Overclocking question...puzzled...

[byoungjr]

Hi all...

First...forgive me for this being long...

I have:
MB: BFG nForce 4 Ultra
CPU: Venice core 3500+ A64 (2.2Ghz, 512k L2, LBBLE Stepping)
RAM: 2 GB(1GBx 2) PNY Optima DDR400 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820236112
PSU: Antec SmartPower 2.0 SP-500 (500 W)
GPU: ATI X1800XT GPU
SND: Soundblaster Audigy 2 Value
DVD: Sony DRU-810A
HD1: WD Raptor 74GB SATA
HD2: Hitachi 250GB SATA
FANS: Zalman CNPS7700(CPU), Zalman VF700(GPU), Antec TriCool 120mm x 2(CASE)

My overclock was
HT frequency: 3x
CPU frequency: 250
CPU Multi: 10
RAM: 166Mhz 5/6 divider...runs at 208Mhz at 3 3 3 8 2T timings
CPU Volts: 1.5...no changes to MEM or CHIPSET volts

I ran Prime95 for over 24 hours (Small FFTs)..no errors. Memtested the RAM up to 220Mhz follwing the guide on HardOCP...no errors. CPU is 33c idle...40c load. Also followed the guide on HardOCP to find max FSB (270) and CPU (2600).

Now...when I have everything at stock...and I turn the PC off...the CMOS retains its settings. When I overclock...and I turn the PC off...the CMOS resets itself.

I first thought it was the CMOS battery...I swapped that out. Same problem.
I swapped out the MB for an other one...same problem.

Any clues??? Maybe something weak in my setup? Maybe the memory?

Thanks for any help...

 

[byoungjr]

OK...I figured why the CMOS was losing it settings.

It is the memory...PNY Optima. It wants to be run at 200Mhz. Anything less...like running the 5/6 (166Mhz) divider...is not supported by PNY. The MB is very picky with overclocking...if it senses something not right...it will reset the CMOS. here is more info on it... http://www.sysopt.com/features/mboa...12027_3548856_3 & http://forums.pcper.com/showthread....&highlight=vnf4

Looks like I need better memory.

I should have went with OCZ or Corsair...oh well...lesson learned...PNY is not for overclocking.