PCI Clock Synchronization Mode
Common Options : To CPU, 33.33 MHz, Auto
Quick Review
This BIOS feature allows you to force the PCI bus to either synchronize itself with the processor FSB (Front Side Bus) speed, or run at the standard clock speed of 33.33 MHz.
When set to To CPU, the PCI bus speed is slaved to the processor's FSB speed. Any change in FSB speed will result in a similar change in the PCI bus speed. For example, if you increase the processor's FSB speed by 10%, the PCI bus speed will increase by 10% as well.
When set to 33.33 MHz, the PCI bus speed will be locked into its standard clock speed of 33.33 MHz. No matter what the processor's FSB speed is, the PCI bus will always run at 33.33 MHz.
The Auto option is ambiguous. Without testing, its effect cannot be ascertained since it's up to the manufacturer what it wishes to implement by default for the motherboard. But logically, the Auto setting should force the PCI bus to run at its standard speed of 33.33 MHz for maximum compatibility.
It is recommended that you set this BIOS feature to To CPU if you are overclocking the processor FSB up to 12.5%. If you wish to overclock the processor FSB beyond 12.5%, then you should set this BIOS feature to 33.33 MHz.
However, if you do not intend to overclock, this BIOS feature will not have any effect. The PCI bus will remain at 33.33 MHz, no matter what you select.
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