Rookie needs help

[SkunkApe]

Hi. I just got a new Epox 8K3a motherboard, and I'm trying to OC my 1.4 T'Bird.

1) I'm running now at 10.5 x 143 (1501). Its stable, but my hard drive (I think its my hard drive) makes a "click" sound every once in a while, like once every hour or so. It clicked once while I was playing wolfenstein, and the screen froze momentarily. This has me a bit worried - any ideas on this click?

2) I was successful at 11.5 X 133 (1530mhz), but when I tried 11.0 X 139(1429mhz), I got no post. So my processor can do 1430mhz, my system can do 143 fsb, but I can't do 1429mhz @ 139 fsb? This doesn't make sense to me.

My core is at 1.775v now. I tried 1.800 for 11.0 X 139, still no post. As I'm running now at 10.5 X 143, my CPU temp shows 37 C, system temp 27 C. I've got good cooling. Voltages look good, too.

That clicking has me nervous. I'm about to go back to 133 and use the multiplier only. You think I can do 12.0 X 133? I'm pretty sure the clicking is fsb related because it never happened until I OC'd the fsb. Any advice on that, or any general advice on which way to go to maximize my performance? Is is safe to fo from 11.5 X 133 to 12.0 X 133 in one step? I can only adjust the multiplier in .5 incrememts.

Thank you, oh mighty ones. I bow before your superior knowledge.

Athlon 1.4 Tbird
Epox 8ksa
2 X 256mb Crucial PC2100 2.5
GF4Ti4200 128mb @ 280/497 (haven't tried higher)
Two Western digital hardrives
300w PS

[ThePunkGeek]

trying something like 9x166

on the 8k3a it has 1/5 divsiors last 1 being at 166 fsb.

sounds to me like your hdd don't like higher pci so you will have to pass 166 to hit the next pci divider.

[Benno]

that sounds really odd, first with temps like that you can afford to go to 1.85v, to try and keep your cpu stable.

As for your fsb, I know it might sound odd, but I have been able to burn in my components from being able to do a fsb of 143, all the way to being able to do 155fsb on my old a7v133c.

Try running folding for a few days, or doing some hardcore gamin, and how good is your airflow over your harddrive. Maybe consider a hdd cooler?

Have you checked to make sure you haven't knocked your computer soem time and haven't gootten one of your screws holding your harddrive inplace loose, it can't do any harm to check.

Also are you after just a high cpu speed or a fast system in general,(fsb), personally I would try to get as good cooling as possible, make sure everything is secure, get the highest fsb stable, burn in for a few days then try to go higher until you reach your system's limit.


Anyway sorry if that wasn't any help, goodluck with your probs.

[RedDeathDrinker]

Not wishing to point out the painfully obvious, but a 300W PSU might just be struggling with your CPU at those sorts of speeds.

Also, have you considered that your CPU just might not be able to go any higher?

[SkunkApe]

Thanks guys - I appreciate it.

PunKGeek, could you elaborate on the PCI divider? Going to 166 fsb sounds scary if I get this clicking at 143. I could use a little education on this matter.

Benno, I've got great airflow through my case ( it almost sucks my socks off) but the two hard drives are stacked on top of each other in this goofy sideways bay. No room for another fan in there. I've got a new case on order (comes with Antec 330 TruPower supply) so maybe I can get better flow over the drives in that case.

The clicking is definately due to the fsb; I went back to 11.5 X 133 and it stopped. I tried 12.0 X 133 but it won't boot, even when I upped the volatge to 1.800.

Thanks again, oh infinite pools of computer wisdom.

[SkunkApe]

Originally posted by reddeathdrinker
Not wishing to point out the painfully obvious, but a 300W PSU might just be struggling with your CPU at those sorts of speeds.

Also, have you considered that your CPU just might not be able to go any higher?

Thanks, redeath, but the point is my CPU can do 1530mhz using muliplier only adjustments (11.5 x 133), but it can't do 1529 using both muliplier and fsb (11.0 x 139).

Plus I got this darned HD clicking at 143 fsb...you think that's a problem? It scared me so I went back to 11.5 X 133. I understand getting a high processor speed thru fsb is better beacuse it helps the whole system, but that clicking made me skeert.

Btw the way 10.5 X 143 gives me 723 more points in 3DMark2001Se than 11.5 X 133, confirming the above fsb theory.

[SkunkApe]

Punkgeek, I tried 9.0 x 166 per your advice. It worked, and I got my best 3DMark score yet.

I thought I heard some fainter clicks form the HD during my test , but its silent now.

Thanks - I'm happy. I'm gonna try 9.5 X 166 after I drink another beer.

[DManeKid]

congrats im glad the friendlies at this forum once again save the day!