I need advice on overclocking XP 1800+

Current CPU: XP 1800+ (palomino)
multiplier = 11.5
FSB = 133

Current Mobo: ECS K7S5A
Current RAM: generic 256 + 126 mb PC 133 ram (left-overs from my older P3 600mhz)
Current Video: ATI radeon 8500oem 64mb.


I heard that I could over clock XP 1800+ just by getting a better mobo and RAM, and I don't even have to unlock the multipliers. Is it true?

I'm planning on buying OCZ 400mhz DDR (US$110) with either Asus A7N8X delux mobo (US$120) or Soltek 75FRN2-L mobo (US$85)

If I buy A7N8X or 75FRN2-L board with 400mhz DDR, is is possible for me to overclock my XP1800+ to XP3200+ (or even XP2500 lvl?)


Is it worth to spend all that money on overclocking?
Or should I save the money now and wait for the new 64bit processor that would make even 2500+ obsolete?

I'm confused and all...
I need help!

I had an nForce2 mobo, NF7-S rev1.0, and a 2000+ pally, couldn't do much as my pally was locked. I couldn't play with the multi, only the FSB - managed a miserable 166mhz up to 170mhz OC on FSB, and that was it!:( Your choice is to up your cpu to a Barton and an nForce2 mobo or wait for the next gen stuff. It's up to you, dude.:)

Don't even bother trying to overclock with your K7S5A setup. Just bring the CAS latency down to 2 and call it good.

As for your future mobo, if you MUST choose between those two-get the A7N8X Deluxe.

An A64 setup will be quite expensive and IMO, will not hold any benefit to you. Don't forget that you'll need a 64-bit OS to go with it too.

Quote:

---

I heard that I could over clock XP 1800+ just by getting a better mobo and RAM, and I don't even have to unlock the multipliers. Is it true?

---

False, that is true only with the Thoroughbred and Barton lines.

Do you have adequate cooling for you overclocking venture, BTW? By adequate I don't mean stock cooling either.

If you are looking for a good OCer and a good price newegg has RDA+ for $79. That K7S5A just isn't made for OCing. You'd also want TBred, and some DDR (PC2700 at least).

1700+ $47
RDA+ $79
DDR $98 (2x256MB PC2700 Crucial)
Total:$224

I'm not saying you have to get it because it is what I have, just saying it's about the best and cheapest way to OC.

OT: my 1700th post, now my post count matches my processor, time to upgrade.;)

Quote:

---

If you are looking for a good OCer and a good price newegg has RDA+ for $79. That K7S5A just isn't made for OCing. You'd also want TBred, and some DDR (PC2700 at least).

1700+ $47
RDA+ $79
DDR $98 (2x256MB PC2700 Crucial)
Total:$224

I'm not saying you have to get it because it is what I have, just saying it's about the best and cheapest way to OC.

OT: my 1700th post, now my post count matches my processor, time to upgrade.

---

I agree with everything there except the RAM. I would get one 512MB stick of Corsair/Geil/OCZ(really doesn't matter since you won't be going hardcore and are on a budget). That way, you get a nice stick of RAM to compensate for the lack of dual-channel while maintaining the ability to upgrade to more RAM later on.:)

IceBlitz, I was in the same boat as you about two weeks ago.:( I'd have something pretty similar to the suggested setup, but I got lucky with my RAM and my proc isn't doing too bad.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by speedstream5621
I agree with everything there except the RAM. I would get one 512MB stick of Corsair/Geil/OCZ(really doesn't matter since you won't be going hardcore and are on a budget). That way, you get a nice stick of RAM to compensate for the lack of dual-channel while maintaining the ability to upgrade to more RAM later on.:)

IceBlitz, I was in the same boat as you about two weeks ago.:( I'd have something pretty similar to the suggested setup, but I got lucky with my RAM and my proc isn't doing too bad.

---

The RDA+ is a dual channel board. I just suggested those sticks cause I was able to get them to 184 and they are on sale.