T-Bird 1400 with A7A266.. Best settings?

[Blackbirdxx]

Just got my new computer and am looking to squeeze some more performance out of it. I am running the ASUS A7A266 Motherboard with 512MB DDR so I should be able to step it up a bit, correct? Where do I start? The multipliers are set at 10.5 and if I step them up to 11.0 then the system is unstable. Is there another way to do this? Do I need to mess with the FSB in the BIOS? Does anyone have any experience with this MB? I should be able to get at least 1500 out of this, correct? Thanks for any help!

[13oots2]

Firstly, Welcome to The Forums. We will really need a bit more information about your equipment. The stepping code of your CPU will help get an idea as to how far it will overclock. This is the number printed on the CPU core. Also we will need information about your heatsink fan, RAM speed, PSU and CPU. The more information you supply the better:)

[Blackbirdxx]

Looks like trouble... I am running at 61 deg with no load according to the BIOS. Not sure what type of cooling I have installed...I have 2 case fans though but I am sure the heatsink is junk. I think I need to take care of that first. Can you recommend a CHEAP heatsink setup... Since I already have 2 case fans, that should be OK....

[13oots2]

Those temperatures are getting a little too high. Really you want below 50 C under load. If you go to the front page you will find reviews on HSF's or you could post a thread in the cooling section. I only have personal experience of the ThermoEngine, which is a loud and adequate performer. Heatsink reviews here http://www.overclockers.com/topiclist/index15.asp#HEATSINKREVIEWS AND TIPS

[boonmar]

I have a7a266 too. make sure you have v.1006 or higher for the bios. anything under 1006 will report much higher reading for the cpu temp by about 6-10c. what version of bios do you have and do you know the rev. number of the motherboard? It's located right next to the label ASUS on the motherbaord. Mine is 1.03. only got it 3 months ago. Just found out I can't upgrade to AMD xp chip and overclock is a big pain. NOt as easy as I thought it would be.

[plague]

Originally posted by boonmar
Just found out I can't upgrade to AMD xp chip and overclock is a big pain. NOt as easy as I thought it would be.
the bios version 1008 says it supports XPs, i dont know if this means they now support SSE, because I didnt think that was possible through just a bios upgrade. You can give it a try here (http://www.asus.com/products/motherboard/bios_socka.html)

[boonmar]

even though the bios 1008 or above said it supports AMD XP chip, your a7a266 must be rev. 1.10 or higher.

[Blackbirdxx]

Well, after tinkering for a bit and buying a new heat sink, I was able to get her up to 1547.22. The settings I used are 11.0X at 140/35 while keeping the voltage standard. The temp seems to be holding at 56-57. If I bump it up to 11.5X at 133/33, she won't boot...even with increased voltage (1.8) and anything above 140/35 is unstable as well...Is that all I am going to be able to squeeze? Any thoughts?

[Vega]

I to have exactly the same problem with my set up, dunno, wonder if it is just a characteristic of the motherboard bios, maybe worth doing the above mentioned bios flashes, and more importantly sorting out that case cooling.

I have had a lot of problems keeping this t-bird cool, and am currently running it with the side of the tower off until I can afford to get a better PSU and a couple of fans.

What voltage is your 5V rail at, the reason I ask is mine is currently at 4.8V, and is unstable if I crank up the fsb/multiplier, but I used a friends 430 W PSu for a weekend and this seemed to improve things, when all voltages were true and correct. Just a thought, I may be wrong here, but definately worth considering (aswell as more fans!!!)