Overclocking a CPU on a locked motherboard.

[hamzaxx]

I want to overclock my amd phemon ii x4 965 on a stock acer aspire x3400 motherboard, don't tell me it isn't possible, because it allows me to run the autotune test on catalyst (runs stable), but of course the multiplier doesn't save. Any suggestions?

 

[CptBarbossa]

I would check to see if there are bios update options for your motherboard that may be able to unlock it.

Just because AMD overdrive can overclock you cpu doesn't mean your motherboard can. Laptops are a perfect example. Many A series mobile processors can be overclocked with amd overdrive but the bios are locked because laptops do not have sufficient cooling to handle and overclock.

My only other thought is try overclocking with the base frequency if you can change that in your bios. If you could give us any pictures of what your bios options look like we may be able to give some more assistance.

 

[hamzaxx]

I would check to see if there are bios update options for your motherboard that may be able to unlock it.

Just because AMD overdrive can overclock you cpu doesn't mean your motherboard can. Laptops are a perfect example. Many A series mobile processors can be overclocked with amd overdrive but the bios are locked because laptops do not have sufficient cooling to handle and overclock.

My only other thought is try overclocking with the base frequency if you can change that in your bios. If you could give us any pictures of what your bios options look like we may be able to give some more assistance.

The most recent bios update, that acer provided was from 2011, and you need dos to flash it.

 

[CptBarbossa]

if you have anything you can do with the clocks I would definitely start by looking in the frequency/voltage control tab for an adjustable frequency, base clock or voltage.

Are you experienced at overclocking at all? Not trying to sound condescending, just want to know if we need to start at basics or not.

There are other values you will have to change before changing your frequencies and voltages if you find that you can overclock in bios.

Report back with what you find and we can go from there.

 

[hamzaxx]

if you have anything you can do with the clocks I would definitely start by looking in the frequency/voltage control tab for an adjustable frequency, base clock or voltage.

Are you experienced at overclocking at all? Not trying to sound condescending, just want to know if we need to start at basics or not.

There are other values you will have to change before changing your frequencies and voltages if you find that you can overclock in bios.

Report back with what you find and we can go from there.

I haven't overclocked CPUs before, but I do know that you need to give your CPU a little bit more power as well, the only thing located in frequency/voltage is spread spectrum.

 

[CptBarbossa]

Ok. There are really only 2 ways to overclock that cpu (well 3 if you count amd overdrive, but I dont recommend it). Either adjusting you base frequency or raising your multiplier. If you have gone through all of your tabs in your bios and cannot adjust either of those you cannot overclock via the bios.

I would now check in the advanced bios features and in advanced chipset features next, but if its not there and you are really determined then check through your whole bios. Sometimes they are hidden in little corners you wouldnt think to look in.

If you end up finding a way to adjust either the base frequency or the clock then we can proceed on all the ins and outs of overclocking.

Good luck!

 

[hamzaxx]

Ok. There are really only 2 ways to overclock that cpu (well 3 if you count amd overdrive, but I dont recommend it). Either adjusting you base frequency or raising your multiplier. If you have gone through all of your tabs in your bios and cannot adjust either of those you cannot overclock via the bios.

I would now check in the advanced bios features and in advanced chipset features next, but if its not there and you are really determined then check through your whole bios. Sometimes they are hidden in little corners you wouldnt think to look in.

If you end up finding a way to adjust either the base frequency or the clock then we can proceed on all the ins and outs of overclocking.

Good luck!

I was unable to overclock using bios so I had to resort to AmdMsrTweaker (https://github.com/mpollice/AmdMsrTweaker), only downside, it doesn't save on restart.

 

[CptBarbossa]

If I were you I would either get a different motherboard or aviod overclocking. I tried overclocking with amd overdrive once and I had to reset the cmos, even tho it said my overclock was good. Just my 2 cents.