Ready to O/C? Recommend P4 CPU Please!

[ctk1981]

Well after purchasing my FIC Radeon 9700Pro, I figured it was time to upgrade the old beast to something that could pump that data a little faster than my stepping 1900+ athlon. First problem with the athlon/board combo was I couldn't overclock. I always wonder how the intel boys did it, then I figured it out. AGP/PCI Lock

Purchased a Asus P4B533 board (one without raid/firewire...I dont need it). It has a AGP/PCI lock, which seems to definately be what I need.

I have what I believe to be quality PC2100 memory on hand. 256MB DDR 2-2-2 High Performance ram from mushkin, also a 512MB 2-2-3 (or whatever) stick. Currently I can run this memory with very very aggressive memory timings. I have overclocked to 143mhz before on the athlon, but something keeps holding me back..something on the PCI bus. Now with this board I should be able to get around that limitation.

The case is a chieftec case with four panaflo fans. Sparkle 400 watt power supply P4 ready. I have also ordered a Swiftech MCX4000-B heatsink and will use a Y-Tech 80mm fan thats currently on my PAL8045.

Well, what do you think so far boys? Am I ready to overclock?

Finally, request some info on a proven overclocker P4 processor. Prefer to be 533mhz I guess. Price is a consideration, but I knew I was going to spend more money when I jumped ship to the P4 anyways. I was thinking 2.4 or 2.53Ghz....but wasn't sure if either one would overclock well. 2.66Ghz is almost out of price reach, but if that is a preferred o/c'er I'll just save up for it.

EDIT: Copied from motherboards forum..wasnt paying attention!

Thanks

 

[wicktron]

I like the 2.26b for high FSB OC's, but you might not hit 3GHz. 2.66/2.8 for good OC'ing since all of them are C1 stepping unlike the rest, which is a toss-up on getting a C1 stepping chip.

 

[Spicedaddy]

The best would be to know how high your ram will go if you plan to keep it. I have Mushkin PC2100 CL2, and it won't do more than 153MHz... If you can't get much more than that, getting the 2.26B isn't a good idea. Personally, I would wait until Intel releases the 3.06 in November because the 2.66 (C1 stepping, OCs better) is gonna get a 25% price drop, but since you alreday got the board, I guess you don't feel like waiting a month.

Anyways, I'd go for the 2.53, but if you can afford the 2.66, it'll definitely overclock better.

 

[ctk1981]

Ah what the heck, I'll just save a lil dough up and get the 2.66 Ghz. If I can sell off an extra computer I'll have it made. Its hard to say how high this ram will overclock. Ive always been held back by something on the PCI bus. Only reason why I know this is because ive changed motherboards, processors, ram over the course of time and Ive always been stuck at 143mhz. Im betting soundcard or NIC.

Ah well, solve that problem with the AGP/PCI lock though.

 

[30wolverine30]

the 2.26 is a pretty decent ocer. I've got one to 2.9. The current rave is the 2.66 Twco has them for $295 right now, $100 less than Pricewatch!!

 

[CrazySaint]

Originally posted by: Ctkelly
Ah what the heck, I'll just save a lil dough up and get the 2.66 Ghz. If I can sell off an extra computer I'll have it made. Its hard to say how high this ram will overclock. Ive always been held back by something on the PCI bus. Only reason why I know this is because ive changed motherboards, processors, ram over the course of time and Ive always been stuck at 143mhz. Im betting soundcard or NIC.

Ah well, solve that problem with the AGP/PCI lock though.

You should also consider setting aside a bit for some better RAM. If you get a 2.66GHz P4, then you'll be needing some RAM that's capable of DDR400+ (2.66 being a C1 stepping is likely to hit 3GHz+ 2.66 has 20x multiplier, 20x150+ = 3GHz+, 150+ x 3:4 mem ratio = DDR400+), which isn't likely with P2100, even if its Mushkin 2-2-2 PC2100.

 

[ctk1981]

Good call. I already have someone lined up to buy my ram if need be. Is there a preference on who to get the ram from? Ive had pretty good luck with mushkin and running aggressive timings, but would I be better off with some corsair sticks?