2500+xp Overclocking Results

Here it is, the results of my overclocking endeavors. I've spent the last 5 hours working on my computer, running stress and benchmark tests for every little increase. I'll post the stock settings, then what I did to overclock, and then I'll post a before and after of benchmark scores.


Athlon 2500+xp @1.833Ghz/333mhz FSB (166 x 2)
Radeon 9800 Pro: Core clock@ 378Mhz, Mem clock @ 338Mhz
FSB/DRAM Ratio @ SPD
Memory Timings: Normal
VCore: 1.550V

Temperatures:
CPU: Idle 31`C Load 35`C
GPU: Idle 34`C Load 37`C

Alright, so the first thing I did was my benchmark tests. I actually, foolishly, forgot to record my original PC Mark 04 score so I apologize but I don't have a number for that. I suppose when I drop my settings back to normal I can retest it and get a score then. When I do so, I'll update with the new number. I do have two other scores though.

3dMark 2001SE: 11398
3dMark 03: 4963/519

(As an aside, I'd just like the say that the Ragtroll test in 3dMark03 is rather a perverse mass suicide of trolls all jumping off a ledge, bouncing off other platforms and eventually lying prone on a floor a little ways down. Strange, to say the least.)

The first thing I did was go into the System BIOS and into the Advanced Chipset features. I changed the stock FSB from 166(333Mhz) up to 175 (350Mhz), along with the FSB/DRAM Ratio to 1:1. I switched the memory timings to high performance, and upped the VCore voltage to 1.5V in the power management section.

These changes yielded a modest clock speed increase, up to 1.928Ghz. After testing for stability, I went back and changed the FSB to 200(400Mhz). This was my overall goal. With the FSB running at 400Mhz at a 1:1 ratio. I also increased the VCore up to 1.650V. Note that my 1GB of Hynix memory runs at 400Mhz as well.

After this, my clock speed jumped impressively to 2.205Ghz. My 2500xp performing at the level of a 3200xp.

Next, I used the excellent ATI Tool to overclock my video card. First, I let it find the maximum core overclock, which turned out to be 430 without any artifacts occurring. With the core overclocked that much, the maximum memory overclock I could get while still remaining stable was 345. I checked one last time for artifacts, and set my speeds.

For a stress test, I elected to use Doom 3. I ran Ultra High Quality @ 1280 x 1024 resolution. It performed wonderfully, with only the slightest slowdown when fighting multiple adversaries.

I ran Doom 3 for half an hour, then decided it was moment of truth time. Benchmarks.

First though, I'll post the final settings and the temperatures under load.

2500xp 1.833Ghz (Stock) running @ 2.205Ghz/FSB @ 400Mhz
Radeon 9800 Pro @ Core 430Mhz, Mem 345Mhz
FSB/DRAM Ratio 1:1
Mem Timing: High Performance
VCore: 1.650V

Temperatures were still very acceptable. Thanks to my half dozen fans, and the Zalman intercooler on my 9800. GPU max temperature under load was a rather low 46`C. CPU max temp under load was 51`C. Temperatures at idle were 36`C, and 34`C, respectively.

Now for the benchmark scores:

3dMark 2001SE: 16006 (A net increase of 4608 points)
3dMark '03: 5798/527 (Net increases of 747 and 50 points)
PCMark '04: 3917

In conclusion, we can agree that overclocking really does pay good dividends. I'm also more than happy with the performance of my 2500+ chip. I've been touting it's overclocking capabilities for weeks now, and it's nice to see it live up to my bragging. Feel free to post your questions, or even your own benchmark scores.