Simple question - xp2500 running at 200

[Andy H]

I have an xp2500 running at 200 mhz. So this is the same as an xp3200
right? Prime95 is ok. I haven't changed a thing apart from the fsb, so the
temperatures are the same-ish as when it runs at 166 mhz. vcore is 1.65.
It is often suggested that the vcore may need to be increased, say to 1.75,
so what would have happened if I had bought an xp3200? Would the bios in my
MSI KT6 Delta have detected xp3200 and set vcore to >1.65? Is the vcore
required different for each chip? If not, anf they all run at 1.65, why
would you need a higher vcore for an overclocked xp2500 running at 200 and
not for an xp3200.
Aren't these chips identical?

 

[Dave C.]

I have an xp2500 running at 200 mhz. So this is the same as an xp3200
right? Prime95 is ok. I haven't changed a thing apart from the fsb, so the
temperatures are the same-ish as when it runs at 166 mhz. vcore is 1.65.
It is often suggested that the vcore may need to be increased, say to 1.75,
so what would have happened if I had bought an xp3200? Would the bios in my
MSI KT6 Delta have detected xp3200 and set vcore to >1.65? Is the vcore
required different for each chip? If not, anf they all run at 1.65, why
would you need a higher vcore for an overclocked xp2500 running at 200 and
not for an xp3200.
Aren't these chips identical?

CPUs are made up of billions of tiny circuits. Some of these run more
efficiently (require less power, create less heat) than others. In order to
be "3200" speed rating, the chip has to run efficiently at a certain FSB and
multiplier. If it doesn't run stable at "3200", it is sorted into the bin
according to how fast it will run at default voltage. If the highest it
tests OK is "2500", then it is an XP2500. That doesn't mean it won't run
faster, just that it's only certified to be OK at the default settings for
an XP2500+ chip. But that doesn't mean it won't run faster. It might. But
as it didn't pass at default 3200 settings, it might not be efficient enough
to run at 3200 speed without drawing more power from the mainboard. In
general, it's not realistic to expect a "2500" chip to run at "3200" speed
without using higher voltage. Nor is it realistic to expect a "2500" chip
to run stable at "3200" speed, regardless of how much you up the voltage for
it. It's NOT a good idea to overclock a CPU. Yes, lots of people do it,
and do it successfully. But it's like running a car engine past redline
constantly. If you don't kill your engine quickly, you have an exceptional
engine. If you need 3200 speed, buy it . . . don't force a chip to do
something it was not designed to do. Lots of people will disagree with me
on this issue, though. -Dave

 

[Andy H]

in

CPUs are made up of billions of tiny circuits. Some of these run more
efficiently (require less power, create less heat) than others. In order to
be "3200" speed rating, the chip has to run efficiently at a certain FSB and
multiplier. If it doesn't run stable at "3200", it is sorted into the bin
according to how fast it will run at default voltage. If the highest it
tests OK is "2500", then it is an XP2500. That doesn't mean it won't run
faster, just that it's only certified to be OK at the default settings for
an XP2500+ chip. But that doesn't mean it won't run faster. It might. But
as it didn't pass at default 3200 settings, it might not be efficient enough
to run at 3200 speed without drawing more power from the mainboard. In
general, it's not realistic to expect a "2500" chip to run at "3200" speed
without using higher voltage. Nor is it realistic to expect a "2500" chip
to run stable at "3200" speed, regardless of how much you up the voltage for
it. It's NOT a good idea to overclock a CPU. Yes, lots of people do it,
and do it successfully. But it's like running a car engine past redline
constantly. If you don't kill your engine quickly, you have an exceptional
engine. If you need 3200 speed, buy it . . . don't force a chip to do
something it was not designed to do. Lots of people will disagree with me
on this issue, though. -Dave

Thanks. Maybe they don't test to different speeds, maybe they just badge
them different?
Mine runs at default voltage. 100% no errors.