First Words
We decided with Macci that we would put a new order to the top list for the 3DMark 2001 SE. To make everything
harder, we decided to use 'only' phase change cooling. We used two Danfoss R404 evaporators (385W 13cm^3),
capability of heat transfer: ~150W @-40C / 250W @-35C. We were facing a pretty hard mission, but we were
able to break our way to the top end of the list. Read further to find out how...
Motherboard
Before the actual overclocking we did some preparations. In these tests we decided to use Abit's IT7 MAX2
motherboard. The original BIOS was flashed to a modded one; A4. Because of this, we were now able to
increase the Vdimm to 3.2V instead of the normal 2.8V. Due to the increase of Vdimm we would most likely be able
to reach even higher speeds for the memory. We also made a Vcore-mod, that makes it possible to increase
the Vcore to over 2V. The Vcore-mod wasn't used this time, though.
Video card
After this it was time to give the Hercules Radeon 9700 Pro a facelift. The card we used this time was a
real performer, it overclocked to 385/360 with stock cooling, which is really good! We concentrated only
on cooling the GPU with sturdier cooling. The memory was cooled with the original heatsinks. The GPU-voltage
was adjusted with a 10kOhmin multi-turn trimmer from 1.66V to 1.82V, and the R404 evaporator handled
the cooling. This way we were able to push the GPU all the way up to 492MHz!
Processors
We started out with Macci's excellent Pentium4 1.6A processor, with which Macci has made many records
during time. Unfortunately the IT7 MAX2 said 'NO' already at 202MHz FSB for some reason, resulting in a
maximum clock frequency of 3232MHz (16x202). No problem, we decided to move on to heavier equipment.
We went to a local store to buy a Pentium4 2.8Ghz processor to replace the 1.6A. We had high hopes for
Intel's flagship, and luckily the 09/09/2002 packed Malaysian processor didn't let us down. With 1.68Vcore
and the R404 evaporator we were able to reach pretty high speeds. We managed to successfully run the 3Dmark
2001 SE with a clock frequency of 3685Mhz, and Pifast with 3727MHz; resulting 25.31 seconds! The temperature
of the processor stayed near -15'C due to the powerful evaporator, but surely we would be able to get even
higher clock frequencies with LN2 or dryice.
Memory
Now let me present the biggest surprise in this system: the Samsung PC2700 memory! Surprisingly this module
overclocked like an animal! With 3Vdimm and CAS2.5-7-2-3 (Enhance DRAM Enabled) settings we were able to
run the Sandra memory benchmark with a speed of 239MHz and Pifast with 236.6MHz!
3DMark 2001 SE
Now that all parts were tweaked up, It was time to move on to making the 3DMark 2001 SE results. Fastest
combination we got past all test with 3DMark 2001 SE was:
Motherboard: Abit IT7 MAX2 (A4 BIOS)
Processor: Intel P4 2.8GHz @ 3685MHz (cooled with R404 evaporator)
Graphics Card: Hercules Radeon 9700 Pro @ 492MHz/364MHz (GPU cooled with R404 evaporator) with 6193 drivers
Memory: Samsung PC2700 @ 234MHz (DDR468) - CAS2.5-7-2-3 (Enhance DRAM enabled)
Power supply: Antec 400W (12V line tweaked to optimal and 3.3V line tuned up to 3.5V)
Additional info: 3 x Papst fans cooling down components 80mm NGH for memory, 120mm NGH cooled down the
northbridge and the backside of Radeon, 60mm NGH was blowing on to the power circuits of Radeon.
With this combination we were able to run 3Dmark tests trough many times, while the best score was 20724
marks which entitles us to the third place of ORB (Online Result Browser)! This score is also the highest
ever made here in Finland.
Conclusion
Results were without a doubt very good, 20724
marks isn't bad at all considering we used 'only' phase change cooling.
Fortunately there is still room to tweak out different factors. Next monday we've decided to give the project
an another go. Then we're going to change the standard memory heatsinks of the Radeon to a little more robust ones.
We are also hoping to recieve a Corsair PC3500 memory module to replace the Samsung PC2700 module. We'll be back!
Until then, feel free to drop me a mail.
3DMark2001SE record hunting I
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