OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board

On Wed, 07 Mar 2007 13:08:14 -0800, cjohnson1379 wrote:

> I just set up my new system and it runs fine at default but I can't
> seem to overclock it without problems. Here's a brief description of
> the system.
>
> GA-M55Plus-S3g (rev1)
> Athlon 64 X2 4200+ (90nm)
> Corsair VS1GBKIT667D2 memory
> Aspire case w/500W power supply
> Added Northbridge fan
> Seagate 160GB SATA 300 HDD
> WinTV PVR-150
> NEC DVD-R DL drive
> 5 case fans
>
>
> I can get the clock to 210, leaving everything else alone. I tried
> lowering the HTT multiplier to 4X and setting the Memory to DDR533 so
> I don't OC anything but the processor. At 250 x 10 (2.5GHz) it will
> run without errors if it POSTs. Problem is, it hangs or POSTs in safe
> mode half the time. I'm using the stock AMD Heatsink but heat
> doesn't
> seem to be an issue. I have tried raising VCore to no avail. I even
> tried lowering the HT multiplier to 3X and CPU to 9X so the CPU is
> barely overclocked. It just doesn't like the clock over 210. Any
> ideas?
>
I've got the same board with an X2 3800+. I had no problem setting the CPU
frequency to 233Mhz and rebooting at default vcore. I may have lowered HT
to 4x but don't recall. Set ram not to exceed 167Mhz. Don't recall what
ram brand I have but it's ddr667 and cheap. I didn't try any other
settings, and then set it back to default for 24/7 operation.


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 >> Stay informed about: OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board 

> I've got the same board with an X2 3800+. I had no problem setting the CPU
> frequency to 233Mhz and rebooting at default vcore. I may have lowered HT
> to 4x but don't recall. Set ram not to exceed 167Mhz. Don't recall what
> ram brand I have but it's ddr667 and cheap. I didn't try any other
> settings, and then set it back to default for 24/7 operation.
>
> --
> Want the ultimate in free OTA SD/HDTV Recorder?http://mythtv.orghttp://mysettopbox.tv/knoppmyth.htmlUsenet alt.video.ptv.mythtv
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> HD Tivo S3 comparedhttp://wesnewell.no-ip.com/mythtivo.htm- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Wes,
Thanks for the mobo recomendation. It does everything I need but I
wish it would OC a little more. How do I set the memory like you say
to not exceed 167MHz. I only see settings for 400, 533, 667, and 800.
I set it to 533 when I overclocked it. Like I said, it's stable in
Windows if it POSTs. Easytune seems to work but I don't feel
comfortable with it.

Chris
 >> Stay informed about: OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board 

On Fri, 09 Mar 2007 14:07:44 -0800, cjohnson1379 wrote:

> Thanks for the mobo recomendation. It does everything I need but I
> wish it would OC a little more. How do I set the memory like you say
> to not exceed 167MHz. I only see settings for 400, 533, 667, and 800.
> I set it to 533 when I overclocked it. Like I said, it's stable in
> Windows if it POSTs. Easytune seems to work but I don't feel
> comfortable with it.
>
I couldn't remember so I had to shut down to get into the bios. I left
everything at default, auto, or normal in the MIT section then just raised
the cpu frequency. No problem at 234MHz. Failed at 266MHz and had to clear
cmos. Worked ok at 240MHz. At 250MHz the smartbios told me to fix it. I
didn't do any increments other than 10, so 244 or something may have
worked. i don't really care. At 266MHz when it wouldn't post, I was
getting ram failure beeps though. It also didn't like it when I set the
ram to DDR400. that's kind of strange. As this is my web/ftp/mythtv server
I didn't do any more testing than that. I also couldn't find a setting to
lower HT anywhere in the bios. Maybe I'll see if there's a new bios
available although I really don't plan on overclocking it for server use.

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 >> Stay informed about: OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board 

Hmm, I was just thinking that on my Gigabyte board I don't usually get to
see the cool options in the bios until I use CTRL + F1 in the bios main
screen. Maybe that would reveal the hidden options for you wes?


"Wes Newell" <w.newell.RemoveThis@TAKEOUTverizon.net> wrote in message
news:HBsIh.510$8u4.352@trnddc08...
> On Fri, 09 Mar 2007 14:07:44 -0800, cjohnson1379 wrote:
>
>> Thanks for the mobo recomendation. It does everything I need but I
>> wish it would OC a little more. How do I set the memory like you say
>> to not exceed 167MHz. I only see settings for 400, 533, 667, and 800.
>> I set it to 533 when I overclocked it. Like I said, it's stable in
>> Windows if it POSTs. Easytune seems to work but I don't feel
>> comfortable with it.
>>
> I couldn't remember so I had to shut down to get into the bios. I left
> everything at default, auto, or normal in the MIT section then just raised
> the cpu frequency. No problem at 234MHz. Failed at 266MHz and had to clear
> cmos. Worked ok at 240MHz. At 250MHz the smartbios told me to fix it. I
> didn't do any increments other than 10, so 244 or something may have
> worked. i don't really care. At 266MHz when it wouldn't post, I was
> getting ram failure beeps though. It also didn't like it when I set the
> ram to DDR400. that's kind of strange. As this is my web/ftp/mythtv server
> I didn't do any more testing than that. I also couldn't find a setting to
> lower HT anywhere in the bios. Maybe I'll see if there's a new bios
> available although I really don't plan on overclocking it for server use.
>
> --
> Want the ultimate in free OTA SD/HDTV Recorder? http://mythtv.org
> http://mysettopbox.tv/knoppmyth.html Usenet alt.video.ptv.mythtv
> My server http://wesnewell.no-ip.com/cpu.php
> HD Tivo S3 compared http://wesnewell.no-ip.com/mythtivo.htm
>
 >> Stay informed about: OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board 

On Sat, 10 Mar 2007 04:04:42 -0700, Chris wrote:

> Hmm, I was just thinking that on my Gigabyte board I don't usually get to
> see the cool options in the bios until I use CTRL + F1 in the bios main
> screen. Maybe that would reveal the hidden options for you wes?

Sure did. Forgot about that. Setting Ht to 3x and ram to 533 (usiing 667),
cpu freq to 260MHz, and vcore to 1.55v worked for 2.6GHz. Failed at
267MHz. Didn't try any others.

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 >> Stay informed about: OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board 

On Mar 10, 12:29 pm, Wes Newell <w.new... RemoveThis @TAKEOUTverizon.net> wrote:
> On Sat, 10 Mar 2007 04:04:42 -0700, Chris wrote:
> > Hmm, I was just thinking that on my Gigabyte board I don't usually get to
> > see the cool options in the bios until I use CTRL + F1 in the bios main
> > screen. Maybe that would reveal the hidden options for you wes?
>
> Sure did. Forgot about that. Setting Ht to 3x and ram to 533 (usiing 667),
> cpu freq to 260MHz, and vcore to 1.55v worked for 2.6GHz. Failed at
> 267MHz. Didn't try any others.
>
> --
> Want the ultimate in free OTA SD/HDTV Recorder?http://mythtv.orghttp://mysettopbox.tv/knoppmyth.htmlUsenet alt.video.ptv.mythtv
> My serverhttp://wesnewell.no-ip.com/cpu.php
> HD Tivo S3 comparedhttp://wesnewell.no-ip.com/mythtivo.htm

Looks like I may have success. Instead of using the CPU multiplier of
10, I went for it at 11. The HT is set at 4X, mem at DDR533, Vcore at
1.5. It seems to be stable at 250 MHz clock but I doubt I'll leave it
there. OTOH, the memory doesn't run at it's full potential until you
reach 2.3 GHz and it's an easy overclock. I'll do some further testing
to find the point at which the memory doesn't take a hit.

BTW, I recommend that anyone who owns this board put a fan on the
Northbridge. Mine was hitting 160 degF at stock config. I bought a
cooler from CompUSA and just used the fan only.

Chris
 >> Stay informed about: OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board 

On Mar 14, 4:46 pm, Lenny_Nero <lennyUNDERSCOREn....DeleteThis@hotmail.com>
wrote:
> cjohnson1379 said
>
> > Aspire case w/500W power supply
>
> What is that ?
> snip<

Oops, it's Apevia but it's the same company. It's a full tower case
with a 500W power supply.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144137

I could test it with a Fuke meter and o'scope but I don't think that's
it. The problems occur even with the CPU, HTT, and memory
underclocked. Is the clock generator built into the Southbridge on the
NForce 430? I can't find a clock gen chip and the Southbridge has 3
crystals close to it.

Anyway, it started having boot problems again at 250, but it's perfect
at 212. I've been playing with NTune and it seems like the longer it
runs overclocked, the better it gets. NTune puts it at 242 MHz.

Chris
 >> Stay informed about: OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board 

cjohnson1379 said

> On Mar 14, 4:46 pm, Lenny_Nero <lennyUNDERSCOREn... RemoveThis @hotmail.com> wrote:
>> cjohnson1379 said
>>
>> > Aspire case w/500W power supply
>>
>> What is that ?
>> snip<
>
> Oops, it's Apevia but it's the same company. It's a full tower case with a
> 500W power supply.
>
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144137
>
> I could test it with a Fuke meter and o'scope but I don't think that's it.
> The problems occur even with the CPU, HTT, and memory underclocked. Is the
> clock generator built into the Southbridge on the NForce 430? I can't find
> a clock gen chip and the Southbridge has 3 crystals close to it.
>
> Anyway, it started having boot problems again at 250, but it's perfect at
> 212. I've been playing with NTune and it seems like the longer it runs
> overclocked, the better it gets. NTune puts it at 242 MHz.
>
> Chris

I will say it again, the PSU is one of the most (if not the most)
important things in an overclocked computer, something that came in a
cheap case will be unable to give the power needed when you turn the power
up on a chip, I read a review the otherday (I will try to find the link)
where the CPU went from drawing ~70 amp to >150amp with a 50 MHz FSB clock.

I have read so many threads in support forums where the OP said the same
things as you have and then came back and said, Ok should have just got a
good PSU... it sorted everything.

But dont take my word for it, my 4200 is only running at 2750 @ 1.4v.

L.

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 >> Stay informed about: OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board 

On Sun, 18 Mar 2007 23:00:23 +0000, Lenny_Nero wrote:

> I will say it again, the PSU is one of the most (if not the most)
> important things in an overclocked computer, something that came in a
> cheap case will be unable to give the power needed when you turn the power
> up on a chip, I read a review the otherday (I will try to find the link)
> where the CPU went from drawing ~70 amp to >150amp with a 50 MHz FSB clock.
>
> I have read so many threads in support forums where the OP said the same
> things as you have and then came back and said, Ok should have just got a
> good PSU... it sorted everything.
>
> But dont take my word for it, my 4200 is only running at 2750 @ 1.4v.

You can say this til the cows come home and it will still be the stuff
the bull left in the field. I'm running the cheapest PSU I could find.
Think I paid about $25 for it. Yes, you need a PSU capable of enough watts
to support your hardware. Not it doesn't have to cost more than $25. In
the 20+ years I've been building PC's I've never used anything but cheap
PSU's. Never had a problem except one time when I bought a batch for $2
each. Had 20% failure rate on them. But even the ones that didn't fail
within the first month continued running to the point I didn't notice
any unusual failures. I'm using a Chiefmax in my PC now, I'd wager it
draws a lot more current than yours. Just the 4 HDTV PCI tuner cards in
probably draws more than an average PC. I've also got 5 drives in it. And
while i haven't had mine to 2750MHz, I have had both cores (it's an X2) to
2600MHz.

Yes you need good power. No it doesn't have to cost more than $25.

I bet you buy monster cables too.

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 >> Stay informed about: OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board 

Wes,
About 5 years ago I bought a $20 600watt PSU that you recommended, and its
still running. Haven't bought an expensive one since.
In my experience, if you've got a big number on the +12v line, you're going
to be fine. (don't just look at total watts)
Amir



"Wes Newell" <w.newell DeleteThis @TAKEOUTverizon.net> wrote in message
news:sHpLh.12455$1a6.4717@trnddc08...
> On Sun, 18 Mar 2007 23:00:23 +0000, Lenny_Nero wrote:
>
>> I will say it again, the PSU is one of the most (if not the most)
>> important things in an overclocked computer, something that came in a
>> cheap case will be unable to give the power needed when you turn the
>> power
>> up on a chip, I read a review the otherday (I will try to find the link)
>> where the CPU went from drawing ~70 amp to >150amp with a 50 MHz FSB
>> clock.
>>
>> I have read so many threads in support forums where the OP said the same
>> things as you have and then came back and said, Ok should have just got a
>> good PSU... it sorted everything.
>>
>> But dont take my word for it, my 4200 is only running at 2750 @ 1.4v.
>
> You can say this til the cows come home and it will still be the stuff
> the bull left in the field. I'm running the cheapest PSU I could find.
> Think I paid about $25 for it. Yes, you need a PSU capable of enough watts
> to support your hardware. Not it doesn't have to cost more than $25. In
> the 20+ years I've been building PC's I've never used anything but cheap
> PSU's. Never had a problem except one time when I bought a batch for $2
> each. Had 20% failure rate on them. But even the ones that didn't fail
> within the first month continued running to the point I didn't notice
> any unusual failures. I'm using a Chiefmax in my PC now, I'd wager it
> draws a lot more current than yours. Just the 4 HDTV PCI tuner cards in
> probably draws more than an average PC. I've also got 5 drives in it. And
> while i haven't had mine to 2750MHz, I have had both cores (it's an X2) to
> 2600MHz.
>
> Yes you need good power. No it doesn't have to cost more than $25.
>
> I bet you buy monster cables too.
>
> --
> Want the ultimate in free OTA SD/HDTV Recorder? http://mythtv.org
> http://mysettopbox.tv/knoppmyth.html Usenet alt.video.ptv.mythtv
> My server http://wesnewell.no-ip.com/cpu.php
> HD Tivo S3 compared http://wesnewell.no-ip.com/mythtivo.htm
>
 >> Stay informed about: OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board 

On Mon, 19 Mar 2007 09:08:54 -0400, Amir Facade wrote:

> Wes,
> About 5 years ago I bought a $20 600watt PSU that you recommended, and its
> still running. Haven't bought an expensive one since.
> In my experience, if you've got a big number on the +12v line, you're going
> to be fine. (don't just look at total watts)
> Amir
>
The major cost difference between PSU's is the manufacture and support
group salaries. The parts all cost about the same. There's at least 1 hour
of labor that goes into every PSU. In the US, that labor would cost $20.
In the far east, that labor will cost about 10 cents., Ditto for marketing
and support staff. Why this on beyond peoples understanding is beyond me.
Labor includes all parts and even the box it's shipped in. generally, all
the units are made overseas. When paying the extra for a more expensive
one, it's usually just for local country support people.

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 >> Stay informed about: OC Athlon 64 X@ 4200+ on Gigabyte board