[keesh]

Hey there. My first thread/post so bear with me. Just upgraded my MB from a GA-MA78LM to a MSI 880GM-E41 mATX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130295 with the hopes that I'd be able to OC this CPU better. I realize it is an old processor but I also hoped I could unlock it.

I also purchased a Zalman 92mm heatsink/fan (the kind that points up, not the ones that stick up and then push the air to the side) to replace my old stock HSF. I am using Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound.

I got everything assembled, computer POST'd fine.

With my previous mobo, I had the clock at somewhere around 3.7 Ghz stable (from 2.9 Ghz). It was running very hot (~65C) but it was stable. I turned it down to not do any damage, but I thought a new cooler would allow me to take it a bit higher or at least keep the temp down.

I didn't manage to unlock any cores, which to my understanding is really just about the luck of the draw. Oh well. Moving on...

So far, I can boot to 3,510 Mhz which is a FSB of 242 and x 14.5 multiplier. The HT link is 1936 at x8. The vCore is 1.444, CPUNB is 1.199 and the DRAM voltage is 1.673 (high?) Other settings:

FSB/DRAM ratio- 1:2.66
DRam Freq- 1291 Mhz
timings 9-9-9-24 1T

ACC- Disabled
Spread Spectrum- Disabled
C1E- Disabled
Cool and Quiet- Disabled
Phase Control- Disabled

Currently, it idles at a shatteringly cool 22C. It loads at around 40C with max fan, I can get it to 36C if I put a fan outside my case and point it directly in. So temperature certainly isn't the issue.

Here is the issue...

If I try to push the FSB anywhere past 242, it won't boot. It will POST, and then the POST screen will say the overclock settings didn't work, and force me to run the BIOS to fix it. (Sometimes the BIOS messes up entirely, gives me a CMOS checksum error, forcing me to flash them)

The reason I am posting is because I think I could push this card to 265-270 FSB (I've googled around and seen it done). If only my motherboard would let me!
Is there a setting that is not allowing me to boot with these higher FSB numbers?
I suppose I could mess with the voltages more... or the HT link maybe? Should I lower the multiplier and try raising the FSB?

Thanks

 

[The Sandman]

I'd recommend looking your mobo up on this thread and do a little reading before proceeding with any OCing. You already have a 95w cpu which is well... look for your self and see what's recommended I just hate being the barer of bad news. Seriously.
http://www.overclock.net/amd-motherb...hase-list.html

 

[Heavy MG]

The specs from the power phase list:
MSI 880GM-E41
3+1 phase
Heatinked-No
CPU TDP support-95W
recommended-95W max, no OC
Unfortunately ,your CPU is a 95W,which is the maximum that motherboard supports. Even with heatsinks on the VRM's it is OC at your own risk.
I'd recommend replacing it with a better MSI, or Asus or Gigabyte board.

 

[xd_1771]

Labelled 95W max/no OC due to overall MSI VRM quality hurdles
They can fail on 95W CPUs - not often but it can happen

If you do overclock, focus on something at stock volts but past there and you're definitely on your own

 

[keesh]

Well thanks, I suppose I was afraid of that. Basically I should leave volts @ stock and take it from there?

Or should I get a better board? What micro ATX boards are good? Is it possible newegg would let me exchange it? I really don't want to fry anything.

I looked up some mobos off the power phase list

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138190

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130269

I wish I would have known this would have been an issue. Goes to show a little bit of research goes a long way. Is anyone aware if newegg would swap them out? I bought it less than a week ago and I got the 1 year replacement plan.

 

[keesh]

any opinions?

 

[xd_1771]

No worries, it's pretty heavy underlooked
A full size ATX mobo may be a better choice for you cost-wise...

 

[keesh]

heavy underlooked? not sure what you mean. I guess a full size would be better. I would have to buy a new case as well. thanks!

 

[keesh]

well in case anyone cares (which I doubt, hah) I have already sent it back, claiming a defect in the CMOS (which it did have, gave me checksum errors and whatnot) Anywhoo.. I am taking xd's advice and buying a full size ATX. I have used better judgement, and I am going with the ASUS m4A89TD. It seems like a good choice for a couple reasons... upgradability- I can upgrade to the new bulldozer chip, and do crossfire with 2 x16 cards. And of course, 140W TDP support with VRM protection means I can OC my current/future chip (mostly) without fear of any meltdowns. 8 pin CPU plug and 6+2 phase count is good, yes? any comments?

 

[J-Ro]

I still wouldn't necessarily plan on much more overclocking. There are several of us that have the x3 Athlons who have hit a wall at 3.5-3.6Ghz. A bunch more tweaking has not been able to push them any further. If you were at 3.7, you were doing pretty good.

As always, your mileage may vary, but that might be about it.

 

[xd_1771]

The VRM issue is not something many people pay attention to, a lot of people will cheap out on motherboards
CrossfireX above 8x-8x would only be useful with extremely high end cards by the way, if you're looking to save some cash perhaps an M4A89GTD would do as well.

 

[ronnin426850]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xd_1771 The VRM issue is not something many people pay attention to, a lot of people will cheap out on motherboards CrossfireX above 8x-8x would only be useful with extremely high end cards by the way, if you're looking to save some cash perhaps an M4A89GTD would do as well.

+1. Very few ppl actually can use 16x-16x PCI-e.
You'd need 2x Monster GPU and 1x Monster CPU

 

[keesh]

Ahh I see I see. That helps! If that is the case, then I certainly can save some money and not buy the higher end boards with the two x16 PCIe 2.0 slots. As for hitting a wall with my CPU, well I guess that is to be foreseen. Everything has a limit. As for the VRM thing, I discovered the thread about phase control and VRM protection after I bought a new MB. I am glad I am better informed now. Thanks for everyone's help.