Computer Upgrade Time.. Budget: $600-ish

[ferret]

Well, time to get a bit of a boost to my computer.

Current:
AMD Athlon Thunderbird 1.4ghz
ASUS A7M266 motherboard
ASUS GeForce3 Deluxe
2x 256meg PC2100 DDR ram
Very Shitty Case (tm)

Target:
AMD Athlon-XP 2500+ or higher (Barton core)
New GFX

I already have two perfectly fine 60gig IDE HDDs at 7200rpm and 8meg cache. One is a Maxtor and one is an IBM. I've also got a dual mode 8X DVD burner from pioneer. So all I really need is the new CPU, a new motherboard to support it, a new GFX card, a case (Sub $70, not worried about fancy lights) and MAYBE new ram.

ASUS A7N8X nForce2 Ultra 400 seems like a popular candidate for the motherboard, and is only $85. It gives me the option to upgrade my RAM later. I'm somewhat partial to giving one of my 256meg chips to Kanami's server and leaving the other in the old system to give to my dad, and picking up some DDR PC2700 or maybe even PC3000. My minimal RAM require is 512 though I'd love to hit 1gig.

My preference is for an ATi Radeon gfx card, I've been looking at the 9600s. Opinions anyone?

So:
ASUS A7N8X nForce2 Ultra 400 - $85
New Case - $85 (estimate)

512mb sticks of PC2700 seem to be hovering around $60 a piece, so I can see spending $120 for two, or getting just one and waiting till later for a second. Looks like around $85 for PC3000.

2500+s seem to be around $85, with 2800+s around $110-120. 3000+s and 3200+s are around around $130-150 for 400mhz FSB.

Not considering the vidcard it looks like I've got some choices as such:

Budget:
512mb PC2700 - $60
Athlon-XP 2500+ - $85

Middle:
1024 PC2700 - $120
Athlon-XP 2800+ - $110

Top:
1024 PC3000 - $150
Athlon-XP 3200+ - $130

Any suggestions on how I should go? The vidcard is secondary priority right now, I need to nail down the basic system first. $85 for the motherboard and a tentative cap of $85 for the case leaves $430 to play with.

[PeregrineFalcon]

personally i always am an advicate of having as much memory as possible. It decreases load time on games and just makes the overall gaming experience more enjoyable. Id say if you can afford it go with the Middle ground, and use the 50bucks you are saving from not going the high ground and use it in the video upgrade.

[Satanic_Hamster]

Ferret, check my systesm specs on the technical thread.

From Newegg, get the mobo/proc, half gig of Kingston ram. $230 total with shipping or so. OC the 2500 to 3200.

If you're paranoid, spend 50 on a beefier fan/hs for the oc'ed proc (been running it with the default factory fan for five months, ran perfect, stable, at about 43 c).

New card and case are up to you.

If you want, you can buy my 23 fan case off my at the TFC lan. Has a 450 watt power supply

:)

I'll even throw in a bunch of fans.

[ferret]

The $600 is also a soft limit, so the GFX card doesn't really need to be a part of this. I'd personally like to see how my GF3 performs on the new system first, because I may be able to put off replacing it with the CPU upgrade for a few months, then I can save a bit more and go all out on GFX.

[ferret]

OC the 2500 to 3200.

If you're paranoid, spend 50 on a beefier fan/hs for the oc'ed proc

Since a really good cooling system might run $50 or more, as you said, and the price difference between the two is only $50, why bother overclocking if I can get a CPU with native 400mhz FSB for the same amount of effort?

[PeregrineFalcon]

well know this ferret. I am upgrading my 3 year old GF3 (3DProphet) because in latest games it has slow downs. I most definatly recommend spending the 100-200 bucks and buying something mid range right now. Then around sept. buy something beafy for HL2.

I personally went with the LeadTek FX5900XT, many have OC'ed it to a 5950U and it costs under 200bucks.

[Satanic_Hamster]

As I said, if you're paranoid about oc'ing.

Is that the current difference between a 2500 and a 3200? Hmmm... I'd still advocating the oc'ing, unless you want to just get a 3200.

And oc that.

:)

[PeregrineFalcon]

OC the 2500 to 3200.

If you're paranoid, spend 50 on a beefier fan/hs for the oc'ed proc

Since a really good cooling system might run $50 or more, as you said, and the price difference between the two is only $50, why bother overclocking if I can get a CPU with native 400mhz FSB for the same amount of effort?

because by OC'ing you are getting more out of your memory also, and it also plays into the whole price/value thing.

[Satanic_Hamster]

Plus it makes you more l33t.

[Nefarious]

if you are looking for a big cool case without all these fruity lights and other bells and whistles, then go with Antec. I dont remember the exact name of the case, but I posted it somewhere in the comp specs thread. and PC3000 RAM? I didnt know where was PC3000, i thought it was PC3200. Although, I have seen PC4000... that would be nice to have...

[ferret]

I believe I've settled on this combination:

Athlon-XP 3000+ 400mhz FSB Barton - $138
ASUS A7N8X nForce2 Ultra 400 - $84
Kingston HyperX 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - $280

Reasons: Pulled up some benchmarks. Since I have no interest in overclocking or being 'l33t' I'd just as soon pay my extra $50 and have a chip that runs at 400mhz FSB on its own without overclocking. I've decided that the full gig of RAM is indeed the path I wish to take. You'll note I have the more expensive HyperX kingston listed.. This is because reviews and articles turned up issues with the $180 "ValueRAM" Kingstons and the ASUS A7N8X, apparently due to the 3.0 CAS settings and default voltages. Since I have no desire to mess with my memory timing any more than I do with overclocking, I'll just pay my dues here as well.

This sits me at $502. Add a case for around $80, just a basic one with a 400-450 watt PS, and I'll be happy for now.

Sometime later I'll worry about the GFX card. I have the money to go well above $600 but I don't want to at this time. Prices on the GFX cards are gonna drop soon once the 6800s and X800s hit stores anyways. Currently I don't own a single game that my GF3 can't handle at what I feel is a decent framerate. The CPU and RAM boost will irk out a few minor performance issues I have and leave me ready for a future GFX card upgrade.

[Satanic_Hamster]

That makes me a sad Hamster

:(

I was hoping that ferret would become l33t.

However, Ferret can still be l33t if he buys me old case.

450 watt power supply, mounts / built in grillages for seven 4" fans, two 5" visible from the outside, plus internal mounts for four 4" to pull in air from the front grill. Very good sized mid tower.

[ferret]

You'd have to ship it. I'm not going to TFC lan.

[Nefarious]

how can you fit that many fans in a mid tower? if you get a case, get a full tower

[PeregrineFalcon]

I believe I've settled on this combination:

Athlon-XP 3000+ 400mhz FSB Barton - $138
ASUS A7N8X nForce2 Ultra 400 - $84
Kingston HyperX 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - $280

Reasons: Pulled up some benchmarks. Since I have no interest in overclocking or being 'l33t' I'd just as soon pay my extra $50 and have a chip that runs at 400mhz FSB on its own without overclocking. I've decided that the full gig of RAM is indeed the path I wish to take. You'll note I have the more expensive HyperX kingston listed.. This is because reviews and articles turned up issues with the $180 "ValueRAM" Kingstons and the ASUS A7N8X, apparently due to the 3.0 CAS settings and default voltages. Since I have no desire to mess with my memory timing any more than I do with overclocking, I'll just pay my dues here as well.

This sits me at $502. Add a case for around $80, just a basic one with a 400-450 watt PS, and I'll be happy for now.

Sometime later I'll worry about the GFX card. I have the money to go well above $600 but I don't want to at this time. Prices on the GFX cards are gonna drop soon once the 6800s and X800s hit stores anyways. Currently I don't own a single game that my GF3 can't handle at what I feel is a decent framerate. The CPU and RAM boost will irk out a few minor performance issues I have and leave me ready for a future GFX card upgrade.

I recommend this memory over the Kingston. Cheaper, rated for faster speeds and a lil tighter timings.

muskin (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-294&depa=0)

[Satanic_Hamster]

You'd have to ship it. I'm not going to TFC lan.

Stop by.

Have a few beers.

Lick LPB.

[ferret]

I recommend this memory over the Kingston. Cheaper, rated for faster speeds and a lil tighter timings.

muskin (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-294&depa=0)

But its 433mhz.. Everything I've ever read has said it'll just resync it to the system FSB, so it'll end up at 400mhz. But you're right, a little cheaper, and faster timings. And its pretty ;p

I will consider the overclocking if some one is willing to help walkthrough it. Anyone done it with the A7N8X? Suggested heatsink?

If I go with OC'ing:
Athlon-XP 2500+ 333mhz FSB Barton - $75 ($63 less)
ASUS A7N8X nForce2 Ultra 400 - $84
Mushkin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC3500 Level One Dual Pack - Retail - $275 ($5 less)

Total: $434

Case of choice at this moment:
Lian-Li 12-Bay Silver Aluminum Case, Model "PC-65" - $105 ($539 total)

I've always liked Lian-Li cases, but haven't had a chance to get one till now. Suggestions on power supply? 400-450 range. Budget has $61 left at this time, but that's a soft limit.

[ferret]

Damn. I wish I could get this:
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=100721&Category_Code=C1-LL

Doesn't look like it'll work with a PC-65.. I keep aquariums if you didn't know, over 350 gallons worth.

Edit: Scratch that. PC-65 is PC-60 with side panel. PC-60 is $10 less. Switching them out and getting my goddamn aquarium panel :P

[Satanic_Hamster]

Overclocking is just a setting in bios.

That's why I like my MSI mainboard. It's pretty much designed to oc'ed 2500's to 3200. Just a single click in bios.

[Nefarious]

rofl ferret, that would be awesome!

[Satanic_Hamster]

No, THIS would be awesome.

http://www.xoxide.com/xulalcucu.html

[ferret]

NEED POWERSUPPLY

[ferret]

Decided on Antec True 430watt PS for now. $69.

So our tally from NewEgg:
ASUS A7N8X nForce2 Ultra 400 - $84
Athlon-XP 2500+ 333mhz FSB Barton - $75
Antec 430W Power Supply, Model "TRUE430" - $69
Lian Li Silver Mid-Tower Case, Model "PC-60" - $95
Mushkin 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3500 Level One Dual Pack - $275

Total: $598.00

Add $65 for my aquarium side panel harharhar.

[sexyownage]

good choice on that ram.

[PeregrineFalcon]

I recommend this memory over the Kingston. Cheaper, rated for faster speeds and a lil tighter timings.

muskin (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-294&depa=0)

But its 433mhz.. Everything I've ever read has said it'll just resync it to the system FSB, so it'll end up at 400mhz. But you're right, a little cheaper, and faster timings. And its pretty ;p

I will consider the overclocking if some one is willing to help walkthrough it. Anyone done it with the A7N8X? Suggested heatsink?

If I go with OC'ing:
Athlon-XP 2500+ 333mhz FSB Barton - $75 ($63 less)
ASUS A7N8X nForce2 Ultra 400 - $84
Mushkin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC3500 Level One Dual Pack - Retail - $275 ($5 less)

Total: $434

Case of choice at this moment:
Lian-Li 12-Bay Silver Aluminum Case, Model "PC-65" - $105 ($539 total)

I've always liked Lian-Li cases, but haven't had a chance to get one till now. Suggestions on power supply? 400-450 range. Budget has $61 left at this time, but that's a soft limit.

Yes this is true the ram will run at 400mhz when it is first put in. The point behind pc3500 and higher ram is that it gaurantees a speed rated that high. This is so when u are OCing and u push the FSB up the ram can handle it and it is still in the specs it was created for. Therfore by 'OCing' (and here used lightly since tech the ram will run at its rated speed) you will not be held responsible for taking the memory past and possibly voiding the warranty.

Also, if u need help OCing ill be glad to help along with others. I currently have my Pentium 4C 2.4Ghz running at 3.26Ghz and the memory is clocked over the rated 433mhz. I spent about 50bucks to get a decent heatsink and currently under heavy load the highest my CPU reaches in the summer is about 53degrees Celcius. To me its a form of art, and takes some time to really find the quality happy medium for your system. But remember this way you will know the ins and outs like the back of your hand.

[ferret]

Argh. I forgot heatsink. I've looked at several Thermaltakes, never had an issue with them, but I'm not sure what's going to be a good one since I'm gonna try to overclock it :/

[Satanic_Hamster]

Ferret, as I said...

Before I went to watercooling, I used the amd supplied default HS for my 2500 while oc'ing it. Temp was just the same as non-oc'ing, running between 41 and maybe 47 c.

Now, one thing you might want to consider is picking up a "cheap" good heatsink / fan combo from ebay.

Or from:
http://www.xoxide.com/amdsoc462coo.html

Personally, the Zallman heatsinks have always looked very sweet.

Of course, this one is the shit.

http://www.xoxide.com/dp102.html

[Nefarious]

spiffy...

[sexyownage]

thermalright slk900a with a thermaltake smart fan. nice way to spend that extra money you have. you'll need it.

btw if your goina overclock why not just get a 2400+mobile? they'll do the 3200+ speeds and run cooler.

[ferret]

Because they're more expensive. I've settled on a Termaltake extreme volcano 12. Grand total with shipping: $ 666.19

Ominous, huh?

[PeregrineFalcon]

Ferret, as I said...

Before I went to watercooling, I used the amd supplied default HS for my 2500 while oc'ing it. Temp was just the same as non-oc'ing, running between 41 and maybe 47 c.

Now, one thing you might want to consider is picking up a "cheap" good heatsink / fan combo from ebay.

Or from:
http://www.xoxide.com/amdsoc462coo.html

Personally, the Zallman heatsinks have always looked very sweet.

Of course, this one is the ****.

http://www.xoxide.com/dp102.html

I agree Zalman makes great heatsinks. Here is the one i have. It works for Pentium 4 chips and i hear great things for AMD also. Its a great fan, quiet, and has a fan adjusment on it.

Zalman-CNPS7000-Cu (http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1359), but by googlin u can find a lot more about it im sure.

[Nefarious]

my bro has this fan, but im not too sure how good it works.

http://www.xoxide.com/comajet7coak.html

[Satanic_Hamster]

Who cares about effectiveness? It's all about the looks, baby.

:)

The one downside is that you can't really see the jet, the way most mobo's are oriented.

For looks, I still got to go with Zalmal. They just look so good.

[Kamie]

:) Yay! :)

[ferret]

The new system completed will be:

Lian-Li PC-60 case with Aquarium side panel
Antec True 430 power supply
Athlon-XP 2500+ Barton overclocked to some unknown figure
ASUS A7N8X nForce2 Ultra 400
1 gig (2x 512) Muskin PC-3500 DDR RAM
2x 60gig IDE 7200rpm 8mb HDD
Pioneer 8x dual mode DVD burner
ASUS GeForce 3 Deluxe

[EoRaptor]

No Soundstorm? What a waste...

[acme420]

nforce2 mobo whatevr you want, ~$100
radeon 9800pro ~$230
512 pc3200 ~$90
athlonxp2500+ mobile or not your choice then clock to 3200 ~$90
and spend the rest on candy.

[ferret]

My case:
http://ferretbox.com/stuff/case.jpg
http://scasp.webnow.biz/upload/a0000010/en_US/prd_1107.jpg

[Nefarious]

spiffy

[ferret]

Newegg reports its packed up and will be shipped at 6pm PST (9PM EST, my time.. its 8pm now...)

It should be here Friday!

[Nefarious]

mine should be here any second!

[ferret]

Woot:

The case:
Jun 25, 2004 7:44 am
On FedEx vehicle for delivery
ATLANTA GA

The rest:
Jun 25, 2004 7:42 am
On FedEx vehicle for delivery
ATLANTA GA

The second package with everything but the case has been timewarping but it looks like its on the truck!

Note the dates and times. Twice it arrived at one location and then left the original location :P

Jun 25, 2004 8:16 am - Arrived at FedEx Ramp - HAPEVILLE GA
7:42 am - On FedEx vehicle for delivery - ATLANTA GA
6:29 am - Arrived at FedEx Destination Location - ATLANTA GA
5:38 am - Left FedEx Ramp - HAPEVILLE GA
4:56 am - Arrived at FedEx Ramp - HAPEVILLE GA
Jun 24, 2004 4:05 am - Left FedEx Sort Facility - NEWARK NJ
4:05 am - Left FedEx Sort Facility - NEWARK NJ
Jun 23, 2004 9:13 pm - Left FedEx Origin Location - EDISON NJ
8:37 pm - Arrived at Sort Facility - NEWARK NJ
8:37 pm - Arrived at Sort Facility - NEWARK NJ
6:13 pm - Pickup status - EDISON NJ

[Nefarious]

crazy

[ferret]

HERE OMGOSHS HERE.

Well. Here is relative. 'Here' is parents. My sister just called and said she signed for the packages. Gonna grab my box and Kanami and take them down tonight, grill out with the folks, and put everything together.

I'm gonna use a combination of parts from my old PC and Kanami to build my dad a new PC, since he's stuck on some old 250mhz POS Toshiba laptop. Kanami will be upgraded from 256megs of ram to 512 and from 1.2ghz to 1.4ghz.

[acme420]

cg!

[steaLer]

i've hearda rumur that 2 512 sticks are better than 1 1gb stick. is that true? somehow it makes sense, but how?

[acme420]

whats that thing called? oh yeah dual channel.

[sexyownage]

lower timings too.

[ferret]

2342MHz

With a 212FSB and vcore of 1.725 .. Idle temperature is 35C/95F ... Anything higher and WinXP freezes within 20 seconds of signing on. I'm not entirely sure this is stable yet. Running the ram voltage as "Aggressive" (Bios setting) with a 2.7 voltage (2.6 default)

It flies along in basic browsing and IRC, etc. Will test gaming later.

[ferret]

Oops crashy. Down to 211FSB and 2327mhz. It hit 111 degrees under 100% load with the 212FSB

[sexyownage]

your northbridge might be getting too hot cuz of the high fsb. what r u exact ram timings?

[PeregrineFalcon]

What do you have your memory FSB divider running at? 1:1 3:2 5:4?
And you are running Dual Channel right?!

[ferret]

BIOS reports ram in Dual Channel mode during Post. I've been unable to find the FSB divider in the BIOS so far. I'm assuming 1:1 right now, so the FSB is running at 422 and the RAM is rated to 434.

[PeregrineFalcon]

well....if u can get it to 3:2 you could probably push more out of the FSB and would give you more stability. Lemme look some stuff up on your mobo.

[ferret]

Possibly. So far no crashes under 211fsb, but I haven't done any gaming. We're going on 48 hours today.

[squeak]

seems like your flux capacitor is malfuncitioning and you need to recombobulate your stabalizers for the id.10.T error you are getting.

[PeregrineFalcon]

In the advanced section of your motherboard im positive there is something about your FSB ratio. 5:4 would probably be best, but what i recommend is loading up 3DMark. Running the same test with each settings at different FSB ratios, but similiar clock frequencies. This way you know for sure what your mobo/cpu/memory like best :-D

[ferret]

Got a copy? The only copy of 3dmark I have is 3dMark2001..

The multiplier on the CPU is definately locked, despite the motherboard thinking otherwise. So all I can really do is adjust the FSB. I'll play with it some tonight.

Btw, you know the Athlon 2500 bartons have been canned right? AMD stopped manufacturing them on the 27th. They only produce the 2800s, 3000s, and 3200s now, and they'll probably be dropped when the new core arrives.

[PeregrineFalcon]

Try this 3DMark 2003 (http://www.soft32.com/download_2815.html). I still think using 2001 is fine because the testing you are doing is just to see if you get bettter frame rates. 2003 does DirectX 9b stuff and 2001 does DX8 stuff. Regarless either will show u if your frames have gone up or down.

[sexyownage]

you dont wanna run dividers on AMD's since they usually have unlocked mulits. its a lot better to run 1:1.

[PeregrineFalcon]

you dont wanna run dividers on AMD's since they usually have unlocked mulits. its a lot better to run 1:1.

Interesting I did not know that. My current system is Intel, and my older AMD. Havnt played with AMD in over a year.

[ferret]

Only the mobile chips are unlocked. All other AMD chips are locked.

[acme420]

i know mine is.

[ferret]

Some nForce2 chipsets ignored the lock on Thoroughbred and Barton chips. Supposively, my A7N8X should, but it doesn't. The BIOS allows me to adjust it but I see no difference in the CPU speed if I do so.

[sexyownage]

no only the later bartons are. tbreds are unlocked. but i think only the 2500+ bartons are locked.

[@gent-Orange]

I have a 2500+ barton core and changed my multiplyer to 12.5x in Cmos. It sees it on startup as a 2800+ and same in windows. I've set it to 14x but it gives me a 7x on startup. THAT'S AS FAR AS I AM WILLING TO oc MY CPU. i guess mine isn't locked.
I remember when i had my 1.2celeron OC to 1700ish. That was sweeet.

[sexyownage]

YEA U GOT LIKE WEEK > 319 OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT

[ferret]

@O: Well, my overclocking is entirely due to overclocking the FSB. The BIOS sees it as a 3200+ and it runs at 2321mhz.

[acme420]

yeah seiously its much easier to just push the fsb to 200 instead of changing the multi. seeing as how mine is locked.

[blue]

@O: Well, my overclocking is entirely due to overclocking the FSB. The BIOS sees it as a 3200+ and it runs at 2321mhz.

ironic.

i have a amd 2600+ that i pushed to 2169mhz

i pushed mine as far as i could ge tit.

you'd think a 3200 would be faster than that... mine is alsmost as fast. :/

[ferret]

Retail 3200 runs at 2200mhz, 333 or 400mhz FSB.

What are you running your bus at blue? Cause an Athlon 2500 is 1.8ghz, and I run the bus at 422mhz so it boosts it to 2.3ghz due to the 11x multiplier

[sexyownage]

yeah seiously its much easier to just push the fsb to 200 instead of changing the multi. seeing as how mine is locked.
given you have good ram

[ferret]

Well. I have PC3500 DDR, 434mhz :P

[blue]

ill chheck when i get home... the math doesnt make sense on my mobo when i did it out. http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=KT3_Ultra-ARU

i recall my FSB setting is 157. i *think* i had the mutiplier at 12/13x (might even have been 11.5) -- noite it was NOT 14.

it never multiplied out correctly on my pc. i cant even go up to 333 on my mobo. its odd. anything above 157 will trigger errrors and random crashes. :-/

[ferret]

157FSB is 314mhz RAM.. That gets confusing, but your FSB is half what they put on the box. A 400FSB CPU/Motherboard is really 200mhz, but the RAM runs double that so they call it 400FSB. (For reference, an 800FSB P4 is really 200mhz as well. P4's "quad pipes" the memory bandwidth.. The bus is still 200mhz though.)

My FSB is 210, so it comes out to 420mhz.

You should definately be able to hit at least 166 (333mhz for RAM) on any Barton core... You SHOULD be able to do 200 without any trouble as well.

[blue]

hm
last time i tried the board wouldnt boot. perhaps my multiplier is too high...?
seems everytime i boost it up i have to flip the jumper around as it fails to boot up anymore. (clear the cache)

what is better. Higher FSB lower multiplier OR Higher multiplier, lower FSB?

[ferret]

Higher FSB lower multiplier..

The multiplier only affects the CPU. The FSB affects everything on the motherboard. 2200mhz with 200mhz FSB and 11x multi is WAY better than 2200mhz with 166mhz FSB and 13x multi. Same speed CPU, but much slower motherboard/ram/pci/agp/etc

On the same token though, too low is bad too. Ie, you'll won't have a high enough FSB with the equipment available today to justify 8x multi or something. To break 2ghz you'd have to have a 250mhz FSB (500FSB RAM).. At 7x, you'd need a 286mhz FSB (572FSB RAM)

[PeregrineFalcon]

ill chheck when i get home... the math doesnt make sense on my mobo when i did it out. http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=KT3_Ultra-ARU

i recall my FSB setting is 157. i *think* i had the mutiplier at 12/13x (might even have been 11.5) -- noite it was NOT 14.

it never multiplied out correctly on my pc. i cant even go up to 333 on my mobo. its odd. anything above 157 will trigger errrors and random crashes. :-/

What your temps at and also what kind of memory blue (if its that Gaeil stuff then that could be the prob).

[blue]

say again falcon?

my temps sit arond 40c on both the case and the mobo.

where should i park it then?
200 fsb or higher? :) id like to avoid pulling my pc into bits and pieces every test. :) its a pain.

[PeregrineFalcon]

say again falcon?

my temps sit arond 40c on both the case and the mobo.

where should i park it then?
200 fsb or higher? :) id like to avoid pulling my pc into bits and pieces every test. :) its a pain.

Sorry abou that horribly worded sentence. Anyways what type of memory are you running. This makes a huge difference on how far you can push your FSB. The errors you are probably getting are due to not enough voltage running through your memory when the FSB is higher. This is just a guess as I dont know enough about your current setup to completely diagnose.

Regarding your temps...the fact that your mobo/case temps are around 40degrees tells me you are getting horrible air ciculation. Id say get some more flow moving through there before you decide to push the fsb more.

My temps:
CPU = 36-38 mostly idle, 41-43 heavy load
Mobo/Case = 29 idle, 32 heavy load

just so you have something to compare. Oh by the way what are your CPU temps?

[blue]

they are the same. both sit around 38-40 C.

when the cpy temp goes up the case rises with it. occasionaly the case is 1c cooler.

i have a HUGE fan on it as is.

i also have 4 hard drives on the case... its probably not a clean flow but there is lots of air on the stuff.

perhaps id be better off just trading off FSB and Multplier and flip the two (increase the FSB, and lower the multiplier).

if my board has a 266 FSB, wouldnt i already be pushing it with a 157 FSB? (157 x 2 = 314)? right? or am i confused again.


Chipset
VIA® KT333 chipset. (North-Bridge 552 BGA)
• 200/266MHz FSB
• AGP 4x and PCI Advanced high performance memory controller.

VIA® VT8233A chipset. (South-Bridge 376 BGA)
• High Bandwidth V-link Client controller.
• Integrated Faster Ethernet LPC. (Optional CNR card support)
• Integrated Hardware SoundBlaster/Direct Sound AC97 audio.
• Ultra DMA 66/100/133 master mode PCI EIDE controller.
• ACPI


FSB
• Supports 100/133 MHz FSB


Main Memory
• Three 184-pin DDR DIMM.
• Maximum memory size up to 3GB.
• Supports 2.5v DDR 200/266/333 SDRAM DIMM.



ok confused. what do i have... a 266 or a 333 max fsb? the mem says 333, but the board says 266.

[ferret]

Oh, most definately. A 266FSB board .. You're pushing that sucker hard. Do you have a Barton core CPU? They aren't compatible with 133mhz FSB so that might be part of the problem. If its a Thoroughbred though, it's all good.

157mhz is a fairly impressive overclock on a 133mhz board. The only reason I can hit 210 even though the chip is a 333FSB Barton is because (a), the board supports 200mhz out of the box, (b), the ram supports 217mhz out of the box. Well, and (c) all Barton cores are capable of 400FSB, there's no fundamental difference between a 3200+ 333FSB and 3200+ 400FSB, just different factory settings.

[blue]

sorry ferret, i edited my post after you posted :X lol didnt notice till it was too late. as for my chip, it is NOT a barton core. correct. iit was a:


Item Description Quantity Unit Price Extended Price
19-103-335 CPU AMD|2400 /266 ATHLON XP TBRED% 1 $67.00 $67.00


i got it from newegg. so then i really am pushing this as hard as i can / though i was.

[blue]

lmao
i just realized i thought i bought a 2600, its only a 2400 :X i OC'd it even more than i though. lol. i pwned my machine i guess!!

[ferret]

Your board supports 200FSB (100mhz, old SDRAM PC100, don't think DDR ever existed for this) and 266FSB (133mhz, old SDRAM PC133 and PC2100).

333FSB would be 166mhz, PC2700 DDR
400FSB would be 200mhz, PC3200 DDR
434FSB would be 217mhz, PC3500 DDR

I have no idea how they decide the PC-designation of RAM.

[blue]

Your board supports 200FSB (100mhz, old SDRAM PC100, don't think DDR ever existed for this) and 266FSB (133mhz, old SDRAM PC133 and PC2100).

333FSB would be 166mhz, PC2700 DDR
400FSB would be 200mhz, PC3200 DDR
434FSB would be 217mhz, PC3500 DDR

I have no idea how they decide the PC-designation of RAM.

im pretty sure i have the pc2700 mem. but...
er...

FSB
• Supports 100/133 MHz FSB

Main Memory
• Three 184-pin DDR DIMM.
• Maximum memory size up to 3GB.
• Supports 2.5v DDR 200/266/333 SDRAM DIMM.

are you looking at the right thing?

[PeregrineFalcon]

ya blue u are definatly pushing that thing hard, nice OC :-)

[blue]

oi i didnt think i had it done good. :-/ well good then :)
i know thrikreen did his sysinfo and it said he had a 3200 with like 2.3ghz, and my 2400 had 2.1x i knew i was oc'ing i dont know if he is though...

lol ok then. :) happy day for me. my OC pwns! :) -- perhaps that is the resulting heat from the oc?

also, i dunno what uping the "vcore" temp does. should i play with this? right now its "automatic".
i read this...
up the vcore to 1.775, have good cooling, and put the FSB at 333 and you get 2.34ghz stable
can i fry my chip by messing with the vcore?

[ferret]

Yeah, blue. RAM doesn't have to be in-sync with the FSB, though in general it helps. Your board supports running 333FSB RAM, but the system bus itself is only rated to 133mhz. 157mhz is a major push. You squeezed out over 24mhz more (48mhz more on the RAM), which is a 18% gain.

A lot of boards you'll be lucky to get 10-15% out of.

I've got a 26% gain, if you rate it by 333FSB. But like I said, my motherboard supports 400FSB and the chip technically is designed for it, so its not a surprise to hit 200mhz. If I rate by 200mhz, I only have a 5% gain :P

[ferret]

can i fry my chip by messing with the vcore?

YES! Don't bother touching this. I honestly think you've probably pushed yours as far as its gonna go.. Not without some serious cooling power like active water cooling.

[blue]

lol ok then. i fried the one before this.. so... i wont mess with this :)

tee heee <3 the OC. and all this time ive been trying to get more :/ live and learn!

[PeregrineFalcon]

oi i didnt think i had it done good. :-/ well good then :)
i know thrikreen did his sysinfo and it said he had a 3200 with like 2.3ghz, and my 2400 had 2.1x i knew i was oc'ing i dont know if he is though...

lol ok then. :) happy day for me. my OC pwns! :) -- perhaps that is the resulting heat from the oc?

also, i dunno what uping the "vcore" temp does. should i play with this? right now its "automatic".
i read this...
up the vcore to 1.775, have good cooling, and put the FSB at 333 and you get 2.34ghz stable
can i fry my chip by messing with the vcore?

Just to clarify, its not vcore temp. The vcore is how much voltage you are pushing through to your CPU or memory modules. The more you give, the more they can sustain higher clocked frequencies, the MORE heat they create. This can and will fry your CPU if you push it to high. Like ferret said in your current setup the vcore is fine. You have pushed the system to its peak, giving it more vcore will either fry it or get you maybe 100Mhz more. Id say its not worth it. When you eventually hvae the cash to upgrade, do so, then play with stuff like the vcore. FYI im giving this advice from a safety standpoint, I havnt ever OC'd the system you have or researched to see what other results have been. However, to stay safe dont push it anymore. You have a nice lil beast in there humming away.

[blue]

http://bluesniper.spurtyspub.com/Data/Photos/misc/screenshots/system_speed.jpg