300W PSU and overclocking

[freshy98]

Hi all,

Since a little while I'm running an AMD XP (been running Intel before that) on a MSI K7T266 Pro2 and other stuff (see signature).
When I run at default speed it runs fine, but when I overclock it get's unstable too soon I think.
The CPU is an AMD XP 1700+ (1470MHz). I have been running it at 1639MHz and it was stable with Prime95. After adding the hardware and changing the memory it's not so stable anymore.
Is the possibilty of a to weak PSU the problem?
I'm mean... Is it very likely the cause of the unstability's?

Thanks in advance,

freshy98

[azhari]

Its quite possible. I consider 300W to be borderline for higher end Athlon systems. Check out your voltages (the 5V and 12V rails) and see if they are running lower than these values. Especially the 5V rail. If its running around 4.9 or lower, then the psu is being taxed.

BTW, that is a pretty healthy OC you have going there.

[WillysNut]

Did you say you added memory? I see your sig says 2x256Meg dimms. I would try removing one of those DIMM's and checking to see of you can get the speed your looking for.

The psu could be the problem but many systems seem to loose a little stability as soon as multiple DIMMS are thrown into the mix...even if they're from the same manufacturer.

[freshy98]

I tried using only 1 DIMM but that didn't make a difference.
And I didn't add memory, but replaced the ****ty Kingston Valueram for Corsair PC2400 memory modules.
But I really think the PSU is the problem.
If I remember correctly the voltage line of the 5V and the 12V where not close enough for me.

Damn..gonna have to save money again :mad:
Gonna get me an Enermav 430W then.

I also had my CPU at 1650MHz but wasn't too stable. Was able to do some benchmarks like Sandra, but 3D Mark would crash I believe.
Will voltage mod my motherboard this weekend, should help too.

[freshy98]

Well, I checked it yesterday with MBM5.x.x.x and I now know that I need a new PSU :(
Will post complete results tommorow.
The +5V line was about 4.92V to 4.92V

[RedDeathDrinker]

That 5v rail should be OK. I run an XP1500 at 1.5GHz, with a 5v rail of 4.85v perfectly fine......

[freshy98]

Here are my results from MBM5 with both the 1700+ @ 1470MHz and @ 1595MHz.

AMD XP 1700+ @ 1470MHz
----------------------------------
CPU: 1.73V (1.75V in BIOS)
VTT: 1.25V
+3.3: 3.30V
+5.00: 4.95V
+12.00: 11.98V - 12.04 (between those two)
-12.00: -12.11V - -12.03V (between those two)
-5.00: -5.04V

Idle temps
CPU temp: 26C
System: 21C


AMD XP 1700+ @ 1595MHz
----------------------------------
CPU: 1.78V (1.80V in BIOS)
VTT: 1.25V
+3.3: 3.30V
+5.00: 4.92V - 4.95V (between those two)
+12.00: 12.04V
-12.00: -12.19V
-5.00: -5.09V

Idle temps
CPU temp: 29C
System temp: 26C


Well, the readings are offcourse momentary but maybe someone can tell me if it is OK or not?

Thanks!

[freshy98]

I upped the speed to 1639MHz yesterday and ran prime95.
When idle the +5.00V was 4.95V. When prime95 ran is dropped even further. To 4.81V !!! It then crashed. Not just prime95 but my complete system running Windows 2000 Pro.
Guess this shows it all :-( A new Enermax 430W PSU will come soon I hope.