Overclocking MX400 - No performance increase - please advise.

[Mullzy]

My older system:

PII 400 (100 x 4)
512 MB RAM
AGP Stock at 66Mhz
Asus 7100 Geforce2 MX400 - 64MB

Default Values (do these seem high to anyone?):
Core: 200 Mhz
Memory: 200 Mhz

I tried some overclocking for kicks and got ZERO difference on my 3DMark 2001 Scores. I consistantly scored ~1260 even with a memory overclock of 10%.

I tried:
Core: 200, Memory: 205-220 - No difference
Core: 210, Memory: 205-220 - No difference
Core: 220, Memory: 205-220 - No difference

I have read that you shouldn't go above 10% oc on the memory - and then I've read people have had their MX400 up to 250/350+! Can you safely OC the memory to 300+? Does anything below that give basically no performance increase?

Thanks.

[Jon]

I'd say it's because the rest of your system is bottlenecking the card.

Going to need to upgrade your processor for more in my opinon.

[Mullzy]

Actually I forgot to add that I am going to be upgrading to 800 Mhz in a couple weeks. I thought my CPU was probably going to be a huge bottleneck but I didn't expect to see zero difference on OC'ing the card 10%.

I'll do more testing when I get my new CPU... but does anyone have any thoughts on oc'ing the memory to 300+? Seems pretty high to me but some people are doing it.

Also... what happens if you just oc the memory and not the Core.. can you get performance increases by leaving the core alone?

[Cisco Kid]

I would agree that it appears your cpu is holding you back. Save for a new cpu/mobo combo. You have enough ram available.

Look for a used PIII700 (add a fop32 heatsink fan) w a used BE6-II version 1.0 or 1.1 motherboard and a 250 w power supply

This is a great combo that should allow you to reach 933 by overclocking the 700. I had a PIII 700 fc-pga Cb0 stepping sl45y code with slotket adapter on a BE6-II that I had at 933 rock stable. The setup was fast. Your video card will work very well with what I suggest and it will not be an expensive upgrade at all as you could sell some of your current stuff, mobo and cpu.

Check the cpu database to see what the 700's do, they were the best PIII's to get the best overclock out of, many having cracked a 1 GHZ.

Some factors may limit this like the quality of your ram. Should be pc133 for your best shot at it or you may top out at around 840 as pc100 can reach about 120fsb maybe a bit more depends on the quality.


Well I just sawe that you plan to upgrade to a 800, I would go with a used 700 if you can find it they oclock better check cpu database out on homepage, or go for a slot 1 1GHZ if you can find and mobo supports it.

BE6-II recognized as the best BX chipset for overclocking purposes

http://www4.tomshardware.com/mainboard/00q3/000714/index.html

I would go with one if ya can find it, unfortunately I just sold mine.

Cisco Kid;):cool:

[trey_w]

yes i think your cpu is holding you back

[Dieni]

Its impossible to get tour GeForce2 MX400 ram upto 300 or 350.

The highest I have seen was around 240, and that was a great achievment.