Overclocking my 3500+ Clawhammer

[xTYBALTx]

I am using the top multiplier (11x) and can't get past, say, 218mhz and keep it stable in BF2. I put the volts up to 1.55 with no change. The next highest my mobo will go is 1.65, so I haven't tried that yet. Also, should I mess with my "HT multiplier"? It is set to auto by default, but I can also set it at 5x, 4x, 3x, etc. My memory divider is set to 200mhz. I don't think it's worth any potential loss in stability to push this Corsair ValueSelect.

As you may be able to tell, I am fairly new to this.

Edit: It's a Clawhammer, not a Winnie.

 

[Mucker]

Hello fellow 3500+ Winnie user. Your instabilty is most likely from your HT multiplier. Rule of thumb is to keep the HTT x HT Multiplier < 1000. You won't notice any difference in performance if you keep it between 600 and 1000.

Auto on your mb is probably a 5 multi, so 5 x 218 > 1000, and will cause instablility. Try a multi of manual 4 or 3 and see if that helps.

Boost your cpu voltage slightly to start with, say, shoot for 1.475 volts. You shouldn't need to pour volts to it when starting out.

I have a CBBID 0505 that will only do 300 MHz above stock no matter what I do to it. So I run it at 250 x 10 at 1.54v where it seems to give me the best all around stabilty. It is certainly good enough for me for another 6 months.

You may also want to enter your ram timings manually. I believe CVS has 2.5-3-3-7 timings and raise the memory voltage, or Vdimm (or Vddr), to 2.8v for added stability. That voltage is plenty safe so don't worry.

m

 

[Mucker]

Same thing will hold true for the Clawhammer, only thing different is that the stock voltage for the Claw is 1.50v not 1.40v like the Winchester.

The Claw seems to have very good overclockability from what I've read. Try a voltage of 1.55v to start and go from there. The Claws run quite a bit hotter than the Winchesters so keep an eye on temps. The Claw is rated for 70 deg C max op temp. Winchester is 65C. The Claw is a 130nm technology while the Winnie is 90nm.

First thing I'd do in your case is to drop the multi to 4, enter the timings manually and bump vdimm to 2.8, and retest. Good luck....

m

 

[SamzAthlon]

Or you could have read the Quick n Dirty guide instead of posting this topic......zzz

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

 

[xTYBALTx]

Thanks a lot Mucker - I put the vDDR volts to 2.8, dropped the multi to 3x, and am increasing my HTT by 3mhz every time I play BF2 to test for stability. So far so good

 

[xTYBALTx]

Here's where I'm at:

HTT: 11x226 = 2486mhz | 1.55volts
HT: 3x
Memory Timings: 2T@3-3-3-8 | 200mhz | 2.8V

At this speed, I can't succesfully run 3dMark05 - either the program crashes or my computer reboots before the program ends.

Is there anything else I can do, or have I simply found my limit? Also, is there a way to chart my temps so I can see what they were right before my computer crashed? I am using EVEREST Home Edition right now, and would prefer to stick with that if possible.

Update: I left Everest open while running 3dMark05. Between tests, it flashes back to desktop allowing me to see the temps, the highest I saw was 73C, and it rebooted in the following test. Will that temp be enough to do it?

 

[Mucker]

Yes, 73 C is high enough to kick it out. The max op temp for the Claw is 70 C so be careful. In the bios, you should be able to set the temp where the CPU will kick out. If I were you I would set it to 65C max. to protect your investment. You also may want to try OC at stock voltage for your CPU (1.5v). This will help with the heat issue too, and you may get thesame result. The multiplier was prob. your initial prob.

You may want to go with a premium HSF if you plan to go higher than where you are at. The Clawhammers run notoriously hot, but OC well with propoer cooling. A Thermalright XP-90 or XP-120 is a good match, or consider water cooling.

Also make sure your case is getting good air flow. It is just as important as a good HSF. Rule of thumb: Optimize heat transfer off the CPU, optimize heat transfer out of the case..

Be careful with those temps......your goal should be 60C or less for everday use for Clawhammer.

To give you a comparison to my Winchester:

OC: 2.2 GHz (stock) to 2.50 GHz
CPU volts: 1.54
Idle temp: 36C in 78F ambient air
Load temp: 49C

m

 

[imported_Kensai]

Get some better cooling.. Thermalright XP-90 w/ panaflo from SVC @ ~30$.

 

[xTYBALTx]

Well I have found a pretty good spot here. I've put my volts at 1.525 and HTT @ 224 for 2467mhz. It's been stable through several iterations of 3dMark05, will try Prime95 later. My temps aren't going over 62C at the height of 3dMark from what I can tell, so everything seems gravy.

Thanks!

I've just might have to go with an new cooler soon Not sure if I should get one now, or wait until I build my next rig; I want to do a fan-minimal watercooled setup.

 

[Mucker]

Originally posted by: Kensai
Get some better cooling.. Thermalright XP-90 w/ panaflo from SVC @ ~30$.

If you plan to stay on air, Kensai's Link is a hot deal. Get some Arctic Silver 5 there too for cheap. Just a guess, but you could probably knock 5 to 10 deg C off those CPU load temps.

m