>> Overclocking assembled computer
Assembled computer isn't a bad word here. Makes perfect sense
for many people; we're here to discuss whatever is of interest.
You will probably have barriers to overclocking an assembled
computer, such as
1. Motherboard makes it difficult or impossible.
Example: The Celeron
300A is clock-locked at 4.5, meaning it always runs at 4.5
times the motherboard speed (technically the frontside bus
speed). Standard speeds are 66mhz and 100mz. The 300A
is supposed to run at 66mhz according to intel
(66mhz*4.5 = 300mhz), and it has
pin-outs that tell the motherboard to run it only at 66.
Some motherboards will ignore the pinouts and let you
set 100mhz, at which point you've overclocked the Celeron
to 450 (100*4.5). Others will not allow it but there's
a way to strap the pins to defeat the 66mhz signal to
the motherboard. Not for someone who is buying a packaged
system, probably <g>. Finally, other motherboards won't
run at 100mhz at all.
2. Memory. If you buy a 66mhz package, the memory will
probably not be rated for 100 mhz.
3. Supply. The 300A is (retail) or is about to be (OEM)
discontinued.
4. Stability. There's no guarantee you can overclock
a 300A. Some you can, some you can't. It's not a flaw
if you can't, so you can't send it back.
There are places that will build a complete system with
an overclocked Celeron, probably your only realistic bet.
Supply is the problem now, though.
Checkout minotaur.com, pcnut.com, and (I think) clifford.com.
Or wait a while. Probably there will be new opportunities
in the near future. You could end up with a 400mhz overclocked
to 600 <g>. |
