Limits of Overclocking 2400+

[rahvyn]

Hi All;

I am working on O/C'ing my system. I am currently at FSB of 180 and multiplier of 12.5, VCore at 1.85. The system runs rock stable at these settings. System temperature is around 36C when idle, and about 44C under load. The problem I am running into is when I up the multiplier to 13, or, up the FSB to 181, Windows will not load. It automatically reboots during the Windows load. I am using the 1002 Uber BIOS. Any ideas on why this is happening and how to get past this?

Rahvyn


AMD Athlon XP 2400+ @ 2255 (12.5 X 180)
1GB Corsair XMS3200 (2T,2,2,5)
ATI Radeon 9500 Pro (324/355 MHz)
ASUS A7N8X Deluxe 1002 Uber BIOS
Windows XP
Thermaltake CPU Cooler

 

[lhgpoobaa]

well you have narrowed it down.
not the ram as you tried multiplier and fsb.

the only things that would be holding you back is the CPU running out of steam or the system drawing too much juice from the PSU.

Despite giving it more voltage the cpu may or maynot get any further. your temps look good... a bit TOO good in my opinion, suggesting to me the temp probe underreads. but nothing too bad as it runs fine at the slightly slower speed.

what brand and wattage PSU do you have? spontaneous reboots can be due to a struggling PSU.


<i>"Revenues were less than robust"</i> - QWEST
<i>"The company applied its accounting policies incorrectly"</i> - WORLDCOM
<i>"Certian financial adjustments may be required"</i> - AOL+TW.

 

[rahvyn]

It may be the PSU. I am only using a 350W PSU. Its not a major brand name. Go up to 400, 450?

Rahvyn

AMD Athlon XP 2400+ @ 2255 (12.5 X 180)
1GB Corsair XMS3200 (2T,2,2,5)
ATI Radeon 9500 Pro (324/355 MHz)
ASUS A7N8X Deluxe 1002 Uber BIOS
Windows XP
Thermaltake CPU Cooler

 

[lhgpoobaa]

Its possible yeah... but not conclusive.
Time for some more detective work.

have you got Motherboard monitor or some other system monitoring program?
What you want to have a look at is your system voltages... specifically the 12v line and 5v.
they should ideally be within +/- 5% or better.
A saggging/dipping 5v line with AMD systems is a sure sign that the PSU is insufficient for your needs. And overclocking DOES stress the PSU. even my 550W Enermax gets down to 4.89v with my 25% overclock.

<i>"Revenues were less than robust"</i> - QWEST
<i>"The company applied its accounting policies incorrectly"</i> - WORLDCOM
<i>"Certian financial adjustments may be required"</i> - AOL+TW.

 

[rahvyn]

Well, I am currently using the Asusprobe software that came with the system. Is there a better monitor? Looking at my voltages, they are reported as follows:

+12V - 12.672
+5V - 4.892
+3.3V - 3.296
VCore - 1.84 (even though I have it set at 1.80)

Rahvyn

 

[lhgpoobaa]

hmmm... most are ok, but the 12v line is right up at its acceptable 5% limit... it might cauze problmes if it gets any higher.


<i>"Revenues were less than robust"</i> - QWEST
<i>"The company applied its accounting policies incorrectly"</i> - WORLDCOM
<i>"Certian financial adjustments may be required"</i> - AOL+TW.

 

[rahvyn]

How can I prevent it from going any higher? What is it tied to?

 

[lhgpoobaa]

voltages are linked to the current draw of the system... sometimes they dip with excessive draw, others, like the 12v for me, seem to go up.

there are two ways of controlling it.
A. stop overclocking
or
B. get a better psu.

<b>"If spam wasn't totally bogus, Hotmail users would be well-endowed, slim people with hair who make big money working at home and having great sex provoked by free porn and herbal Viagra.</b>

 

[svol]

The overvolt of 0.04-5 V is normal for most Asus board as Asus increases the VCore a little above the setting so their boards look more stable when OC'ed.

My dual-PSU PC is so powerfull that the neighbourhood dims when I turn it on

 

[rahvyn]

Well, I guess that's where I'll start then. I'll try a new power supply, around 450? I guess. Thanks for all the help.

Rahvyn