The EPoX 4G4A+ seems very promising.

[Lance22]

I got my 4g4a on wednesday, my cpu and ram should be here any second. =D Im hoping to get a good setup, i got a 4g4a 1.6a and 512 meg corsair xms cas2. Ill probably be posting up a lot in the forums asking for some help with things.

And thanks to everyone for the help thus far, i appriciate it.

 

[soljahz]

Hey guys just wondering, in motherboard monitor it shows my 3.3 at 2.77, is that goingt o be a problem? is that agp voltage? Or is the 4g4a+ just displaying the wrong #. Thanks



Nevermind i saw what anazoal posted. But was wondering if i need a new powersupply guys, i have an antec 350w ps. I have :

Dvd-rom drive
Burner
120 gig hd
100 gig hd
60 gig hd
two soundcards
real hollywood dvd decoder
geforce 3
4 x 80 mm fans, 2 x 92 mm fans, 1 x 120mm fan

Sometimes i get crashes playing some games but it usually happens late, i'm thinking is it now enough power or is it because my temp goes up to around 58c. Thanks in advance guys.

 

[Grumpycrab]

Originally posted by: soljahz
Hey guys just wondering, in motherboard monitor it shows my 3.3 at 2.77, is that goingt o be a problem? is that agp voltage? Or is the 4g4a+ just displaying the wrong #. Thanks...

Wow. I can answer this one. It's actually your Dram voltage. Should be 2.5V I think. Have you increased it?
--
Ian

 

[Grumpycrab]

Originally posted by: anazoal
Okay, I set up the 4G4A+. I was able to o/c my 1.6A to 133 fsb and surf for a couple of hours -- default everything. I didn't stress test because I'm waiting for the AS 3 to set and I'm having problems using Motherboard Monitor.

I've throttled back to 100 fsb at default MB settings. Here are my Motherboard Monitor values at idle (default settings on MM too):

Temp 1: 28 -- Winbond 1
Temp 2: 87 -- Winbond 2
Temp 3: 33 -- Winbond 3

Volt 1 [Core 0] : 1.52
Volt 2 [Core 1] : 1.504
Volt 3 [+3.3] : 2.512 -- the low reading scares me (it is the Vdimm value --see below -- right?)
Volt 4 [+5.00] : 5.1072
Volt 5 [+12.00]: 11.9168
Volt 6 [-12.00] : -11.6144
Volt 7 [-5.00] : - 5.09152
...
Why is Motherboard Monitor reporting the wrong values?

Answer: because, as you say, you are using default settings on MM. Volt 3 is Vdimm as you have guessed.
Winbond 3 is System Temp and Winbond 2 Diode is CPU Temp.
--
Ian

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: Grumpycrab

Originally posted by: anazoal
Okay, I set up the 4G4A+. I was able to o/c my 1.6A to 133 fsb and surf for a couple of hours -- default everything. I didn't stress test because I'm waiting for the AS 3 to set and I'm having problems using Motherboard Monitor.

I've throttled back to 100 fsb at default MB settings. Here are my Motherboard Monitor values at idle (default settings on MM too):

Temp 1: 28 -- Winbond 1
Temp 2: 87 -- Winbond 2
Temp 3: 33 -- Winbond 3

Volt 1 [Core 0] : 1.52
Volt 2 [Core 1] : 1.504
Volt 3 [+3.3] : 2.512 -- the low reading scares me (it is the Vdimm value --see below -- right?)
Volt 4 [+5.00] : 5.1072
Volt 5 [+12.00]: 11.9168
Volt 6 [-12.00] : -11.6144
Volt 7 [-5.00] : - 5.09152
...
Why is Motherboard Monitor reporting the wrong values?

Answer: because, as you say, you are using default settings on MM. Volt 3 is Vdimm as you have guessed.
Winbond 3 is System Temp and Winbond 2 Diode is CPU Temp.
--
Ian

if that Winbound 2 is CPU temp and it is in "C" (not "F"), then thats one HOT HOT HOT HOT CPU. I would shut down the system immediately and would consider better cooling.

as far as i remember, the cutoff for P4 is 66C (check your CPU temps .......i have setup my system to alam me at 65C so that i can shut it down immediately)

 

[anazoal]

Thanks Grumpycrab. After playing around with MM (and o/c'ing to raise the CPU temp) I figured out WinBond 2 Diode is the CPU temp.

If WinBond 3 is mobo temp, then is WinBond 1 PSU temp? At 150 FSB WinBond 1 is ~ 33 C and WinBond 3 is ~34 C.

BTW, my Vcore also dips when running Prime95. I think it might be a PSU issue: when I start Prime95 and listen carefully there is a change in the timbre of the sound coming from the case.

 

[anazoal]

Thanks gsethi. WinBond 2 Diode is the CPU temp. When I first saw the 87 C I shut down, but PC Health showed normal temps. On the otherhand WinBond 1 & 3 Diodes gave me negative temps!!!

@150 FSB running Prime95 I have Vcore set to 1.525. Here are my MM readings:

WinBond 1 = 35 C
WinBond 2 Diode = 49 C
WinBond 3 = 35 C

Vagp = 1.5 V
Vcore = 1.46 - 1.49
Vdimm = 2.53
+5 = 5.03
+12 = 12.34
-12 = -12.03
-5 = -5.34

Stock HSF @ ~3900 RPM

Is your Vcore running Prime95 the same as idle?

 

[gsethi]

the only thing that fluctates while running Prime 95 is:

VCore voltage......thats weird.....
my +12v actually goes high when i start Prime 95.

 

[millsy]

I would like some advice on some RAM for the 4G4A+

Choices are:

Corsair 256Mb XMS2400 cas2 = £81.66
Corsair 256Mb XMS2700 cas2 = £72.38
Corsair 512Mb XMS2700 cas2 = £129.95
Corsair 256Mb XMS3000 cas2 = £86.95
Corsair 512Mb XMS3000 cas2 = £157.92
Corsair 256Mb XMS3200 = £86.95
Corsair 512Mb XMS3200 = £157.57

Crucial 256Mb PC2700 cas2.5 = £62.99

Kingston 256Mb PC2700 cas2.5 = £63.44

Kingmax 256Mb PC2400 = £41.13
Kingmax 256Mb PC2700 = £49.35
Kingmax 256Mb PC3200 = £72.50

OCZ 256Mb PC2400 = £51.70
OCZ 256Mb PC3000 = £63.45
OCZ 256Mb PC3200 = £70.50

what do you think is the best??
the most overclockable but considering the price as UK aint that cheap!!!

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: millsy
I would like some advice on some RAM for the 4G4A+

Choices are:

Corsair 256Mb XMS2400 cas2 = £81.66
Corsair 256Mb XMS2700 cas2 = £72.38
Corsair 512Mb XMS2700 cas2 = £129.95
Corsair 256Mb XMS3000 cas2 = £86.95
Corsair 512Mb XMS3000 cas2 = £157.92
Corsair 256Mb XMS3200 = £86.95
Corsair 512Mb XMS3200 = £157.57

Crucial 256Mb PC2700 cas2.5 = £62.99

Kingston 256Mb PC2700 cas2.5 = £63.44

Kingmax 256Mb PC2400 = £41.13
Kingmax 256Mb PC2700 = £49.35
Kingmax 256Mb PC3200 = £72.50

OCZ 256Mb PC2400 = £51.70
OCZ 256Mb PC3000 = £63.45
OCZ 256Mb PC3200 = £70.50

what do you think is the best??
the most overclockable but considering the price as UK aint that cheap!!!

Dont even consider OCZ or Kingmax or Kingston if you are going to heavlily overclock it. Out of your list, i would recommend CORSAIR only. Try to see if you can get some SAMSUNG memory ?

now which one of the corsairs? they all look good, just see which one fits your budget.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: gsethi
Dont even consider OCZ or Kingmax or Kingston if you are going to heavlily overclock it. Out of your list, i would recommend CORSAIR only. Try to see if you can get some SAMSUNG memory ?

now which one of the corsairs? they all look good, just see which one fits your budget.

I don't think Samsung is selling the PC3200 yet. If they are, I couldn't find a vendor selling it. I ordered the Corsair 512Mb XMS3200 with the hopes of nearing 3Ghz with the 1.8 I have on order. Everything shipped, so I hope to see Monday.

 

[Pardus]

So after reading this long thread with lots of good options, which motherboard for the p4 is best to get that will overclock the most?

 

[ahsia]

So assuming that the EPoX 4GA+ is a great overclocker, overclocking success really depends on the processor itself and the type of memory you have, right?

I have some Mushkin PC3000, and looking to get this board with the 1.8A. I was debating between this board vs. the ABIT BG7, but seems like this board is getting rave reviews, plus it doesn't have the plain old yellow PCB .

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: gsethi
Dont even consider OCZ or Kingmax or Kingston if you are going to heavlily overclock it. Out of your list, i would recommend CORSAIR only. Try to see if you can get some SAMSUNG memory ?

now which one of the corsairs? they all look good, just see which one fits your budget.

I don't think Samsung is selling the PC3200 yet. If they are, I couldn't find a vendor selling it. I ordered the Corsair 512Mb XMS3200 with the hopes of nearing 3Ghz with the 1.8 I have on order. Everything shipped, so I hope to see Monday.

Why do people start with the wrong idea of overclocking.......running 1.8a @ 3.0 Ghz is very unlikely with conventional air cooling. I think that people are thinking that if we are able to run 1.6 @ 2.6 Ghz, then according to math, 1.8 should be able to do 3.0 Ghz.....this is not correct.

A processors upper limit is determined by the manufacturing process, quality of silicon and not by its rated speed. the 1.6, 1.8 etc are all made with the same manufacturing process and they are all the same CPUs. The way they rate the CPUs is by testing them at various speeds and see if they pass the test at those speeds.

Currently, Intel is using 0.13 micron processing technology so the max you can hit with 0.13 micron is ~3.0 - 3.2 Ghz. But this is like being on the edge. That is why intel is shifting to 0.09 micron technology next year to get higher yields. According to me, the max you should be able to go on 0.13 micron is ~2.8 - 3.0 Ghz but that is using more better components in the current process.

technically speaking, 1.8a will have the same upper limit as a 2.0a which will have the same upper limit as a 1.6a since they were all built using the same quality of components with the same process in the same batch. Its just that some CPUs performed better in the testing than others.

So, dont expect 3.0 Ghz out of your 1.8a out of the box. Infact, it may not be able to do 2.4 Ghz. Overclocking is just luck....you might be able to run your 1.8a at 2.8 or not even 2.0.......(expecting 3.0 Ghz out of 1.8a is like buying a Honda Civic and expecting it to perform like a Ferrari or Lambourgini )

oh yeah.....one more thing that i use to determine the upper limit of a CPU: The current fastest CPU by intel is 2.53 Ghz +- 0.2 Ghz ......so thats what i consider the upper limit of a slower CPU made on the same manufacturing process

 

[terminalmind]

gsethi or anyone else

If you had the choice of either 512Mb Samsung PC2700 or 512Mb Corsair PC3200
which would you get? If the Samsung PC3200 was available I wouldn't even consider
the Corsair.

I have pretty much decided on the Epox 4G4A+ and a P4 1.6A but I am still undecided
on the memory.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: gsethi

Why do people start with the wrong idea of overclocking.......running 1.8a @ 3.0 Ghz is very unlikely with conventional air cooling. I think that people are thinking that if we are able to run 1.6 @ 2.6 Ghz, then according to math, 1.8 should be able to do 3.0 Ghz.....this is not correct.

A processors upper limit is determined by the manufacturing process, quality of silicon and not by its rated speed. the 1.6, 1.8 etc are all made with the same manufacturing process and they are all the same CPUs. The way they rate the CPUs is by testing them at various speeds and see if they pass the test at those speeds.

Currently, Intel is using 0.13 micron processing technology so the max you can hit with 0.13 micron is ~3.0 - 3.2 Ghz. But this is like being on the edge. That is why intel is shifting to 0.09 micron technology next year to get higher yields. According to me, the max you should be able to go on 0.13 micron is ~2.8 - 3.0 Ghz but that is using more better components in the current process.

technically speaking, 1.8a will have the same upper limit as a 2.0a which will have the same upper limit as a 1.6a since they were all built using the same quality of components with the same process in the same batch. Its just that some CPUs performed better in the testing than others.

So, dont expect 3.0 Ghz out of your 1.8a out of the box. Infact, it may not be able to do 2.4 Ghz. Overclocking is just luck....you might be able to run your 1.8a at 2.8 or not even 2.0.......(expecting 3.0 Ghz out of 1.8a is like buying a Honda Civic and expecting it to perform like a Ferrari or Lambourgini )

oh yeah.....one more thing that i use to determine the upper limit of a CPU: The current fastest CPU by intel is 2.53 Ghz +- 0.2 Ghz ......so thats what i consider the upper limit of a slower CPU made on the same manufacturing process

And why must you crush my hopes and dreams?
I know what to expect from my 1.8 when I get it, exactly 1.8 Ghz!! Nothing more, and nothing less, but what fun is that? That's why it's a hobby. If all I wanted was a PC, I would have called Stephen!!

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: gsethi

Why do people start with the wrong idea of overclocking.......running 1.8a @ 3.0 Ghz is very unlikely with conventional air cooling. I think that people are thinking that if we are able to run 1.6 @ 2.6 Ghz, then according to math, 1.8 should be able to do 3.0 Ghz.....this is not correct.

A processors upper limit is determined by the manufacturing process, quality of silicon and not by its rated speed. the 1.6, 1.8 etc are all made with the same manufacturing process and they are all the same CPUs. The way they rate the CPUs is by testing them at various speeds and see if they pass the test at those speeds.

Currently, Intel is using 0.13 micron processing technology so the max you can hit with 0.13 micron is ~3.0 - 3.2 Ghz. But this is like being on the edge. That is why intel is shifting to 0.09 micron technology next year to get higher yields. According to me, the max you should be able to go on 0.13 micron is ~2.8 - 3.0 Ghz but that is using more better components in the current process.

technically speaking, 1.8a will have the same upper limit as a 2.0a which will have the same upper limit as a 1.6a since they were all built using the same quality of components with the same process in the same batch. Its just that some CPUs performed better in the testing than others.

So, dont expect 3.0 Ghz out of your 1.8a out of the box. Infact, it may not be able to do 2.4 Ghz. Overclocking is just luck....you might be able to run your 1.8a at 2.8 or not even 2.0.......(expecting 3.0 Ghz out of 1.8a is like buying a Honda Civic and expecting it to perform like a Ferrari or Lambourgini )

oh yeah.....one more thing that i use to determine the upper limit of a CPU: The current fastest CPU by intel is 2.53 Ghz +- 0.2 Ghz ......so thats what i consider the upper limit of a slower CPU made on the same manufacturing process

And why must you crush my hopes and dreams?
I know what to expect from my 1.8 when I get it, exactly 1.8 Ghz!! Nothing more, and nothing less, but what fun is that? That's why it's a hobby. If all I wanted was a PC, I would have called Stephen!!

my idea was not to crush your hopes and your dreams. Some people get the wrong idea while reading these threads. Even if you didnt really expect 3.0 Ghz out of your 1.8a, someone might have read your thread and he would have expected that result.
Then he would go out and buy the CPU and when it wont run at 3.0 Ghz, he would come here and brag and curse without giving it a second thought. I was just trying to make the point that overclocking is just luck.....you might get nothing out of it or you might get a mouthfull .
btw, sorry if i crushed your hopes and dreams.

When i bought my 1.6a, the highest i ever expected from it was 2.0 Ghz.........i never intended to overclock it to the extreme but thanks to these forums, i ended up running it at 2.60 Ghz

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: terminalmind
gsethi or anyone else

If you had the choice of either 512Mb Samsung PC2700 or 512Mb Corsair PC3200
which would you get? If the Samsung PC3200 was available I wouldn't even consider
the Corsair.

I have pretty much decided on the Epox 4G4A+ and a P4 1.6A but I am still undecided
on the memory.

depends on the pricing difference......

1) if price is the same or very little difference, go for Corsair since you are guaranteed PC3200 speeds there

2) if price difference is huge, then i would go for Samsung assuming it is "ORIGINAL" samsung which can overclock very high.

Be sure that not every chip is the same. Some can overclock very high while others will only do a modest overclock. I consider myself to be lucky to be able to run my Samsung PC2700 DDR 333 @ DDR 435. Highest i was expecting from it was DDR 400 (50-50 chance). I think that my memory still has some more room to go high and will see how high it can go. Also, my chip is the newer "DTL" chip from which many people are having complaints with while overclocking. Many people have not been able to get the "DTL" over DDR 375, i wonder how i got mine at DDR 435. The safest bet will be to make sure that you get "CTL" as most people have been able to hit DDR 400 with it.

 

[terminalmind]

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: terminalmind
gsethi or anyone else

If you had the choice of either 512Mb Samsung PC2700 or 512Mb Corsair PC3200
which would you get? If the Samsung PC3200 was available I wouldn't even consider
the Corsair.

I have pretty much decided on the Epox 4G4A+ and a P4 1.6A but I am still undecided
on the memory.

depends on the pricing difference......

1) if price is the same or very little difference, go for Corsair since you are guaranteed PC3200 speeds there

2) if price difference is huge, then i would go for Samsung assuming it is "ORIGINAL" samsung which can overclock very high.

Be sure that not every chip is the same. Some can overclock very high while others will only do a modest overclock. I consider myself to be lucky to be able to run my Samsung PC2700 DDR 333 @ DDR 435. Highest i was expecting from it was DDR 400 (50-50 chance). I think that my memory still has some more room to go high and will see how high it can go. Also, my chip is the newer "DTL" chip from which many people are having complaints with while overclocking. Many people have not been able to get the "DTL" over DDR 375, i wonder how i got mine at DDR 435. The safest bet will be to make sure that you get "CTL" as most people have been able to hit DDR 400 with it.

Thanks gsethi

Newegg has the Samsung for $150 shipped and the Corsair for $170 shipped.
Essential has the Samsung for $129 shipped but I could not find any warranty
info.
Guess I'll email Newegg and see if they know when the Samsung PC3200 will
be available. If it's not going to be available soon I'll problably go with Corsair.
Its only money.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: gsethi


my idea was not to crush your hopes and your dreams. Some people get the wrong idea while reading these threads. Even if you didnt really expect 3.0 Ghz out of your 1.8a, someone might have read your thread and he would have expected that result.
Then he would go out and buy the CPU and when it wont run at 3.0 Ghz, he would come here and brag and curse without giving it a second thought. I was just trying to make the point that overclocking is just luck.....you might get nothing out of it or you might get a mouthfull .
btw, sorry if i crushed your hopes and dreams.

When i bought my 1.6a, the highest i ever expected from it was 2.0 Ghz.........i never intended to overclock it to the extreme but thanks to these forums, i ended up running it at 2.60 Ghz

You have a good point on possibility of misleading someone when talking about the rare or even unoptainable overclock. I will admit that I didn't think of that, and it's something I wouldn't want to do. Thanks for setting things straight. I'll post back when I put my 3.0 system together.

 

[millsy]

does the 512Mb chip overclock okay on the Corsair??

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: gsethi


my idea was not to crush your hopes and your dreams. Some people get the wrong idea while reading these threads. Even if you didnt really expect 3.0 Ghz out of your 1.8a, someone might have read your thread and he would have expected that result.
Then he would go out and buy the CPU and when it wont run at 3.0 Ghz, he would come here and brag and curse without giving it a second thought. I was just trying to make the point that overclocking is just luck.....you might get nothing out of it or you might get a mouthfull .
btw, sorry if i crushed your hopes and dreams.

When i bought my 1.6a, the highest i ever expected from it was 2.0 Ghz.........i never intended to overclock it to the extreme but thanks to these forums, i ended up running it at 2.60 Ghz

You have a good point on possibility of misleading someone when talking about the rare or even unoptainable overclock. I will admit that I didn't think of that, and it's something I wouldn't want to do. Thanks for setting things straight. I'll post back when I put my 3.0 system together.

Best of Luck !! Do let us know about your progress though.
Overclocking is luck and also trial and error. I really want to see this board do 3.0 Ghz........

 

[FelixDeCat]

I just ordered this mofo. It better be everything you guys promise or someones going to pay. :|

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat
I just ordered this mofo. It better be everything you guys promise or someones going to pay. :|

What's your problem?

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat
I just ordered this mofo. It better be everything you guys promise or someones going to pay. :|

No one promised anything here......we just gave our reviews and how well the board is. Some poeple had problems with the board while others are extrememly happy.

Again, i repeat myself:
Overclocking is luck and a bit of trial and error.