Overclocking doesn't seem to work

tomexplodes

I have a Pi 3 model B, running Retropie 4.3.8, using a Canakit power supply. I have a Super Tinytendo case with a fan and heat sinks from LoveRPi.

I used the overclock settings from this page https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/wiki/Optimization-for-Nintendo-64 and I followed the directions on this page https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/wiki/Overclocking

I SSH'd in through Putty and did sudo -i, then nano /boot/config.txt

I put the lines in under the #arm_freq=800 line

Nothing seems to happen when I restart my system with the settings in place. Specifically I get slowdown on Soul Reaver for PS1 if I use the 2 settings to make 3d games look better, no slowdown if I leave them off. I'm not sure if overclocking is supposed to help with that or not. Also, I tried to run Mario Kart 64 with the default emulator settings in place and it is unplayable. I checked my heat with vcgencmd measure_temp a few times while I was running stuff, my temp is at right about 53 to 54 degrees C no matter what I'm doing. It just seems like the overclock isn't actually working. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I hope I've provided enough information. Thanks in advance!

Tom

EDIT: I should mention that on first boot when I haven't been playing any games, the temp is around 39 degrees C like it's supposed to be. The heat never goes over the 53-54 I first mentioned, though.

KN4THX

I use the default lr-pcsx rearmed for PS1 with no issues. For N64 don't forget to check the N64 compatibility list as some roms are completely unplayable in the wrong emulator a lot of N64 roms may need a custom emulator set on a per-rom basis:

https://github.com/retropie/retropie-setup/wiki/Nintendo-64#rom-compatibility-list-feel-free-to-contribute-the-file-is-locked-

Also, if #arm_freq=800 is what is is your boot/config.txt that's set really low considering the stock clock speed is 1200 and mine is overclocked above that. Also, keep in mind overclock settings vary as all silicon is not created equal and YMMV.

Darksavior

@tomexplodes If you've properly read the overclocking wiki page, you'd find out that there's a few example settings to start off with. Use the ones meant for a pi3. Also, those temp's are quite normal..a Pi3 can handle until mid 80c when it throttles it self. What you're doing right now is underclocking.

BTW, the n64 wiki page has incorrect oc settings to start from, and you might experience power issues if you do use those settings.

tomexplodes

Oh I don't have my arm_freq set to 800, that's the commented out default one in the config.txt. I just mentioned it in case it mattered where I put the overclock settings. I set everything to
arm_freq=1300
gpu_freq=500
sdram_freq=500
over_voltage=6
v3d_freq=525

from that N64 page. If it's no good that's fine, but it didn't seem to do anything at all. Which is why I'm here.

KN4THX

Which emulators are you using for which games?

tomexplodes

I'm using the defaults for everything. Also, I'm a moron. I was trying to run Star Fox 64, not Mario Kart.

madmodder123

Try these out and use mupen64plus-GlideN64 for Star Fox 64
I can run at about 25-30 FPS with occasional dips down to 20-22 FPS, it is totally playable

Start Overclock Settings

arm_freq=1350
gpu_freq=525
core_freq=525
sdram_freq=500
over_voltage=6
v3d_freq=525
force_turbo=1
avoid_pwm_pll=1

End Overclock Settings

KN4THX

@madmodder123 said in Overclocking doesn't seem to work:

Try these out and use mupen64plus-GlideN64 for Star Fox 64
I can run at about 25-30 FPS with occasional dips down to 20-22 FPS, it is totally playable

Start Overclock Settings

arm_freq=1350
gpu_freq=525
core_freq=525
sdram_freq=500
over_voltage=6
v3d_freq=525
force_turbo=1
avoid_pwm_pll=1

End Overclock Settings

Keep in mind using force_turbo & over_voltage together will add the void warranty flag. Not that most care, but it is something to keep in mind for people who may not know.