MSI K8N Neo2 OC advice

[Qarl]

Well, here's my specs and my settings. I'm fairly happy with the results, but it seems like other people here are doing much better. Please feel free to offer any advice!

Board: MSI K8N Neo2
CPU: A64 3500+
Memory: XMS-PC3500C2 Rev1.1 (2-3-3-7-1T) --chip--> Winbond BH-5 2x512 in slot 3&4
Video Card: Ati Radeon 9700 Pro
HDD: WD Raptor 36Gb on SATA port 1
Sound Card: Soundblaster Audigy 2
Power Supply: Antec Truepower 430

BIOS VERSION = 1.50
Cell Menu-->
Memory Submenu --> 200Mhz, 1T, 2, 3, 8, 3
Cell Menu-> shift+F2 then Alt+F3 -->
Hiperf = manual
agp drive = disabled
speedup = disable
Dram Strength = normal
spread-spec = disabled
HTT = 4x
Mult = 11x
FSB = 228
agp = 67
vcore = 1.425
vid = 0%
vdimm = 2.85
agp =1.65

Notes: Increasing the CPU voltage seems to make thing more unstable for me. As far as dropping down the multiplier to 10.5x or 10x, that doesn't allow me to reach as high of CPU MHz at a 1:1 memory ratio, but I can get the FSB up to around 238 (again at a 1:1 memory ratio.)

[CD 1986]

First thing, you must use SATA ports 3 & 4 (nearest the CPU socket). This will allow you to reach higher HTTs since ports 3 & 4 are locked, whereas ports 1 & 2 are not!

Also, memory slots 1 & 2 are usually recommended for overclocking, so i'd switch your memory to those slots (nearest the CPU socket again).

Then drop your HTT multiplier to 3x and see how far you can raise the HTT, using a low CPU multiplier such as 7x. Remember to use memory dividers if you want to see how far you can get HTT.

Once you've found your max CPU overclock on stock volts, try upping the Vcore to get more speed out of it. You can then play with further with memory timings / voltages / dividers.

Your main problem should be due to using the unlocked SATA ports, which can corrupt your data as well as hugely hindering your overclock. Most Neo2 boards can hit 300HTT+ using 1.5 bios.

[Qarl]

Many thanks CD 1986! I'll give it a go as soon as I'm able.

[ColdCollisions]

I had stability issues on A64 using 430w truepower, that went away when I changed to a Hiper type-r 480w.