Overclocking newbie......questions galore

[BowlingNut]

I just ordered a few things from Newegg to upgrade my slow-ass comp. I ordered a 350wt enermax ps, msi kt3 ultra (not ultra2), xp1600, 256mb true pc2700 samsung, and the swiftech mcx370 (not the copper version )
i'd like to o/c this assuming i get a decent stepping (anyone know what stepping newegg is shipping now?). but i'd like some advice. please post anything you feel is relevant...everything from how to unlock to tips specific to the kt3. tia

 

[Racer7201]

I'm not sure what stepping Newegg is shipping, but hopefully you'll get the AGOIA. Before unlocking mine, i had it at 166x10.5 on an Epox 8k3a+. I tried several times to unlock mine, but didn't have much luck. I tried the highspeed pc kit, rear window defogger but finally wound up sending it to cpumods.com and for $30 i've got an unlocked cpu thats looks good and runs great. I've had it at 180x9 and 140x12. I upped the vcore to 1.775 and dimm volts to 2.7 and temps usually stay around 44c idle with the Volcano 7+ on low. If the Samsung is DTL it may not overclock as good as the CTL version. There is a lot of info on unlocking the cpu, just do a search and go from there. I'm not familiar with the MSI, so can't help there.

 

[o1die]

I would format and do a fresh windows install using the mobo default settings. Then start by raising your cpu fsb to 138, and see how stable your system is. If your board has ddram voltage adjustments, try 2.7 volts. I had no luck unlocking my old xp, but some people have no problems doing it with a rear defroster repair kit. You shouldn't have to raise your cpu vcore to overclock, but you can try 1.8. Mine overheated at 1.85, so I dropped it back down. Use motherboard monitor 5 or similar program (free download) and keep your cpu temps below 60 celcius.

 

[CaptnKirk]

B'Nut - where you been? Like your siggy (he-he)

Hope you get either an ARIOA-Y (1st) or a AGOGA (2nd) they are the hot setup, guess it's a hit, miss, or the dunk-tank model.
If you get the ARIOA-Y don't even try to unlock first, just pop the puppy in and give it a whirl.

I'm not impressed with copper heatsinks, yeah, they take heat in pretty good, but tend to hold the heat within, and do not release the heat into the air that well.
Aluminum takes heat in almost as well, and releases the heat into the air flow much better, so they are a better choice. Once the copper gets some exposure time
at elevated temperatures they oxidize to an 'old penny brown' and thats not too pretty.

Other stuff looks like good choices as well, but kinda suprised you didn't get one of the Lions or Tigers or Bears.