Perhaps some truth to newer A64 CPUs not OCing as high

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
I have two CPUs that I've tested on an Abit KN8 motherboard. Motherboard has been tested to be stable at 300MHz system bus at default voltages using the same CPUs with multiplier lowered. I've only spent a few hours fiddling and priming both CPUs so I only have rough numbers being that I would tend to go in 5-10MHz system bus increments instead of 1MHz.

A64 3200+ Venice OEM from Monarch will do 2.4GHz stable at default voltages, above that needs voltages to run, 2.6GHz sometimes no POST, no POST above that. 2.5GHz with a slight voltages boost will still occasionally lock on Prime (but not throw errors before locking???).

x2 3800+ retail from Fry's will do 2.5GHz stable at default voltages. 2.6GHz stable with voltage boost. 2.65 not stable and 2.7GHz no POST.

The funny thing is that my socket 754 3400+ Newcastle does a hair better than my socket 939 3200+ Venice, being able to run at 2.5GHz with voltage boost stable, albeit running a lot warmer. Also, my awesome 2800+ Newcastle can run 2.5-2.6GHz stable with voltage boost, though again running warmer.

I do plan to swap out the two Newcastles (3400+ in wife's system, 2800+ in mine) for the new CPUs/motherboards because they just totally run cooler, plus the nebulous 100-300 "MHz" gain from dual channel - oh yeah, and switching to PCIe. A 6600GT to replace a stock 6800LE and a modded 16pipe X800GTO to replace 6800GT.

All in all, a lateral "up"grade, but I'm doing it for cooler running CPUs (though the X800GTO is hotter running :( ) and to be able to use one of the socket 754 motherboards for a test build and to use the 6800GT for my gaming rig that still has AGP. The mean people in the Video category were making fun of my 5900XT. :brokenheart: :(

At least, those are my "excuses" for "up"grading. :D
 

ribbon13

Diamond Member
Feb 1, 2005
9,343
0
0
Socket 754 chips don't have to have as complex of a memory controller (no dual channel) which gives them an OC advantage.