ECS KA3-MVP overclocking questions...

[Sparhawk]

Hey, I noticed that some other members have had very good results overclocking on my mobo. Just looking for some pointers on settings and what not.
I've managed to get a higher stable overclock on my proc and ram before I switched mobos so I believe that there are some settings that I am missing.
All components are exactly the same except the mobo so I believe it is a bios setting that I'm forgetting.

Oh and my system runs really, really cold even with a slight over clock to 235 MHz clock so i don't believe it is a heat issue.

[robodude666]

Hey there!!

I am VERY glad to see that more users are buying this board. It is a very great budget board that can do some seriously nice OCing! I hope you viewed my thread before and saw my overclock and understood that this board can overclock (What I originally wanted to prove).

Some tips! (Tips mostly got from blake who tought me :) Thanks man! you rock dude!)

First thing you want to do is lower the LDT multiplier down to x3 (600MHz). Then you want to lower the CPU:RAM ratio down to DDR2-667 or 533 (I used DDR2-800 but you seem to be using DDR2-533 ram).

Now we can start overclocking! Oh, don't forget to turn of cool n quiet!

NOW we can start overclocking. I started by setting the CPU multiplier to 10x to it won't change it. Then I bump up the HTT by 1-10MHz. Then boot and run stability tests. If you notice instability, go back into BIOS and bump up the CPU voltage. For some odd reason, for me, the ECS board outputted 1.7v to my DRAM instead of the default 1.9v so make sure your ram isn't being underfed or else it will fail test.

Keep this process up! When you get to like 2.7-2.8GHz youl notice trouble in stability. You may have to add more voltage to CPU then and also to the HTT (NOT link!)

Keep this up and youl be on your way :) The highest I got was 2.0 to 2.8GHz but the temperatures were soo high I didn't want run it.

The tools that I used are:
StressPrime
Memtest (windows version)
OCCT
3DMark03
3DMark06

Good luck! Feel free to ask any questions and let us know what you got!

[Sparhawk]

Thanks for the tips I forgot about the LTD.

I'm planning to put some new ram in my PC soon it'll be Crucial BallistiX Tracer 2GB PC2-6400 Dual Channel DDR2 Kit w/ LED (2 x 1GB) it says it needs 2.2v and i'm not sure if this mobo can do it.
I really like the reviews of this ram but i'm not sure if this mobo will handle it.
Thoughts?

[gvblake22]

Well, as long as the board can detect and set your RAM at 2.2v, then it should be ok. I'd say you have a fine chance if it working ok.

Oh yeah, Welcome to HardwareLogic Sparhawk!!! :wavey:

[Sparhawk]

This is kinda off topic for this post...
I'm wondering what would give the biggest performance boost...
A new videocard (His X1950 Pro 256MB) or new ram 2GB as listed above?

[robodude666]

It depends on what you wanna do. If your planning on overclocking, then getting good fast ram is helpful. Getting 2GB will lower your benchmark scores by a few hundred.

I have that video card and I love it (I had the x1300pro AGP before and I can tell you, its a wonderful upgrade!). If you are planning on overclocking, then save some money and get the Sapphire version or the 1 slot HIS card. This card is Turbo which means its pre-overclocked and you won't get much out of it.

If you want some good DDR2-800 ram, then I suggest checking these bad bodies out:
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
They are $135. I bought them for $150 a week+ ago and I love them. They run on the ProMOS chips which aren't very good, but they work well for me.

These guys:
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
are $175 and are the Micron D9 version of the above ram! These were at like $210ish a few weeks ago. Micron D9s are the best ICs you can get for OCing.

-robodude666

[Sparhawk]

So far I've managed to get a stable overclock @ 2.45 GHz @ ~2.4 vcore.

I was wondering about the effect of the Spread Spectrum on overclocking and processing in general... what does it do?

Oh and there are two voltage levels that I'm confused about should I have to change the NB voltage and HT voltage or should one of them stay the same?

[robodude666]

Originally Posted by Sparhawk

So far I've managed to get a stable overclock @ 2.45 GHz @ ~2.4 vcore.

I was wondering about the effect of the Spread Spectrum on overclocking and processing in general... what does it do?

Oh and there are two voltage levels that I'm confused about should I have to change the NB voltage and HT voltage or should one of them stay the same?

2.4v? You trying fry your CPU? You shouldn't go above like 1.7v unless your on LC!

I run mine at 2.7GHz with 1.3v (go EE!!)

The NB Voltage is the voltage to the northbridge. Then you will probably need to increase by .05 or .1 to get a higher HTT. The HT Voltage is the voltage to the HT Link which connects the NB and CPU. This shouldn't be touched unless 100% needed.

[Sparhawk]

lol just kidding... i meant 1.2-1.5

and do you know anything about spread spectrum?

[robodude666]

Originally Posted by Sparhawk

lol just kidding... i meant 1.2-1.5

and do you know anything about spread spectrum?

1.5v is about the amount most people need to get to for stable OCs on the X2.

I honestly don't know what SS is, but I turned it off (blake had it off :O!)