vCORE

[kolt]

I am still learning about overclocking ( its alot of fun ) and I figure there are no stupid questions so why lower the vCORE? Mine is currently at 1.5. I have the FSB @ 220, AGP at 67, HT@3x ( not really sure why on the HT either, Should I try to go to 4x? ) Whay advantage does a lower vCORE have? I see ppl getting really excited when there chip will achive a higher clock with a lower vCORE.

 

[Dureth]

A lower vCore isn't going to help overclocking, exactly the opposite in fact.

However a lower vCore DOES lower temperatures. I have been able to undervolt both my A64 2800 (754) and my A64 3000 (939) by 0.1v and in each case it cut several degrees off my idle and load temps.

 

[superkdogg]

Lower vCore at a given clock usually means 2 things: 1. Your chip is capable of more top end speed if it's able to produce a given speed at a low vcore. 2. You may not need to invest in serious cooling to keep from frying your unit with heavy voltage.

 

[kolt]

Thanks for the info. I lowered it to 1.45 and diden't notice any difference. My temps are around 40c at idle (38c-42c) Should I try to get it lower? What happenes when you get too low? I am having fun playing with the settings and overclocking, but I don't want to throw away a couple hunders $ because I went to far with something. Is 1.5 too hard on the chip? It seems to run good at 2.2 ( 220x10 ) and temps are holdind stable at around 40c @ 1.5.