When overclocking a multi-locked AMD system, consider adjusting the RAM voltage if needed.
When overclocking a multi-locked AMD system, consider adjusting the RAM voltage if needed.
I'm experimenting with an Athlon 64 x2 4050e and it's holding up well with these settings: FSB 275, multiplier 10.5x, 2.87 GHz, +150 mV. I can't push the voltage any higher, and since overclocking the RAM causes the CPU to overclock as well, would raising the RAM voltage improve stability? I'm using an ASUS M3N78-EM board.
The setup aims to push RAM speeds between 1.1-1.2Ghz. The fastest DDR2 modules reached were DDR2-1066 at 2.2v with specific timing, but they couldn't exceed that. (DDR3 began at 800Mhz/1066 and increased from there). Are your RAM chips hot to the touch while the computer is running?
Alternatively, boosting DRAM voltage or adjusting the DRAM divider to enable slower operation might assist. I'd suggest reducing the divider first to check if your CPU remains stable at higher overclock levels.
Other options include raising DRAM voltage or adjusting the DRAM divider to run slower. I’d try lowering the divider first to check stability at higher overclock levels. The Intel Burn Test indicates the CPU is stable, but I still experience a bluescreen in-game. My RAM setup has Corsair Value DDR2-666 and Crucial Ballistix Sport DDR2-800—half of each. The Corsair model is PC2-6400 while the Crucial is PC2-8000, which feels more secure due to the heat spreader on the latter. How much above the standard voltage should I go? The POST screen shows it’s running at DDR2-912 or something similar; I’m not sure of the precise value.
Sorry, I just restarted it to BIOS and the POST screen showed DDR2-917.
I would suggest not exceeding 2.0 but some DDR2 modules (such as my previous ones that operated at DDR2-1066 at 2.2v) You might need to adjust the RAM timings, which is why I advise reducing the RAM divider first to something near DDR2-800, then determining your maximum stable CPU OC, and finally experimenting with the RAM settings. With fewer variables involved it simplifies troubleshooting an unstable system.
The only choices available are 266.7 and 333 MHz. 400 units fail to boot, while 333 corresponds to the 917 speed, and 266.7 equals 733.425 on paper, with minor variations noted in POST. I believe DDR2-733 offers a solid compromise between Corsair Value RAM and Crucial Ballistix.
At DDR2-400 the RAM will try to operate at speeds that are generally lower than those achievable with DDR2. DDR2-733 serves as a reasonable middle ground, and upgrading your cooler and boosting your overclocking can further enhance the RAM speed.