MSI NEO2 Platinum+A64 3000=Horrible Overclock

Hi, I just put together a system with An A64 3000, MSI Neo2 Platinum, 2x256 Dell pc3200 ram, and Antec 400 watt 23amp Power Supply. It was very problematic at first and my timings were forced to 4.5-7-7-15 and my HT at 0.5 I tried everything until someone told me to run CPU-Z. It fixed everything actually.

Now for overclocking! I flashed to bios 1.8 and gave my first shot at A64 overclocking. I read most guides already. I was able to boot 280 HTT, 240 memory, 2.43 cpu. This was at stock volts (except 1.45 cpu) and I doubt it was very stable. I tried 245 HTT, 4x HT, 9x CPU, 166 memory, 2.5-3-3-8 timings, 67 AGP, 1.6 AGP volts, 1.5 Cpu volts. Temps were 32 system, 40 cpu. I couldn't boot. I tried numerous other configs and couldn't boot either. The only stable one I have gotten so far is 250 HTT, 3x HT, 9x CPU, 133 memory, 2.5-3-3-8, 67 AGP, 1.6 AGP volts, 1.5 Cpu volts.

I got a 46s 1M PI stock. 42s overclocked. Performance doesn't seem too great to me. Any reason for these problems? Any suggestions? I would gladly trade my cpu/mobo/ram combo for a s754 combo if there are any takers. Ideally, I would try to get mine working well though.

I do not have SATA so I ruled that out. I might try a modded 1.8 bios that has relaxed internal memory timings.

I just tried the bios. 245 won't boot. I upped the bus to 270, dropped the HT to 3x, and used a 133 divider. I am typing from it now, but it isn't PI stable.

What kind of cooling are you using? Also have you checked your voltage rails?

I am getting 1.48 CPU, 11.85 12v rail. I am using stock cooling. WHat voltage can my ram safely take?

This is not an A64 or MSI Neo2 problem at all. Your memory is whats limiting this overclock. I would highly recommend NOT changin any AGP settings! Keep it at the default everything. And I doubt any Dell memory will be able to get past 200 MHz stable, but your CPU can probably at least get like 2200 MHz. Using the guide below will give you your best overclock. You'll need memtest, Prime 95 and Super Pi.
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?p=3761767#post3761767

My memory works fine at 2.5-3-3-8 stock. However, it won't work with a 166 divider at 240mhz.

What have you used to test if it works fine? Memtest isnt enough to test the memory. I think the best test for stability is intense 3D games or 3D Mark 05. I find that even when my computer passes Memtest, Prime 95 AND Super Pi, It will still mess up in games.

I just used PI and games.

Well you are also on stock cooling so anything around 2.25 - 2.3Ghz as an overclock is probably par for the course with a 3000+.

dude, you need to ditch that dell ram. oh, and read up some more, particularily on overlclocking ram and on getting a stable power supply. Get an Enermax or an Antec.

my Neo2 Plat 3000+ winchester, enermax psu, and OCZ ram, can go stable up to 2.6ghz. best setup is 276x9, 2.45ghz, ram with 166 divider at 230mhz. stable as hell at 1.475V, ram at 2.8V, timings at 1T, 2.5-4-4-10.

Ya i agree i think the ram is the culprit here
ur psu might also be a problem ive seen alot k8n neo2 not like the antec psu's
But mines been ok so far.