DFI Nf3 UT 250GB

[Neolith11o11]

So basically, Im new to overclocking. And i want to learn the ropes. Im no dummy when it comes to computers, I've always just built formidable machines and was happy with them. But thats getting old, and I need to spice it up a bit :woot:


I just upgraded (not really) to a AMD 3700+ and a DFI lanparty Nf3 UT 250GB w/7200rpm sata drive. 1024 pc-3200 high density ram (x2) effectively maxing the board out. With a 256mb MSI geforce 6800 AGP slot vid card...with VGA and Processor water cooling.


Im aware this mobo is outdated, and I could have done better the graphics card that I already had, along with the HDD. I purchased the lanparty and maxed the board on processor and ram, because it was cost effective. This is my first shot at overclocking and in short its just a test run. I'm sure ill find a way to fry something So im using this setup to learn the ropes and blow a few things up :D I went with the DFI because I was told they were fun to overclock with and I read this board can hit 40% with the right tweaks. Is there anybody that would be willing to walk me through some of the basic settings (dimm rate adjust?, voltage...howto?), I know theres threads existing but some of them sound like their greek >_< or just throw me a link to another thread.


I also thought of getting a cheap peltier system for giggles. I dont want the swiftech gasket yet because when i feel confident enough to move on to a premo machine itll be a s939. Thats when my real fun will begin.

Or maybe ill just end up making my processor look like the movies you can download of why amd is bad :P *sizzle*flame*pop*goo*


enough spam, lemme know someone plz


Marcus

[Zeus]

Welcome to XS

Most S754 memorycontrollers are unconformtable with 2x512mb installed.
If 2 sticks don't work out try just one.

Also, leave the pelt, it's a real hassle, plain watercooling is much easier to handle, when you're more experienced with overclocking you could try things like that.

GL

[WeStSiDePLaYa]

i have this board, and know it pretty darn well. but ill need more specific questions to give you any real awnsers.

[sealion]

"Or maybe ill just end up making my processor look like the movies you can download of why amd is bad :P *sizzle*flame*pop*goo*"

Seems like you havent been following technology for the past 4 years. AMD thunderbird is what you're thinking of. AMD64 > Any P4 in terms of thermal and arguably performance too. My brother's athlon64 runs 25% overclock with 37c while gaming; 41c full load. My friend's prescott at stock boots at 47c; full load 72c.


As for settings it really depends on what you're overclocking for. A 3700 will handle anything you throw at it running stock. Even if you manage to overclock your cpu 40% you wont notice anything big other than in benchmarks. If you want higher fps get a better video card; X850xt PE for about 160ish now a days.


Read about your 3700 a bit online; you'd be surprised on how it stacks up to 939 and Pentium 4 chips.

[Neolith11o11]

Its 1024 pc-3200 DDR400 I have 2 stick, that shouldnt cause an issue should it? the spec's on the board say it will run 2gb, I got the highdensity because a friend informed me that with the right settings they would rock.

As far as questions, well I guess where do I begin. Iv'e heard of downloading BIOS settings? Is this true?

What is optimal voltage to run at? I've read people cranking as far as 3.1v ect ect. as far as ram goes.

Is there a specific setup I'll need for my ram to run optimal (as far as DIMM placements go?)

As I said im new when it comes to this so plain old advice is needed, this BIOS is a bit crazy for me. thanks for the help guys!




Yes ive followed tech. for the last 5 years, and AMD blows the doors off pentium hands down in everything except data processing from what Ive seen. side by side test = AMD loading drivers for windows.....P4 still installing windows! 16calculations VS 9Calculations works wonders.....But the K5's were so fun :D and I have seen a few K7's (i meant 7)hit critical right infront of me, just no liquification only that sweet smell of cilicon.

Im looking for overclocking because I do alot of visual basic/macromedia/adobe for a living. Also i just want to be cool^_^


Thanks for the patience with me.

[albumleaf]

Its 1024 pc-3200 DDR400 I have 2 stick, that shouldnt cause an issue should it? the spec's on the board say it will run 2gb, I got the highdensity because a friend informed me that with the right settings they would rock.

As far as questions, well I guess where do I begin. Iv'e heard of downloading BIOS settings? Is this true?

What is optimal voltage to run at? I've read people cranking as far as 3.1v ect ect. as far as ram goes.

Is there a specific setup I'll need for my ram to run optimal (as far as DIMM placements go?)

As I said im new when it comes to this so plain old advice is needed, this BIOS is a bit crazy for me. thanks for the help guys!




Yes ive followed tech. for the last 5 years, and AMD blows the doors off pentium hands down in everything except data processing from what Ive seen. side by side test = AMD loading drivers for windows.....P4 still installing windows! 16calculations VS 9Calculations works wonders.....But the K5's were so fun :D and I have seen a few K7's (i meant 7)hit critical right infront of me, just no liquification only that sweet smell of cilicon.

Im looking for overclocking because I do alot of visual basic/macromedia/adobe for a living. Also i just want to be cool^_^


Thanks for the patience with me.

"cilicon eh", well anyway. 2x512 is of NO problem for the mem controller of the processor you're running, although 2x1gb you'll have to underclock fsb to maybe 180 to get it to boot. see DFI-Street for more info on that. Actually, I'd just go there and read the overclocking beginner guide, as this isn't exactly a beginner forum :D

edit: mobo not outdated (sans agp), socket 754 will outlive 939! <3

[Neolith11o11]

Well Ill go read it, perhaps ill return one day when I have some footing


cilicon yes.........."A mobo isn't the only thing that can burnout" If ya get what im sayin ^_^
:woot: :woot:


looks like i left my brain on the pillow again

Untill then!


marcus


thanks again man.

[Fission]

XS is about 10 useless responses from haters to every 1 useful response. Not to say this will be of any use, but I will try and spur the knowledgable haters into correcting me and eventually suggesting to you how to overclock your system.

Of course the make of RAM will be important, but soem general advice in overclocking a 64:

The CPU multiplier (FID in some BIOSes) will be unlocked down, meaning if you have a 11x multiplier (11x200 = 2.2Ghz) you can set it to 6x, 8x, or whatever. Yes, this is underclocking your CPU, but the performance from A64s is not the Mhz, it is the awesome memory performance. Once you've dropped the multiplier (9/10 is pretty sweet prolly) you can turn the HTT up higher (9x250 for example). This will keep the clocks low, so it is doubtful you have to give the chip any more voltage or cooling, but will give your memory a boost, and should be faster than before for benchmarks and stuff. If your RAM can't run at 250 though, you'll want to set the ratio, or RAM divider, so that your RAM is underclocked, then you crank up the HTT until the RAM is fast, but still stable. Someone who has that board will want to give you the specific settings, I have the 939 of the same basic board. I will offer that in order to get over 300HTT mine requires high chipset voltage, and to go over 250 with stability, it is best to clock the AGP frequency at 67 or 68 Mhz. I am not sure if that board has all the SATA ports locked, or if you are even using a SATA drive, so more info will be nice, but I think with a 3700+, you'll benefit most from dropping that multiplier and getting the HTT up. 2.5-2.7Ghz should be pretty realistic on that chip with decent air or average water cooling, but I am hesitant to reccomend changing the Vcore to yuo since I think that board might give enough power to actually damage your processor ( which is a good thing). The vCore on my DFI is whack, totally not what the BIOS suggests, so before you mess with the voltages on any long-term basis, talk to someone who has that board. There are many hurdles you'll encounter along the way, but ALL 64s are meant to be run out of spec, and I doubt you'll go back to stock for any reason once you get your feet wet.

Even though you'll see people on here with like 90GB of RAM and Athlon128s, your system is still nice, and even being slightly dated, it's quality stuff, lots of headroom for benching.

[albumleaf]

XS is about 10 useless responses from haters to every 1 useful response. Not to say this will be of any use, but I will try and spur the knowledgable haters into correcting me and eventually suggesting to you how to overclock your system.

Of course the make of RAM will be important, but soem general advice in overclocking a 64:

The CPU multiplier (FID in some BIOSes) will be unlocked down, meaning if you have a 11x multiplier (11x200 = 2.2Ghz) you can set it to 6x, 8x, or whatever. Yes, this is underclocking your CPU, but the performance from A64s is not the Mhz, it is the awesome memory performance. Once you've dropped the multiplier (9/10 is pretty sweet prolly) you can turn the HTT up higher (9x250 for example). This will keep the clocks low, so it is doubtful you have to give the chip any more voltage or cooling, but will give your memory a boost, and should be faster than before for benchmarks and stuff. If your RAM can't run at 250 though, you'll want to set the ratio, or RAM divider, so that your RAM is underclocked, then you crank up the HTT until the RAM is fast, but still stable. Someone who has that board will want to give you the specific settings, I have the 939 of the same basic board. I will offer that in order to get over 300HTT mine requires high chipset voltage, and to go over 250 with stability, it is best to clock the AGP frequency at 67 or 68 Mhz. I am not sure if that board has all the SATA ports locked, or if you are even using a SATA drive, so more info will be nice, but I think with a 3700+, you'll benefit most from dropping that multiplier and getting the HTT up. 2.5-2.7Ghz should be pretty realistic on that chip with decent air or average water cooling, but I am hesitant to reccomend changing the Vcore to yuo since I think that board might give enough power to actually damage your processor ( which is a good thing). The vCore on my DFI is whack, totally not what the BIOS suggests, so before you mess with the voltages on any long-term basis, talk to someone who has that board. There are many hurdles you'll encounter along the way, but ALL 64s are meant to be run out of spec, and I doubt you'll go back to stock for any reason once you get your feet wet.

Even though you'll see people on here with like 90GB of RAM and Athlon128s, your system is still nice, and even being slightly dated, it's quality stuff, lots of headroom for benching.

Your reply is so poorly written that it's more of a detriment to his overclocking knowledge than anything.

And now, a more productive post:
this link (http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20823) and this link together should tell you everything you need to know to overclock your box/mobo problems (http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38940").

I must say however, the DFI-Street forums are only good for diagnosing mobo specific issues, if you'd like to discuss more technical things, I'd definitely stick to the AMD/Xtreme Bandwidth forums here. Welcome and hopefully your Claw clocks well :D.

[Fission]

^ Zing!

IMHO, my rant > the DFI-Street referral, but you are right in that it looks and reads like dog:banana::banana::banana::banana:. Still though, someone with some knowledge will better destroy it than you have.

P.S -nice overclock in yer sig! 2.6Ghz on only 1.72 vcore?!?! WR for sure!

[albumleaf]

^ Zing!

IMHO, my rant > the DFI-Street referral, but you are right in that it looks and reads like dog:banana::banana::banana::banana:. Still though, someone with some knowledge will better destroy it than you have.

P.S -nice overclock in yer sig! 2.6Ghz on only 1.72 vcore?!?! WR for sure! How'd you get the 10x multi on a venice 3k? LRN2OCKTHXBYE!

1. If you've read any of my other posts, you'd realize I know that I got a shafty core
2. I'm pretty sure people would prefer accurate information and readable content over your middle school quality paragraph, but whatever works.
3. 10x multi is default for the socket 754 3000+, so I'd suggest you start learning a bit more before you crap on my posts.

EDIT:
4. Nice attempt at editing your post to make you seem like less of an idiot, don't you have homework to do? I recall having to get up around 6:00AM for 9th grade.
5. I'm done with this thread unless the OP has any more questions, enjoy.

[Fission]

I removed that before you posted, after seeing that for venice is now available on 754, and I am not attacking what knowledge you may have and are withholding, simply calling that if you can offer anything to this guy except for grammatical corrections you should do so.

And I agree, you did get taken to clownschool with that processor, and probably should have posted that it was the new 754 venice unless you want it to look worse than it really is.
And how did you know I was in grade 9?

[albumleaf]

I removed that before you posted, after seeing that for venice is now available on 754, and I am not attacking what knowledge you may have and are withholding, simply calling that if you can offer anything to this guy except for grammatical corrections you should do so.

And I agree, you did get taken to clownschool with that processor, and probably should have posted that it was the new 754 venice unless you want it to look worse than it really is.
And how did you know I was in grade 9?

The quality of your posts, although if my sarcasm detector is broken and you are indeed in 9th grade, you're head and shoulders above your class. At any rate, the DFI NF3 board I'm running is basically the only NF3 board worth owning, so 754 was implied. Cheers, I think we can close this thread now.

[Fission]

I'm pretty happy with my NF3, same thing but 939 flavor. HTT to 345 @1T, no complaints as far as being stuck with a AGP card goes.

That quote you have of me in your sig is maybe funny now, but is from 2.5 year old RAM before CE-6.

[CandymanCan]

Where are you people getting this information about 2 sticks of memory not working on s754 systems? I know tons of people including me who have ran 2 sticks and 3 sticks with no problems.

Look @ my overclock do you see me underclocking due to having 2x1gb of ram.

:nono:

[CandymanCan]

double post.

Also the 3000's have a stock multi of 10. Genius

[Fission]

double post.

Also the 3000's have a stock multi of 10. Genius

but it's a venice, I had never heard of the 754 venices. :banana::banana::banana::banana:.

[CandymanCan]

Venice's have been on s754 for awhile now... :slap:, They replaced newcastle's.

Anyway back to the point. With 2x1gb of ram on youre 3700+ i highly doubt youre gonna have to downclock to a 180 divider. Put the memory in the right slots and you will have no problem, usually DIMM 1 and 3

[albumleaf]

Venice's have been on s754 for awhile now... :slap:, They replaced newcastle's.

Anyway back to the point. With 2x1gb of ram on youre 3700+ i highly doubt youre gonna have to downclock to a 180 divider. Put the memory in the right slots and you will have no problem, usually DIMM 1 and 3

2gb on the NF3 board generally reverts back to DDR333 link for reference. (http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43053&highlight=2gb)

[CandymanCan]

It might revert to DR333 speeds when you boot it up but that doesnt stop you from changing it to where it should be.

I have a CG newcaslte and can run 255 1:1 200 divider if i want i chose not to tho and run with a lower divider for a higher HTT speed.

This thread you showd me only says itll revert to DRR333 sometimes, but as i said just change it back to DDR400... Just because it'll default to DDR333 doesnt mean you'll be forced to stay there. Youre still wrong iv never heard of anyone being forced to stay @ a 180 Divider. Even if there is 1 or so people who have to it doesnt mean he will and i doubt he will.

That guy who said he was forced to run @ 220 HTT is still running @ a 200 divider. Thats isnt forced to run @ 180. On stock anyone should be fine running 1:1 with 2 and 3 sticks of ram. Youre overall overclocks might be lower using 2gb of ram but were not talking about overclocking

[albumleaf]

Actually, upon further research I think it's a problem specific to the Newark core memory controller

[CandymanCan]

Thats a mobile core. Never payed attention to them really.

[STEvil]

Set your cpu multiplier low (6x or so) and test how high your ram will go (probably around 250mhz max) then raise your CPU multiplier and see where your CPU goes (may need to use a divider on the ram to keep it below its ceiling).

If you've got good enough cooling you can probably throw 1.75v at the CPU no problem but stay at or under 2.8v for the ram since most chips found on 1gb sticks dont seem to like voltage a ton.

As i'm unsure of what exact chips are on your ram i'm not sure what timings may work the best, so try 3-3-3-x (cas-trcd-trp-tras).

[CandymanCan]

I wouldnt recomend going beyond 1.7v for a clawhammer

[Zeus]

Where are you people getting this information about 2 sticks of memory not working on s754 systems? I know tons of people including me who have ran 2 sticks and 3 sticks with no problems.

Look @ my overclock do you see me underclocking due to having 2x1gb of ram.

:nono:

Perhaps this was a problem back then with older cores?
I've owned a 3400+ Clawhammer C0 core that clocked very bad with 2x512 installed and my later 3400+NewCastle hated it as well.

Running 2x512 stock speeds was no problem.
Never tried 2T though, imo 2T is worthless.

If my information is inaccurate i'm sorry, it's over a year ago since i played with my NF3 S754 DFI board, things like memorycontrollers and bios' might have been improved over time.

[CandymanCan]

Well i know the first CO revision's had problems with 2 sticks of ram mainly 2gb of ram. After CG tho which is stil la very old revision like mine my cpu is 2 years old now the first CG revision and like i said i dont have a problem with 2 or 3 sticks of 512mb or 2 sticks of 1gb.

With 3 sticks of ram you need to run the 2T timming but its like that for all the A64's

[i found nemo]

2x512 = ram holdup @ 260 which is perfect for 2600 mhz :D don't go beyond 1.7 for a clawhammer? lol .... ahhh that's gr8

[CandymanCan]

I said i dont recomend it. AMD stated that 1.7v is the offical limit for the newcastle and clawhammer. If you wanan take the chance of slowly killing youre cpu's overclock with youre stupid 1.8v be my guest.

Im only being honest here and stating the obvius. 1.75v i guess is ok but i still say 1.7 for a cpu like that and nothing more.

Most A64's dont overclock any higher with more then 1.65v anyway. What youre cooling nemo? Maybe he should pmp 1.9v in his clawhammer with his Air cooling Im sure his cpu would love the extra 20mhz and the 70c temps.

[i found nemo]

amd did NOT say 1.7v. right on the damn ihs it says 1.5v so why would they give you .20 v more head room? my cooling is a64 freezer. even if amd said that 1.7 is limit. then i must point out to you that amd also said my clawhammer is 1.8ghz lol which is now 2.6ghz.

[Neolith11o11]

Thanks a bunch to everyone that said something, its been usefull. unfortunetly im going to have to print this out for a later date. I went home to play with some of the settings last night, and well....no post. Tried all the obvious things, mobo jumps, different vid cards, keyboards, reset CMOS yada yada...yada yada...mobo posts with a new chip. diagnostic wont pass FF. Conclusion bad chip (damn me for saving $50 and going newegg). However I'm skipping the newegg bs, and am going to RMA it with AMD process has begun already. At this point I hadnt actually done anything as far as tweaking. It was going to be my first boot. Should take about 2 weeks my guess. But I get what most of you are saying, this isnt nearly as complicated as I had thought it would be (So far). What signifigance am I gaining by using DIMM's 1&3 vs 1&2?

Is it true you can just download a new bios? Ive heard of people downloading some different bios for this board the name of it i cant remember, but it was named after the man who designed it for DFI. If I am correct, exactly how would I go about doing that?

[CandymanCan]

amd did NOT say 1.7v. right on the damn ihs it says 1.5v so why would they give you .20 v more head room? my cooling is a64 freezer. even if amd said that 1.7 is limit. then i must point out to you that amd also said my clawhammer is 1.8ghz lol which is now 2.6ghz.


1.5v and 1.8ghz is the stock operating speed. You dont know anything about computers. AMD did release a document telling people that 1.7v is the MAX safe limit of the Clawhammer and Newcastle, I think its the same for the venice.

Being said alot of people also agree that around 1.7v is the highest anyone on air and water should go for these cpu. People's opinions may vary between 1.7-1.75v but anyone i bet can agree besides you that 1.8v and above is just plain stupid. Youre idiocy amazes me.

Anyway usually slots 1-3 work better for people instead of 1-2. Try all off them for youre memory. Try 2-3 also

[i found nemo]

1.5v and 1.8ghz is the stock operating speed. You dont know anything about computers.

exactaly why would you give it 1.7v for 1.8ghz when it only needs 1.5 to run stock settings .... link it or shut it

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=95179

as stated several times in that thread, as long as cooling is adequit give it all the volts it wants. i understand that voltage can kill a cpu or an over-clock, tha's my risk. this is xtremesystems where people run 1.8+ volts on cpu's for the hell of it.

[Fission]

Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

http://www.salmonkings.com/PhotoArchives/Sorvin/Feb042005/Voltera%20fight.jpg

[CandymanCan]

I understand this is extremesystems. This isnt tho extreme screw other's computer's up.com

I simply suggested what i think and many others think he shouldnt go beyond you dont like well tough.

AMD didnt say it was rated for 1.7v @ 1.8ghz or w/e speed "a" cpu is @ they stated that the MAXIMUM Operating safe voltage limit for the cpu is 1.7v any higher and you risk youre cpu, just like the cpu's are RATED for a MAXIMUM of 70c, and 65c for the newer core's any higher and you risk killing or damadging the cpu. You ever heard of electromigration ?

Either put up or shut noob :slapass:

Btw were not talking about "YOURE RISK" were talking about the thread makers risk, and 1.7-1.75v is high enough for any A64.

Youre giving out false information and youre also giving out information that can possibly kill someone's cpu, or kill there overclock potential by saying go ahead give it 1.8+ volts.

[Fission]

You two need to get a room. Welcome to XS Neolith11o11 !

[CandymanCan]

lol

[i found nemo]

why would they say 1.7 is safe? isn't over volting a cpu ( beyond factory setting ) voiding warranty? okay, take ur newcastle go in for a rma and explain that it was stock but still 1.7 volts cuz amd said it was safe. because something stupid like not using the amd heat sink is a breach of warranty too right? so why would amd inform you to pump the voltage up and increase thier rma's? and i'm not giving out information. if i was giving out information, a factual statement that could kill his computer quote it and i'm still awaiting the 1.7v for a64's cuz last i checked opty's was dyin' at those volts.

[WeStSiDePLaYa]

people, he has a CLAWHAMMER. those can take the volts. i wouldnt flinch feeding it 1.9v.

i run a 90nm venice at 1.9v without problem, so do many other people.

ive NEVER heard of a chip dying with 2.0v or less if heat wasnt a problem.

[i found nemo]

people, he has a CLAWHAMMER. those can take the volts. i wouldnt flinch feeding it 1.9v.

i run a 90nm venice at 1.9v without problem, so do many other people.

ive NEVER heard of a chip dying with 2.0v or less if heat wasnt a problem.

pwned

[Fission]

people, he has a CLAWHAMMER. those can take the volts. i wouldnt flinch feeding it 1.9v.

i run a 90nm venice at 1.9v without problem, so do many other people.

ive NEVER heard of a chip dying with 2.0v or less if heat wasnt a problem.

I have killed a chip that never exceeded 50 celcius and was always in the mid 30s, but was at 1.825v 24/7. Now you have. If you're running that at 1.9v 24/7, you're on crazy pills. If it's just for benching, fly at her, but don't be surprised when it starts needing more voltage at all frequencies.
As far as an RMA goes with AMD, just pay the 30$ for an express exchange and you can send them a piece of toast as long as the heatsink is in tact. As if the dude who answers the phones or replies to the emails cares at all about what voltage you gave it, he will just give you a number and you give him the credit card#, end of story, check the mail.

[STEvil]

I found nemo and Candymancan - you're both right, now drop it.

There are PDF's which state the max voltage (both for the CPU and for RAM) from AMD.

The clawhammer cores will easily take 1.8v with enough cooling but generally you wont see much for gains above 1.7v.

[Neolith11o11]

The RMA will be here tomorrow! WOW that was fast god bless AMD. Westside....I heard the board defaults to 333mhz on the ram on boot, am I going to have to get small stick of 333 to get things rolling? Or will it read my 400mhz just say its only 512mb? Also are their any other small tricks I might have to do to get this beast running? I only ask because its my first experience with Lanparty, untill now I was a dedicated ASUS diehard >_<


As far as Voltage, I know this board can take whatever I throw at it(read a 3.1v w/dryice), and the chip from what I know to be true is pretty damn good. I've seen people hitting over 2.0v (god knows how long it lasted) however. With overclocking I obvously want to keep my temp's down, what should I aim for as optimal....AMD says 70c max but I am assuming that OC'ing might change that number as the system is running alot harder. I'm running water cool so I should be ok to begin with.


1.7v....That would set me around 2.8 or so? What would be my estimated mhz if I got crazy and jumped it to around 2.0? Would my gains be significant then? Yes I plan on having the computer more than a few months but Probably around summer next year Upgrading to a new socket...A2 is looking mighty pretty ;)