Overclocking Computers with AMD Duron (Thunderbird)

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AMD Duron processors manufactured according to 0.18-micrometer technology have similar architecture to Athlon processors based on the same core, with the same operating frequencies of the EV6 bus. However, because of a smaller amount of the L2 cache memory, Duron processors are less powerful than their prototypes.

Duron manufactured according to the Socket A form factor has a fixed multiplier, which can be changed only by using specialized hardware and software. Not all motherboards support these functions. Therefore, Duron typically is overclocked by increasing the processor-bus frequency.

Features of the EV6 processor bus and motherboard architecture sometimes prevent large increases in clock frequency, even though Duron has significant technological reserve.

The results of analyzing Duron operation in overclocked modes are provided in the following sections.

Computer with Duron 650

System Configuration
  • Processor — AMD Duron 650 (128 KB L1 cache, 64 KB L2 cache, full CPU core frequency operation, standard FSB frequency of 100 MHz, 1.5 V core supply, Socket A)

  • Motherboard — Gigabyte GA-7ZM (VIA Apollo KT133 chipset)

  • RAM — 128 MB, DIMM, PC133, SDRAM

  • Hard disk — IBM DJNA 372200

  • Video adapter — Creative 3DBlaster Annihilator Pro

  • Sound card — Creative Sound Blaster Live!

  • Operating system — Windows 98

Establishing Overclocking Modes

During overclocking, the system-bus frequency was increased from 100 MHz to 110 MHz. A further increase of the bus frequency resulted in system instability, which, presumably, was related to features of the EV6 processor bus and VIA Apollo KT133 chipset, used as the basis of the motherboard in these experiments.

Testing the System

Test results are provided in Table 18.31 and in Figs. 18.65 and 18.66.

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Figure 18.65: Duron 650 test results (CPUmark 99)

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Figure 18.66: Duron 650 test results (FPU WinMark)

Table 18.31: Results of Overclocking Duron 650

FSB frequency (MHz)

CPU frequency (MHz)

CPUmark 99 rating

FPU WinMark rating

100

650 = 100 × 6.5

55

3,520

105

683 = 105 × 6.5

58

3,695

110

715 = 110 × 6.5

61

3,870

Computer with Duron 600

System Configuration
  • Processor — AMD Duron 600 (128 KB L1 cache, 64 KB on-die L2 cache, core frequency operation, standard FSB EV6 frequency of 100 MHz and a data-transfer rate of 200 MHz, 1.5 V core supply, Socket A with 462 pins)

  • Motherboard 1 — Abit KT7 (VIA Apollo KT133, VT8363+VT82C686A chipset)

  • Motherboard 2 — Soltek SL-75KV+ (VIA Apollo KT133, VT8363 +VT82C686A chipset)

  • RAM — 128 MB, SDRAM, PC100

  • Hard disk — IBM DPTA-372050 (20 GB, 2 MB cache memory, Ultra DMA/66)

  • Video adapter — Asus AGP-V3800 TV (TNT2 video chipset, 32 MB video memory)

  • Sound card — Creative Sound Blaster Live!

  • Power supply unit — 250 W

  • Operating system — Windows 98 Second Edition

Tests were conducted using CPUmark 99 and FPU WinMark from the WinBench 99 package.

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Figure 18.67: Duron 600 processor

Main Motherboard Parameters

The motherboards that were investigated are shown in Figs. 18.68 and 18.69.

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Figure 18.68: Soltek SL-75KV+ motherboard

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Figure 18.69: Abit KT7 motherboard

  • Supported processors — AMD Athlon (Thunderbird) and AMD Duron (Socket A processor slot with 462 pins, standard FSB frequency of 100 MHz)

  • Overclocking — 100/103/105/110/112/115/120/124/133.3/140/150 MHz via Dual In-line Package (DIP) switches, 100/103/105/112/115/120/124 MHz via BIOS Setup

  • Core voltage — 1.5 V-1.85 V, with an increment of 0.25 V

  • Multiplier setup — DIP switches

  • Chipset — VIA Apollo KT133 (VT8363+VT82C686A)

  • RAM — Up to 768 MB in three DIMM modules (168 pin, 3.3 V), 100/133 MHz frequency

  • BIOS — Award Plug-and-Play BIOS

  • Supported processors — AMD Athlon (Thunderbird) and AMD Duron (Socket A processor slot with 462 pins, standard FSB frequency of 100 MHz)

  • Overclocking — 100/101/103/105/107/110/112/115/117/120/122/124/127/133/136/140/145/150/155 MHz via BIOS Setup

  • Core voltage — 1.1 V-1.85 V, with an increment of 0.25 V

  • Multiplier setup — BIOS Setup

  • Chipset — VIA Apollo KT133 (VT8363+VT82C686A)

  • RAM — Up to 1.5 GB in three DIMM (168 pins, 3.3 V), PC100/133 SDRAM, 100/133 MHz frequency

  • BIOS — Award Plug-and-Play BIOS

Cooling Devices

Titan TTC-D2T was used as a processor cooler (Fig. 18.70). This cooler ensures efficient cooling of Thunderbird-based Athlon and Duron. The fan is controlled by the built-in hardware-monitoring tools of the VT82C686A chip.

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Figure 18.70: Titan TTC-D2T cooler

The processor temperature is controlled using thermal sensors built into the motherboard and hardware-monitoring tools. The sensors in Soltek SL-75KV+ are flexible (Fig. 18.71); those in Abit KT7 are rigid (Fig. 18.72).

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Figure 18.71: Flexible thermal sensor on the Soltek SL-75KV+ motherboard

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Figure 18.72: Rigid thermal sensor on the Abit KT7 motherboard

Overclocking by Increasing the FSB Frequency

When using the Soltek SL-75KV+ motherboard, the clock frequency of the processor bus is set via one of the two DIP switches (SW1, marked in Fig. 18.73) and via BIOS Setup.

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Figure 18.73: DIP switches on the Soltek SL-75KV+ motherboard (SW1 is marked)

For Abit KT7, the frequency is selected in BIOS Setup via SoftMenu. When working with this motherboard, better results were obtained: The FSB clock frequency was increased to 115 MHz, as shown in Tables 18.32 and 18.33 and in Figs. 18.74–18.77.

Table 18.32: Results of Increasing the FSB Frequency for Duron 600 (Abit KT7)

Processor frequency = bus frequency × multiplier

CPUmark 99 rating

FPU WinMark rating

600 MHz = 100 × 6

51.4

3,260

672 MHz = 112 × 6

57.8

3,660

690 MHz = 115 × 6

59.4

3,760

Table 18.33: Results of Increasing the FSB Frequency for Duron 600 (Soltek SL-75KV+)

Processor frequency = bus frequency × multiplier

CPUmark 99 rating

FPU WinMark rating

600 MHz = 100 × 6

52.7

3,260

630 MHz = 105 × 6

55.4

3,430

672 MHz = 112 × 6

59.1

3,660

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Figure 18.74: Duron 600 (Abit KT7) after increasing the bus frequency (CPUmark 99)

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Figure 18.75: Duron 600 (Abit KT7) after increasing the bus frequency (FPU WinMark)

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Figure 18.76: Duron 600 (Soltek SL-75KV+) after increasing the bus frequency (CPUmark 99)

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Figure 18.77: Duron 600 (Soltek SL-75KV+) after increasing the bus frequency (FPU WinMark)

Overclocking by Changing the Multiplier

Almost all contemporary processors are manufactured with fixed frequency multipliers. Nevertheless, with AMD processors, motherboards such as Soltek SL-75KV+ and Abit KT7 allow the multiplier to be changed. This is possible only with processors that have intact L1 bridges, located on the surface of the processor case.

If the L1 bridges on the processor case are cut, it is possible to restore the capability of changing the multiplier by closing the contacts. This operation can be accomplished easily, using a soft sharpened pencil with graphite, which has high conductivity. To restore disabled overclocking capabilities, rub the cut L1 bridges on the processor, pressing the pencil tight into the gaps to make small "hills." When performing this operation, avoid closing contacts between adjacent bridges. To control this operation visually, use a powerful magnifying glass and adequate lighting. Also, make sure that you observe all measures necessary to protect the processor from static electricity.

The results of restoring the conductivity of the L1 bridges are shown in Figs. 18.78 and 18.79, which illustrate fragments of the Duron surface.

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Figure 18.78: Initial state of the L1 bridges on the Duron surface

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Figure 18.79: L1 bridges with restored contacts on Duron

After restoring the cut bridges on Duron, it becomes possible to change the frequency multiplier using the built-in functionality of the motherboards.

For Soltek SL-75KV+, the multiplier was chosen using the appropriate DIP switch (SW2, marked in Fig. 18.80).

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Figure 18.80: DIP switches on the Soltek SL-75KV+ motherboard (SW2 is marked)

Overclocking results, as well as the chosen modes, are presented in Tables 18.34 and 18.35 and in Figs. 18.81–18.84.

Table 18.34: Results of Changing the Multiplier for Duron 600 (Abit KT7)

Processor frequency = bus frequency × multiplier

CPUmark 99 rating

FPU WinMark rating

600 MHz = 100 × 6.0

51.4

3,260

650 MHz = 100 × 6.5

55.0

3,550

700 MHz = 100 × 7.0

57.6

3,810

800 MHz = 100 × 8.0

63.2

4,350

850 MHz = 100 × 8.5

65.8

4,640

900 MHz = 100 × 9.0

68.3

4,900

Table 18.35: Results of Changing the Multiplier for Duron 600 (Soltek SL-75KV+)

Processor frequency = bus frequency × multiplier

CPUmark 99 rating

FPU WinMark rating

600 MHz = 100 × 6.0

52.7

3,260

650 MHz = 100 × 6.5

55.9

3,530

800 MHz = 100 × 8.0

65.0

4,350

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Figure 18.81: Duron 600 (Abit KT7) after changing the multiplier (CPUmark 99)

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Figure 18.82: Duron 600 (Abit KT7) after changing the multiplier (FPU WinMark)

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Figure 18.83: Duron 600 (Soltek SL-75KV+) after changing the multiplier (CPUmark 99)

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Figure 18.84: Duron 600 (Soltek SL-75KV+) after changing the multiplier (FPU WinMark)

Overclocking via the Bus and Multiplier

Maximum performance levels are achieved by choosing the optimal processor-bus frequency at the best value of the frequency multiplier.

Test results obtained when overclocking the processors on both motherboards are provided in Tables 18.36 and 18.37 and in Figs. 18.85–18.88.

Table 18.36: Results of Combined Overclocking of Duron 600 (Soltek SL-75KV+)

Processor frequency = bus frequency × multiplier

CPUmark 99 rating

FPU WinMark rating

600 MHz = 100 × 6.0

52.7

3,260

630 MHz = 105 × 6.0

55.4

3,430

650 MHz = 100 × 6.5

55.9

3,530

672 MHz = 112 × 6.0

59.1

3,660

683 MHz = 105 × 6.5

58.8

3,720

715 MHz = 110 × 6.5

61.6

3,890

800 MHz = 100 × 8.0

65.0

4,350

840 MHz = 105 × 8.0

68.4

4,580

Table 18.37: Results of Combined Overclocking of Duron 600 (Abit KT7)

Processor frequency = bus frequency × multiplier

CPUmark 99 rating

FPU WinMark rating

600 MHz = 100 × 6.0

51.4

3,260

650 MHz = 100 × 6.5

55.0

3,550

672 MHz = 112 × 6.0

57.8

3,660

683 MHz = 105 × 6.5

57.4

3,720

690 MHz = 115 × 6.0

59.4

3,760

700 MHz = 100 × 7.0

57.6

3,810

715 MHz = 110 × 6.5

60.2

3,890

748 MHz = 115 × 6.5

63.2

4,080

770 MHz = 110 × 7.0

63.5

4,190

800 MHz = 100 × 8.0

63.2

4,350

840 MHz = 105 × 8.0

66.7

4,580

850 MHz = 100 × 8.5

65.8

4,640

880 MHz = 110 × 8.0

69.9

4,790

893 MHz = 105 × 8.5

69.4

4,860

896 MHz = 112 × 8.0

71.2

4,880

900 MHz = 100 × 9.0

68.3

4,900

910 MHz = 107 × 8.5

70.9

4,980

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Figure 18.85: Duron 600 (Soltek SL-75KV+) after combined overclocking (CPUmark 99)

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Figure 18.86: Duron 600 (Soltek SL-75KV+) after combined overclocking (FPU WinMark)

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Figure 18.87: Duron 600 (Abit KT7) after combined overclocking (CPUmark 99)

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Figure 18.88: Duron 600 (Abit KT7) after combined overclocking (FPU WinMark)

Maximum performance is achieved with the maximum multiplier and maximum bus frequency.

With the Abit KT7 motherboard, it was possible to achieve better results: The processor frequency was increased more than 1.5 times. Maximum performance of integer calculations was achieved in the following mode: 896 MHz = 112 × 8. For floating-point calculations, the most efficient mode had a CPU frequency of 910 MHz.

To achieve high frequencies, the CPU core voltage and input/output circuits had to be increased. Tables 18.38 and 18.39 specify the modes in which the voltage was raised.

Table 18.38: Parameters When Overclocking Duron 600 (Abit KT7)

Processor frequency = bus frequency × multiplier

Core voltage / I/O (V)

Temperature (°C)

600 MHz = 100 × 6.0

1.50/3.30

37

770 MHz = 110 × 7.0

1.60/3.40

41

850 MHz = 100 × 8.5

1.65/3.40

44

880 MHz = 110 × 8.0

1.70/3.40

47

893 MHz = 105 × 8.5

1.70/3.40

48

900 MHz = 100 × 9.0

1.75/3.40

50

910 MHz = 107 × 8.5

1.75/3.40

50

Table 18.39: Parameters When Overclocking Duron 600 (Soltek SL-75KV+)

Processor frequency = bus frequency × multiplier

Core voltage/I/O (V)

Temperature (°C)

600 MHz = 100 × 6

1.5/3.3

37

840 MHz = 105 × 8

1.6/3.4

43

Some overclocking attempts resulted in failures: The POST routine couldn't be accomplished successfully, the operating system wouldn't boot, or the computer hung up during the test. Variants in which at least the POST routine could be accomplished successfully are described in Table 18.40. From these data, it follows that, in most cases, the problem of unstable operation could be solved by increasing the core supply voltage. This increase would ensure a higher operating frequency of the processor. However, this seriously increases the risk of damaging the processor.

Table 18.40: Test Stages While Overclocking Duron 600 (Abit KT7)

Processor frequency = bus frequency × multiplier

Voltage (V)

POST routine

Windows

WinBench test

893 MHz = 110 × 8.5

1.650

Passed

Didn't boot (IOS error)

Not performed

893 MHz = 110 × 8.5

1.675

Passed

Didn't boot

Not performed

893 MHz = 110 × 8.5

1.700

Passed

Booted

Passed

800 MHz = 100 × 9.0

1.700

Passed

Booted

Failed

800 MHz = 100 × 9.0

1.750

Passed

Booted

Passed

927 MHz = 103 × 9.0

1.750

Passed

Didn't boot

Not performed

935 MHz = 110 × 8.5

1.750

Passed

Didn't boot

Not performed



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PC Hardware Tuning & Acceleration
PC Hardware Tuning & Acceleration
ISBN: 1931769230
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 111

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