Overclocking guidebook

studbagel9

I was wondering if anyone out there knows of a webpage that might have a comprehensive view of overclocking CPU's, including like, adjusting voltages and other things? I've got an AMD 2500+ and before I go muddling in things I don't know and quite easily breaking my computer, I'd like to learn more about it. I know overclocking video cards is a lot easier, I do it ;p. But anyway, back to the issue at hand, anyone know of anything that might be helpful?

DTC

Hello studbagel9,

first of all, it is the best you will get new memory, because PC2100 is not very good for overclocking. I think you should have PC3200 or better, that you can go up to FSB200 or more in synchron modus. 2x256 MB or 2x512Mb for the dual channel.

The next step is the cooling, be sure, that your cooling unit is good enough for overclocking. Then you can start overclocking.
First, put down the core-multi to 7 or 8 start raising the FSB in your BIOS.
Step by step up to 200 Mhz, if you reach the 200, then start raising the multi.
(After each step, check your temperature via motherboardmonitor or something like that)
I think the system should go up to 10x200 without increasing the voltage of your core. If you have reached the 2000Mhz, then start programs like Prime95 or SETI@home and let them run, to check if your system is stable.
The go on and increase the multi step by step and check every time the temps and if your system is stable. If your system is not stable, for example at 11x200 then start increasing the core voltage from 1,65V to 1,70V if that does't help, increase more.
Be sure, that you look at your temps every time and that prime95 needs to run a couple of hours, to check if your system is stable.
If you reach a point that nothing more happens, and your system is stable, like 12x200 with temps lower than 55C under load and with a maximum of 1,75V with aircooling (my opinion) then you can raise the FSB a little bit more.
Go step by step higher with the FSB, if your system have problems to start or is not stable, you have to increase the memory voltage up to max. 2,9V. If that does not help, increase the voltage of your motherboard by 0,1V or 0,2V.
If that all doesnt help, then you have reached the end, but that should be enough, because normally the 2500+ has 1833Mhz and if you now have 2200-2400Mhz that is is very good I thing.
I hope you can understand all and I forgot something.
If you have questions or you need more help, ask.

@all other, please correct me if I forgot something or somethings wrong.

and for your question, sorry I don't know a webpage, but if you search for keywords like overclocking, AMD, nforce II you will find a lot with google or something else.

DTC

studbagel9

Wow, very very informative. Thanks a bundle for that. I'm going to have to buy a new mobo fan before I start doing anything though. I'm thinking the Thermaltake 11 would be good? Stupid computers, take so much of my hard earned money ;p. I will never be satisfied either, I guess that's the price you pay to be a computer nerd . Anyway, off to thew bank, make sure I have enough in my account to buy a fan.

DTC

Hi,
you don't need a new mobo fan, only a new CPU cooler, if the old one is not good enough,
maybe a case fan if you don't have one.

If you have enough money, buy a Thermalright SLK800 or SLK900 with a 80mm fan for your CPU, this
is the best combo for aircooling, but not the cheapest. About 60 Euro (~70$ ?) I think. I don't know the price in your country, sorry !

I have a arctic coling copper, this one is very cheap about 8 Euro, but only good enough
to go up to 2200 Mhz ~1,75V maximum otherwise it is to hot.

All other is not so good like the SLK series, but sometimes also so expensive, so it is your turn.

DTC

studbagel9

I meant CPU fan, sorry about the slip there ;p