Overclocking CPU

Question

I have an Optiplex GX270 with an Intel Pentium 4,  2.8ghz processor.   I would like to overclock this processor and need a simple utility that will allow me to do this. Can anyone help me?

ManyDimensions · Answer

I am not suggesting that a Dell can not be overclocked because I know they can, I've done it.   You will NOT be able to do it with any available software, period. The software that is available to change the stepping of the clock won't work on a Dell motherboard.   For P4 478 CPU's you need to jumper the socket pins. For P4 630 LGA775 CPU's you need to use conductive paint on the base of the CPU.   If you look long and hard enough you will find out how to do it just as I did. It is no secret but I am not going to post here where that information is.

Jbirk · Answer

Basically, he is referring to a processor mod. This would make the motherboard detect the processor as a different processor.

I would highly advise you not short any pins together on the processor unless this is something that you feel you must do.

All of the Intel Processors such as the Northwood Core typically used in the GX270 have locked multipliers. Additionally, there is no jumper or softmenu in the Dell Bios. In other words, there is no adjustment for the Front Side Bus or the Voltage settings.

This makes Dell very unfriendly for over clockers. However, the truth is that you probably should avoid over clocking that processor. Google SNDS (Sudden Northwood Death Syndrome). If you really feel you must overclock, I recomend buying an Asus, Abit, Gigabyte, or MSI motherboard, processor, and fast/quality dual channel memory kit.

I would leave the poor GX270 alone. Many of them already have flaky motherboards.

ManyDimensions · Answer

Jbirk....   Yes, the mods I reference are CPU mods that cause the system to detect the CPU as something other than what it is. Both mods are harmless,  stable, and reversible over-clocking tricks that work not only on Dells but also on other locked branded makes. I have tested the mods and they work fine but do require special tools and some advanced technical understanding. It is not something for the novice to try.   I do not agree that the GX270 motherboard is inherently flaky. That is not true.

nicktheman33 · Answer

Hi Guys,   Thanks very much for your help.   I got my GX270 definitely came with a flaky motherboard. The capacitors blew after about 9 months. However, Dell were good about it, said it was a know issue with my batch and changed it the following day free of charge.   All your comments have diverted me away from overclocking as it doesn't look like it is worth the risk.   The only reason I wanted to do it was because the motherboard is AGP and I recently upgraded from a Leadteck Nvidia 6800 GT 256 MB graphics card to a Gainward 7800GS 512Mb card. That is supposed to be the best AGP card on the market and the performance would be better if my CPU was over 3ghz.   Thanks again Message Edited by nicktheman33 on 01-06-200710:21 PM

ManyDimensions · Answer

One more time....   The GX270 is not inherently flaky.   The capacitor problem of that era was industry wide and not attributable to Dell or Foxcom.

Jbirk · Answer

Yes, I know the inherent design of the GX270 is quite good and they are quite stable computers. In fact, I would go so far as to say the GX270 computers are excellent if they have good capacitors.

Unfortunatly, I have personally replaced at least 100 of these motherboard due to flakey capacitors; hence, flakey motherboards.

Worst of all, when I first started replacing them they were failing later due to the same problem. I think the repairs made just before last summer are holding though.

As for the GX270, it is not ment for overclocking. Overclocking and processor Mods are not covered by warranty either. I do know exactly what you are talking about in terms of the pin tric. Basically, you short some pins and the processor is mis-detected as a different, faster processor.

I have never done it, but it makes perfect sence that the trick will work on any computer that accepts a socket 478 processor. Chances are good this is probably better than incrementing the Front Side Bus anyway as it more than likely just changes the multiplyer of the processor hence allowing the rest of the system to not be forced to run faster. I.e. Incrementing the bus from 200 to 220 will speed up DDR 400 (PC 3200) to DDR 440, which is slightly faster than DDR 433 (PC 3500). In other words, overclocking as a whole takes the stability of any system down to lower levels.

Hence, I do not bother to do it. I value stability and relaibility over speed. Additionally, unless the motherboard is 100% healthy with perfect capacitors and no problems, their are higher chances of an overclock failure than if the motherboard is pristine.

Good Luck

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Overclocking CPU

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