recomendations for rookie?

[raven28690]

hello everyone.
i have a barton 2500 xp on a biostar M7NCG 400 mobo. what should my settings be on the bios for overclocking or would overclocking be recomended for my setup?

My System is modified Hewlitt packard.
the barton 2500 xp is a retail with the retail fan and heatsink
mobo is a M7NCG 400
running dual channel 2 X 256 pc2700 ddr ram
not sure about the power supply but i believe it is either a 250w or 300w
pny geforce fx 5200 128mb graphics card

according to HW doctor, my current cpu temp is running at 45c

i was messing with the bios and changed the fsb from 166 to 200 and my computer recognized my 2500 cpu as a 3200 but the system would run for a little then just restart.

[Captain Newbie]

I wouldn't overclock with stock HSF. But that's because I like to overcool everything.

Is that CPU temperature Idle or under load?

[PiMpShiN]

all you need to do is to increase the voltage going to your cpu and you'll be fine. Cooling it with a better heatsink and fan is fine but in this case all you need to do is increase your vcore.

Also consider getting a new power supply if it is a 250w psu. Something such as a Antec, Fortron, or PC Power and Cooling (if you have the money).

[Absolute Zero]

make sure that whatever heatsink you get, you get a copper one, their heat transfer is like night and day. also, while you're spending your money on your psu, i would invest in some good 80 mm case fans, but make sure their not too loud, you'll thank me in the long run. good luck, and if you get the bug, you know you won't settle for the 3200+ settings...

also, make sure you don't let your temps get above 55c. athlons can usually handle no more than 60c, but you probably want a little slack.