in Prime95: "rounding was 0.5, it was expected to be less than 0.4" or something like that.

What is wrong? ARG!

(still 11x200)

 

[Fern]

Prolly need more vcore. What are your temps?