Introduction

Originally authored by Deux for the AMD Overclocking contest.

What are the limits for overclocking an AMD 5000+ Black Edition on an Asus M2R32-MVP motherboard with OCZ Reaper PC-9200 memory powered by a 1200 Watt SilverStone power supply? AMD overclock contest entrant Deux takes us through each of the components and pushes them to their limits to answer this question. He describes each of the components, their pros and cons, his overclocking techniques and results of the overclock in this contest entry.

Components

Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition
This processor belongs to AMD’s high end line of Black Edition processors, all of which have unlocked multipliers for easier overclocking. The 5000+ Black Edition is based on the new 65nm process, which enables lower TDP’s and better efficiency. The 5000+ has a stock frequency of 2.6 GHz and a stock multiplier of 13. Since this processor is based on AMD’s K8 Architecture, it supports the x86-64 instruction set. This processor is known for its excellent overclcocking because of its unlocked multiplier that goes all the way up to twenty and it 65nm manufacturing process, which reduces heat output.

Asus M2R32-MVP Motherboard
This motherboard is based on AMD’s 580X Crossfire chipset and the SB600 Southbridge. The 580X chipset allows for the operation of two identical graphics cards in Crossfire mode for one of the fastest graphics solutions on the market today. The board supports DDR2 memory up to 800 MHz (Images 14). The board also has eSata and Firewire 400 ports. The board supports all current Socket AM2(940) processors and it has been announced that with a BIOS update, it will support the upcoming Phenom quad core processors when available. (Image 2, 12)


SilverStone OP1200 1200 Watt Power Supply
This power supply is one of the highest wattage units on the market today. It has a single 90A 12V rail, which provides good, clean, stable power to al the major components of your computer. Unlike other manufacturers who rate their power supplies at temperatures that are unrealistic for normal operation in order to be able to claim higher wattage, the OP1200 is rated for continuous operation at 50 degrees Celsius which is warmer than most computer cases will ever get. The power supply also has an efficiency of >80% at between 20% and 100% load. Finally the OP1200 has an abundance of connectors including four 6-pin PCI-E connectors and two 8-pin PCI-E connectors for next-generation video cards. Also, it has one ATX 12V connector and two EPS 12V connectors allowing it to power even the most high-end quad-socket motherboards.