Cannot get over 217 w/my xms 3500

[vette 406]

CPU: 3.0 800FSB
MOBO: P4c800Dlx
Mem: 2xXMS3500C2
Timings: 2-3-3-7-8
DDR voltage: 2.85
DRam freq.: 400 1:1
All other settings default
Temp: Idle 31C; load 40 to 50C
Primary use: Video rendering

No matter what I have tried I can't get this sucker up to 220 (3.3GHz). It will post at 218,219,220 but when I start to render a movie it will freeze after about 5 to 10 minutes.
At stock speed for the 3500 434 (217) it is rock solid, but I would like to higher to pick up the speed in rendering and eventually burning my movies to DVD's.

I ordered a northbridge chipset fan in hopes that may help, any other suggestions?

[eva2000]

make sure you turn off Turbo mode.. xms3500c2 is about that speed anyway so don't expect much more

i'd test each stick of memory indivdually using memtest86 first

memtest86
- 2 loops of all tests #1-11
- 64 minimum to 4hrs loops of test #4
- 4-8hrs looping test #5
- 4hrs looping test #6
- 10-20 loops of test #10

[vette 406]

I have stayed away from "Turbo" mode based on all the threads I have read.
Should I try going to a 5:4? If I do, I believe it croaks PAT.

[oldfart]

Try 5:4. This will at least tell you if its the ram or CPU that is having trouble @ the higher FSB. If you have the same trouble @ 5:4, try a little more Vcore (what is it now)?

[vette 406]

I have used 1.6, 1.625 and 1.650 on the V-core, no change when I OC to 218, 219 or 220. So V-core I guess, isn't my answer.

So if I go 5:4 ratio and start ticking up my freq speed will I get a freeze up like I am getting now or a "no post" once I have exceeded my limit?

[Hawk]

My Corsair XMS3500's maxed out at 220FSB at 1:1. If your CPU can do better then that, change to 5:4 as OldFart said.

Remember, 220FSB @ 1:1 is DDR440
250FSB @ 5:4 is DDR400 ;)

[oldfart]

My XMS 3200C2 r1.1 will do DDR412 2-2-2-5, DDR426 needs 2.5-3-3-7. It wont go above 426. This type of memory does not go high in DDR speed, but can usually run tight timings. Try 5:4 and see how it does.

[vette 406]

I'll give it shot. Will the change from 1:1 blow away PAT?

[oldfart]

Dont have that mobo, so I dont know. PAT still works on my IC7 @ 5:4. Use ctiaw (ftp://ftp.heise.de/pub/ct/ctsi/ctiaw.zip) to see if it is enabled.

[vette 406]

Just went to 5:4. Kicked it up to 225, got 3.4GHz on CPU-z. Cranked up "Sandra" to run a benchmark, froze solid. Oh Well.
I ordered a "Northbridge Chipset Fan", should be here Wednesday, I hope its just a heat problem. If not, I'll stick with the stock 217 and 3255 GHz, could be worse.

[oldfart]

How about in between 217 and 225 FSB? Most P4C's seem to get to somewhere between 3.3 and 3.4 GHz. Mine is good for 3.34. Lower the FSB a bit and see how it does.

[vette 406]

I will give it a try. I know I can't get over 217 @ 1:1 so I will try the 5:4 again at some lower frequencies.

[toymaker]

My older XMS3500C2 won't go over 230 (460 DDR). Even with 3.1 - 3.3 volts.

Set your memory to 3:2 (266) and then crank up your FSB to see how far your CPU will go. Your memory will be under 200 but at least you'll discover the limit of your CPU.

[vette 406]

I will sure give it a try. I tried 5:4 ratio, that didn't work, Sandra froze on me @ 219MHz

[toymaker]

Looks like the max for your Corsair is safely at 217 (434). What did you find to be the max FSB of your 3.0C?

[vette 406]

I cannot seam to get past 870FSB or up to 3300GHz, once there, my system freezes while rendering movies.

At the "House of Help" forum I got a message from a member to give him the FPO/Batch # on my 3.0 CPU. He was going to run a check to see if my chip would even go to 3.3GHz, he stated some will not go that high. I am anxious to here his response.

[toymaker]

This may give you an idea of where it might go.

http://www.cpudatabase.com/CPUdb/

But if your's is a new batch then the yields may not be as good. I've read in other threads where the 3.2Cs are doing quite well. But then you're looking at a $600.00 plus layout.

[vette 406]

My batch is L311A774 which looks like it should hit 3500GHz. I would be satisfied with 3300 but I just can't get there and have a solid O/S.
I'm sure there is a magic combination, but have not been able to find it as of yet.

[JoeBar]

Maybe your a bit unlucky on the cpu m8. :(
My xms 3500 work flawlessly (7+ hours memtest) @ 227mhz 2-3-2-5 with both Turbo's enabled.

[vette 406]

I think your right, the luck is definately not with me on this CPU.
But, I have never been one to through-in-the-towel so I will keep on trying till I have exhausted all the possible combinations. You never know, I may get lucky.

Peter T.
Boston, Mass.