I've read a good number of posts saying that a Dell can't be
overclocked, at least not easily, etc. Well, I finally got around to
running some tests just to make sure that the success I've had hasn't
been due to erroneous CPU speed reporting, etc. I thought that this
would be a useful, informative post since, let's face face it, Dell's
are extremely prolific. The machine that is my test box is my work
machine. My mother has one. My friends have them. Hence, there is a
good chance that if you are just getting into overclocking, you are
going to want to do it on a Dell.
The system is your typical Dell P4 2.0GHz w/ 512 RAM. I've actually had this machine OC'd for awhile now at a rock-stable 2600MHz. I used CPUFSB to overclock the front-side bus to achieve these results.
Follow the following steps:
1. Power down your comp.
2. Open the case.
3. Look for the PLL on your mainboard. Tips for finding the PLL can be found here (http://www.podien.de/FSB.HTM).
4. Once you've found the PLL, write down the make and model number, then close up your case.
5. Power back up.
6. Download CPUFSB (http://www.podien.onlinehome.de/CPUFSB.HTM).
7. Install the program.
8. You MUST reboot the system after installing.
9. Run the program.
10. On the left you should see 4 drop-down boxes.
11. For the Mainboard Manufacturer, select Abit. (As far as I know, most, if not all current Dell mobos are stripped down versions of Abit's.)
12. For the Mainboard Type, leave it at None.
13. For the PLL manufacturer, select the maker of the PLL that you found in step 3.
14. For PLL Type select the model number that was stamped on the PLL.
15. Hit the "Save" button to save the settings.
NOTE: If your PLL has the "fine tuning" option, use it instead of the below "Frequency to Set" option. It allows you to adjust in smaller increments and typically can give you a slightly higher overclock. It follows essentially the same steps, just click the "Fine Tuning" button first.
16. Under the "Frequency to Set" heading, click the up button a couple of times until you are at the desired FSB you wish to set. (Obviously, start with a small OC and work your way up until the system becomes unstable or freezes.)
17. Hit the "Set Frequency" button.
18. Hit the "OK" button.
19. If the FSB is too high the system will freeze immediately. Reboot and try again with a lower FSB.
20. Click the "Save button again once you have reached a stable overclock. This will retain the FSB setting.
20. Once you have acheived a stable overclock, you can click the "Exit CPUFSB immediately after call..." checkbox and place a shortcut to CPUFSB in the Startup folder. This will start CPUFSB on Windows startup, and then immediately exit once the FSB has been set. Alternatively, if you only want to overclock at certain times, don't do this.
Following are some benchmarks I did of my system using PCMark 2002. The first is stock at 1996 MHZ. The second is FSB 130 at 2600 MHz (done with "Frequency to Set"). The last is FSB 133 at 2660 MHz (done with the "Fine Tuning" option). As you can see, there are definitive advantages. I hope this helps a lot of you out there. Enjoy!
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~ecm22/pics/screen1.jpg
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~ecm22/pics/screen2.jpg
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~ecm22/pics/screen3.jpg
DISCLAIMER: I am not saying that this will work for EVERY Dell. Some adjustment of the settings may be needed (ie: mobo). However, it can be done. My workstation is living proof! :D
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-223775.html
The system is your typical Dell P4 2.0GHz w/ 512 RAM. I've actually had this machine OC'd for awhile now at a rock-stable 2600MHz. I used CPUFSB to overclock the front-side bus to achieve these results.
Follow the following steps:
1. Power down your comp.
2. Open the case.
3. Look for the PLL on your mainboard. Tips for finding the PLL can be found here (http://www.podien.de/FSB.HTM).
4. Once you've found the PLL, write down the make and model number, then close up your case.
5. Power back up.
6. Download CPUFSB (http://www.podien.onlinehome.de/CPUFSB.HTM).
7. Install the program.
8. You MUST reboot the system after installing.
9. Run the program.
10. On the left you should see 4 drop-down boxes.
11. For the Mainboard Manufacturer, select Abit. (As far as I know, most, if not all current Dell mobos are stripped down versions of Abit's.)
12. For the Mainboard Type, leave it at None.
13. For the PLL manufacturer, select the maker of the PLL that you found in step 3.
14. For PLL Type select the model number that was stamped on the PLL.
15. Hit the "Save" button to save the settings.
NOTE: If your PLL has the "fine tuning" option, use it instead of the below "Frequency to Set" option. It allows you to adjust in smaller increments and typically can give you a slightly higher overclock. It follows essentially the same steps, just click the "Fine Tuning" button first.
16. Under the "Frequency to Set" heading, click the up button a couple of times until you are at the desired FSB you wish to set. (Obviously, start with a small OC and work your way up until the system becomes unstable or freezes.)
17. Hit the "Set Frequency" button.
18. Hit the "OK" button.
19. If the FSB is too high the system will freeze immediately. Reboot and try again with a lower FSB.
20. Click the "Save button again once you have reached a stable overclock. This will retain the FSB setting.
20. Once you have acheived a stable overclock, you can click the "Exit CPUFSB immediately after call..." checkbox and place a shortcut to CPUFSB in the Startup folder. This will start CPUFSB on Windows startup, and then immediately exit once the FSB has been set. Alternatively, if you only want to overclock at certain times, don't do this.
Following are some benchmarks I did of my system using PCMark 2002. The first is stock at 1996 MHZ. The second is FSB 130 at 2600 MHz (done with "Frequency to Set"). The last is FSB 133 at 2660 MHz (done with the "Fine Tuning" option). As you can see, there are definitive advantages. I hope this helps a lot of you out there. Enjoy!
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~ecm22/pics/screen1.jpg
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~ecm22/pics/screen2.jpg
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~ecm22/pics/screen3.jpg
DISCLAIMER: I am not saying that this will work for EVERY Dell. Some adjustment of the settings may be needed (ie: mobo). However, it can be done. My workstation is living proof! :D
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-223775.html
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