Final word on O/C K6-2+ 450?

[zappazootus]

First timer- I am due to recieve a K6-2+ 450 from Tiger Direct, and in reviewing about 250 threads, and about as many websites, I figure the final word on the subject given my FIC 503+ Mobo (pretty new)is that I can comfortably hit 600mhz with 6x 100mhz with 2.1v, a decent cooling fan and updated BIOS #JE4333. If I meet resistance, the chip itself may only be cabable of 550 or so by luck of the draw. Am I firing on all cylinders or am I still missing a couple of critical details?;)

[DaveB]

You're on the right track. Just don't be afraid to go to 2.2V or 2.3V if you have to. Get a quality HS Fan. I did an upgrade for a friend on an old FIC VA-503+ with a K6-III 450+ about a year ago. It ran nice at 600 MHz at 2.2V but nedded better cooling. Unfortunately, he wouldn't go gor a better HS Fan so I had to set it back to 550 MHz.

[zappazootus]

When you say " go to 2.2 or 2.3 if you have to..." What indication will I get that I need to increase the voltage further- Will I just not attain any speed increase, or the system will be unstable etc?
Also the fan I am getting is a thermaltake for socket 7, but not real expensive- will this be sufficient for 600 or am I better off settling for 550?

[DaveB]

A typical indication would be that you can't finish entering Windows. It may freeze, or for Win2K, display a blue screen error message. Also, the system might freeze up running a benchmark such as 3Dmark2000 or 2001.

As for the Thermaltake, for 600 MHz you would be better off getting something like the GlobalWin in the link below. Make sure not to use whatever themal pad might come with the heatsink, get some decent thermal compound with the heatsink.

http://www.kdcomputers.com/exec/productProfile?id=74

[zappazootus]

Thanks for your help DaveB. I will let you know how things turn out...