OC P42.26b

[Subhuman]

Alright I'm very new to the whole overclocking side of computers. While I am well versed in the hardware and software aspects, I have never really had the guts to push my CPU. I am quite sure that my current computer would not be able to go much faster as the components inside are not the best around.

Next week, however, I am getting a brand spanking new computer, and my intention is to make this thing so fast it would bring me to tears. I've done a fair bit of research and have selected the following components..

The main stuff:
Intel Pentium4 2.26GHz 533FSB
Asus P4T533CL Motherboard
512mb Kingston PC1066 RDRAM
80GB Western Digital 800JB (8mb buffer)
Asus GeForce4 Ti4600 (Not the best, but I got a decent deal on it)
Antec Performance Plus 1080 Case (with plenty of case fans incl.)
Thermaltake Volcano 7+ Fan

Other stuff:
Sony 16x DVD
Plexwriter 40x12x40
Creative SB Audigy Platinum
Creative Inspire 5700 Digital
Windows XP

Now I'm certain that I can push this to speeds much greater than 2.26GHz, even though a fair bit of luck is involved if I am to get into the 3GHz mafia :) . I was reading through the OC guides from the main page but those are painfully outdated. So would anyone be so very kind to walk me through the whole overclocking procedure safely? The last thing I want is to invest all this money and fry the computer (understandably). I will probably overclock the video card, too, if I can find out how to do it ;) .

Thanks in advance!!

Subby

[jazztrumpet216]

First off, WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!

If you haven't already read this, the Overclockers.com Beginner's Guide Section (http://www.overclockers.com/topiclist/index04.asp#BEGINNER GUIDES) has some good stuff to know about how to overclock, and other helpful hints about your computer in general. One article I think is definitely worth a look is this one (http://overclockers.com/tips444/), which was written by one of our Forum Senior Members, Batboy. It is a very thorough article that gives you the do’s and don’ts of overclocking. Likewise, you might find the CPU Database (http://overclockers.cssftware.com/cpudb/index.cfm) of some help in determining what others have been able to safely overclock your processor to (the 2.26B is indeed a very good overclocker and yes, with a bit of luck, it is very likely you could hit the 3gig marker).

Take baby steps... nothing more than maybe 140FSB on your first shot. Boot into Windows and run some sort of processor intensive application or burn-in utility for about an hour, and if it's stable, reboot, and try a higher FSB. Basically, this is trial and error. If you go too high and the system will not POST, you must find the "clear CMOS" jumper, and set it so it will clear the BIOS (your manual should have more info on this). This will restore everything to default, but it should let you boot.

You'll want to keep an eye on your temperatures. Make sure they never exceed 50C, and try to keep them below 45C.

If an overclock is somewhat stable, but still gives you some errors, you can boost the voltage, but then keep an even closer eye on the temps as that will raise heat.

Also, you might reach a point at which some of your PCI/AGP cards may not work. Most cards can handle up to a 40MHz PCI frequency well, but after that, start to flake out. Be especially careful if you're using a NIC, as these are known to be very persnickety about high PCI speeds.

Some good programs for burn-in and general system maintenance are Motherboard Manager 5 (MBM5), SiSoft Sandra, Toast, and Prime 95. You can check to see if some of these are available at downloads.com (www.downloads.com) (I know Sandra is available there), and aoafiles.com (www.aoafiles.com) also has some good CPU programs (and other nice, interesting stuff, as well).

G'luck, and welcome to the addiction!

[jdmcnudgent]

do you have the p4t533-c or just the p4t533, with the 232 pin mem? just curious.:D

[Subhuman]

Thanks for the tips (and welcome! :) ), jazztrumpet. I'm confident that my cooling should be good enough for a slight voltage increase. The one thing that is going to kill me is the hours and hours of testing. But I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end :)

I saw from the PC Database before that someone managed to hit 3GHz with the Volc 7+ too, so that kinda reaffirms my trust that my CPU won't get too hot.

Would just messing around with the FSB and voltage be enough to potentially hit 3GHz? I see all this talk about ratios and PCI frequencies and so on...

Just one clarification, though: if I format, all OC settings are still intact because it's through the BIOS, correct? I find myself formatting computers like crazy because Windows really hates me...

jdmcnudgent: I will be getting the P4T533-C-L.

[JudgeDredd]

Unfortunatly, you just got a motherboard that limits your FSB to 150 MHz. Now, with a starting FSB of 133 MHz, the highest OC you will get on that will be to 2550 MHz. Get an A processor, or get a new motherboard. Sorry man. :(

[jdmcnudgent]

Originally posted by JudgeDredd
Unfortunatly, you just got a motherboard that limits your FSB to 150 MHz. Now, with a starting FSB of 133 MHz, the highest OC you will get on that will be to 2550 MHz. Get an A processor, or get a new motherboard. Sorry man. :( how true, wait for the end of the month and i saw a spot to get the p4t533 with the 256 stick of mem for like $295. but the guy on the phone said that it would only be the 3200, and not the 4200 rimm, but that would still kick ass, and the board lets you go to 200 fsb.:D

[Subhuman]

That's strange because I saw a picture here (http://www.ocworkbench.com/2002/asus/p4t533/p4t533gallery3.htm) that showed FSB adjustments from 100 (to underclock woohoo!) to 200MHz. While the first page of the article lists it as the P4T533C, the rest of it doesn't really mention the C. It could be a new BIOS that Asus released that prevents it from going over 150MHz which would really suck for me :( ...

[Subhuman]

What should be the highest PCI frequency I should have? I have a 3COM NIC and I read those were a little on the picky side... If I pump up my FSB to 150 or so, should I stick to a 1/4 ratio and risk the 37.5MHz PCI frequency? Ideally, I'd like to hit 165MHz FSB and use a 1/5 ratio to keep it right at 33, but I'd be pretty lucky to hit that sort of OC with a fair amount of stability, right?

[jazztrumpet216]

Most cards will handle anything up to a 40MHz PCI frequency, but the only way you'll know for sure if it can handle it is to try it. :D

I don't know if that board has a 1/5 divider, but if it does then it's certainly worth a shot as all your devices will be a lot more stable.

[CJ145]

If you want to get above 150fsb you should get a Abit TH7-II. Many people have had great luck with this board. You also might want to think about getting the Thermalright AX-478 it is the best CPU cooler right now but, what ever you get make sure it folds!

[Subhuman]

Well I've already ordered my parts :(

I think I'm partly counting on the larger case to help keep things cool.

As long as I don't blow up my PCI cards I'll be happy. If it's stable at 37.5MHz, I think I'll stop unless I know for sure I can hit 165 :)

Any suggestions on the increments for FSB adjustments (and voltage, should that become necessary?)