CPU or Mobo Limitation? S478

[ziggo0]

I have a 1.8a Northwood that I can currently run at 2.4ghz with no voltage adjustment, just FSB straight to 133. Runs perfectly stable with no hitches, but if I go any higher my computer freaks out and dies. I have an Abit SA7. If I try adjusting the vcore (5%, 10%, 15%), the mobo hard locks and I have to reset the CMOS. Is the CPU just not able to put up with the extra voltage? Temps are wonderful, barely breaks 40C under load with stock cooler. Or is the mobo limiting me? If so, could someone recommend me a better mobo? Or would this CPU not OC worth anything. I don't have much $$$ to work with either. Thanks!

 

[splat]

i'm not 100% sure, but i think you have to do the voltmod to get above that.

 

[greenmaji]

There is a voltage limit to northwoods, SDNS is refering to northwoods.
I do know its less then or = to 1.7Vcore but what the exact number is I don't recall, hopefully someone that knows will chime in.

Have you tested the ram?

 

[ziggo0]

Well, currently it's at 2.4 = 18x133. If I take out all the RAM and put some PC3200 I have in there it kind've just dies at 18x140. I can't adjust the vcore at all. Maybe it would have to do with no PCI lock? This mobo is rather uncommon I've noticed...

 

[Tyrinon]

I believe the vcore should be 1.65v or less to avoid SDNS. As you guessed, I would figure that not having a PCI lock would be the culprit of the computer lock ups. If I figured it correctly, at 18x133, the PCI bus is at 37.4mhz and at 18x140, the PCI bus is running 39.3mhz. I wouldn't push the PCI bus over 38mhz max (I tried to keep it at 37~ish when o/c'ing my old stuff), b/c of possible HD corruption issues and other instabilities.

 

[ziggo0]

Ahhh...yeah, I figured as much. Can anyone recommend me a mobo?

 

[Shelnutt2]

If your buying a new mobo for Socket 478, I''d go with the ASUS P4P800 or P4C800 boards.

 

[ziggo0]

Wait...are you guys trying to say my chip has that? It's ran 133x18 1.5vcore its whole life, stock voltage actually, no more no less. Or you just talking about how much voltage I can give it?

On another hand, before I grab a new mobo, do you think this chip has more headroom in it?

 

[3line]

Pretty impressive for an SA7.

 

[Mr. $T$]

Wait...are you guys trying to say my chip has that? It's ran 133x18 1.5vcore its whole life, stock voltage actually, no more no less. Or you just talking about how much voltage I can give it?

On another hand, before I grab a new mobo, do you think this chip has more headroom in it?

Maybe so maybe not. If I had to put money on it I'd say you could have another 300-400Mhz left in her. Especially if you're at 2.4 on stock vcore. Also to insure buying a new motherboard isn't in vain, if you don't already, check out some high performance HSF's.