CPU clock

[Ma3x323]

Just wondering about this:
Ok, in the BIOS, the CPU clock is locked when it is set to default instead of manual and the current is 100mhz. Would it be possible for me to change that default to something higher or is that the optimized setting? Would it do something to my comp? Do I have to find out if my CPU can handle it? Need2Know

 

[Comtech]

You're talking about overclocking.
In the past, it was possible to overclock (run a CPU at greater speed than the manufacturer's recommendation/default), by increasing the Front Side Bus, Multiplier, or both.
Intel jumped all over this, and "Multiplier locked" their chips at a given number. The PIII series, are 100mhz chips, with the multiplier locked at CPU/100, thus a 600mhz CPU has a multiplier of 6.
They did NOT lock the FSB, and that's what you would increase to overclock. Your computer has an FSB of 100mhz, and depending on your motherboard, you MAY be able to increase this. If your board supports small jumps in speed (112mhz, 115mhz, etc.) then you can TRY to overclock.
No guarantees. Some work, some don't.
If you find that you REALLY like the increased speed, but Windows becomes unstable (or won't boot at all), you can increase the voltage going to the CPU. This comes at a price. Increased heat, and decreased longevity. A larger fan and heat sink, more fans, some even get into liquid cooling.
For VAST amounts of info on this topic, check out

http://www.overclockers.com

FYI, currently running a PIII 600 @ 900mhz, FSB of 150mhz. Cheers,
Jim

http://members.cnx.net/reboot/

 

[Ma3x323]

I am currently running an Athlon 1Ghz and have an Asus A7V mobo. I just currently built the comp(1st comp i built). I don't know much about overclocking or how it works. But I am wondering if you would know if that is possible for my stuff to be overclocked if I raise that FSB. Or if I should increase voltage. Cooling should not be a problem for me.

Anyways, thanks Jim

 

[Comtech]

All Athlons have a cooling problem. The stock HS/fan just isn't good enough, so don't increase voltage at all.
Check the BIOS on your Asus, I'm pretty sure you can simply increase the FSB in there. Start with a small jump, go as high as you can, until windows won't load, or crashes, then take it down one notch.
You MUST have good quality RAM for this to work at all. Cheers,
Jim

http://members.cnx.net/reboot/