- last edited on by
ROGBot
ASUS ROG Overclocking
The goal of Overclocking is to increase the speed and performance of your PC beyond Manufacturer specifications.
Benchmarking Super Pi
2: Overclock the System using the ASUS BIOS or ROG connect software "RCtweakit"
Download Super Pi Mod 1.5
3: Run SuperPi from the desktop
- Click “Calculate”
- Select “512K” and click “OK”
- When prompted clock “OK” again to start
- When the Finished window appears DO NOT click OK yet
- Run “CPU-Z” From the desktop
- Take a screen shot by pressing “print screen” on the keyboard and clicking "EDIT -> PASTE" in MS Paint
- Save the Picture under the Benchmark Name and Score
Forums
For Socket 1156 ROG Motherboards: Core i3, i5, i7
To achieve the maximum OC
1. Begin by Increasing the BCLK 5 to 10MHz
2. Run the SuperPi Benchmark to test stability of the overclock
If you crash increase your CPU voltage before you reboot
3. Run SuperPi again to test for stability
4. If stable Continue increasing the BCLK and checking for stability
Unstable System?: increase the voltages and Lower the BCLK (133 BCLK is stock) Keep repeating this until the system is stable.
*Tip*: WARNING too high of a voltage can cause instability!
BCLK MHz
Base Clock- this replaced the older FSB “Front Side Bus”
BCLK x CPU ratio = CPU frequency
Adjust the BCLK frequency to overclock the CPU speed!
PCIE MHz
Periferal Connect Interface Express, this talks to your video cards,
you can test up to 115MHz to see if it improves your BCLK speed when above 200MHZ BCLK
CPU Voltage
-Processor core operating voltage. good start at 1.3v, DO NOT EXCEED 1.55v
IMC Voltage
AKA “VTT” or “QPI” Voltage
QPI Speed increases with BCLK. good start at 1.3v, DO NOT Exceed 1.45v
DRAM Voltage
-Memory Voltage
RAM speed is linked to the BCLK, lock it in at 1.65v DO NOT Exceed 1.75v
CPU PLL Voltage
PLL: Phase Locked Loop voltage
- Processor/IMC(Integrated Memory Controller)/other internal clock cycles
- Clock multiplying of processor is provided by an internal Phase Locked Loop
try voltages Between 1.45v and 1.89v, to find what your CPU likes
PCH Voltage
Platform Controller Hub
- main I/O interface for CPU
The PCH voltage needs to be increased in order to stabilize I/O signaling. DO NOT EXCEED 1.25v
___________________________________________________________________________________
99 recommendations for Tweaking and Preparing Your System for Benchmarking (1-8)
Use 'whole system' performance benchmarks
Tweak insurance part 1: backing up and editing the registry
Tweak Insurance part 2: Creating a system restore point
Saving your hard drive space from the system restore utility
Tweak insurance part 3: Restoring BIOS defaults
Tweak insurance part 4: Use hardware profiles to experiment with system settings.
Editing BIOS settings
Editing registry settings without restarting
BIOS tweaks and Insight (9-13)
Change memory Latency times
Set the correct AGP mode
Update your bios
Disable unneeded ports
Disable built-in features on your motherboard
Overclocking your processor and memory (14-16)
Overclocking the memory/front side bus
Changing the CPU multiplier
Modify Processor and memory voltage
WindowsXP Software and Registry Performance Tweaks (17-46)
Stop the 'last access update' stamp
Disable the 8.3 naming convention
Keep Windows operating data in main memory
Obtain the newest drivers for your hardware
Disable performance counters
Move the page file from system drive
Create a 'permanent' page file
Optimize your page file size
Defrag page file with PageDefrag utility
Set priority for important programs
Check your hard drives with scandisk
Force XP to unload DLL files after closing a program
Thaw out your desktop
Speed up mouse movement, part 1
Speed up mouse movement, part 2
Create a RAID configuration
Disable the themes service
Remove the desktop picture
Change to the NTFS file system
Perform a manual Application and Boot file Defrag
Disable the hibernation feature
Disable automatic sensing on network cards
Use the prefetch switch to load applications faster
Verify DMA mode is set for all drives
Do a windows repair install
Stop hard disks spinning down
Reduce recycling bin reserved space
Enable write caching on hard disks
Defragment your hard disk(s)
Turn off the indexing service
3d game benchmarks
Change your Monitor's refresh rate (CRT monitors only)
Fix the refresh rate for 3d games
Enable AGP Master 1WS Write/Read
Enable AGP Fast Write
Set Video Memory Cache Mode
Overclocking ATI video cards
Overclocking Nvidia Video cards
Disable VSYNC
Network and Internet Performance Tweaks (56-66)
Increase maximum number of simultaneous connection in Internet Explorer
b' devices slow down 802.11g networks
Proprietary modes for wireless networking
Closer is better for wireless
Enhance your Internet connection.
Increase DNS cache size
Disable DHCP with DSL connections
Do not cache failed DNS entries
Use CTRL+ENTER to speed up Internet address entering
Get a faster network connection to Windows 9x/ME computers
Remove the QoS Bandwidth Reserve Setting
WindowsXP User Interface Shortcuts and Hints (67-78)
Create shortcut keys
Create a custom shortcuts toolbar
Using ALT+TAB to switch between applications
Add the address taskbar to desktop
Disable error reporting
Reduce menu delays
Restore the Quick launch bar
Increase desktop graphic performance
Make 'my computer' open faster
Remove the need to enter a password to login to XP (be careful!)
Sort out spam
Keyboard shortcuts using the Win Key (ÿ)
Improving Windows XP boot speed (79-94)
Disable floppy drive seek
Set primary display adaptor
Enable quick POST/memory test
Eliminate unwanted programs from boot up
Scan your PC for spyware and Adware
Disable boot virus detection
Change boot sequence.
Disable the XP loading screen
Eliminate unwanted fonts to increase boot speed
Turn off bios disk detection
Use the Bootvis utility
Use the Intel application accelerator
Disable unnecessary services
Disable unneeded devices in device manager
Disable auto detection for empty IDE slots
Reduce wait time after XP boots
Increasing XP shutdown speed (95-99)
Increasing shutdown speed by reducing wait times part 1
Increasing shutdown speed by reducing wait times part 2
Increasing shutdown speed by reducing wait times part 3
Disable the Nvidia driver helper service
Auto kill tasks on shutdown
SOCKET 1366 OVERCLOCKING
SOCKET 1156 OVERCLOCKING
SOCKET 1155 OVERCLOCKING
1.
Know the precise definition of overclocking. "Overclocking is the process of forcing a computer component to run at a higher clock rate (the fundamental rate in cycles per second, measured in hertz, at which a computer performs its most basic operations such as adding two numbers or transferring a value from one processor register to another) than designed or designated by the manufacturer".
2.
Understand that not all computers can be overclocked. For one, laptops are pretty much out of the question. Also, any OEM (original equipment manufacturer) computer, such as a Dell, HP or E-machine, will be more difficult to overclock, so your best bet for overclocking is to purchase or build a custom system, but keep in mind that some motherboards can't be used to overclock. Now let's begin.
3.
The BIOS. Overclocking is best done in the computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). There are also some motherboards that let you do a basic increase in power by setting a jumper, but this is dangerous and you have no real stability control. There are some software programs available which allow you to overclock inside the operating system, but the best results are achieved by changing BIOS settings. Usually you can get into your BIOS by pressing DEL (some systems may use F2, F10, or Ctrl-Enter) as soon as your computer begins the POST (Power On Self Test - when it shows the RAM size, processor speed, etc.). Here, you can change your FSB (front side bus), memory timings, and your CPU multiplier (also referred to as CPU Clock Ratio).
4.
Clearing your CMOS. Sometimes, an overclock can become unstable. If this happens, or your computer will not boot, you will need to reset the BIOS back to default and start over again. This is done by clearing the CMOS (a small piece of memory on the motherboard which stores your BIOS configuration, and is powered by a small battery). Some newer motherboards will bypass user settings in the CMOS if the computer fails POST (often caused by a faulty overclock). However, most motherboards require a manual clear. This can be done in two ways, depending on your motherboard. The first way is by changing the position of the clear CMOS jumper on your motherboard, waiting a few minutes, then repositioning the jumper to its original place.
The second way, if your motherboard doesn’t have this jumper, consists of unplugging your computer, removing the little CMOS battery, then pressing the power button (your capacitors will discharge), and waiting a couple of minutes. Then you have to refit the battery and plug in your computer. Once your CMOS is cleared, all BIOS settings are reset back to default and you’ll have to start the overclocking process all over again. Just so you know, this step is only necessary if your overclock becomes unstable.
5.
Locked or Unlocked. The first thing to know when you start the process of overclocking, is whether your processor is multiplier locked or unlocked. To check whether your CPU is locked, lower your multiplier via the BIOS one step, for example from 11 to 10.5. Save and exit your BIOS and your computer will restart. If your computer posts again and shows the new CPU speed, it means your CPU is unlocked. However, if your computer failed to post (screen remains black) or no CPU speed change is present, this means your multiplier is locked.
6.
Multiplier Unlocked Processors. Usually, your max overclock is limited by your memory, or RAM. A good starting place is to find the top memory bus speed in which your memory can handle while keeping it in sync with the FSB. To check this, lower your CPU multiplier some steps (from 11 to 9, for example) and increase your FSB a few notches (e.g.: 200 MHz to 205 MHz). After this, save and exit your BIOS. There are a few ways to test for stability. If you make it into Windows, that is a good start. You can try running a few CPU / RAM intensive programs to stress these components. Some good examples are SiSoft Sandra, Prime95, Orthos, 3DMark 2006 and Folding@Home. You may also choose to run a program outside of Windows, such as Memtest. Load a copy of Memtest onto a bootable floppy, then insert the disk after you have exited the BIOS. Continue to increase your FSB until Memtest starts reporting errors. When this happens, you can try to increase the voltage supplied to your memory. Do note that increasing voltages may shorten the life span of your memory. Also, another option is to loosen the timings on the memory (more on this a bit later). The previous FSB setting before the error will be your max FSB. Your max FSB will fully depend on what memory you have installed. Quality, name-brand memory will work best for overclocking. Now that you know your max FSB, you’ll figure out your max multiplier. Keeping your FSB @ stock, you raise your multiplier one step at a time. Each time you restart, check for system stability. As mentioned above, one good way to do this is by running Prime95. If it doesn’t post (reread the section about clearing the CMOS), or Prime 95 fails, you can try to raise the core voltage a bit. Increasing it may or may not increase stability. On the other hand, the temperature will also be increased. If you are going to increase the core voltage, you should keep an eye on temperatures, at least for a few minutes. Also note that increasing voltages may shorten the life span of your CPU, not to mention void your warranty. When your computer is no longer stable at a given multiplier setting, lower your multiplier one step and take that as your max multiplier. Now that you have your max FSB speed and your max multiplier, you can play around and determine the best settings for your system. Do note that having a higher FSB overclock as opposed to a higher multiplier will have a greater impact on overall system performance.
7.
Multiplier Locked Processors. Having a multiplier locked processor means that you can only overclock by increasing the Front Side Bus. We’ll just follow the same strategy as applied in the beginning of the unlocked processors step. Basically, raise the FSB in small increments, and after each post, check the system for stability (Prime95 or Memtest). Also remember that increasing your CPU or RAM voltage can give you more stability. When you reach your peak FSB (probably because of your memory), you can try to get a little further by relaxing your memory timings.
8.
Getting Your System Stable. Now that you have an initial overclock, whether with a locked or unlocked processor, you have to tweak the system to get it absolutely stable. This means you have to change the variables (Multiplier, FSB, voltages, memory timings) until the system is rock solid. This is mainly a trial and error process and takes up most of the time when overclocking a system. Here are some thoughts: Your system will start acting strange if your motherboard doesn’t have a PCI /AGP lock. Having a PCI/AGP lock will keep the frequency of your PCI and AGP bus at 33 and 66 MHz respectfully, even if you raise your FSB. Without this lock, the PCI and AGP bus speeds are increased with the FSB, eventually reaching a point where they no longer function correctly. Some motherboards have this lock and some don’t. Check your motherboard / BIOS for such an option. Remember that increasing your voltage will almost always make your system more stable. But as stated before, your temperature will sky rocket and the components lifetime may be decreased. Therefore, the goal is to find the lowest voltage settings at which your system is stable. Decreasing your FSB a few notches may also provide a stable overclock. Sure, you may not want to lower your max overclock, but lowering your FSB 1-2 MHz can mean the difference between a stable system and a BSOD after 25 minutes of gaming. Sometimes, a very high temperature can cause instability as well, so be sure to keep your processor at a decent temperature. One of the ultimate stress tests is Prime 95. When you think your system is stable, run the blend torture test for 12 hours and see if you get any errors. If you don’t, then you should be set. If errors are present, go back to the drawing board. Lower your FSB, increase your voltage, relax your memory timings, etc.
9.
Test Utilities. These utilities are designed to put your memory through its paces. If you've got a faulty module or an unstable overclock, these programs will find it. Either one can be loaded onto a floppy disk and used to boot the computer from. They can also be a real life-saver when testing the limits of your hardware. Spare yourself the chance of corrupting a hard drive file system, figure out what works with these first. To use, simply put the program on a floppy disk and boot the computer. The utility will automatically load and begin running the tests. You may find that a CPU overclock that runs either Memtest or WMD successfully without error may not be completely stable in Windows. In these cases, typically a slight increase in CPU voltage will usually resolve the problem. CPU-Z is probably the most popular program to verify and display your system overclock. With the latest version there's even a way to submit your overclock online for verification and to get a comparison link, similar to many graphics benchmarking programs. WCPUID is a similar program, however it has not been updated in some time, and may not recognize all the latest processors and chipsets. Also below are a few Windows-based programs that can help you verify you've got a stable overclock before you actually start using your computer for other tasks. In step 6 it was mentioned that Folding@Home can be used to test stability, however a failure often results in losing the work unit, which is why most people don't like to use F@H for this purpose.
10.
Memory Timings. Memory timings or latency refers to how quickly the system can get data in and out of the RAM. This is different from Memory speed, or the frequency that the memory runs at in relation to the processor and system bus. Think of it in terms of a mass-transit system. The memory speed is the rate at which the Metro train moves from station to station. The latency measures how quickly the people can move on and off the train at each stop. Generally, the lower the memory timing value, the less latency there is, and the faster the memory responds. Most BIOS are configured by default to Auto detect timings from the memory module by SPD or Serial Presence Detect, however many have the option to change this to manual so that the user can adjust the settings individually. SPD values are programmed into the memory by the manufacturer, and are typically printed on a label on the side of the module. Timings are usually referred to in this order, along with some available settings in the BIOS.
CAS is sometimes referred to as CL or Cycle Length. Some motherboards have an option as low as 1.5 for this setting. But the effect of CAS on memory latency is much less than tRCD, tRP or CMD. CMD or Command Rate has the most effect on memory performance. Not all memory and/or motherboards are capable of running a 1T CMD however. Memory manufacturers and overclockers usually refer to memory timings in the same order as listed above. For example, some low-latency memory might indicate CL2 2-2-5 right on a sticker on the module itself. Some memory (such as TCCD) may be rated differently at different speeds such as low timings of 2-2-2-5 at PC3200 (200 Mhz DDR400) and higher timings of 3-4-4-8 at PC4400 (275 Mhz DDR550). Many memory modules do not advertise CMD so you should check reviews before purchasing to get an idea if it will run at 1T.
The goal of Overclocking is to increase the speed and performance of your PC beyond Manufacturer specifications.
Benchmarking Super Pi
2: Overclock the System using the ASUS BIOS or ROG connect software "RCtweakit"
Download Super Pi Mod 1.5
3: Run SuperPi from the desktop
- Click “Calculate”
- Select “512K” and click “OK”
- When prompted clock “OK” again to start
- When the Finished window appears DO NOT click OK yet
- Run “CPU-Z” From the desktop
- Take a screen shot by pressing “print screen” on the keyboard and clicking "EDIT -> PASTE" in MS Paint
- Save the Picture under the Benchmark Name and Score
Forums
For Socket 1156 ROG Motherboards: Core i3, i5, i7
To achieve the maximum OC
1. Begin by Increasing the BCLK 5 to 10MHz
2. Run the SuperPi Benchmark to test stability of the overclock
If you crash increase your CPU voltage before you reboot
3. Run SuperPi again to test for stability
4. If stable Continue increasing the BCLK and checking for stability
Unstable System?: increase the voltages and Lower the BCLK (133 BCLK is stock) Keep repeating this until the system is stable.
*Tip*: WARNING too high of a voltage can cause instability!
BCLK MHz
Base Clock- this replaced the older FSB “Front Side Bus”
BCLK x CPU ratio = CPU frequency
Adjust the BCLK frequency to overclock the CPU speed!
PCIE MHz
Periferal Connect Interface Express, this talks to your video cards,
you can test up to 115MHz to see if it improves your BCLK speed when above 200MHZ BCLK
CPU Voltage
-Processor core operating voltage. good start at 1.3v, DO NOT EXCEED 1.55v
IMC Voltage
AKA “VTT” or “QPI” Voltage
QPI Speed increases with BCLK. good start at 1.3v, DO NOT Exceed 1.45v
DRAM Voltage
-Memory Voltage
RAM speed is linked to the BCLK, lock it in at 1.65v DO NOT Exceed 1.75v
CPU PLL Voltage
PLL: Phase Locked Loop voltage
- Processor/IMC(Integrated Memory Controller)/other internal clock cycles
- Clock multiplying of processor is provided by an internal Phase Locked Loop
try voltages Between 1.45v and 1.89v, to find what your CPU likes
PCH Voltage
Platform Controller Hub
- main I/O interface for CPU
The PCH voltage needs to be increased in order to stabilize I/O signaling. DO NOT EXCEED 1.25v
___________________________________________________________________________________
99 recommendations for Tweaking and Preparing Your System for Benchmarking (1-8)
Use 'whole system' performance benchmarks
Tweak insurance part 1: backing up and editing the registry
Tweak Insurance part 2: Creating a system restore point
Saving your hard drive space from the system restore utility
Tweak insurance part 3: Restoring BIOS defaults
Tweak insurance part 4: Use hardware profiles to experiment with system settings.
Editing BIOS settings
Editing registry settings without restarting
BIOS tweaks and Insight (9-13)
Change memory Latency times
Set the correct AGP mode
Update your bios
Disable unneeded ports
Disable built-in features on your motherboard
Overclocking your processor and memory (14-16)
Overclocking the memory/front side bus
Changing the CPU multiplier
Modify Processor and memory voltage
WindowsXP Software and Registry Performance Tweaks (17-46)
Stop the 'last access update' stamp
Disable the 8.3 naming convention
Keep Windows operating data in main memory
Obtain the newest drivers for your hardware
Disable performance counters
Move the page file from system drive
Create a 'permanent' page file
Optimize your page file size
Defrag page file with PageDefrag utility
Set priority for important programs
Check your hard drives with scandisk
Force XP to unload DLL files after closing a program
Thaw out your desktop
Speed up mouse movement, part 1
Speed up mouse movement, part 2
Create a RAID configuration
Disable the themes service
Remove the desktop picture
Change to the NTFS file system
Perform a manual Application and Boot file Defrag
Disable the hibernation feature
Disable automatic sensing on network cards
Use the prefetch switch to load applications faster
Verify DMA mode is set for all drives
Do a windows repair install
Stop hard disks spinning down
Reduce recycling bin reserved space
Enable write caching on hard disks
Defragment your hard disk(s)
Turn off the indexing service
3d game benchmarks
Change your Monitor's refresh rate (CRT monitors only)
Fix the refresh rate for 3d games
Enable AGP Master 1WS Write/Read
Enable AGP Fast Write
Set Video Memory Cache Mode
Overclocking ATI video cards
Overclocking Nvidia Video cards
Disable VSYNC
Network and Internet Performance Tweaks (56-66)
Increase maximum number of simultaneous connection in Internet Explorer
b' devices slow down 802.11g networks
Proprietary modes for wireless networking
Closer is better for wireless
Enhance your Internet connection.
Increase DNS cache size
Disable DHCP with DSL connections
Do not cache failed DNS entries
Use CTRL+ENTER to speed up Internet address entering
Get a faster network connection to Windows 9x/ME computers
Remove the QoS Bandwidth Reserve Setting
WindowsXP User Interface Shortcuts and Hints (67-78)
Create shortcut keys
Create a custom shortcuts toolbar
Using ALT+TAB to switch between applications
Add the address taskbar to desktop
Disable error reporting
Reduce menu delays
Restore the Quick launch bar
Increase desktop graphic performance
Make 'my computer' open faster
Remove the need to enter a password to login to XP (be careful!)
Sort out spam
Keyboard shortcuts using the Win Key (ÿ)
Improving Windows XP boot speed (79-94)
Disable floppy drive seek
Set primary display adaptor
Enable quick POST/memory test
Eliminate unwanted programs from boot up
Scan your PC for spyware and Adware
Disable boot virus detection
Change boot sequence.
Disable the XP loading screen
Eliminate unwanted fonts to increase boot speed
Turn off bios disk detection
Use the Bootvis utility
Use the Intel application accelerator
Disable unnecessary services
Disable unneeded devices in device manager
Disable auto detection for empty IDE slots
Reduce wait time after XP boots
Increasing XP shutdown speed (95-99)
Increasing shutdown speed by reducing wait times part 1
Increasing shutdown speed by reducing wait times part 2
Increasing shutdown speed by reducing wait times part 3
Disable the Nvidia driver helper service
Auto kill tasks on shutdown
SOCKET 1366 OVERCLOCKING
SOCKET 1156 OVERCLOCKING
SOCKET 1155 OVERCLOCKING
1.
Know the precise definition of overclocking. "Overclocking is the process of forcing a computer component to run at a higher clock rate (the fundamental rate in cycles per second, measured in hertz, at which a computer performs its most basic operations such as adding two numbers or transferring a value from one processor register to another) than designed or designated by the manufacturer".
2.
Understand that not all computers can be overclocked. For one, laptops are pretty much out of the question. Also, any OEM (original equipment manufacturer) computer, such as a Dell, HP or E-machine, will be more difficult to overclock, so your best bet for overclocking is to purchase or build a custom system, but keep in mind that some motherboards can't be used to overclock. Now let's begin.
3.
The BIOS. Overclocking is best done in the computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). There are also some motherboards that let you do a basic increase in power by setting a jumper, but this is dangerous and you have no real stability control. There are some software programs available which allow you to overclock inside the operating system, but the best results are achieved by changing BIOS settings. Usually you can get into your BIOS by pressing DEL (some systems may use F2, F10, or Ctrl-Enter) as soon as your computer begins the POST (Power On Self Test - when it shows the RAM size, processor speed, etc.). Here, you can change your FSB (front side bus), memory timings, and your CPU multiplier (also referred to as CPU Clock Ratio).
4.
Clearing your CMOS. Sometimes, an overclock can become unstable. If this happens, or your computer will not boot, you will need to reset the BIOS back to default and start over again. This is done by clearing the CMOS (a small piece of memory on the motherboard which stores your BIOS configuration, and is powered by a small battery). Some newer motherboards will bypass user settings in the CMOS if the computer fails POST (often caused by a faulty overclock). However, most motherboards require a manual clear. This can be done in two ways, depending on your motherboard. The first way is by changing the position of the clear CMOS jumper on your motherboard, waiting a few minutes, then repositioning the jumper to its original place.
The second way, if your motherboard doesn’t have this jumper, consists of unplugging your computer, removing the little CMOS battery, then pressing the power button (your capacitors will discharge), and waiting a couple of minutes. Then you have to refit the battery and plug in your computer. Once your CMOS is cleared, all BIOS settings are reset back to default and you’ll have to start the overclocking process all over again. Just so you know, this step is only necessary if your overclock becomes unstable.
5.
Locked or Unlocked. The first thing to know when you start the process of overclocking, is whether your processor is multiplier locked or unlocked. To check whether your CPU is locked, lower your multiplier via the BIOS one step, for example from 11 to 10.5. Save and exit your BIOS and your computer will restart. If your computer posts again and shows the new CPU speed, it means your CPU is unlocked. However, if your computer failed to post (screen remains black) or no CPU speed change is present, this means your multiplier is locked.
6.
Multiplier Unlocked Processors. Usually, your max overclock is limited by your memory, or RAM. A good starting place is to find the top memory bus speed in which your memory can handle while keeping it in sync with the FSB. To check this, lower your CPU multiplier some steps (from 11 to 9, for example) and increase your FSB a few notches (e.g.: 200 MHz to 205 MHz). After this, save and exit your BIOS. There are a few ways to test for stability. If you make it into Windows, that is a good start. You can try running a few CPU / RAM intensive programs to stress these components. Some good examples are SiSoft Sandra, Prime95, Orthos, 3DMark 2006 and Folding@Home. You may also choose to run a program outside of Windows, such as Memtest. Load a copy of Memtest onto a bootable floppy, then insert the disk after you have exited the BIOS. Continue to increase your FSB until Memtest starts reporting errors. When this happens, you can try to increase the voltage supplied to your memory. Do note that increasing voltages may shorten the life span of your memory. Also, another option is to loosen the timings on the memory (more on this a bit later). The previous FSB setting before the error will be your max FSB. Your max FSB will fully depend on what memory you have installed. Quality, name-brand memory will work best for overclocking. Now that you know your max FSB, you’ll figure out your max multiplier. Keeping your FSB @ stock, you raise your multiplier one step at a time. Each time you restart, check for system stability. As mentioned above, one good way to do this is by running Prime95. If it doesn’t post (reread the section about clearing the CMOS), or Prime 95 fails, you can try to raise the core voltage a bit. Increasing it may or may not increase stability. On the other hand, the temperature will also be increased. If you are going to increase the core voltage, you should keep an eye on temperatures, at least for a few minutes. Also note that increasing voltages may shorten the life span of your CPU, not to mention void your warranty. When your computer is no longer stable at a given multiplier setting, lower your multiplier one step and take that as your max multiplier. Now that you have your max FSB speed and your max multiplier, you can play around and determine the best settings for your system. Do note that having a higher FSB overclock as opposed to a higher multiplier will have a greater impact on overall system performance.
7.
Multiplier Locked Processors. Having a multiplier locked processor means that you can only overclock by increasing the Front Side Bus. We’ll just follow the same strategy as applied in the beginning of the unlocked processors step. Basically, raise the FSB in small increments, and after each post, check the system for stability (Prime95 or Memtest). Also remember that increasing your CPU or RAM voltage can give you more stability. When you reach your peak FSB (probably because of your memory), you can try to get a little further by relaxing your memory timings.
8.
Getting Your System Stable. Now that you have an initial overclock, whether with a locked or unlocked processor, you have to tweak the system to get it absolutely stable. This means you have to change the variables (Multiplier, FSB, voltages, memory timings) until the system is rock solid. This is mainly a trial and error process and takes up most of the time when overclocking a system. Here are some thoughts: Your system will start acting strange if your motherboard doesn’t have a PCI /AGP lock. Having a PCI/AGP lock will keep the frequency of your PCI and AGP bus at 33 and 66 MHz respectfully, even if you raise your FSB. Without this lock, the PCI and AGP bus speeds are increased with the FSB, eventually reaching a point where they no longer function correctly. Some motherboards have this lock and some don’t. Check your motherboard / BIOS for such an option. Remember that increasing your voltage will almost always make your system more stable. But as stated before, your temperature will sky rocket and the components lifetime may be decreased. Therefore, the goal is to find the lowest voltage settings at which your system is stable. Decreasing your FSB a few notches may also provide a stable overclock. Sure, you may not want to lower your max overclock, but lowering your FSB 1-2 MHz can mean the difference between a stable system and a BSOD after 25 minutes of gaming. Sometimes, a very high temperature can cause instability as well, so be sure to keep your processor at a decent temperature. One of the ultimate stress tests is Prime 95. When you think your system is stable, run the blend torture test for 12 hours and see if you get any errors. If you don’t, then you should be set. If errors are present, go back to the drawing board. Lower your FSB, increase your voltage, relax your memory timings, etc.
9.
Test Utilities. These utilities are designed to put your memory through its paces. If you've got a faulty module or an unstable overclock, these programs will find it. Either one can be loaded onto a floppy disk and used to boot the computer from. They can also be a real life-saver when testing the limits of your hardware. Spare yourself the chance of corrupting a hard drive file system, figure out what works with these first. To use, simply put the program on a floppy disk and boot the computer. The utility will automatically load and begin running the tests. You may find that a CPU overclock that runs either Memtest or WMD successfully without error may not be completely stable in Windows. In these cases, typically a slight increase in CPU voltage will usually resolve the problem. CPU-Z is probably the most popular program to verify and display your system overclock. With the latest version there's even a way to submit your overclock online for verification and to get a comparison link, similar to many graphics benchmarking programs. WCPUID is a similar program, however it has not been updated in some time, and may not recognize all the latest processors and chipsets. Also below are a few Windows-based programs that can help you verify you've got a stable overclock before you actually start using your computer for other tasks. In step 6 it was mentioned that Folding@Home can be used to test stability, however a failure often results in losing the work unit, which is why most people don't like to use F@H for this purpose.
10.
Memory Timings. Memory timings or latency refers to how quickly the system can get data in and out of the RAM. This is different from Memory speed, or the frequency that the memory runs at in relation to the processor and system bus. Think of it in terms of a mass-transit system. The memory speed is the rate at which the Metro train moves from station to station. The latency measures how quickly the people can move on and off the train at each stop. Generally, the lower the memory timing value, the less latency there is, and the faster the memory responds. Most BIOS are configured by default to Auto detect timings from the memory module by SPD or Serial Presence Detect, however many have the option to change this to manual so that the user can adjust the settings individually. SPD values are programmed into the memory by the manufacturer, and are typically printed on a label on the side of the module. Timings are usually referred to in this order, along with some available settings in the BIOS.
CAS is sometimes referred to as CL or Cycle Length. Some motherboards have an option as low as 1.5 for this setting. But the effect of CAS on memory latency is much less than tRCD, tRP or CMD. CMD or Command Rate has the most effect on memory performance. Not all memory and/or motherboards are capable of running a 1T CMD however. Memory manufacturers and overclockers usually refer to memory timings in the same order as listed above. For example, some low-latency memory might indicate CL2 2-2-5 right on a sticker on the module itself. Some memory (such as TCCD) may be rated differently at different speeds such as low timings of 2-2-2-5 at PC3200 (200 Mhz DDR400) and higher timings of 3-4-4-8 at PC4400 (275 Mhz DDR550). Many memory modules do not advertise CMD so you should check reviews before purchasing to get an idea if it will run at 1T.
