help a newb OCer out

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w4x

n00b
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Aug 29, 2005
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I'm wondering if my "lower" overclock is due to the CPU or my RAM. Is there anyway to determine this besides going out and buying another CPU or RAM?

I'm getting around 2.5 stable
I'm using opty 165 on Zalman 9500 - max load temp with 2xprime is 51 C
Also using Asus A8R32-MVP mobo
RAM - OCZP5002GXTC-K 2gig dual channel EL Platinum XTC

best I could get is 9x280FSB, RAM at 183
 
The way to find out it to drop the ram divider to 100. Also, drop the HTT multiplier to 4 or maybe 3 for testing although that board has a reputation for not needing the HTT lowered. IMO, you can max the CPU voltage and probably be alright, but don't burn up your chip based on something I said-do your homework.
 
w4x said:
I'm wondering if my "lower" overclock is due to the CPU or my RAM. Is there anyway to determine this besides going out and buying another CPU or RAM?

I'm getting around 2.5 stable
I'm using opty 165 on Zalman 9500 - max load temp with 2xprime is 51 C
Also using Asus A8R32-MVP mobo
RAM - OCZP5002GXTC-K 2gig dual channel EL Platinum XTC

best I could get is 9x280FSB, RAM at 183
Click to expand...

Ok first of all why you have your memory at 133?

Here is the setting you should use, you have one of the best memories out there for overclocking.

HHT = 3 X
FSB = 300 (if your motherboard can)
Mem = 166 (3-3-3-8)
CPU Volt = 1.47v (What options do you have explain first)
Memory Voltage = 2.85v

You need to explain your BIOS Setting and what options do you have. You have all the best parts, i don;t see why not you can get upto 300FSB. But make sure first read around and see how much your motherboard can overclock.
 
annaconda said:
Ok first of all why you have your memory at 133?

Here is the setting you should use, you have one of the best memories out there for overclocking.

HHT = 3 X
FSB = 300 (if your motherboard can)
Mem = 166 (3-3-3-8)
CPU Volt = 1.47v (What options do you have explain first)
Memory Voltage = 2.85v

You need to explain your BIOS Setting and what options do you have. You have all the best parts, i don;t see why not you can get upto 300FSB. But make sure first read around and see how much your motherboard can overclock.
Click to expand...

k, I tried some of the settings you have

Got HTT = 3x
FSB = 290max stable with 4+hour of 2xPrime95 running (max mobo is 400)
mem = 166 (3-3-3-8) 237.2MHz
CPU Voltage = 1.55 (this is the max my mobo can do with this CPU) max load with 2xPrime95 is 54C. Is this high? should i try to reapply thermal paste? using 9500, case has 2x120 in/out and a 92 side right ontop of CPU
Memory Voltage = 2.95, I tried going up a bit more, but doens't help with timings/overclock

so does this hint at mem or CPU limitation?
 
It could be limited by any of CPU, Mobo, or ram at that point, since all are quite a bit over spec.

That's why you need to lower the ram to 100:200 for testing purposes only. If you get a higher OC that way, you know that the ram was holding you back. If your OC is still stagnant with the ram clocked lower, try leaving the ram clocked lower (just to continue to rule it out) and lower the CPU multiplier and go for higher HTT. If you get higher HTT with the multiplier lower, then it's pretty much for sure that the CPU has reached its max and that 290x9 is "all" you're gonna get. If lowering the ram divider and the CPU multiplier fail to increase your HTT, the mobo isn't stable above 290, that would be low for that mobo, but 290 is technically about 45% over spec.

I'm leaning toward CPU at this point, but as stated you're currently stable at 45% OC, which is not bad at all.
 
What kind of powersupply do you have. Opterons wont overclock very well on a 400watt raidmax that comes with the cheap cases.
 
vexter said:
What kind of powersupply do you have. Opterons wont overclock very well on a 400watt raidmax that comes with the cheap cases.
Click to expand...

using a antec neo he 550 A3
 
superkdogg said:
It could be limited by any of CPU, Mobo, or ram at that point, since all are quite a bit over spec.

That's why you need to lower the ram to 100:200 for testing purposes only. If you get a higher OC that way, you know that the ram was holding you back. If your OC is still stagnant with the ram clocked lower, try leaving the ram clocked lower (just to continue to rule it out) and lower the CPU multiplier and go for higher HTT. If you get higher HTT with the multiplier lower, then it's pretty much for sure that the CPU has reached its max and that 290x9 is "all" you're gonna get. If lowering the ram divider and the CPU multiplier fail to increase your HTT, the mobo isn't stable above 290, that would be low for that mobo, but 290 is technically about 45% over spec.

I'm leaning toward CPU at this point, but as stated you're currently stable at 45% OC, which is not bad at all.
Click to expand...

gave what you suggested a shot.

got the ram down to 100, x2HT, x9CPU, couldn't do 300HTT, max still around 290
so thene tried ram 100, x2HT, x8.5CPU, could get up to 315HTT

so it looks like as you suggested it is my CPU holding me back

is 2.6 OC good, bad, avg for opty 165?

I might want to try some other CPUs :)
 
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