Test Hardware, Tools, BIOS Settings, And Warnings
| Test Hardware | |
|---|---|
| Processors | AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition (45 nm, Quad-Core, Deneb, AM2+) |
| AMD Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition (65 nm, Quad-Core, Agena, AM2+) | |
| AMD Athlon X2 7750 Black Edition (65 nm, Dual-Core, Kuma, AM2+) | |
| AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ Black Edition (65 nm, Dual Core, Brisbane, AM2) | |
| Memory | 4 GB (2*2 GB) Patriot PC2-6400 (4-4-4-12) |
| 4 GB (2*2 GB) G.Skill Pi Black PC2-6400 (4-4-4-12) | |
| Graphics Cards | AMD Radeon HD 4870 X2 |
| AMD Radeon HD 4850 | |
| Coolers | Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro |
| Xigmatek HDT-S963 | |
| Motherboard | Asus M3A78-T (790GX+750SB) |
| Power Supplies | Antec NeoPower 650 W |
| Antec True Power Trio 650 W | |
Useful Tools:
AMD OverDrive: Overclocking Utility
CPU-Z: System Information Utility
Prime95: Stability Test
Memtest86: Memory-Test Bootable CD
Hardware Monitoring: Hardware Monitor, Core Temp, Asus Probe II, other motherboard utilities
Performance Testing: W Prime, Super Pi Mod, Cinebench, 3DMark 2006 CPU test, 3DMark Vantage CPU test
Recommended BIOS Settings:
Disable Cool ‘n’ Quiet
Disable C1E
Disable Spread Spectrum
Disable Smart CPU Fan Control
Manually set Memory Timings
Windows Power Option and High Performance
Caution:
Here's the obligatory disclaimer about breaking past manufacturer specifications. Overclock at your own risk. Most hardware manufacturers, including AMD, do not warranty damage done by overclocking, even when using utilities they provide. Tom’s Hardware or this author cannot be held responsible for any damages that may occur while you overclock.
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- 09/02 – AMD Adds FM1 CPUs Athlon II X4 638 and Athlon II X4 641
- 08/02 – Raspberry Pi Scheduled to Launch This Month
Is it also the case to hit ctrl + f1 to get advanced bios settings or is this only with intel cpu based systems?
Also what is the most rewarding way to oc the athlon x2 cpu? is it max core speed, high memory freq. etc? where lies the biggest gain?
Also what is the most rewarding way to oc the athlon x2 cpu? is it max core speed, high memory freq. etc? where lies the biggest gain?
I think that would make for an interesting follow-up article, 2shea.
Why didn't you try the auto overclocking function... I'm sure it wouldn't overclock as good as you do, but it would surely be intresting to see how good the software can "auto" overclock since some people don't want to bother with all the settings.
@ 2shea , The CTRL+F1 combo in the bios is typically for Gigabyte boards where they hide extra options such as s.m.a.r.t. instead of in plain sight like Asus do.
@ 2shea , The CTRL+F1 combo in the bios is typically for Gigabyte boards where they hide extra options such as s.m.a.r.t. instead of in plain sight like Asus do.