My New DFI LanParty UT NF3-250Gb Doesn't Go Past 240FSB

[GermaniumGenie]

I read the AnandTech review of the DFI LanParty UT NF3-250Gb the day it was posted. I immediately pre-ordered it, and I recieved it in 2 weeks. I have replaced the heatsink with a Thermalright NB-1C. I got the board to 240FSB with a x9 multiplier running 1:1 with my two sticks PQI Platinum Heatspreader (512MBx2) 1GB of DDR550. I know this memory can go to 600MHZ or more because I did that on my old Intel i865 board with 2.5,4,4,8 timings at 1:1. However, this board doesn't let me go past 240FSB, period. I run 241FSB, and it crashes. I have upped the voltage on the processor to 1.55v and tried. Still, it doesn't work. Does anyone have any tips, suggestions, or comments on how I can get this board's FSB higher. THE ANANDTECH REVIEW GOT THEIR BOARD TO 278FSB, I believe, with 2 sticks of RAM, and that was with the stock chipset cooling and quiet CPU cooling that isn't made for hardcore overclockers. My specs:

Case: ANTEC Silver Aluminum Performance 1 Series ATX Mid-Tower Case with Side Window Panel, Swiveling Front Control Panel features LED Display, Model "P-160WF"
Power Supply: ENERMAX Noisetaker Series 420W Power Supply, ATX 12V V1.3 compatible: Support latest P4 and Athlon 64 platforms, Model "EG425P-VE-SFMA"
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 2800+, 512KB L2 Cache, 64-bit Processor (Model Number ADA2800AEP4AX)
Motherboard: DFI LANPARTY UT nF3 250Gb FOR ATHLON64 CPU SOCKET 754 NF3 250GB CHIPSET DDR400 AGP8X PLATFORM W/ AUDIO, LAN, & USB
Chipset Cooling: Thermalright Copper Chipset Cooler With Fan, Model "NB-1C"
CPU Cooling: Thermalright XP-120 w/ Delta 120x38mm FFB1212VHE (151.85cfm)
Video Card: SAPPHIRE RADEON 9600XT Video Card, 256MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP
Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS PCI Sound Card, Model "SB0350"
Hard Drive: Western Digital Raptor 36.7GB 10,000RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD360GD
Fan Controller (not using right now): SILVERSTONE SST-FP52 (SILVER) EUDEMON LCD DISPLAY FRONT PANEL
Memory: pqi TURBO Series Dual Channel Platinum Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MB x 2) DDR PC-4400

 

[acivick]

Make sure your SATA is NOT connected to the 1 or 2 ports. It needs to be on 3 or 4 to get the FSB up for some reason. If that doesn't work, try making the command rate on the RAM 2T. Try those two things first and come back if neither works.

 

[GermaniumGenie]

I forgot entirely about the Serial-ATA overclocking problem! I connected my hard drive to SATA Port 3, and I easily overclocked my FSB to 250 with standard voltages. I can probably get this to 290-300. I am confident now! THANKS A LOT ACIVICK!

 

[StealthElephant]

Just wondering, what is the deal with SATA ports holding OC's back? Is it a problem IDE doesn't have?

 

[rgreen83]

Originally posted by: StealthElephant
Just wondering, what is the deal with SATA ports holding OC's back? Is it a problem IDE doesn't have?

The bus speed is locked on 3 and 4 because they are directly controlled by the NB, where as 1 and 2 use a PHY.