Overclocking Problems

[DocGolem]

I believe I have a good grasp on the basics of overclocking, but I cannot get my 3.0c SL6WK to overclock for any significant gains.

Before I start with the overclocking part, I'll list my system:

3.0c SL6WK SLK/92mm Tornado (Full)
Abit IC7-Max 3
2x512 Mushkin PC4000 in D/C
GFx 5600 256mb
Enermax 350

Right now I'm running at stock speeds with 2.5-4-4-8 timings. These are the tightest I can get with these sticks.

Now when I run sandra's memory benchmark test I'm only getting around 3000mb/sec. Shouldn't it be 3200mb/sec running at 200mhz FSB? This might be attributed to my loose timings.

Onto the overclocking. My chip defaults to 1.525 volts. I can raise the FSB to 220 without raising the vcore, but it isn't too stable. Even by loosening the timings on the RAM and upping the vcore to 1.5volts, it randomly restarts, basically once every 24 hours. Any clues on this? Is it a PSU problem or RAM problem?

I have more questions but I'll ask them at a later time. I have a chiller all built and ready to set up but I don't want to hook it up until I get these problems ironed out. Thanks in advance :toast:

[Karnivore]

First thing you need to do is simplify the equation, easiest way to do so is drop your memory speed and eliminate that as a problem. try 5:4 divider, see if you hit the same ceiling, if so chances are its not memory. As you reach max stable speed, watch your temps, and bump the Vcore, your cooling (with adequate airflow) should be ok up to 1.7v.. Once you find your processors stable limit, then work on the memory. If you haven't already, it would probably be beneficial to update your bios.

[DocGolem]

I've tried the divdiers and I've gotten to the same ceiling. But for that I've only brought the vcore up to 1.6 so I'll have a little bit more headroom.

I have everything out of my case sitting on my desk now, so my temps are fine for the time being. Bios is all updated and latest chipset drivers too.

Thanks for the tips.

[jjcom]

yeah just give it some more volts. 3.3ghz isn't a very large overclock, just watch your temps and see what happens. I don't think thats the limit of the chip...if so you may want to try out one of them new Prescotts and see what ya get.

[Karnivore]

Well, good luck with it, unfortunately it sounds like you may have gotten a not so great processor, But I would expect a little more voltage should help.

[DocGolem]

A little update here.

I got it to POST at 250, but I had no luck loading the OS. This was only with 1.7v. I didn't try any higher for some reason.

It boots up and goes into Windows at 240 @ 1.7v but it randomly reboots. I know my PSU isn't too great, could it be that?

Any more ideas to try out? I don't have a high end video card or a lot of drives so I don't have a lot of power drawing off of it.

One more question, I've heard that SATA hard drives sometimes get lost with higher FSB, is this true?

Thanks.

[STEvil]

Your PSU is very weak.

[DeadlySiewMai]

I think the PSU is holding you back as well.
A buddy of mine has an enermax 350 with a 1.9 willamette and had to unplug a hd when he installed a 9800XT to get the machine to behave. That is in a non oc'd machine too.

[DocGolem]

Thanks for the input guys. Whenever I first put the pieces of this system together, I thought Enermax was a good company for PSUs.

Now, after hanging out around here for about 6 more months, I've learned to love the new OCZ products. So I just bought an OCZ 420 Powerstream from the egg. Should be here around Friday/Saturday.

[STEvil]

The top end enermax products are usually fine, but I am distrustfull since their low/mid range ones dont seem to hold up to abuse.

Time tells all, though ;)