P4 2.4/2.6C overclocking and recommendations

[Goi]

Hi,
I currently have a 2.4B on a Gigabyte GA-8PE667 mobo, but the mobo died on my recently, so I'm thinking of upgrading only my CPU and mobo. I've kinda decided on the Abit IS7E and either a 2.4C or 2.6C, but I'm wondering which is the better overclocker. I've been told the 2.4C is better, but which steppings are currently good?

I have a Swiftech MCX4000 with a 4800RPM 80x80x25mm fan so cooling shouldn't be too much of a problem. Memory wise I have 2x512MB PC3200 Kingston ValueRAM with Winbond BH-5 chips, which have been tested on my current mobo to run up to 425MHz. Haven't tried anything higher. PSU wise I have an Enermax 431W PSU.

Any recommendations/opinions? Thanks

 

[WarpSpeed]

You should choose the processor based on your RAM capabilities. I'm very happy with a 2.6C on IS-7, running FSB 266, 5:4, Corsair XMS 3500 (DDR428) 2-7-3-3. Those are the most stable settings, but can run at FSB 280, 2-6-2-2. Beware that ABIT boards read voltages low and temps high. D1 steppings are fine, though some have gotten great results with M0. The upper limits for the 2.4 and 2.6 (and 2.8 and 3.0, for that matter) processors are pretty much the same, because they're all the same chips! The Intel 865 chipset seems to have problems above FSB 275, so for an IS-7, the 2.6 is probably best. Good Luck!

 

[tallman45]

If you have not already purchased the P4 yet wait 10 days and the P4 3.0's may drop to $175 which may be a better option

 

[Urinal Mint]

OK, so I have a question about my 2.6C... It'll run 240FSB fine, but if I go to 250, it won't even post. What kind of steps can I take to try and get it to run at 250?

Originally posted by: WarpSpeed
You should choose the processor based on your RAM capabilities. I'm very happy with a 2.6C on IS-7, running FSB 266, 5:4, Corsair XMS 3500 (DDR428) 2-7-3-3. Those are the most stable settings, but can run at FSB 280, 2-6-2-2. Beware that ABIT boards read voltages low and temps high. D1 steppings are fine, though some have gotten great results with M0. The upper limits for the 2.4 and 2.6 (and 2.8 and 3.0, for that matter) processors are pretty much the same, because they're all the same chips! The Intel 865 chipset seems to have problems above FSB 275, so for an IS-7, the 2.6 is probably best. Good Luck!

 

[WarpSpeed]

Urinal Mint,
It's the luck of the draw, and some are better than others. Do you have good cooling with lots of airflow? Do you have a good power supply? Are you pushing your RAM too hard and need to drop the CPU:MEM ratio or change the latency? Did you boost your vCore (not to mention vDimm) a bit? Have you been watching your temps and voltages? From my experience, I would guess that your RAM is the problem, but I can't be sure. Check your BIOS for bootstrap setting; should be 800 or "by CPU." Make sure your AGPCI ratio is fixed at 66:33.
I use Antec True 480, four case fans other than the PSU, Alpha heat sink with an adjustable fan.

 

[RussianSensation]

Goi, on February 2nd or sometime in that region p4 will reduce pricing on its lineup and 2.8C will cost $178 so then it would make sense to forego the 2.4 and 2.6 and simply spring for the 2.8.

 

[Goi]

Thanks RussianSensation. The price reductions are on Feb 1st, but I'm not sure how long it'll take for them to be reflected where I am.