Overclock; Access clock multiplier settings?

The BIOS. Overclocking is best done in the computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System or Binary Integrated Operating System). There are also some motherboards that let you do a basic increase in power by setting a jumper, but this is dangerous and you have no real stability control.

There are some software programs available which allow you to overclock inside the operating system, but the best results are achieved by changing BIOS settings. Usually you can get into your BIOS by pressing DEL (some systems may use F2, F10, or Ctrl-Enter) as soon as your computer begins the POST

(Power On Self Test - when it shows the RAM size, processor speed, etc.).

Here, you can change your FSB (front side bus), memory timings, and your CPU multiplier (also referred to as CPU Clock Ratio).

Clearing your CMOS. Sometimes, an overclock can become unstable. If this happens, or your computer will not boot, you will need to reset the BIOS back to default and start over again.

This is done by clearing the CMOS (a small piece of memory on the motherboard which stores your BIOS configuration, and is powered by a small battery). Some newer motherboards will bypass user settings in the CMOS if the computer fails POST (often caused by a faulty overclock). However, most motherboards require a manual clear.

This can be done in two ways, depending on your motherboard. The first way is by changing the position of the clear CMOS jumper on your motherboard, waiting a few minutes, then repositioning the jumper to its original place.

The CMOS Jumper

The second way, if your motherboard doesn't have this jumper, consists of unplugging your computer, removing the little CMOS battery, then pressing the power button (your capacitors will discharge), and waiting a couple of minutes.

Then you have to refit the battery and plug in your computer. Once your CMOS is cleared, all BIOS settings are reset back to default and you'll have to start the overclocking process all over again. Just so you know, this step is only necessary if your overclock becomes unstable.

Locked or Unlocked. The first thing to know when you start the process of overclocking, is whether your processor is multiplier locked or unlocked.

To check whether your CPU is locked, lower your multiplier via the BIOS one step, for example from 11 to 10.5. Save and exit your BIOS and your computer will restart.

If your computer posts again and shows the new CPU speed, it means your CPU is unlocked. However, if your computer failed to post (screen remains black) or no CPU speed change is present, this means your multiplier is locked

Multiplier Unlocked Processors. Usually, your max overclock is limited by your memory, or RAM. A good starting place is to find the top memory bus speed in which your memory can handle while keeping it in sync with the FSB. To check this, lower your CPU multiplier some steps (from 11 to 9, for example) and increase your FSB a few notches (e.g.: 200 MHz to 205 MHz).

After this, save and exit your BIOS. There are a few ways to test for stability.

If you make it into Windows, that is a good start. You can try running a few CPU / RAM intensive programs to stress these components. Some good examples are SiSoft Sandra, Prime95, Orthos, 3DMark 2006 and Folding@Home.

You may also choose to run a program outside of Windows, such as Memtest. Load a copy of Memtest onto a bootable floppy, then insert the disk after you have exited the BIOS.

Continue to increase your FSB until Memtest starts reporting errors. When this happens, you can try to increase the voltage supplied to your memory.

Do note that increasing voltages may shorten the life span of your memory. Also, another option is to loosen the timings on the memory (more on this a bit later). The previous FSB setting before the error will be your max FSB. Your max FSB will fully depend on what memory you have installed. Quality, name-brand memory will work best for overclocking.

Now that you know your max FSB, you'll figure out your max multiplier. Keeping your FSB @ stock, you raise your multiplier one step at a time. Each time you restart, check for system stability. As mentioned above, one good way to do this is by running Prime95.

If it doesn't post (reread the section about clearing the CMOS), or Prime 95 fails, you can try to raise the core voltage a bit. Increasing it may or may not increase stability. On the other hand, the temperature will also be increased. If you are going to increase the core voltage, you should keep an eye on temperatures, at least for a few minutes.

Also note that increasing voltages may shorten the life span of your CPU, not to mention void your warranty. When your computer is no longer stable at a given multiplier setting, lower your multiplier one step and take that as your max multiplier.

Now that you have your max FSB speed and your max multiplier, you can play around and determine the best settings for your system. Do note that having a higher FSB overclock as opposed to a higher multiplier will have a greater impact on overall system performance.

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=107977

hope this helps

Try clearing the CMOS --- the down side is your lose all your setting --- the up side is you should be
able to access your BIOS

Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS1 ( Located near CMOS battery )
The motherboard uses CMOS RAM to store the basic hardware information (such as BIOS data,
date, time information, hardware password...etc.). Clear CMOS data is the fast way to go back to
factory default when the BIOS settings were mistakenly modified.
The steps to clear CMOS data are :
1. Turn off the computer, unplug the power cord from the power outlet.
2. Remove jumper cap from pins 2-3, put it onto pins 1-2 to short them.
This will clear CMOS data.
3. Return the setting to its original with pins 2-3 closed.
4. Plug in the power cord to your computer and turn it on.
5. Go to BIOS Setup to configure new system as described in next chapter.
Clear Jumper on pins 1 & 2
1 ----
2 ----
3
Normal
(Default)
1
2 ----
3 ----
CLR_CMOS1

• Disconnect the power cable before adjusting the jumper settings.

• Do not clear the CMOS while the system is turned on.

WARNING!
Jumper Diagram Definition Description
1-2 Set Pin 1 and Pin 2 closed
2-3 Set Pin 2 and Pin 3 closed

Try getting an overclockers BIOS. ECS motherboards don't usually offer the best overclocking support.

Overclocking is now set on bios.

Just change the multipliers for desired speed, but be careful

there are 2 ways, overclocking using the bios to over clock the memory ( ram ) and also the processor ie changing the multipliers and other tweaks ( which should be in your motherboards manual ) that or using jumpers which are physically on the motherboard but later motherboards use the bios to tweak / over clock your computer.

short the battery hold a piece of wire on to the positive and the other on the negative for about 10 seconds this should short the battery it does no damage to any thing else.

Hi,
to access the Bios Configuration Setup, On Any PC.
Depending On The Bios Manufacturer i.e Pheonix-AMI et,c.
You press F2 Or Delete Or Esc At The Initial System Boot-Up.
Power On. Press One of the designated Buttons immediately, after starting the computer.this should access the Computers Advanced Bios Settings.
** Please note:- Altering any settings in the bios, can cause undesireable effects to your computer**
Even failure To Start, Or Boot-Up.
From my own personnal experience, it is better to underclock a cpu rather than overclock it.
If a CPU Is designed To Run At a certain speed, running it above it,s designated speed cycle, can damage either the CPU Itself, the Memory Or Motherboard.
Probably wiser, to upgrade The CPU rather Than Overclock It.

Mike @ Compurepair.

Try clearing the CMOS (CMOS reset)...and restoring defualt bios