Tuning Extreme: Overclocking with the Asus A7V
AMD Duron With 1000 MHz!
In our test we achieved the fastest speed with the AMD Duron 750. At a core voltage of 2.11 Volts we reached a stable clock frequency of 1000 MHz. This resembles a clock increase of 33 %. The amount of the possible core clock increase always depends on the quality of the CPU itself.
Speed record because of voltage increase: The AMD Duron 750 is stable at 1000 MHz if the core voltage is increased to 2.11 Volts. A powerful heat sink is a must, however.
Conclusion: Higher Core Voltage Helps CPUs To Reach The Limit
This relatively simple retrofit of the Asus A7V that can be done in a few minutes packs a punch: The higher core voltages of up to 2.32 Volts lets every Duron and Athlon CPU operate at the limit.
While the regular Asus A7V only offers a maximum voltage of 1.85 Volts, and most processors become unstable when overclocked, the altered board gives a very good impression. For example a Duron 750 can be overclocked 30 percent, resulting in a maximum clock frequency of 1000 MHz.
With the fast Athlon processors the possible improvements in clock frequency are rather limited, however: In our test we succeeded in running an Athlon 1000 at a maximum of 1133 MHz, always under the condition of keeping the processor safely alive and the system stable.
Nevertheless, retrofitting an Asus A7V is definitely worth it: The resistor costs less then 10 cents and the board is ready for overclocking future AMD processors past the 1000 MHz limit.
Stay on the Cutting Edge
Join the experts who read Tom's Hardware for the inside track on enthusiast PC tech news — and have for over 25 years. We'll send breaking news and in-depth reviews of CPUs, GPUs, AI, maker hardware and more straight to your inbox.
Current page: AMD Duron With 1000 MHz!
Prev Page The actual core voltage can be set with the power menu in the BIOS: If the voltage is set to 1.85 Volts in the BIOS, the Asus A7V generates a maximum core voltage of 2.32 Volts after the retrofit.