overclocking worth it?

friguy3 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2007, 08:54 AM

wanted an opinion about this...i tried using xcpuscaler to see if my 6700 would run a little faster. I have several programs i run from my mem card, use iguidance for gps and do texting, but didnt really notice too much of a difference. any know if i there really is a difference in the "speed" or am i just not using enough on my ppc (like running weather programs or an always on data connection) to notice it and makes it not worth it? should i have set the speed higher? thanks!!

**nuguy** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2007, 10:08 AM

First, yes it really works well for when you need a burst of speed.

Second, it does hit the fuel gauge pretty hard: it will have your battery for breakfast, and leave you hungry for lunch and dinner.

I think most people just run xcpuscalar when they want a boost, then turn it off. If you do run it DO NOT USE autoscale - it fights with the 6700s native scaling.

I personally use autostep for everyday use with no problems, it's not nearly as hard core, but it speeds things up a bit, is free, and doesn't have any negative side effects for me. (some people have said they get more lockups w/ autostep). If you are interested, you can find it on the FTP, or in the dowloads section.

PolloLoco · #3 (**permalink**) 05-03-2007, 10:16 AM

For me it's necessary. I use it for movies (rarely) and video games and emulators (often). For these apps, overclocking makes a HUGE difference. A lot of games and programs are unplayable until you overclock.

I use XCPUScalar at 624 mhz a hundred per cent of the time. When I'm not actually using it (IE, the screen goes off due to inactivity) - then XCPUScalar goes into hibernate mode and lets the phone's scaling take over. That means you only burn more battery when you're actually using the phone.

For me, it's been great. I haven't had any real battery life issues with my EBAY cheapie 2400 (actually about 1800) extended battery.

bsadler · #4 (**permalink**) 05-03-2007, 01:44 PM

No one has experienced any hardware degredation from overclocking the CPU that much???? If i overclocked my desktop by a similar percentage, it'd melt, even with the 4 huge fans it has got. How does the hardware hold up?

PolloLoco · #5 (**permalink**) 05-03-2007, 02:20 PM

Actually - if you look up the specs for the 6700's processor, it was actually designed to run at 520 mhz. So stock - it's actually running UNDERclocked. Presumably to improve battery life.

I've been told some of the old 6700's could run up to 728. Mine runs great at 624 - I couldn't tell you why it works so well, I just decided to overclock based on all the user history.

Rufus · #6 (**permalink**) 05-03-2007, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolloLoco

Actually - if you look up the specs for the 6700's processor, it was actually designed to run at 520 mhz. So stock - it's actually running UNDERclocked. Presumably to improve battery life.

I've been told some of the old 6700's could run up to 728. Mine runs great at 624 - I couldn't tell you why it works so well, I just decided to overclock based on all the user history.

For those of you that do not come from a Computer Hardware background, CPU and rated as a "certain speed CPU" depending on where it is safe and stable at. These are typically done in bulk.

When a CPU is rated that speed, it is rated that speed due to its peers, not its individual performance. (For those of you with a business management background, we know this is a BAD way to rate your employees or CPUs in this case)

The CPU is rated and then integrated at that speed. You probably have a 520MHz CPU in the 6700, but they decided to run it at 416MHz. That original 520MHz CPU was "rated" 520MHz due to its "peers" performance. Overclocking is irrelevant if you look at it like this, because you are really clocking your individual chip to where it is comfortable running at, not what it's peers are comfortable at.

Case and Point - You are going to be "safe" running your CPU at any speed, your job is just to determine what is stable. In the case of the 6700, you also need to come to a happy medium on Performance/Battery life as well.

*****Disclaimer: This by no means makes me liable for you burning up your 6700, though I don't think it will ever happen... I am not responsible. Perform any CPU related changes at your own risk.

**Big D5** · #7 (**permalink**) 05-03-2007, 08:55 PM

I have been using xscaler for about 6 months I set it to auto scale after 40% load and jump to 520, the only time I have lockups is when my program memory reaches low levels. I will be typing an email have a call come in than immediately make another call or start the internet, try this without overclocking, and if you don't lock up your 6700 it will run slow. With my 6700 autoscaled I continue to get prompt responses with no freezes. These benefits do have some cost, it can kill the battery depending on how much time the 6700 spends running at the 520 speed.

friguy3 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-03-2007, 10:47 PM

what about autoscaling? isnt that letting it jump up to 520 @ 40% load, nuguy in his post said not to use autoscaling? any more info on if this should not be used?

wierd problem...when i use xcpuscaler and i put it on 520...my volume gets distorted, like if you turn up the volume too loud on a crappy speaker...like my speaker is gonna blow??? anyone else? if i scale it to 416...no sound problems...

PolloLoco · #9 (**permalink**) 05-04-2007, 08:02 AM

Whoops, Double Post.

PolloLoco · #10 (**permalink**) 05-04-2007, 08:02 AM

On our 6700's you should NOT autoscale. You're actually using up more battery power than if you just leave it straight overclocked. The creater of XCPUScalar himself posted this on the pdaphonehome forum for the 6700. Our phone is unique in that it's next to impossible to shut off the phone's autoscaling features - so the two programs battle to get THEIR speed going. The advantage XCPUScalar has over other overclocking software - is that it'll go into hibernate when your phone's screen shuts off. So the phone's autoscaling takes over. I repeat - if you scale down to 40% you're actually wasting MORE battery power than if you leave it at 520 the whole time. You can confirm this with a program that measures current draw. That's why I have mine permanently at 624.

Also - the sound distortion is normal - when you touch your stylus to the screen. The screen touch supposedly sends out a lot of interrupt messages that interfere with XCPUScalar's operation. You should not get that sound distortion unless you're touching the screen however.