![[H]ardOCP](/images/blank.gif){kind=small}
- Date:
- Thursday , March 04, 2004
- Author:
- Keith Dugger
- Editor:
- Kyle Bennett
- Google +1
AOpen AK86-L
Powered by an Athlon64 and a VIA K8T800 chipset wrapped in an AOpen package, the AK86-L offers an additional choice in the Athlon64 market. Can the AK86-L keep up with the top competition?
BIOS (continued)
The Frequency/Voltage Control is another aspect of a BIOS that is paramount to overclocking. Here one can find ways to change the CPU Bus Frequency, force a Max MemClock, and find that voltage sweet spot.
The CPU Bus Frequency can be set to any single MHz from a range of 200-255. The CPU multiplier can be adjusted from 4-16 (only if you have an unlocked CPU).
If you are fortunate enough to push your system well above specifications, your memory may begin to hold you back. The Max Memclock (MHz) option allows you to force the system to use a RAM speed from DDR200-DDR400 no matter what your CPU Bus Frequency is. This is very useful.
Clock Spread Spectrum settings are shown for your review.
Voltage adjustments are another necessary evil when overclocking. The AK86-L offers the following: CPU [OFF, 0.800V – 1.550V]; DDR [Auto, 2.50V – 2.70V]; and AGP [1.50V – 1.60V]. All of these ranges are adequate for most slight overclocks, but may fall short in those more aggressive forays into a maximum overclock. Being able to set the CPU Voltage to OFF is a unique option and the DDR maximum of 2.70V falls a few tenths short.
The Silent BIOS/HW Monitor can keep your system out of trouble in the event of CPU fan failure. Available settings and warning temperatures are shown.
As a note, the following on-board devices can be disabled in the BIOS: sound card, LAN, USB, USB Keyboard and Mouse (enabled by default), floppy, Serial ports, Parallel port, and Game/Midi port.
This system also supports booting from the following alternative media: LS-120, ZIP, USB-FDD, USB-ZIP, and LAN.