Ta970

[McCormack]

For my new build I'm using a Biostar TA 970 with an AMD Sempron 145 2.8 GHz processor, and although I'm happy with the way it's performing, I'd like to juice it up a bit.

From what I've read Semprons are unlocked and can easily be overclocked to 3.6 GHz and beyond, so I went into the BIOS to increase the processor's multiplier, and there is no option to go above 14 (14 x 200 FSB = 2.8 GHz) on the multiplier.

The 970 is a fairly modern board so surely it must have CPU overclocking abilities... what am I missing?

 

[williamtyree959]

The Biostar TA 970 motherboard should indeed support overclocking, but it's possible that the options you're looking for might be hidden or not available in your current BIOS version. Here are a few steps you can try:

1. Update BIOS: Ensure that your motherboard's BIOS is up to date. Manufacturers often add or improve overclocking options in BIOS updates.
   
   
2. Check BIOS Settings: Look for overclocking settings under different sections of the BIOS menu, such as “Advanced” or “Overclock”. Sometimes, the options are not immediately visible and may require enabling a specific mode or setting first.
   
   
3. Unlock Multiplier: If the multiplier option is limited to 14x, it could be due to the processor's inherent limits or the motherboard's BIOS restrictions. Some CPUs have locked multipliers or the board might not support higher multipliers. In some cases, you might need to increase the FSB (Front Side Bus) instead, which will also increase the CPU speed.
   
   
4. Consult Manual: Refer to the motherboard’s manual for specific instructions on overclocking. The manual might provide clues on how to unlock additional settings or offer recommendations.
   
   
5. Community Forums: Check Biostar forums or other hardware forums where users with similar setups might share their experiences or solutions.
   

Remember to proceed with caution when overclocking, as it can lead to system instability or hardware damage if not done correctly. Make sure to monitor temperatures and stability after making changes.