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How to change NB Strap XBX2 mobo

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 9:59 pm
by Sparky
Anybody know how I can go about changing the NB strap settings on my Intel XBX2 mobo? Right now I'm at 266/667 NB Strap 1066 giving me Ram at 802mhz and CPU at 3.2ghz. I'm trying to figure out how to get the NB Strap at 1333 so I can OC some more and change my Ram settings to 333/800 to achieve 816mhz on Ram and 3.4ghz on my CPU. I've found the screen in BIOS showing NB Strap at 1066 but can't seem to figure out how to change it.
I'm using this link to get some idea of what my settings should be and so far it's been extremely helpful.

http://www.peakin.com/xbx2/calculator.html

Re: How to change NB Strap XBX2 mobo

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:17 am
by kenc51
It's listed as "Memory Reference Frequency" in the BIOS

Re: How to change NB Strap XBX2 mobo

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:20 am
by Sparky
Thanks Ken.

If I understand correctly I should be able to run PC8500 on this mobo and that should allow me to have some more room to OC without worrying about the Ram holding me back?

Re: How to change NB Strap XBX2 mobo

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:31 am
by kenc51
Sparky wrote:Thanks Ken.

If I understand correctly I should be able to run PC8500 on this mobo and that should allow me to have some more room to OC without worrying about the Ram holding me back?
Yes!

If your running the RAM in Sync (1:1) you will prolly have to run the 333MHz strap, If your running the 2:3 divider, you can prolly run the 266MHz strap.

The 266MHz strap will give more performance, usually. But running the 1:1 divider is normally too much for the chip set, so you'll need to use the 333 strap.

When messing with the strap do some Hi-Res benchies with 3DMark 05 & 06 to test for stability as most of the time you'll pass memtest ok even if it's unstable

Re: How to change NB Strap XBX2 mobo

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:50 am
by Sparky
Thanks again Ken for the prompt reply. I'm going to try to notch up my OC a little later today after I get my hoiday chores out of the way.

Re: How to change NB Strap XBX2 mobo

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:11 am
by Sparky
Well I couldn't wait to play so I rebooted in to bios and set my memory at 333/800 and bumped my CPU to 3.4ghz and it won't boot. No beeps or anything. Reset the bios jumper and was able to boot at 333/667 3.4ghz but that leaves my memory somewhat hobbled at 682mhz. Does this mean I need to up CPU voltage (it's set to auto) or is this an indicator that I need better Ram?

Re: How to change NB Strap XBX2 mobo

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 12:34 pm
by kenc51
Sparky wrote:Well I couldn't wait to play so I rebooted in to bios and set my memory at 333/800 and bumped my CPU to 3.4ghz and it won't boot. No beeps or anything. Reset the bios jumper and was able to boot at 333/667 3.4ghz but that leaves my memory somewhat hobbled at 682mhz. Does this mean I need to up CPU voltage (it's set to auto) or is this an indicator that I need better Ram?
Set the CPU to 1.5V and test. If it boots and is stable, either begin to lower the cpu voltage (vcore) or increase the MHz, if temps allow ;)