I'm new to overclocking, and have absolutely no clue what I'm doing. I was just wondering, is there any way to tell how high I can overclock my processor? I have an AMD Duron(tm) Processor AuthenticAMD 1002MHz. Unfortunately, for a game that I want, I need 1.4GHz. So I was wondering if my processor would be able to overclock that much. I doubt it, but I'm really desperate, and I've heard of processors that can overclock up to 50% with no problems. Any help is much appreciated.

I highly doubt you're gonna get to 1.4Ghz.

We need more info. Motherboard make/model? VIA is the chipset used on the motherboard. PC100, PC133, or some type of DDR RAM? Video card? How about the name of the game too?

Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8 x 210MHz
512MB PC3200
Asus Ti4800SE 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro

I don't know of a Morgan core Duron that's ever overclocked that far. Best bet would be something like an 1800+ I saw on ebay today for $2.80 current bid and just plop it in if your motherboard will support 133Mhz.

Like jam said, what motherboard or system are we working on?

Skip

Try Overclocking Database for your Duron's overclockability.

Do not type anything in this space.

Good link Sabertooth. Almost all the OC's there are the swell Spitfire core though.

I think the Morgan core chips just seldom get stuck in a nice motherboard populated with good memory...most use an XP on anything but a low dollar, entry level system.

Again, what motherboard?

Skip

I'm sorry, but unfortunately, I'm a computer illiterate idiot. So the only things that I can tell you, is my video card is a Radeon 9800 version, and the game is The Matrix Online. Could somebody tell me how to get my motherboard model? I don't believe I have my computer manual anymore, so I can't use that. And I have no clue what DDR RAM or any of that stuff is.

"I'm a computer illiterate idiot"

"And I have no clue what DDR RAM or any of that stuff is"

You shouldn't be overclocking then

Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8 x 210MHz
512MB PC3200
Asus Ti4800SE 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro

Yes, that's why I'm trying to figure it all out first.... I'm not planning to overclock anything until I'm completely sure of all the details. I just need some help in order to figure it out.

OK, here's a couple of sites that should help to familiarize you with things:

http://www.overclockersclub.com/overclockingfaq.php

http://forums.overclockers.co.nz/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7041

Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8 x 210MHz
512MB PC3200
Asus Ti4800SE 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro

Joe,

Your machine was built by somebody. If it's a Dell, HP, Compaq or from some other major manufacturer, give us the precise model of the machine...maybe include the serial number too.

If it's assembled from over the counter parts, the model and version number will be on the motherboard. Some utilities are usefull to help id the board too:

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

It's free and provides a wealth of information.

Skip

Well on my tower, it says P.C.M. Computers. Is that my manufacturer? Also, that scanner told me that my Display is Radeon 9600, not 9800. Does this change anything? I was told by the person who put it in that it was 9800. My RAM and my video card are added features, they did not come with the computer. Originally, I had a random 8mb video card, and 64mb RAM I believe. My system model says VIA Technologies, Inc. VT8365. I'm still not sure where to locate my motherboard information, but maybe that helps. If it's on that list, could you tell me what part it's supposed to be located under? Once again, sorry for my stupidity.

Download CPUZ v1.28...unzip & double click on CPUZ.EXE

It will open to the CPU info, but if you click on the mainboard tab, it should tell you exactly what motherboard you have...memory tab will tell you about your RAM. If you go to the ABOUT tab, you can create an HTML report, then copy/paste the info for us to see

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php#download

Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8 x 210MHz
512MB PC3200
Asus Ti4800SE 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro

Belarc Advisor has a heading titled

Main Circuit Board

The info should be there.

That northbridge chip (VT8365) is likely not a good overclocker. One of the most famous (infamous) motherboards to use this chip was the ECS K7SEM.

So, and this just a guess; let's say your particular motherboard is not too swell in the overclocking department. That will limit you and if you can get to about 112Mhz from 100Mhz you'll be doing good.
That only gives you 1120Mhz...still well below the 1400Mhz you're looking for. It's also likely that the machine won't even go that fast.

Since you started all this, now you have to put up with my personal comments:

You need a new machine. What you have is great for day to day use but ain't gonna cut it for modern games.

I don't know about the video card...it's likely a 9800 like you were told and Belarc is not reporting it correctly. Could be a glitch in Belarc Advisor, an old video driver or (last guess) that someone lied to you.

You need a new machine.

I don't know about The Matrix Online game but I sincerely think it'll run on less than a 9600. Unlikely the video card is an issue here. Likely that your system just doesn't meet minimum specs.

You need a new machine.

We don't think you're stupid...everyone has to start somewhere. We're here to try to help and that's why we ask for more information. You may never be able to do what you want to do with your machine and you will join a very large club. Don't wory about it.

Did I mention?

You need a new computer...I do too and you just joined another club with a lot of members.

Skip

Well that certainly sucks.... Man, I just bought this computer 3 years ago.... And it runs Halo smooth as anything.... God, I went through so many upgrades just to be able to play Halo, and now the Matrix Online? Man computers can be so annoying.... I'm pretty sure my system meets all the minimum specs except for the GHz.

Anyway, heres the info.

CPU-Z version 1.28.

CPU(s)
Number of CPUs 1
Name AMD Duron
Code Name Morgan
Specification AMD Duron(tm) processor
Family / Model / Stepping 6 7 0
Extended Family / Model 7 7
Package Socket A
Technology 0.18 µ
Supported Instructions Sets MMX, Extended MMX, 3DNow!, Extended 3DNow!, SSE
CPU Clock Speed 1001.7 MHz
Clock multiplier x 10.0
Front Side Bus Frequency 100.2 MHz
Bus Speed 200.3 MHz
L1 Data Cache 64 KBytes, 2-way set associative, 64 Bytes line size
L1 Instruction Cache 64 KBytes, 2-way set associative, 64 Bytes line size
L2 Cache 64 KBytes, 16-way set associative, 64 Bytes line size
L2 Speed 1001.7 MHz (Full)
L2 Location On Chip
L2 Data Prefetch Logic yes
L2 Bus Width 64 bits

Mainboard and chipset
Motherboard manufacturer
Motherboard model 8365-686B,
BIOS vendor Award Software International, Inc.
BIOS revision 6.00 PG
BIOS release date 06/08/2001
Chipset VIA KT133 rev. 81
Southbridge VIA VT82C686 rev. 40
Sensor chip VIA 686A/B
Graphic Interface AGP
AGP Status enabled, rev. 2.0
AGP Data Transfert Rate 4x
AGP Max Rate 4x
AGP Side Band Addressing supported, enabled
AGP Aperture Size 64 MBytes

Memory
DRAM Type SDRAM
DRAM Size 640 MBytes
DRAM Frequency 100.2 MHz
FSB:DRAM 1:1
DRAM Interleave none
CAS# Latency 3.0 clocks
RAS# to CAS# 3 clocks
RAS# Precharge 3 clocks
Cycle Time (TRAS) 6 clocks
# of memory modules 2
Module 0 SDRAM PC133 - 512 MBytes
Module 1 Samsung SDRAM PC133 - 128 MBytes

Software
Windows version Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
DirectX version 9.0

Well, unforunately that didn't supply a make/model of your board, but it is helpful.

I know Skip is experienced with the Duron/Morgan, & I used to have a Duron 1200 in my old machine with a KT133 chipset too. Just like Skip said, the best I could do was 112MHz FSB, beyond that, the system was unstable.

Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8 x 210MHz
512MB PC3200
Asus Ti4800SE 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro

Oh.... So basically, theres no chance of getting it to 1.4GHz? Man that sucks.... Looked forward to this game for 2 years, and I can't get a new computer.... Oh well....

Board: 8365-686B
Bus Clock: 100 megahertz
BIOS: Award Software International, Inc. 6.00 PG 06/08/2001

Theres what was listed under the Main Circuit Board on Belarc. Dunno if that's any help.

From CPUZ:

Chipset VIA KT133 rev. 81
Southbridge VIA VT82C686 rev. 40

Hey, just because the game says 1.4GHz, it doesn't necessarily mean the game won't work with less...have you tried it?

Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8 x 210MHz
512MB PC3200
Asus Ti4800SE 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro

But it says the minimum spec is 1.4GHz, would that still make it possible to play? I haven't tried it yet because first off, I don't own it yet, and second off, I'm scared to buy it and open it and not be able to play it. It costs about 70 dollars, and I only have 170$(I'm only 14, and have no job). I guess I'll give it a try anyway if I'm able to pick it up.... So are you able to determine how high I could overclock my processor? Every little bit would help make the game run better I guess. Oh and btw, thanks everybody for helping me, and putting up with me and my noobish questions.

No problem. jam and I have no regrets having owned and used the morgan core duron processor like yours.

Tell ya what, if you live somewhere that'll let me mail you the Duron1300 without costing us an arm and leg, I'll trade ya.

That's an instant 300Mhz boost and with a little help, we can get you pretty close to 1400.

K? Ask your parents. We'll walk you through the rest.

BTW, this would have all been a lot quicker and easier if we'd heard the whole story at the beginning.

Skip

Yeah, but at that time I had no idea what the whole story was.... I needed to go through an entire list of programs and websites in order to find out half of the information.... Anyways, thanks for the offer. I live in Canada, Nova Scotia. Most likely, you live nowheres near that, nor have you ever heard of it seeing as it's pretty much deserted, and one of the tiniest places in Canada.... But if you're still willing to, I'll see if I can work something out. First, I'll get the game and see if I'm able to run it in the least. Then, if your still willing to, I'll send you a message if it won't work, and you won't rip me off hopefully. Thanks a lot for your guy's help. I really appreciate it.

Sure I know where Nova Scotia is...I visited there twenty years before you were born.

Here's the deal...you have my email and my mailing address is on my website. I'll mail you the 1300Duron and you install it and get it running. Once all that is done, mail your Duron back to me. The only cost you'll be out is postage from Nova Scotia to California (about 4 bucks?)

If you (or your parents) don't care to do that, then you're on your own for a better resolution.

I do want an OK from your folks before we do any of this...nothing going on behind their backs.

Let me know so I can pull the processor and get it ready for shipping. The heatsink and fan you have now should be about the same as the one that came with my Duron. All aluminum and measures about 80x60mm with a 5400rpm 60mm fan on top?

Like I said...up to you guys. I'm not looking to make a buck here and for my use a Duron 1000 is just as good as my Duron 1300.

Let your mom and dad read this thread and see what they think about all this.

Skip

Sounds good. So your sure that your Duron 1300 would run on my motherboard? Some guy told me if I wanted a new processor, that I'd have to buy a new motherboard as well. Anyways, I'm going to give the game a try tonight. If I can't get it to work then I'll contact you, and give you my address. And don't worry, there's no way that I could do this without the help of my parents anyway, since I've never mailed a letter in my life, let alone a package.... Never really needed to, what with MSN, AIM and forums.... Thanks once again, for the great offer and all your guy's help.

Just to let you know, just got back from a three day road trip and I'll try to get this thing pack and ready to ship...waiting for a mailing address.

Skip

Hey yeah, sorry I was seeing If I could get it to run on my computer. Unfortunately, they aren't selling the gamecards in store yet, so I have to wait a few days/weeks to get it. So do you mind waiting a few days, also my parents are still kind of debating over it, since they think that you could be a psycho-killer, and that it's crazy for somebody to do something like this for free.... Sorry to keep you waiting, I'll get back to you ASAP.

No problem...just let me know when and if you want to try the 1300. Either reply to this thread or start a new one.

Skip

Hey well I got the game, and so far it's working almost flawlessly. I think the majority of the game requires more RAM then anything, so it runs pretty smooth on my system. I'll notify you of any changes, as soon as I get them. Hopefully it'll continue to run just as smooth, since I haven't actually got online yet, just to the beginning tutorial.... I've had some errors, so it's taking awhile to get everything straightened out.