Duron + A7V overclocking questions - newbie

[DaFunBus]

I have a Duron 600 and an asus a7v mobo. Can someone please post the steps needed to overclock this setup. I've read a lot of other posts and most of them are not very helpfull. I've never overclocked before either, so I kinda need a step by step guide =) So far I have connected the L1 bridges. I need to know which options I should change and by how much: CPU external frequency setting, CPU core BUS frequency multiplier, and voltage regulator. Also, I noticed that when I up the CPU external frequency, the DRAM frequency goes up by the same amount. Is this normal for overclocking? I'm using pc100 RAM.

Also, whats a good benchmark program to use to see what mhz I'm running at? And lastly, CPU temp right now is 49C with the stock HSF (not overclocked yet). I'm getting two case fans before I overclock, but I wanna make sure I dont fry the CPU. Is my temp too high? (I'm using a new Asus board so I think it compensates for the old temp errors).

Thanks

 

[GaryTcs]

First, you need to close the L1 bridges. There are many sites, including anandtech, and toms hardware which give you instructions on this. search this fourm and you will find many links with pics and instructions.
second, install the asus probe off your motherboard cd. it gives you loads of info; temp of cpu and motherboard, processor speed, and all voltages, plus some other cool stuff.
third, 49 seems a little hot to me for 600mhz. I would shoot for low 40's if possible- especially at that speed. keep in mind though that this motherboard is notorious for being inaccurate temp wise. I use the temp more as a baseline than anything. if it starts changing then I worry. BTW my duron at 1016 shows 39C right now. check to make sure that you have a socket A HSF, and that it is installed properly. The pressure on the clip should be high, but not enough to break it.

 

[paulip88]

After you install an OS, and get a better HSF, do the following (yeah, 49C is pretty hot for 600MHz)

1. Up the voltage to 1.85 (make sure the temperature is still OK)

2. Up the multiplier until you get the highest setting that still boots.

3. Try it for a while. If it dies, down the muliplier and try again.

If you feel comfortable, you can then try to up the FSB slowly. This would get you a little farther, but not as far as chnaging the multiplier.

 

[cdrakejr]

Mike's Hardware just posted what I think is the best guide to overclocking the Duron that I have seen anywhere. Goes into building the system, overclocking, and optimizing the BIOS.

Having read it, I consider it a "must read" for anyone. It pulls a lot of info together into one source.

For your benchmarks, go to:Sandra, you can download the free trial version which you can run as long as you want. The Pro version has more tests, but the free version is just fine for most of us.
Mad Onion also has benchmark programs for video performance.

 

[Grey]

nice link, thanks CDrakeJr