Why such high voltage?

[kashik]

I've overclocked my x2 3800 to 2.4 Ghz, but in order to get there i had to up my voltage from 1.35 to 1.50. Have i missed something while overclocking, or do i just have a processor that can't go much higher than 2.4 without big raises in voltage?

 

[Unkno]

must be just an unlucky chip....my X2 3800+ can run 2.5ghz at stock voltage.

 

[RichUK]

You sure its not any other component holding you back, there are many other variables other than the CPU when OCing you know, and 1.5v is particularly high for an X2 3800+. Have you tried running memtest to test your memory?

A complete break down of your system and OC would be helpful.

 

[kashik]

alright,

memory is set at SPD, 2.60volts
HTT is 4
FSB 240
CPU Multi 10
1.504volts (i set it to 1.475 in bios but ai booster/cpu Z show 1.5)
DDR set to 333MHz
PCI Clock set to 33.33MHz

using Samsung Infineon pc3200 400MHz 512MBx2 not sure how that is for OC'ing
I dont have any cd's to make a memtest boot disc so i cant do that til later tonight.

missing anything else?

 

[Unkno]

voltage seems a little high for just 240x10.....other than that, i don't see anything wrong

 

[kashik]

one core seems to fail Prime after a few minutes at a lower voltage. 1.475 in the bios is the lowest i can set it to run stable at 2.4 at the above settings. At that high of a voltage the temp will hit 65, peak, in prime running on both cores. Because of that im looking into a new cooling option. If i can get the proc to run at under 60 at max load, than will that be fine? Or does running at a higher voltage cause longterm problems?

 

[KBTuning]

there is a reason that AMD sets teh speed at a certain level... if it oc's high then YEAH its a bonus if not then you got what you paid for.... im not tyring ot be mean just trying to state whats going on.

 

[kashik]

well thats kind of obvious, but the question is if it can be cooled to a safe temperature, will that voltage be fine or can a voltage that high cause any longterm problems?

 

[Unkno]

yes, that high of voltage can cause long term problems (depends how long you want your cpu working). I wouldn't feel comfortable having an AMD running at 65C load...you should DEFINITELY get a better cooler if you want to run it at those voltages. I would recommend getting a XP90 if you want something cheap or get CNPS9500 if something very good.

You should also try running Cool 'n' Quiet to increase the lifespan of your cpu, since it decreases your voltage and speed when your computer is idling.