Specific OCing settings for the KX7-333R

[serlv]

I have 2 of these boards. One I run at like 143 x 12, w a locked 1900.

The other is my latest machine. It has an unlocked 1800 in there. I've been playing around with settings. Right now, it is 136 * 12.5@1704. (137 and 138) wanted to reboot the machine after a bit.

For now, I'm mainly focused on the 1800 machine. RAM and cooling, is Corsair XMS PC3000 and Thermalright SLK-800. HDD is WD 80gigSE, case is Antec AMG1080 w 2 added Sunon high output 80mm's, the HS's fan is the same.

What settings should I try? Lower multi/higher FSB comes to mind. What about voltages, mem settings. Though I've dabbled w some OCing a little for quite a while now, I am pretty inexperienced at hardcore OCing and various nuances, settings and considerations.

Some suggestions would be appreciated. And no, the suggestion to send it to you is not acceptable! :)

TIA

[026TB4U]

The first thing I would do is make sure you have the latest bios.

Next, I would set the fsb and mem to 133/133. Run the chip up and see what it tops out at. You will have to increase your core voltage whenever you get a no boot. Once in windows, run Prime 95 torture test to check for stability. Booting into Windows does not mean it's stable. Test with P95 to avoid intermittent reboots. Also, watch your temps since you're increasing voltage.

I'll be back later to finish this up..........gotta work on my new XP problem.

[026TB4U]

Are we ready for phase II?

[026TB4U]

Once you have determined your processor's max overclock, set your memory to Paul's FAQ's optimum memory settings:




Increasing the FSB (for PC2700 memory only)

Assuming your processor is unlocked, increase the FSB in SoftMenu III as follows:

Set the CPU operating speed on User Define
Increase CPU FSB to 166MHz
Reduce multiplier so that multiplier X 166 approximately equals the rated speed of your processor (see processor section for the actual speeds of the AthlonXP processors).
Set Speed Error Hold on disabled
Set the Ratio (FSB:AGP:PCI) on 5:2:1 to ensure that the AGP and PCI buses are not overclocked
If your processor is not unlocked, you will be unable to modify the multiplier setting. You should therefore just try increasing the FSB as much as possible without sacrificing stability. Assuming you are unable to reach an FSB of 166MHz you will have to decide whether to set the Ratio (FSB:AGP:PCI) on 5:2:1 or 4:2:1. The former case will result in a slightly underclocked PCI bus, and the latter case in a slightly overclocked PCI bus. This will obviously impact on the speed of your disks, graphics card and other peripherals.

Optimum SDRAM Settings

The optimum settings for your RAM are set in the Advanced Chipset Features menu, under the "DRAM Clock/Drive Control" menu, and are as follows:

You may need to increase the DDR Voltage to 2.65v or 2.75v to achieve stability with faster memory settings
If you have PC2700 (or higher) memory set the DRAM clock to 166MHz. If you have PC2100 memory set the DRAM Clock to 133MHz and if you have PC1600 memory use 100MHz. Do not use the "By SPD" setting as this can occasionally cause problems.
For optimum DRAM Timing, set to manual then configure as follows:
Almost all DDR memory, whether specified as CAS 2 or 2.5, will run with a DRAM CAS Latency of 2. Set to 2 for optimum performance.
Bank Interleave set to 4
Precharge to Active (Trp) to 2T
Active to Precharge (Tras) to 5T
Active to CMD (Trcd) to 2T
Leave the "DDR DQS" settings on Auto. That said, one user found that he had to change the DDR DQS input delay to 20 and DDR DQS output delay to 40 to achieve stability.
MD Drive Strength and CMD Drive Strength settings should normally be left on Auto unless you are experiencing instability (particularly with multiple DIMMs) in which case try manually using the other settings. Use HI if you experience stability problems with multiple DIMMs. It has no performance impact.
Enable Enhance DRAM Performance for better performance. (This setting appears to do no more than increase the FSB by 1MHz!)
Set DRAM Access on 2T for improved performance.
DRAM needs to be refreshed at a certain interval and this can be done one row at a time or in a queued manner in which a certain number of rows are refreshed in burst mode. Set "DRAM Queue Depth" on "4 Level" for optimum performance.
DRAM Command Rate on 1T (this can offer significant speed enhancements, but is usually not be possible with even the better quality memory or with several DIMMs. It can also contribute to the infamous "infinite loop" error with NVidia graphics drivers)
The role of DCLK Feedback Delay is not fully understood and should be left at 0ps until more information is found!
See also What are the optimum BIOS settings? on BIOS page, for non-memory related performance enhancing settings.


Again, test for stability using P95.

If everything is fine with the above, then you are ready to change your multiplier and fsb settings.

First try 166/166 fsb/mem with the aggressive settings above. This should not be a problem with the Corsair. You will need to lower your multiplier when you raise your fsb. An example for your 1800+ which runs at 1530 mhz would be as follows:

Stock configuration 11.5 X 133 = 1530 mhz
New configuration

9 x 166 = 1494 mhz
or
9.5 x 166 = 1577 mhz

I am using 166/166 fsb/mem as an example. Your system may run higher. I personally wouldn't run higher than 180fsb due to the lack of a 1/6 divider.

Right now, running at 166fsb, you set your dividers to the 5:2:1 setting. This runs your pci at 33 mhz (166/5) and your AGP at 66 mhz.

With a 180fsb, it will run your pci at 36mhz (180/5) and AGP at 72mhz. There are people that run higher but I don't think it's worth the risk to the other components in the system.

If I'm unclear on anything, just LMK.

Now go overclock that B*tch :D.

[leonardo]

With that fine, fine XMS RAM, there is no reason why your system shouldn't be able run stabily at 190+ FSB. Bump your vcore and DDR voltage up and start working your way up the FSB ladder. Use a low multiplier so that it won't be a factor in determining FSB capability of your your CPU(s). You really shouldn't have any problems on the PCI bus or AGP buses. Heck, I'm running RAID 0 completely stable at 192FSB/10Multi. (No.1 below). This is not bragging by any means; many folks are running at 200FSB or more with PC2700/3200 DDR RAM.