What are the issues with overclocking the A64?

[The Sauce]

Possibly going to upgrade soon to an A64 and 939. Is the core multiplier locked on all these chips? Is there a unlocked mobile edition out yet? Is one in the works? What is required to overclock an A64 (i.e what kind of memory if the multi is locked)? Good mobo? Best chiP currently (sounds like the 3000+)?

 

[Budman]

CPU/PROCESSORS AND OVERCLOCKING

 

[Computerduck]

Take it from someone with an A64 system: having the multiplier locked isn't THAT big of a deal for these chips. My Athlon 64 2800+ came at 1.8ghz, and I recently hit the 2.3ghz mark, and this thing is showing no signs of slowing down, or heating up.

 

[The Sauce]

Thanks Budman - Nazis need not reply. Very informative link though - led me to exactly lots of stuff that I didn't need..

So, duck, what sort of FSB speed do you need to get the proc that high...and more importantly, what kind of memory? And what mobo is capable of hitting FSB speeds that high now? My NF7-S never made it over 215 with Mushkin L2 3500 - 255 seems like a longshot.

 

[imported_NoGodForMe]

Agree, the locked multiplier doesn't matter, because you just up the FSB.

The key to OCing is having the correct memory. Right now, many are having good luck with OCZ Platinum EL, or Gskill.
On the MB, many go with the MSI Neo2 Platinum. Some screw up and then send the board back, but that's mostly human error. The reason many go with the MSI board, is because you can up the memory voltage to 2.9 or above. On the Asus A8V, the most is 2.8, which is fine for most, but for extreme OCing, many go up to 3.2v or so.

Go for the highest chip speed you can afford, because they all OC by at least 10%.
Here's a chart to read.
http://www.c627627.com/AMD/Athlon64/
Go for a 3800, a 4000, or an FX53 if you can afford it.
Once the FX57 comes out next year, I'll be selling my FX53.

 

[Computerduck]

Actually... I'm only using 512mb of Kingmax PC-3200. It's not the best ram, but it certainly works. And it's very easy on the wallet, too. From newegg, it's only 68 bucks.

snatchface, I'm using a soltek nForce 3 mobo right now. It's very stable, and it has a high FSB. I'm at 244 right now, and it can go still higher.

 

[The Sauce]

There is really memory out there these days that is reliable up to those speeds? And also which is the hot chip right now?

 

[Computerduck]

Really, I think memory is overhyped. You don't need top of the line ram to get decent overclocks.

As for the hot chip, it depends on the size of your wallet. What's your price range?

 

[The Sauce]

Well wallet size is really not an issue but I'm a sucker for a good deal and a hot overclock. I only tend to buy when there is a really hot chip out - such as the mobile athlon chips a few years back and originally the celeron 300A (anyone remember that one? got to 450 in a snap on my Abit BH-6 )

 

[Computerduck]

Ah... if only wallet size truely wasn't an issue.... *looks dreamily at FX-55* Well, if you like a good deal, then I'd go with an Athlon 64 3500+. Not too expensive, and yet it's very speedy. If you get a good mobo, it can also be overclocked fairly well.

 

[Budman]

Originally posted by: Snatchface
Thanks Budman - Nazis need not reply. Very informative link though - led me to exactly lots of stuff that I didn't need..

So, duck, what sort of FSB speed do you need to get the proc that high...and more importantly, what kind of memory? And what mobo is capable of hitting FSB speeds that high now? My NF7-S never made it over 215 with Mushkin L2 3500 - 255 seems like a longshot.

You asked about overclocking,this is general hardware,you should be asking in Overclocking forum.

General Computer Hardware Discussion. This is the place to discuss the latest computer hardware issues and technology. Please keep the discussion ON TOPIC, and covering computer hardware ONLY.

 

[The Sauce]

Last I checked, CPU's, motherboards and memory were computer hardware. Not sure though...maybe things have changed in the past few weeks.