What Can You Expect?

[DasFox]

I have a MSI K7N2 Delta 2, running a XP 3000+ 166/333MHz and Corsair XMS 2x512=1GB DDR400/PC3200C2.

Now given my cpu is 333 FSB I'd like to pump it up to the level of a 3200. My motherboard allows overclocking of the multipliers and FSB, so if I bumped the CPU up around the level of a 3200:

11x/200
12x/210
13x180

Something in this range and took the memory up a notch, which even though it is CAS2, because I'm running a XP right now it only wants to run at CAS2.5 and bump that to CAS2, these small changes in overclocking to the cpu and memory wouldn't really be considered extreme would they, or any overclock no matter how little still can put a big strain on parts?

I have been into performance gaming for years, so I'm not new to any of this, BUT I've never been into doing a OC of fear of shorting the life of my system.

PLEASE do tell.

THANKS

P.S. I have a Tsunami Dream case with side, front and rear cooling:
http://www.thermaltake.com/xaserCase/tsunami/swa/swa.htm

The cpu has a Volcano Silent Boost HSF, with artic silver 5 on it:
http://www.thermaltake.com/coolers/volcano/rs/a1889a.htm

So on the cooling side of things I think I have that covered fairly well.

 

[JBT]

A small OC like that will do prettty much nothing. Voltage is what shortens the life time not MHz. Increased MHz shortening a life time makes no sense. A 2.8GHz P4 will last longer than a 3.6GHz p4? mmm nope. Its all about the voltage.

 

[DasFox]

Ok so I'm looking at doing 11x/210 or about there to get possibly 2.3ghz/400FSB and WHAT voltage are we talking about that I need to adjust?

Also my memory is running at 2.7 so with doing a OC would it be best to bring that up to 2.8?

THANKS

 

[tyborg]

depends on what's stable. Use memtest86 and Prime95 or SuperPI or something to test stability of the RAM and CPU. go to where you're comfortably stable (i.e you can run a burn-in/stress test for about 12-24 hours with no errors). when you start erroring out, you can up the voltage. for RAM, it's the vDimm, and for the CPU, it's Vcore. I would reccomend not letting tempratures going above about 50 degrees celcius after running on a full load. For an Axp, you don't want to go higher than a vcore of 1.6-1.65, depending on how big a risktaker you are.

Upping your voltages are done at your own risk, and voids your warranty.

 

[DasFox]

Well I don't want to mess with voltage then. I mean if you push the CPU, you can the leave the voltage on its default settings can't you?

THANKS

 

[JBT]

Originally posted by: DasFox
Well I don't want to mess with voltage then. I mean if you push the CPU, you can the leave the voltage on its default settings can't you?

THANKS

of course. Most CPU's can OC some with out pushing the voltage. You've just got to find the spot as its different with every single one where it starts to need more to run stable, then just back off a tad.