Overclocking an old Pentium II

[Dart81]

Hi,
Can I overclock a bit my old Pentium II 350MHz assembled on MoBo A-Trend ATC-6220 SE chipset Intel 440BX?
Try to work @ 400-450MHz....I know that it's not much and the difference is little, but since I use it to watch Divx, these MHz will be so convenient!!!

First of all, I've a switch on the MoBo to change the frequency, the multipler...i suppose (I haven't already tried to use it, but I suspect that it's bolcked...)
Well, I saw that from the Bios I can choose the FSB like 100 103 112 124 and 133MHz (100 is the default)....so I tryed to change something and the results are these:

@ 103MHz (CPU Clock 360MHZ), all OK!
@ 112MHz (CPU CLock 392MHz), the sistem reboots when reaches windows...
@ 124MHz (CPU Clock 434MHz), the system is blocked and doesn't work
@ 133MHz (CPU Clock 465MHz), same of 124MHz


My RAM modules are:
SDRAM 64MB PC 100
SDRAM 128MB PC 133
SDRAM 256MB PC 133

Can I do some more?

Thank You!

 

[tristan]

I would try to bump up the vcore first. You may not be supplying enough juice for it to be able to perform. What is the multiplier set at right now?

 

[Dart81]

I would try to bump up the vcore first. You may not be supplying enough juice for it to be able to perform. What is the multiplier set at right now?

The multipler now is on 3.5X (infact 100X3.5 = 350MHz, the default frequency of my Processor)....I've just tryed to change it, but it seems that nothing changes really in clock frequency....so now I'm nearly sure that the multipler in blocked
However I'm afraid that I can't bump up the vcore with this Mother Board.....

 

[tristan]

Huh.. doesnt sound like you can do much if the multiplier is locked, and the fsb and vcore cant be raised.. =/

 

[Dart81]

Huh.. doesnt sound like you can do much if the multiplier is locked, and the fsb and vcore cant be raised.. =/

Hey,
listen, I have tryed to remove the 64MB PC100 RAM module .....and now I can overclock more!
The other 2 modules are PC133...so maybe they are more fit for an increasing of FSB!!!

Now I've reached 124MHz of FSB (CPU Clock 434MHz), and the pc seems to be stable!!!

How can I know if the PC is really stable?

However I'm satisfied if it will work well!

 

[Praetor]

Ok for reference sake, here's the skinny on the P2-350 (Deschutes):
FSB: 100Mhz
Multiplier: 3.5
Core Voltage: 2.0V
Max Core Temp: 75°C
Max Core Voltage: 2.2V


That said, you're BX board most likely lacks a 1/2 AGP-bus divider and thus you wont really be able to clock your FSB past 112Mhz unless you're exceptionally lucky (otherwise your AGP will go screwy). Now if the board doesnt have an 1/2-AGP divider you should be okay for up to the ballpark of 120Mhz for the FSB (if i recall correctly the multiplier is locked so you cant work that angle). I'd be suprised (but not horribly so) if you breach
450Mhz

 

[Dart81]

I think that I'm however satisfied for the result i've gotten.....I don't know if my mobo has an 1/2 AGP-bus divider.....and I don't know where I could see that!

In any case my PC seems to be stable working @434MHz!

 

[tristan]

If you have a way to check the temps and they are respectable (cpu below 60 underload) and your computer is running stable then you are set to go. =) good job.

 

[Dart81]

If you have a way to check the temps and they are respectable (cpu below 60 underload) and your computer is running stable then you are set to go. =) good job.

I have not a way to check the temps.....but, I have my finger ....I've tried to touch the cooler of my athlon 2500+ when the bios measures 40°C....then I've touch the cooler of the pentium2 and it's colder....so....I think the temp is ok!

 

[Praetor]

If you have a way to check the temps and they are respectable (cpu below 60 underload)

This is a P2 ... i'd raise the bar to at 67°C

I have not a way to check the temps

A lot of P2s didnt come with temp sensor thingys....

then I've touch the cooler of the pentium2 and it's colder....so....I think the temp is ok!

Dont forget that the Athlon cooler is probably more efficient (and thus feel warmer because its sucking heat away from the CPU faster)

 

[Dart81]

Dont forget that the Athlon cooler is probably more efficient (and thus feel warmer because its sucking heat away from the CPU faster)

You are right, however the cooler temperature of the Pentium 2 is really enough cold....

 

[Praetor]

I remember my P2's... friggen heatboxes