CPUZ: Part 1

The first thing I decided to focus on is Tools of the (OC) Trade

Most people become intrested when they discover there computer is not able to play a new game or run the latest programs.

Then..there are some us that do it just for the fun of it!

Any good mechanic knows that tools can make or break a job. The more experienced people will probably know most of this information, though it may point something out you never noticed before.
I remember what it was like the first time I tried to figure this "Overclocking" people kept talking about, I was pretty lost...

The first one on my list to download is always CPUZ, It's like a screwdriver..versatile and a "Must Have" for just about any job. you can download it from the link below.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

The most basic info appears on the top of main page..Brand of CPU, Code Name, Revision, etc..that can be useful in identifying what you have to work with.

This information can be critical in finding out a CPU's potential for Overclocking, some CPU's, especialy the early revisions, may have very limited potential. I will cover this in more detail in future posts.

Note: My Sempron 3100+ is listed as a socket "754" wich means it uses a newer style AMD-64 motherboard.
Other Sempron (2800+ and below) models will show up as socket "A" wich uses a AMD-XP motherboards, same as the more familiar Barton,Thorougbred, and Durons..

I would like you to also like you to pay attention to something listed as "Technology' (Right next to Voltage)
This refers to the size of the manufacturing process, my Sempron 3100+ is 130NM (Shows as 0.13 in the window) this is probably the most common size for most modern CPU's

Note: Some very new P-4's and AMD-64's have recently moved to 90nm (0.9) wich is generaly a good thing
They have just started shipping them, and so far they have shown greater potential for overclocking than the previous 130NM chips..typical results when you "Shrink" the die size of a CPU.

Next, we have the Front Side Bus (FSB), Multiplier, and Voltage for the CPU. These are the main things I pay attention to once I am ready to start overclocking. Note your stock settings.

When you multiply your FSB and the base CPU Multiplier, you end up with your total CPU speed.

Examples fo changing the FSB:

(FSB)200x10(Mutliplier)=2000MHZ
(FSB)210x10(Mutliplier)=2100MHZ
(FSB)220x10(Mutliplier)=2200MHZ

Examples fo changing the Multiplier:

(FSB)200x10(Mutliplier)=2000MHZ
(FSB)200x11(Mutliplier)=2200MHZ
(FSB)200x12(Mutliplier)=2400MHZ

Notice in the picture below how CPUZ actually reads though, I have chosen 205x9 in the Bios Menu.



It shows my FSB as 205.3, wich is measured from the motherboards clock generator.

With a 9x Multiplier it calculates my actual speed at 1847.9MHZ instead of the 1845MHZ you would expect using the bios settings (205x9) on a calculator. It is very common for motherboard to read slightly above or below there rated speeds.

The last thing of note is the CPU Voltage.

I set my bios for 1.5v (1.45v stock) and CPUZ shows it as 1.504, pretty close realy...

Some motherboards can read on the low or high side, that is very common, software readings can be inacurate at times, not many people can acces the proper equipment to measure it correctly... but it should be in the ballpark most of the time.

In Part Two of "CPUZ" I will take a look at some of the other important information listed in the other tabs on Memory, Cache and the Motherboard.

SiSoft Sandra, HD Tach, and Super PI are some of the other tools I will disect in future posts..so stay "Tuned"

The first time someone has actually taken the time to explain CPUZ. A lot of people who I tell to use CPUZ to find out key system component info don't know what everything means. This is definately a bookmarker.

Awesome right up and just in time for me to get into CPU overclocking! great write up $Solid!

I have been trying to figure out CPUZ for a while now...thanks!!

And isn't 90nm .09? Kinda conflused me there for a sec...

Great article, can't wait for the second one.

Tom

I just installed the new version of WCPUID ver. 3.3 on my rig and luv it.....

A nice, $SOLID$ article.
I'm looking forward to your next article, been wondering what the memory dividers do and how it all works.

Posts like this are exactly why I knew you would be a valuable member to the team.
Great job!

isnt 90nm is 90*10 ^ -9 meters? anywho, good write up,cant wait till you get ito the other tabs.

Sweet write up bro

I also look forward to your future articles (i've been thoruoghly sucked into some of your other ongoing threads, and these "How To" articles are immensely helpful for this OC newb)

Quote: Originally Posted by tombozo I have been trying to figure out CPUZ for a while now...thanks!! And isn't 90nm .09? Kinda conflused me there for a sec... Great article, can't wait for the second one. Tom

Yes, I believe you are correct...You guys are sharp!

I was just testing ya...yeah, that's it...it was just a test

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