Overclocking an AMD Athlon XP3000+, Or upgrade?

Hi can anyone explain which would be way to go with this processor issue? my cpu is currently an AMD Athlon XP3000+ @ 2.17GHz
my mobo is a MSI KM4AM-L
my RAM is 2GB DDR PC2700

I think the mobo can support up to XP3200+, if it can is it worth doing?

If overclocking how do I do this safely?

 

I'd sit tight if I were in your shoes. Based upon your current speed and memory, you aren't going to see much benefit from overclocking that processor as Steve has already told you. A 3200+ CPU only runs at 11x200 or 2200MHz and you are almost there now at 2170MHz. If you tried to manually set your bus speed to 400MHz (2x200) and then set your multiplier at 11 or slightly higher, your memory might be questionable as it is rated at 333MHz. In my book, its not worth investing in 400MHz memory if you are running good now with your PC2700 at 333MHz (2x167). That's a heck of a CPU you've got - enjoy it and forget about over-clocking.

 

Cheers for the quick reply, I'll just keep my pc the way it is. Will start investing in a new build. Need a processor with minimum of 2.8GHz for Call of duty 4, my son is getting in to pc games now.

 

Well for games, you also need a powerful graphic card.

Hope you have one

 

Yeah I had upgraded the graphics card, because the original one was old
'Radeon Atlantis 9200'

I have a Sapphire X1650 pro 512MB now. I was meaning, that I am going to build a pc for my kids, but for games.

 

Call it a change of heart. I just saw some PC3200 Patriot 2-3-2-6 Memory (2x1 Gig) for $58 at NewEgg. If your board will take this pair of sticks, you can go into your BIOS and manually set your bus speed to 200 MHz (effectively 2x200 or 400 MHz) and set your CPU multiplier to 11. You can also manually bump your CPU core voltage just slightly. Lastly, set your memory (Patriot) to 200 MHz and set your DIMM Voltage to 2.7 V. Make sure your timings are set to 2-3-2-5. Use F10 to save your settings and exit, let the machine start up and then re-start it. Your now running at 2.2 MHz or the speed of a 3200+ processor. I do think that will handle your game just fine. If you have good cooling you might want to try 12x200 and should you become unbootable, you can always clear CMOS and start the process all over again.