Originally posted by: snik
I guess this isn't much, but it' my first time... PC2700 is stopping me.
I wouldn't upgrade your RAM. You've got quality stuff in there now, the only thing PC3200 will allow is a higher FSB (rated for 200MHz) which isn't even guaranteed or standard for these boards. The thing holding you back is the Vcore, or voltage to the CPU. There is an adjustment for it in the BIOS. I would raise the multiplier by .5 or raise the FSB by a little bit at a time while raising your Vcore gradually. You've really got to keep an eye on your temps though, as the increased temperature from the Vcore increases will become your limiting factor. I would not go beyond 1.85V and any CPU temps over 55C should be a concern as well.
I will go ahead and upgrade my ram. Chiz, you say that this board stops at around 185-190 fsb, so does this mean that buying memory above PC3200 is pointless? What brand and kind what you recommend? Corsair XMS and what kind?
Again, I don't think you should upgrade your RAM unless you got cash to burn. Your PC2700 should give you some headroom beyond 166MHz FSB. PC3200 and above isn't pointless as long as you buy quality stuff that will be able to run low latency timings. Motherboards and CPUs will begin supporting 200MHz FSBs in the very near future (Barton, Prescott, Canterwood/Springdale, KT600, nForce2 C1/Crush), so 200MHz (DDR400/PC3200) will become more commonplace. Buying RAM with lower latency ratings will give you some future proofing as FSB standards increase; the higher rated the RAM, the more OC'ing flexibility and FSB headroom you'll have. DDR-I will be with us as the standard for at least a year before DDR-II even shows up in desktop PC solutions, so I recommend w/out hesitation going bigger (1GB) and faster (PC2700 is fine, PC3200 if buying new) now while RAM is cheap.
Also I've got a question about voltages. Vcore settings are from 1.650 to 1.800. At what point should I stop? Is 1.800 volts a point where I definitely shouldn't be at? How about memory voltage? Should I mess with that?
Again, with Vcore, just watch your temps. XP's can take a beating, so running at 1.8V is fine for extended periods. Most boards don't let you go beyond 1.85V for a reason though. You will definitely need to raise your Vcore in order to maximize your OC, although a stock OC to 2.167GHz is preferable to some. Memory voltage I would set it and forget it at 2.7V; Its the highest recommended voltage by Corsair; any more will void your warranty. I've never had the need to go higher than 2.7V with my XMS 3200.
Chiz, how did you achieve your overclock? Wow it's nice
Thanks, its nothing special (it was back in January, but not now ), you should be able to accomplish similar results if you have good enough cooling and you increase your Vcore. Your components all seem up to the task.
XDirthead, glad you got most of the issues squared away. :beer::beer: The SMBus is one of those goofy motherboard features for system integrators or something. Its like CNR risers modems; something that looks good on paper, but I dunno anyone who would use it. Does it only happen with your CD-ROM drive? Check in device manager and see if there are any yellow "!" in motherboard resources. Read what the errors are, and try updating the driver for any conflicted items. If you can clearly identify it relating to SMBus, go ahead and disable it and see if that fixes it.
PCMax, hehe thanks man, but its OK, it served me well with no probs for 4 months; I just pushed it too far. Definitely the most touchy BIOS I've used though....hopefully my RMA comes in today will be a Rev. 2
XPGeek, if you're running 1002.A just stick with it for now. The only reason I flashed to 1003 was in hopes of passing 200MHz FSB reliably. If you're running PC2700, stick with a more stable BIOS that easily accomplishes FSB clocks within your memory's capabilities.
Chiz