Written By:
Date Posted: October 12, 2001

Overclocking

Why overclock? The answer is simple, free performance. I know it can be argued that a faster CPU isn't much more expensive, so why not avoid buying porn, erm, I mean Math textbooks for a week, and buy a faster proc? I don't really have an answer for that. I can afford my faster CPUs and my porn, I mean books, but for many, overclocking is a hobby. And believe me, the 1.4Ghz Thunderbird overclocks well.

What is the recipe for overclocking an Athlon? Well, other than luck, it'd be good to know what core you're buying. This will be the first 4 - 5 letters on the third line of the core, 2 lines if you don't count the bold AMD Athlon. The first core revision that drove people bananas was the AXIA core Athlons. These puppies were sold at various speeds, but the 1Ghz part was a very overclockable part, reaching anywhere from 1.33 to 1.4Ghz and up! Other cores followed, but not quite meeting the expectations set by the AXIA CPUs. The AYHJA core, as pictured above, is the next most "overclockable" part, and is sought after greatly by those dreaming of 1.6Ghz+. Does it meet those expectations? I'll tell you later.

Though tricky at first, overclocking is easy to do once you've armed yourself with some knowledge. You'll find sources everywhere, but it all boils down to this..., you can overclock via the multiplier, or the FSB, or both. My stock speed is 10.5x133 = ~1400, where the equation is 10.5(multiplier) x 133(front side bus). By manipulating either number, you can give your CPU a small, or large boost. Just be warned that everyone's results may vary, and overclocking raises the chances of you torching your CPU. Remember to get a good heatsink, like those reviewed here in August, to aid in cooling. I also suggest reading and check their site out in depth. They have an answer to every question you may have, and they're an invaluable source of info.

Though overclocking with the multiplier or FSB will work well, with AMD, most choose to overclock with the multiplier. Anyone who has overclocked the Pentium III can attest that an increased FSB will also mean increased stress on your AGP/PCI parts. Though modern day peripherals can take it to an extent, there is no guarantee on the stability. By overclocking via the multiplier, only the CPU is stressed, so with the proper cooling and voltage adjustments, you'll be on your way to high speed nirvana.

All Thunderbirds 1.2Ghz and up are factory unlocked. That means that the multiplier is free for your manipulation. I highlighted the magical L1 traces. This is where you may have heard the ole "pencil" trick of connecting these typically separated traces. I'm not sure why, but pretty much all the new 266FSB Thunderbirds do not have these traces cut. The 200FSB Athlons almost certainly do.

Prev Next