[Case]

Hey guys,

I just built my first computer and am really interested in learning how to OC. I have the BE 955. I get that I can raise the multiplier and need to run stress tests to make sure it is stable, but what I am having trouble with is how to make the other adjustments such as CPU-FSB freq. which is at (200) and some of the other things like NB volts, HT Link volts. Here is what I have my system set to now from just making some minor adjustments. Any help in getting me started in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. i would like to get this thing to 4GHz stable if possible.

CPU-FSB (200)
multiplier (19)
CPU-NB Freq 2000MHZ
FSB/DRAM ratio 1:3.33
DRAM freq 1333MHz
HT Link Freq 2000MHz
CPU volt 1.40
CPU-NB volt (auto)
Dram volt (auto)
NB volt (auto)
SB volt (auto)
HT Link volt (auto)

I noticed when I was running my trading program today and had a few other things open the temps were fine but it seemed that things were unstable, web sites were not working right and my screens were flickering.

 

[blakmumba]

Hi, ive got a similar spec to yours (different mobo so keep an eye on yr temps) and my voltages are:
Cpu - 1.409V running at 4.01ghz (Multiplier x20, Bus Speed 200) (can increase upto 1.55V but the lower the better - less heat),
Cpu/NB Frequency - 1.18V (up to 1.35 -1.4V but the lower the better) @ 2600mhz.
Keep your HT Link at 2000mhz and up yr cpu/nb to 2600mhz.

Always try with lower voltages 1st (try mine which are LOW) and if it fails to boot add in small amounts of voltages to the cpu. Once into windows run Prime95 Blend test and also run AOD Stress test.

 

[Case]

Hi, I will give that a try and thanks. Which test should I run first and how will I know if everything is going ok?

 

[blakmumba]

I usually run AOD Stress Test for 1 hour 1st as this quickly shows up any errors. If this completes successfully I then run Prime95 for roughly 8hrs but on most occasions only for 2hrs. Alot of people say to leave it on overnight for approx 12+hrs but im not so keen on stressing my pc especially my cpu for so long (read in another article that even if you do leave it running on overnight or 12+ hrs you still cannot say for surely that my pc is 'stable' as to have a stable pc you would need prime95 running continuously - logic really). After all that you can test your memory for any errors using MemTest86+ or just start GAMING lol as that does stress your cpu etc out.

 

[Case]

Hmmm, the lowest I can adjust the CPU-NB is down to 1.265v.

 

[blakmumba]

Try this - Hypertransport 2000-2200MHz and Nortbridge 2400-2600MHz. Put CPU/NB voltage 1.25-1.3v. Put NB at 1.2v and leave Hypertransport voltage on auto.

 

[Case]

Ok but when I adjust the NB to 1.20v it raise the SB volts to 1.296 and the HT Link volts to 1.314 automatically. How can i get HT Link volts to auto?

 

[blakmumba]

Thats happening because youve left the SB and HT LINK volts to auto. Try this, put the NB back to Auto and save and exit. Restart and enter bios and take the readings what the voltages are at the moment and make a note of them (may be displayed next to current v, under voltage monitor etc). Next increase nb/cpu voltage and change the SB and HT Link volts to the voltages that you had just written down. Save and reboot and enter bios to confirm correct voltages.

 

[Case]

They all move together NB, SB and HT Link volts. When I try and adjust the NB the HT moves and vice versa. When I try and put HT on auto then the NB and SB go on auto, I don't know why they won't adjust separately.

 

[blakmumba]

just a dumb question - do you have the latest bios?

 

[Case]

I am not sure, the computer is only a few months old.

 

[blakmumba]

Ok check at the bottom of the bios screen or restart your computer and press the Pause/Break button at the info screen (black screen at start up where it tells you the processor/ram/hard drives connected etc) and check the bios number as iv just been on the msi website and they had just released a new bios last month.

 

[Case]

I checked the Bios and the version is 10.4 which i assume is the latest one. I went to the MSI web site and used the automatic updater and the Bios number is still the same.

 

[xd_1771]

It's really not safe at all to OC any 125W processor on that motherboard
Low quality 4+1 phase unheatsinked with known problems on high TDP (and known design issues)
+ 125W processor
+ tower heatsink
Yeah, don't do it

You should get a new motherboard first

 

[Case]

When you say not safe do you mean I could fry something? What MB would be a good one to get? So not even a mild OC?

 

[Case]

Does anyone have some suggestions on what MB I should get for my BE 955? I don't know a lot about these things lol.

 

[pc-illiterate]

http://www.overclock.net/amd-motherb...hase-list.html
thats the motherboard list. a few guys here put this together to help us nubs not buy a crap board and have our pc/house catch on fire. if you need specifics on a board, plenty of knowledgeable forum regulars will/can help you.

 

[Case]

Thanks for the info! Wow there are a lot of different boards. I noticed there is something called a heat sink you can add to the MB to cool the MOSFET's? I wonder if I could add one or some to my existing MB and get by without having to buy another MB or would it be better just to get a new one all together?

 

[B NEGATIVE]

Msi are not known for good VRM's on some boards,maybe better just to switch out. I dont know if your aware that flashing bios can be risky,could brick your board if not done correctly. the standard thinking is to do it from boot as flashing in an OS environment is risky.

 

[Case]

Well, I only paid about $60 for this MB. From what I have read it seems like the Gigabyte and ASUS are the ones to go with, just not sure which one to get. I am not a big gamer I just want a fast computer for stock trading. Could I get one reasonably priced that would be OK for what I need it for? A lot of this is so new to me lol.