Spread Spectrum

[zithe]

I'm attempting to overclock with my G31MX-k. I know it's not exactly a great board, but I've read reviews with the same mobo+cpu combo that hit at least 2.66GHZ. I'm stuck on 2.33 GHZ. I think it might be due to my RAM, which automatically goes up with my FSB. Is there a way to lock it? My RAM hits 950 mhz (Which I'd say is good for value RAM) and I hit a wall. I'm pretty sure there's no e2180 that gets stuck at 2.32. Is there something I should do in the RAM section to help with it?

Also, what's spread spectrum?

[JrRacinFan]

Spread spectrum: disable it, i beleive it's to reduce EMI.

What do you have your current dram settings at for now? 200mhz FSB/400mhz RAM strap?

[Kursah]

Yeah it's there to reduce EMI, but it's best to disable when overclocking for stability purposes. Some re-enable after an OC and have fine stability, but it's best to disable initially.

I personally leave it disabled, years of habit I suppose I never check to see if there's any loss in stability with my OC.

:toast:

[francis511]

I have a 2180 that clocks to 3.6 ghz +.

[zithe]

I disabled Spread Spectrum and locked my RAM at 800MHZ and it still gets stuck at that spot. I also tried locking my RAM at 667 CL4. If I do smartstepping, it sets the chip to 2300MHZ with +.175 voltage and +.3 DDR voltage...

What should I do?

[zithe]

I forced my RAM to start at 667MHZ and got some good results.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j58/zithe/e2180OC.jpg?t=1235248211

:D

Just rotated my cooler. It was idling at 44C and now is idling at 28c. :P
I should apply new thermal paste.

[francis511]

Should go higher than that, Aim for 3.2

[kiriakost]

Spread spectrum its a method , that has to do with the Bus frequency s.

It was invented at the times of 486 CPUs , that their Bus frequency s , were low , and could effect the radio FM band.

There have nothing to do with the OC .

[zithe]

Should go higher than that, Aim for 3.2

That's what I'm aiming for. I'm still new to this. On stock voltage, it won't post past 2.75. I don't have a feel for what's a safe voltage yet, but I don't get any results out of added .14, .04, or .08.

Spread spectrum its a method , that has to do with the Bus frequency s.

It was invented at the times of 486 CPUs , that their Bus frequency s , were low , and could effect the radio FM band.

There have nothing to do with the OC .

You sure? Sometimes it won't post with it on. It seems to work with it off while at higher frequencies.

[3dsage]

I forced my RAM to start at 667MHZ and got some good results.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j58/zithe/e2180OC.jpg?t=1235248211

:D

Just rotated my cooler. It was idling at 44C and now is idling at 28c. :P
I should apply new thermal paste.

Good clocks man, you can get that thing up to 3.0GHZ, go for it.

But honestly dont focus on your idle temps, what really matters is Load temps.

[kiriakost]

You sure? Sometimes it won't post with it on. It seems to work with it off while at higher frequencies.

If it works for you that way , disable it .

I know the full story of it , and its has to do with how electronic amplifiers cooperate , between them in stages .
Its a bit confusing for the common mind , so i will not get in to it.

[r9]

As far as I know spread spectrum is to help el. components in PC not to interfere to each other for greater stability of the PC but for overclocking MUST be disabled that is writen in every OC guide.

[kiriakost]

As JrRacinFan said , i believe it's to reduce EMI .
Thats correct .

The reduce as reduce , has other side effects too .
If you reduce a signal strength , the next electronic stage looses the pilot signal .
Its a complicate story , save in mind that it's all to reduce EMI .

Its easier that way .

[zithe]

I think I may be having an issue due to voltage. I can't find a bump that works for me, though.

[francis511]

Take your voltage as high as you reasonably can (i.e. 1.45). Take your oc as far as it will go stable. THEN lower the voltage/oc to reasonable levels. Unless the board won`t boot at 1.45, this should remove a lot of the guesswork !

[timta2]

francis 511 is right. A lot of the 2180s need 1.45v to get to 3.2 .Mine requires 1.46 and temps are fine.

[zithe]

Take your voltage as high as you reasonably can (i.e. 1.45). Take your oc as far as it will go stable. THEN lower the voltage/oc to reasonable levels. Unless the board won`t boot at 1.45, this should remove a lot of the guesswork !

I gave it a shot at +.25 and +.2. It's stuck at 2.75 and won't budge. Might need another board to take it further. :\

Still, surprised I got this much out of a 45 dollar board.

[francis511]

Sry. Just noticed what board you`re using. That might be your problem , now that you mention it

[JrRacinFan]

@Zithe

I have a feeling your going to have to pull down to a 1:1 ram divider to get it even close to 333fsb 1333 bootstrap. Which means, take your fsb as far as you can without losing the 667mhz+ on your ram. That will net you the best performance.

Remember, IN THEORY, 3Ghz @ 667ram is not as performing as 2.8Ghz @ 750+ ram. :)

EDIT:

Any possibility of dropping from CL5 to CL4 STABLE on your ram?