Overclocking the AMD X2 4600

[Dolorous Dave]

I've done some searches but can't seem to find anything. Can someone point me in the right direction? I've never overclocked a dual-core CPU before and have no idea where to begin (other than which testing software I need to verify that it's stable)

 

[Dolorous Dave]

If this helps, I'm most concerned with how the memory clock interacts with the processor clock on an X2. It used to be (on Athlon XPs) that you just increased the FSB or changed the multiplier to raise your CPU speed.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

The memory can run in sync 1:1 with the FSB or you can use a divider(usually called "mem clock") to run memory at a lower speed. Depending on your mobo the settings should be 200,166,133,100 or DDR400,DDR333,DDR266,DDR200

Since the 4600 is already at 2.4ghz it won't have a lot of headroom for overclocking, you will likely get 2.6-2.7, 2.8 if your lucky. So you can start at like 210x12=2520, it should do that without increasing the CPU volts. Depending on what kind of ram you have, you will have to increase the volts and/or loosen the timings, or drop to the 166 divider.

Bump the FSB up a little bit at a time, testing for stability as you go, and add voltage to the CPU when necessary to make it stable. I wouldn't go over 1.55v

 

[Rike]

Originally posted by: Dolorous Dave
I've done some searches but can't seem to find anything. Can someone point me in the right direction? I've never overclocked a dual-core CPU before and have no idea where to begin (other than which testing software I need to verify that it's stable)

I knew it was here somewhere. It's down on page 8 (40 topics per page), but I found Zebo's A64 OC guide.

It's well done and easy to use. I used it myself when I started OCing my first A64. Highly recommended. :thumbsup:

 

[Dolorous Dave]

Looks to be a very informative guide, thanks so much. Granted, it made my eyes cross the first time but I'll read it again more slowly once my parts come in tomorrow. 😛

 

[Noubourne]

Step 1: Return X2 4600.

Step 2: Buy Opteron 165.

Step 3: Overclock way higher than a 4600 would have gone.

Step 4: Profit.

 

[Dolorous Dave]

Ugh, so for some reason I can't get the FSB over 225 before it stops booting. I'm lowering the memory timings and the CPU multiplier to 6X but I can't figure out what the HT settings are on this MSI K9N board. It's driving me nuts. That tutorial, as basic as it seems, is a little over my head with the terminology.

 

[Dolorous Dave]

Alrighty, I'm an idiot. I think I've got this figured out. With the CPU running on 1.47ish volts, I can get the FSB up to 223 and the memory will still run at 667. However, if I bump it up to 224, it won't boot any longer. I'm guessing that has to do with the RAM?

 

[Dolorous Dave]

Not very stable at 223. Bumped it down to 222 with a .1 volt modifier and it's running okay at 1.42v and 2660Mhz. Not the most impressive OC I guess. : P I'm still unclear about how RAM works. Gonna post some pictures of my BIOS to see if you guys notice whether I'm missing anything.

 

[Dolorous Dave]

Here are my CPU settings for the 2660Mhz Overclock

CPU Settings

Here are my choices for RAM...this is where I get confused so I just keep it on 667.

RAM Settings

 

[OGROK]

Alright, I have a 4800+ X2 and even with a Zalman 9500 the highest I can go is 2.58 GHZ. Also if you have the voltage @ 1.47 that is way too high. This thing will run stable at default 1.35 volts, I have mine @ 1.375 ATM. I remember getting to about 223, same as you, but trust me its not going to be stable there. You need to run a stress test.

EDIT: 2.66 is pretty high. Make sure to run Orthos/Prime95 for at least an hour or two before you decide that its stable. Because i'm willing to bet that it isn't stable at all. What kind of cooling are you using? Also check the temps to make sure it isn't going much over 60. If it goes to like 65 might be in danger of ruining your CPU.

 

[Dolorous Dave]

During the stress tests it's not going over 55C on either core but you know...running 3DMark06, I'm only picking up like 50 points. Doesn't seem worth it.