First time overclocking...sigh

[jmoore2001]

Ok, for the first time I just tried to overclock. I set my FSB to 200Mhz, then I left the setting for Optimal (in the asus BIOS). When the first Windows screen popped up the system restarted. Well, then I went back and changed the setting to Aggressive, and the FSB is still at 200Mhz. Well the same thing happened. Anyone tell me what could be going wrong or if I'm doing something wrong? My CPU temp in the BIOS is 27 C so I don't think it's getting too hot.

What I'm using:

Thermaltake Xaser III V1000A case
Asus A7N8X Deluxe pcb 2.0
(2) 512mb Kingmax pc3200
Athlon XP 2500+
-Thermalright SLK-900A
-Vantec Tornado 92mm
-Arctic Silver III
Enermax EG465p 431w Whisper p/s
GeForce4 Ti4600 128mb
(2) IBM 40gb 7200rpm HDD's

[jmichna]

What cpu multiplier did you try when you set the bus speed to 200? If you kept your Barton at the default 11.0, then you were trying to hit a homerun in your first at bat... you were asking an 1833mHz cpu to run at 11.0 x 200 = 2200mHz.

That may be doable, but folks generally start out with baby steps and up the bus speed a few mHz at a time until stability suffers, then up the vcore a tad until stable, repeat until you are happy.

There are lots of ways to approach this, sometimes I'll keep bus speed at 167mHz and increase the cpu multiplier, run some stability test programs, and increase multiplier/vcore again, repeating until unstable, then back off. This gives me a rough idea where my cpu maxs out. Then play between the multiplier and bus speed until you reac the best you can do.

[MitaDC]

My comp kept restarting when I tried to oc my 2000xp past 2.2ghz.... :0) was running hot as hell so I down clocked it but I was pretty suprised to get it up 530mhz. Anyway downclock it and keep trying

[rpertusio]

Raising the VCore (the Core Voltage) always solves that problem for me. The Core voltage usually adds stability to an overclock. I would not go any higher than 1.800v, no matter what. Keep an eye on your temps at all times!

However, realize that raising the core voltage increases the amount of heat produced, and could even shorten the life of your CPU.

You don't mention the memory timings of your RAM. They could very well be set too fast, or don't have enough voltage. Looking around briefly, it looks like your memory should be set at 2.5T, and the DDR Reference Voltage can be set as high as 2.7v. You should verify that information before you mess with the memory settings.

Your temps of 27C are well within safe temperatures. I highly doubt temperature is playing a big factor here.

If you need any one-on-one help overclocking, feel free to IM me (check my profile). I've got the same motherboard and have messed around with it quite a bit.

- rp

[pinoy87]

Isnt aggressive faster timings than optimal?

If your computer doesnt start in optimal then try to lower the FSB.

[jmoore2001]

thanks. i really dont even know about the memory. all i could tell you right now is that it's pc3200 and CL=2.5

i'll probably IM you or something

[rpertusio]

Originally posted by pinoy87
Isnt aggressive faster timings than optimal?

yes, Agressive is faster timings/performance settings.