overclocking

[allanh]

hi:

I am thinking about purchasing a pentium 4 3.06 GHz in these 2 weeks.

However, I also read on the net saying that some CPU/motherboard can be overclocked. 5 Years ago, I overclocked my p2 400mhz to 450mhz.

I am wondering if anyone knows what's the best motherboard (brand/model) to overclock 3.06 cpu? and what is the maximum clock speed this cpu can reach without buring itself out?

thanks for any help in advance.

p.s I am also wondering what do you think about the motherboards GA-8INXP and GA-8SQ800 ?

[Daniel]

Just to tell you, a P4 3.06ghz is a ---- overclocker. ;)

Pretty much any high performance motherboard will do, aslong as it isn't Intel or Intel chipset(or Via for that matter), you should be fine.

On the other hand, you should rather use your money to something a little more bang for buck...say AMD Athlon XP 3000+ or 2500+, and overclock one of those. I doubt you'd be disappointed.

[allanh]

thanks for the suggestion, Daniel.

However, I have read in a computer website saying that P4 are great for overclocking. So, is 3.06 gHz just an exception.

Also, it has the hyperthreading technology which gets quite good reviews in a number of websites.

By the way, what's the BUS speed of AMD? Is it 533Mhz like P4s?

thanks for further answers.

[Bruce]

P4 = 100 (4*100=400) Northwood Bs OR
P4 = 133 (4*133=533) Northwood As

XP = 133 (2*133=266) OR
XP = 166 (2*166=333) 2600+ and up

First of all, you need WinXP to take advantage of hyperthreading (bleh!). Aside from that, the 3.06GHz P4 simply isn't cost effective. It's priced at about $650 right now. Hyperhtreading isn't great enough to justify that amount of money. The chip costs more than my entire system--and that's including a monitor.

Anyway, if you're an Intel fanboy, pick up a P4 2.53GHz. You can easily OC it to 3GHz+ on air, and it's less than $250.

Now as far as motherboards go, I beg to differ with Daniel on the matter. Avoid Intel motherboards, BUT do get one with an Intel chipset. Intel chipsets are the most reliable.

GA-xxxx... hmm.. Those are Gigabyte boards, right? They make stable boards, but they're usually not the best OC'ers. Asus, Abit, or EpoX would be your best bet. Just read some reviews before making a final decision.

Now if it were me, I'd pick me up a 333MHz FSB 2600+ TBred XP and either an Asus A7N8X or an EpoX 8RDA+. That would run you about the same price as the Intel setup.

Good RAM (Corsair, Mushkin, Kingston) is a msut either way, as well as proper cooling.

[sharkbyte]

Dont fry your mobo yet! AMD is coming out with a new chip that not only is abit faster than the intel, but actually cheaper. buy one of those AND THEN fry your mobo!

[Daniel]

Originally posted by sharkbyte
Dont fry your mobo yet! AMD is coming out with a new chip that not only is abit faster than the intel, but actually cheaper. buy one of those AND THEN fry your mobo!

The AMD Athlon XP 3000+ is already out. 3200+ is coming out in a couple weeks.