wanderingbadger16 said:As I have maintained previously, the optimal approach is to maintain a 1:1 ratio between the FSB and the memory, based on my own testing where system stability and performance peaked. By increasing the FSB within the BIOS, provided the memory is set to 100%, you will invariably achieve that 1:1 ratio. Using SPD means the memory defaults to the specific parameters hardcoded into its chip, just as you noted. If you select SPD, the memory will consistently run at its rated speed—which, for PC3200, is 400MHz.
Hmm, are you suggesting that running at FSB 166 with 333 memory (100%) actually outperforms FSB 166 with 400 memory (via SPD)?
I should note that when I accessed the BIOS, selected memory by SPD, and then attempted to bump the multiplier using MSI Afterburner (from 166 to 171), MSI Afterburner indicated the memory frequency would jump from 400 to 410. I didn't hit the "GO" button, so the changes weren't applied, but it proves that selecting "by SPD" doesn't guarantee the memory stays locked at 400... That is precisely my dilemma. Ideally, I would lock the memory at 400 while pushing the processor as high as possible, but I am not entirely confident in the quality of my RAM and I am loath to risk a total system failure.
The underlying motivation for this entire endeavor is simply to squeeze every last possible frame out of Oblivion; I am rapidly approaching the lower limit of playable framerates when running high settings, HDR, and those massive open environments. 😁
hollowjackal13 said:From what I can gather, you’ve bumped up the processor clock and now everything feels sluggish. Don't touch the memory timings in the BIOS; leave them set to "by SPD" so your RAM stays at 200x2 (400) MHz. Just incrementally increase the processor speed and make sure to run stability tests. If your memory frequency is tied directly to the processor bus, it drops to 166x2 (333) MHz, which is why things are slowing down—your motherboard likely doesn't support asynchronous operation. Since you're running a Barton 2500, my advice is to leave it alone unless you are absolutely certain of your next move. You risk frying the chip, or worse, taking out the entire motherboard with you. When you crank up that bus speed, you're almost certainly pushing the PCI and AGP buses along with it. Because the Barton has a locked multiplier, the only way to actually unlock it is to bridge the L1 and L2 contacts on the processor itself using a fine soldering iron and a thin wire.
I actually looked into that; within MSI Afterburner, you can theoretically set the PCI to 33 MHz and the AGP to 66 MHz independently of the main bus. I was being careful about that, so don't worry. 😉 When the memory is set to "by SPD," it sits at 200x2 even when the FSB is at 166. However, once I start pushing the FSB, the memory frequency climbs well beyond 400. If I switch from "by SPD" to 100%, the memory effectively runs at the FSB x2 frequency. To bring the memory back down to a steady 200x2, I would have to lower the FSB, which would then drop the processor to 2.2GHz. The problem is I hit a blue screen at just 2.035 GHz. It seems there is no real benefit to overclocking the FSB here because the memory ends up performing slower in relation to the CPU. I'm not sure exactly how much performance I'm losing, but I refuse to put in all this effort for half-baked results; I'd rather just leave everything exactly as it was.
So, judging by the situation, the only real solution would be to adjust the CPU multiplier instead of the FSB (while keeping the memory locked at 200x2). But I don't own a precision micro-soldering station, nor do I have the practical experience to pull it off. Besides, I really don't feel like pulling the processor out just to hand it over to a friend, risking a total disaster if we slip up. It isn't that I don't understand the theory, but one wrong move while handling the hardware and you've permanently damaged the component.
Kenneth White17 said:Just set it to 1:1........ That’s how you get the best performance............ Because on an nforce2 chipset, that divider just slows things down........
Is that so? I fail to see how it would slow anything down; if you feed it a 166MHz clock, it multiplies that by 1000 and divides by 5, yielding a 200MHz clock which likely stays in phase with the 166MHz clock every 30 cycles or so—that's just my educated guess, but you get the idea.
If it truly causes a slowdown, you'll need to provide a theoretical explanation for why! 😁
Regardless, I'll track down a benchmark and test both configurations myself. 🙂
My system has finally returned to its standard operating frequency. Upon reviewing the data in CPU-Z, I see an FSB of 166 MHz, a BUS of 333 MHz, and a CPU multiplier of 11x; meanwhile, the memory is reported at 200 MHz, which puts the Double Data Rate at 400 MHz. It also indicates an FSB:DRAM ratio of 5:6, implying a multiplier of 6x and a divider of 5x. This explains why my memory sits at 200x2 when the FSB is set to 166. However, the moment I switch the FSB setting to manual, that 5:6 ratio disappears and reverts to 1:1, forcing the memory down to 166x2 while the FSB remains at 166. If there were a way to fine-tune this multiplier/divider ratio—for instance, adjusting it to a 9:10 ratio—I could potentially hit 200x2 MHz with an FSB of 180. I am currently unsure if such granular control is even possible, let alone how one would go about achieving it.
wanderingbadger16 said:The memory actually runs at exactly 100% of the Intel frequency in MHz, but your BIOS will report it's running twice as fast because its effective speed is doubled. This means if you see an Intel of, say, 166MHz and the memory is running at 166MHz, the BIOS will display 333MHz. So, if you bump the Intel up to 200MHz, the BIOS will show the memory at 400MHz. !!! Just don't push it too far or you might fry your processor—keep a constant eye on your temperatures using some monitoring software.
PS. Grab CPU-Z off the internet (just search for it on Google)—it's a handy little utility that gives you all your system specs. Otherwise, ASUS has this program called MSI Afterburner that comes on the driver CD, which lets you overclock just about anything right within Windows, though you have to set certain things to AUTO in the BIOS first (check your motherboard manual under the MSI Afterburner section for details). I’ve messed around with it, and it’s decent enough. Still, I find the BIOS much more precise and reliable for actual overclocking. As for PCI Express, I'm not entirely certain, but most likely it stays at the standard 66MHz if you leave it set to NORMAL in the BIOS. Maybe MSI Afterburner can show you what the frequency is once you start tweaking things. Good luck.😉
I was just experimenting with some overclocking using MSI Afterburner (it's useful because it displays the frequencies for the PCI Express, memory, and processor...). You can probably assume my rig is still breathing if I'm posting this. 😁
By default, when nothing is overclocked, my Intel sits at 166MHz while the memory shows 400. It really should be at 333, but since the BIOS lists the memory clock as "by SPD," I assumed that maybe this
SPD refers to a standardized way to access manufacturer information from a computer memory module.
SPD claims it can hit 400 (though I'm not entirely sure... if the Intel is at 166, where is it pulling that 200x2 MHz memory clock from? Perhaps some kind of frequency multiplier? I'm just guessing... 🙂
You can set the PCI Express to "async" to keep it locked at 66MHz. When I switch the Intel to manual, it stays at 166MHz, but the memory stops being "by SPD" at 400 and drops to 333. I pushed it up to 185 MHz (which puts the memory at 2x185) before hitting a blue screen. So, it seems possible to hit something like 180 Intel (with memory at 360), but the frustrating part is that by overclocking the processor this way, I'm actually losing that 400MHz memory speed; I only get back to it if I max out the Intel. Consequently, unless someone can tell me how to lock the memory at 400 regardless of the Intel—which I suspect is impossible without two separate clock generators—I'm calling it quits on the overclocking. Fortunately, nothing actually broke. 🙏 😎 😁
wanderingbadger16 said:Set the memory to 100%, which ensures it runs at the same frequency as the FSB. As for the AGP, set it to AUTO or select NORMAL if available. The AGP should remain independent of the FSB. Once that's done, you can start pushing the FSB clock speeds.🙂
PS. I'm not entirely certain about the AGP settings; I'll need to check my own rig.
I misspoke earlier—for the AGP setting, it actually specifies NORMAL rather than auto. 😉 Furthermore, when I set the memory frequency to 100%, the resulting frequency ends up being exactly twice the bus frequency.
Does this imply that I can begin incrementally increasing the frequency without risking damage to components other than the processor?
The BIOS offers several settings for the AGP frequency, ranging from "Auto" to a manual selection between 50 and 100 MHz, along with memory frequency options that include "by SPD" or a range from 50 to 200%. I'm not entirely clear on the optimal configuration here; how would you recommend setting these if the intention is to incrementally bump the FSB in 10MHz steps?
wanderingbadger16 said:There are two ways to approach overclocking: 1. Overclocking the FSB—increasing the front side bus speed directly impacts both the processor and memory speeds. This implies (regarding memory) that you need high-quality RAM capable of running at frequencies higher than what you intend to achieve via the FSB. For an nForce2 setup, the maximum FSB speed is 400MHz, which means if you want to push the FSB, you’ll need memory rated for higher clock speeds. Furthermore, pushing the FSB requires a high-quality motherboard. 2. Overclocking the CPU multiplier—here, you are strictly increasing the processor speed. The FSB speed is multiplied by the multiplier to reach higher CPU frequencies while the FSB remains constant. To pull this off, you need an unlocked multiplier on your processor, which isn't the case with the Athlon (I'm not certain if this applies to all models—feel free to correct me if I'm wrong).
Your FSB is currently running at 333MHz (166MHz) because of the specific processor you have installed. Assuming you have memory rated for 400MHz (200MHz), you technically have the headroom to overclock the FSB. However, in my experience, the most effective results come from raising the CPU multiplier; pushing the FSB is generally not recommended. So, if you have a decent BIOS, try bumping up the multiplier.
My motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-7N400E. I'm using PC3200 memory, so does that mean it can handle 400MHz? Does that imply I can safely bump the FSB up to 200MHz without risking any damage to the memory? Actually, I just tested it in the BIOS by moving from 166 to 171MHz, and now it reports a processor frequency of 1.88 GHz.
I am currently downloading SiSoftware Sandra; I seem to recall it having benchmarks specifically for overclocking. In your opinion, what is the most reliable way to stress-test a processor after increasing its frequency?
I’m starting to feel a serious itch to try overclocking my Athlon. Has anyone here actually pulled this off with a 2500+ model? I need to know the process. Right now, it’s sitting at 68°C under full load, though that drops to 65°C if I just pop the case open. It's running at its stock 1.83 GHz, but I’ve been browsing some forums suggesting people have pushed these things to 2.2 GHz without any major issues...
For context, I'm running an nForce2 chipset with PC3200 memory—does that setup limit my overclocking potential at all?
wanderingbadger16 said:Where did you pick up that card? Is it the PCIe or the AGP version? In my estimation, unlocking those additional pipelines is perfectly acceptable—assuming they are functional, which seems to be the case here. However, I find pushing the clock speeds to extremes to be questionable for long-term stability; I have encountered several technical articles discussing how aggressive overclocking inevitably compromises the lifespan of the hardware. It should be noted, however, that while enabling extra pipes does increase the GPU temperature, it doesn't hit nearly as hard as overclocking does. Consequently, regarding potential future failure, it remains an uncertainty. My general stance is that excessive heat from any component will shorten its operational life. It is quite fascinating, though, that my old 286 machine still runs flawlessly despite having zero cooling whatsoever. The processor temperature barely sits above room temperature.
The AGP 8x version, purchased via Best Buy. I needed something to allow me to run Oblivion with decent settings on my aging 2.5GHz rig (AMD Athlon 2600+, 1GB RAM...) without breaking the bank. I specifically opted for the Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX because the word is that you can unlock the pipes and get a solid overclock out of it. In its Equity state, it isn't particularly fast, but once you crank it up like I have, it sits right between the 6800 and the 6800GT—at least according to my 3DMark results. This ASUS SmartDoctor utility is actually quite impressive; it makes monitoring and fine-tuning everything remarkably easy. It appears that even with the overclock, temperatures during gameplay don't exceed 70°C, and the fan stays at a steady medium speed of about 2000RPM. I suspect it could spin two or three times faster if needed, though it would likely sound like a vacuum cleaner 😁. My only grievance is the lack of heatsinks on the memory modules, but if the readings from ASUS SmartDoctor are accurate, the temperature peaks at only 65 degrees. I find it somewhat surprising that things aren't running hotter; perhaps the cooler is just high quality, given that the passive portion is copper...
And yes, I only push the frequency while playing—roughly three hours a day at most.
Having 256 MB would have been ideal, but that wasn't an option within this budget. 😉
After unlocking all the vertices and pipelines, I decided to push the overclocking further, moving from 300/700 up to 380/800. I hit a wall with the software I was using (ASUS SmartDoctor), so that's where it ends. My score in Deutsche Mark03 jumped to over 9400—it was sitting at 6200 at Equity, and climbed to 8400 after the softmod 🙏. I configured the HyperDrive setting so the frequency only ramps up when I actually launch a 3D game. I didn't spot any artifacts during the 3DMark run, and I don't think the GPU temperature even crossed 75C during the ten-minute stress test, as I didn't hear the cooler ramp up (you can adjust the fan curve based on temperature within ASUS SmartDoctor) . I won't be pushing it any harder; the memory on this card lacks passive heatsinks and my case isn't exactly high-end in terms of airflow, so I have no intention of being reckless 😉 . Ultimately, I want to know if this means I can safely run this card at 16/6 & 380/800 MHz (instead of 8/4 & 300/700) MHz since everything looks stable right now, or am I just inviting future headaches and stability issues?
If I can actually get away with this, then this card might just be the absolute best value for the money out there! 🙏
I'm not even talking about overclocking here; this is a full-on soft mod, and honestly, the results are nothing short of impressive. I managed to take my new Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX from its standard 8 pipe / 4 vertex configuration up to 16 pipe / 6 vertex, and remarkably, there isn't a single artifact in sight.🙏
My baseline Equity scores in 3DMark03 were hovering around 6200, but after the mod, they've jumped to 8400.🙏 😎 The jump in FPSov is just massive—we're looking at a 50-100% increase.😲 It feels like I've suddenly upgraded to a 6800 Ultra!😁
I guess my luck finally turned around. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm heading off to play Oblivion...🤣
There’s a movie out there with a nearly identical premise to The Descent—spelunkers trapped underground facing off against creatures lurking in the dark—and while the IMDb rating for Descent shows universal acclaim and The Cave sits at a rather dismal score, my experience was the exact opposite. I personally handed Descent a 4/10; it felt sluggish and I found myself counting the minutes until it ended. Conversely, I’d give The Cave an 8/10 because it actually delivers. It possesses everything a solid adventure-horror hybrid needs: capable, engaging characters like Jack and Tyler, genuinely creepy monsters, intense combat, and impressive stunts. The claustrophobic atmosphere works perfectly without becoming disorienting; even though it’s dark and they’re constantly moving, you always have a sense of where everyone is and where they're headed. As they navigate the cavern, the environments feel distinct and varied—one moment they’re in a massive chamber, then a flooded tunnel, then scaling a steep ledge or an icy cliff. You can tell this wasn't just filmed on a tiny 100-square-foot set 👍; the cave feels incredibly authentic, almost spectacular at times, and I had a hard time believing any of it was studio-bound since nothing felt artificial. The origin of the monsters is quite intriguing, and the ending caught me completely off guard in the best way possible. My only lingering question is what that V. S. S. F. acronym actually stood for, so if anyone has figured that out... 🙂 If you're looking for a high-stakes adventure film, I highly recommend giving this one a shot! 👍
qsebastian said:Are any of you occasional smokers? If so, you probably wonder just how much damage it actually does compared to being a daily smoker or someone who doesn't smoke at all... Some people claim it's worse than smoking constantly, while others argue that if you only smoke once a week and go through a single pack, it isn't really that harmful... well, nobody seems to know for sure, so if anyone has some insight, please share it here, because I am genuinely curious....👍
I smoked between the ages of 17 and 21, though I wasn't heavy-handed about it—a pack would usually last me five or six days. However, during that period, I started suffering from frequent strep throat infections (high fevers, throat sores, excruciating pain when swallowing, and needing ten shots from a nurse just to get relief), which eventually forced me to quit; since then, I have rarely been sick. These days, even a single puff makes me feel unwell, and if I spend an entire night in a smoky club or similar venue, I'm left with a headache and coughing up phlegm from my bronchi the next day. My doctor informed me that I've become more sensitive to smoke, despite my limited history with it. My advice to you is to avoid smoking entirely. If you absolutely insist on doing it, well, who knows—perhaps limit yourself to those moments when you are incredibly stressed, exceptionally happy, or perhaps after sex or finishing a major exam. In those specific instances, I still find myself craving a cigarette, but I refuse to light one because I have already done my time 😬 If you choose to smoke sparingly like that, you will likely lose your mind if you can't manage less than once a day... provided you actually have the willpower to hold back 😉
Look, if you actually end up calling them, let me know what they charge.
The thing is, I sat down with the specialist myself, and I believe he mentioned $1667... $1,000 for the eye scans and another $4,000 for the lenses. He went out of his way to tell me that he hasn't had a single patient complain about them yet.
Bradley Smith said:My doctor mentioned this to me once. Honestly, it sounds like a fantastic alternative to surgery. From what she explained, the main issues arise with sensitive eyes or when capillaries start growing inward. 😱
But if you decide to pull the trigger, you absolutely have to let me know how it goes. 😁
Hmm, I spent some time digging into this today (just type "orthokeratology" into Google) and it turns out the long-term efficacy of current lens technology isn't even fully understood yet. Besides, the science is constantly evolving... I'll give it more thought once I'm back from the coast. 👋
I have a -1 prescription, and my optometrist is pushing these overnight orthokeratology lenses—you know, the ones that reshape your cornea while you sleep. He went on and on about how incredible they are, claiming they're top-tier and might even permanently fix my vision back to zero. On paper, it sounds great, but I’m skeptical. When my brother went in for LASIK—he had a much higher prescription than I do—his doctor gave him the exact same sales pitch about how seamless and perfect everything would be. Fast forward through the procedure, and his vision was a blurry mess for two weeks straight; eventually, a second specialist told him that kind of complication actually happens sometimes. Because of that, I don't fully trust this guy's word—it feels like he’s just looking for a quick commission by selling me these lenses. I want to hear from anyone who has actually used these overnight lenses. It doesn't seem nearly as risky as laser surgery, but I’d rather be informed before I dive in. 😉
Sci-fi horror and thrillers... specifically anything involving an abandoned vessel, a remote base, a research station, or maybe something underwater, at the North Pole, or out in deep space where they stumble upon some shocking discovery. To me, that’s 🙏 🙂 . I also have a real affinity for films—whether they are war movies, crime dramas, or just character studies—that maintain a purely observational perspective. I prefer when a film doesn't try too hard to push a specific message or manipulate my opinion; I want the camera to simply capture reality and leave it up to me to draw my own conclusions.
Oh, and I definitely have a soft spot for trashy horror comedies featuring zombies, motorcycles, and plenty of over-the-top gore... 😬
Sandra King86 said:This is a bit of a tangent, but when I recently dealt with a death in my own family, getting out of the house to catch a movie was actually quite helpful. For me, cinema isn't just mindless entertainment; it clearly serves a therapeutic purpose as well (at least in my experience).
I certainly respect the desire to honor the death of the pope with dignity, but shutting down the theaters seems like an excessive reaction. There were much more tasteful and socially constructive ways to handle this. For instance, they could have directed all—or at least half—of the ticket proceeds toward a scholarship fund for seminarians or some charity close to the Holy Father's heart. To me, this decision by the city officials feels far too isolating.