- The stock HSF is usually sufficient as long as it's installed correctly, unless you wanna overclock to the extreme.
- You do NOT wanna overclock using the multiplier. If your multiplier is unlocked, you should LOWER it so that you can raise the FSB. 10 x 200MHz is faster than 15 x 133MHz, even though both run the CPU at 2.0GHz
- case ventilation is important, but don't go crazy with fans. A couple of properly placed fans is better than 5 of them fighting each other.
- For best performance, you should run your CPU & RAM at the same bus speed...aka "in sync" or 1:1 ratio. You don't list what speed RAM you have, but PC2100 will hold you back. You should have PC2700 at the very least, & PC3200 would be best.
- If you can, lock the PCI/AGP at the default speeds of 33/66MHz....otherwise, they will overclock right along with the FSB. The generally recommended safe max for the PCI bus is 37.5MHz, beyond that, you risk problems with your PCI devices, onboard devices, optical drives, data corruption on your HDDs, etc . AGP is always PCI x 2. If you can't lock the PCI/AGP, here's your FSB ranges that will keep your PCI within 37.5MHz:
133-150MHz
166-188mhz
200-225MHz
- messing with the memory timings isn't always necessary, but relaxing the timing "may" allow you to run your RAM at a higher bus speed. Increasing the RAM voltage "may" help as well. It depends on the quality of the RAM
- increasing the CPU voltage may be necessary as well. Always strive for the lowest possible voltage that will allow your CPU to run stable. Raise the voltage in 0.025v increments & test for stability after each change. Higher voltage = higher temps.
- Use programs such as TOAST or Stress Prime 2004 (or Prime95) to test for stability. If your system locks up when running either of these programs, it indicates that your setup is incorrect
Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8 x 210MHz
512MB PC3200
Asus Ti4800SE 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro
