Need Help With Unstable P4 2.4c System.

[Biff1212]

Hi guys, I start off by listing my relevant system specs.

 

Pentium 4 2.4C

1GB (256x4) OCZ PC4000 (DDR500) Dual Channel 3-4-4-8

Abit IC7-G Motherboard (latest bios)

400 Watt Antec PSU

Geforce 3 Ti550 Golden Sample (Gainward)

Windows XP Pro SP1

 

The problem happens when I overclock. I set the multiplier to 250 and the divider to 1:1. I set the AGP ratio to fixed This gives me 3ghz with DDR500 spec and a 1000mhz FSB. After being in the OS for a bit Itll reboot randomly when under load.

 

My temps are all within the limit (52 under load). I just got a Thermalright SP-94 and some Arctic Silver 5. I recently however got a problem with my Northbridge fan and had to replace its pad with some AS5.

 

If anyone can offer some suggestions im up for it, Heres what Ive tried so far.

 

-Raise CPU Voltage

Worked, But Sometimes still randomly rebooted ( Explorer often crashed)

 

-Raised the voltage on ram

Didnt work (2.8 from its 2.6 default)

 

-Took out, and re-arranged ram

Didnt work, still random reboots

 

So my question is, whats up guys? Can anyone offer me some assistance? Heres the info on my CPU:

 

1.525V max

MM#: 853185

FPO/BATCH: 3326A549

Pack Date: 9/16/03

Edited April 24, 2004 by Biff1212

[ccokeman]

You should o/c slowly and test at each step using prime 95here then after it passes for 24hrs you can call it stable what are you running your ram timings at? I would up the vcore to 1.6 memory to 2.9 and test .

[Biff1212]

They are at the default 3-4-4-8. I purchased the ram back when DDR500 was coming out, and there werent any avaliable with fast timings.

[OweO2004]

Upping ur vcore more may get the system more stable. however don't go above 1.65 or a p4 cos they realy don't like it (esp as ur already at 52 under load). Do as the guy above said and overclock (AND underclock - drop back to stock speeds) slowely don't just jump cos the chip h8s it. It can serisouly damage it. You may be unluckily in the fact that ur chip just won't overclock very well cos some chips just don't.

[ccokeman]

even with ddr500 you may not be able to run a 250 fsb at 1:1 on your ram. Try it at a 5:4 divider to see if it is your ram causing the problem. My brother can get his to 3.2 on stock voltage with his set 5:4 and my sons is at 2.8 and still testing at 5:4 try it and see. You should be able to get 3.0 no problem if your heatsink is up to the test. 52c under load is a little bit high on stock voltage. What type of heatsink are you using?

[Biff1212]

even with ddr500 you may not be able to run a 250 fsb at 1:1 on your ram. Try it at a 5:4 divider to see if it is your ram causing the problem. My brother can get his to 3.2 on stock voltage with his set 5:4 and my sons is at 2.8 and still testing at 5:4 try it and see. You should be able to get 3.0 no problem if your heatsink is up to the test. 52c under load is a little bit high on stock voltage. What type of heatsink are you using?

Like I said, Thermalright SP-94 with Arctic Silver 5. From what Ive seen those temps are normal.

 

I just tried 3:2 and ran prime95. About 7 min in it crashed. Heres the error report.

 

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-16"?>

<DATABASE>

<EXE NAME="Prime95.exe" FILTER="GRABMI_FILTER_PRIVACY">

 

Edited April 24, 2004 by Biff1212

[Nuclear]

Are you sure that when you replaced the NB fan, it's on a seated properly? Your NB could be heating up, causing instability problems. I would re-seat the fan and see if that helps.

 

You could also have a dud chip. I had a 2.4c M0 that wouldn't do 2.9Ghz stable with 1.65v.

[Biff1212]

Well im in the process right now of running prime with 1.6V. I tried re-seating the NB HSF, even re-applied AS5. Things are looking good so far at 1.6 but whats the deal? I heard of people getting to 3GHZ without even touching the voltage.

 

EDIT: While running with 1.6V soon after I got a "fatal error" in Prime and it stopped. It then said Hardware failure detected. Any ideas?

Edited April 24, 2004 by Biff1212

[Hailstorm]

I think your over doing the RAM. I also have the 2.4C. This very second I am running at 3.0 as a OC. I got it up to 3.3 but I was having issues, ie Prime would not go to long before shutting off. My dividers are all scewed up. If I choose something other than 1.1 . My only other choice is 1.4 . No way. SO The only other option is to lower the operating mhz for the RAM. I am at 333 I think,instead of 400. When I go to 3.3 I have to lower it to 266. But you get the idea. I would take it as far as you can with out changing the divider and such. Let it burn in. I am doing this. I figure in another week or two.I will try to go up again and see what happens. I am documenting all my progress and I will post my findings. I started with a new CPU as well. SO its a real look into how you OC can effect your top end. For you I think your RAM is your issue. I am sure you have looked at my SIG and saw what RAM I have. Its not bad RAM at all. But still.I think its holding me back. Same goes for you. Take it as far you can go now,let it burn in. By all means you don't have a slow CPU now. SO relax. Your doing good. Take your time. Let your hardware settle in .

[r_target]

I would put it at 1:1 and set fsb to 205 with stock vcore.If P95 errors out still,something freaky is going on.I have the same basic setup you have,and other than having to use a divider(PC3200) I can get to 3.2 on 1.55vcore,267fsb.One last thing:some people believe the newest BIOS' for IC7/IC7G don't OC as well as older ones due to the changes made to accomodate Prescott.This may or may not be BS.I use BIOS 19.

[Biff1212]

Thanks target, gonna try the 209 first although I doubt Ill see an error. Ill try 19 then.

[JackRussell]

sounds like you popped it to 250 fsb in one go. Sorry if that's misread, but if not you're risking damage (even if it can eventually clock that high). Anyways, even at 243 FSB I need 1.6v to stay stable. And yea some people don't have to touch their vcore, but they just got very lucky.

 

and with sp94, you should be getting much better temps. how's your case circulation?