^^^ BH7 and 2.4B SL6RZ ^^^ FINAL

[lupohki]

THUGSROOK format:

TEST SYSTEM
P4 2.4b ~ SL6RZ C1 Costa Rica 3252A126-0952 from Fry's OEM
Abit BH7 -12 bios
Antec True 430 PSU
Twinmos DDR400 Winbond BH -5 1x 512mb cas 2.5,7,3,3
Alpha 8942 HSF | Panaflo | AS3
GF4 ti4600 | 43.00 drivers | WinXP Pro SP1 | DX9 | Intel 4.30.1006 INF | Intel AA 2.3
Vdimm 2.68 | AGP voltage 1.64 voltages as read from bios
Mobo CPU Temp Alarm set to go off at 75C (board misreads temp ~10C more than actual?)


STRESS TESTS with proper cpu fan header

> Memtest86 < pass = all 11 tests, cache on, 10+ loops

1:1 mem ratio
3600mhz 200fsb @ DDR400 (Vcore 1.64v) = errored immediately
3600mhz 200fsb @ DDR400 (Vcore 1.72v) = alarm went off for about 2 seconds in first loop, errored in second loop
3518mhz 195fsb @ DDR390 (Vcore 1.64v) = errored in second loop
3518mhz 195fsb @ DDR390 (Vcore 1.72v) = alarm keeps going on and off in first loop - aborted
3428mhz 190fsb @ DDR380 (Vcore 1.64v) = pass
3428mhz 190fsb @ DDR380 (Vcore 1.58v) = pass

4:5 mem ratio
3330mhz 185fsb @ DDR462 (Vcore 1.58v | Vdimm 2.68v, 2.78v) = errors in first loop
3330mhz 185fsb @ DDR462 (Vcore 1.58v | Vdimm 2.88v) = errors immediately
3240mhz 180fsb @ DDR450 (Vcore 1.58v | Vdimm 2.68v) = errors in first loop
3240mhz 180fsb @ DDR450 (Vcore 1.58v | Vdimm 2.78v) = errors in second loop
3240mhz 180fsb @ DDR450 (Vcore 1.58v | Vdimm 2.88v) = errors immediately
3213mhz 178fsb @ DDR444 (Vcore 1.58v | Vdimm 2.68v) = errors first loop
3213mhz 178fsb @ DDR444 (Vcore 1.58v | Vdimm 2.78v) = pass


> Prime95 < pass = 5+ hours of torture test

1:1 mem ratio
3428mhz 190fsb @ DDR380 (Vcore 1.64v) = fail - Windows errored. Power circuitry temp got extremely hot: ~80C and rising
3428mhz 190fsb @ DDR380 (Vcore 1.58v) = system restarts at beginning of windows
3330mhz 185fsb @ DDR370 (Vcore 1.58v) = pass

4:5 mem ratio
3213mhz 178fsb @ DDR444 (Vcore 1.58v | Vdimm 2.78v) = errors on test 20
3160mhz 175fsb @ DDR434 (Vcore 1.58v | Vdimm 2.78v) = pass


BENCHMARKS

3330mhz 185fsb @ DDR370 (cas 2,5,2,2)
> PCMark2002 <
CPU: 8201
Memory: 7045
HDD: 1063
> 3DMark2k3 <
1843
> 3DMark2k1SE <
14924
> Sandra 2003<
CPU Arithmetic: 8667 MIPS 1926/4385 MFLOPS
CPU MM: Int-13281 FP-16851
Memory Bandwidth: Int-2766 Float-2766

3160mhz 175fsb @ DDR434 (cas 2.5,7,3,3)
> PCMark2002 <
CPU: 7779
Memory: 7498
HDD: 1063
> 3DMark2k3 <
drops back to desktop in mid test
> 3DMark2k1SE <
drops back to desktop in mid test
> Sandra <

 

[lupohki]

Just giving some preliminary results with the new board. The board that the BH7 is replacing is the Albatron PX845PEV Pro. I'm shooting for 3.24Ghz @ DDR450, which looks like the BH7 won't give me either . The Albatron was able to pass memtest86 and prime95 for 8 hours, but my system would reboot during 3dmark and error out sometimes in Counterstrike. The Albatron would not even post at 200fsb though. So the BH7 has it beat at pure CPU fsb speed so far, but the Albatron seems to handle memory speed better.

edit: The board also seems to read temps higher than the Albatron. I was at the mid 30's with the Albatron, but BH7 shows low 40's. Another owner, Tates, also noted this.

 

[wicktron]

I hear the BH7 has some problems when running at 3:4 ratio, try a 4:5 ratio, I believe you will get better results.

This is according to OPPAINTER, one of the top OC'ers in the world: Link to thread

 

[lupohki]

3.24 @ DDR450 is 4:5 ratio.

I haven't had an Abit board in a long time (last was BX6 I think). Does the "strap" setting matter? I think i have it set at CPU now.

Your link doesn't work. I tried taking out the additional http as well.

 

[wicktron]

I wouldn't know, not enough people have this board right now.
Want to donate me one along with an SL6RZ? I'll get some test results with the quickness.

EDIT Above: Link now works

 

[wicktron]

Do you know if the RAM hits that high? Perhaps you need to feed it more voltage. Hitting 450 with that RAM at that voltage is asking for a bit much, don't you think?

Edit: I'm a n00b that's not reading much, sorry. Haha

 

[lupohki]

Originally posted by: wixt0r
Do you know if the RAM hits that high? Perhaps you need to feed it more voltage. Hitting 450 with that RAM at that voltage is asking for a bit much, don't you think?

Edit: I'm a n00b that's not reading much, sorry. Haha

I just tried bumping the Vdimm up to 2.88 and it still errored out immediately. On the Albatron, I could at least pass memtest at less voltage at DDR450.

 

[Technonut]

Does the "strap" setting matter? I think i have it set at CPU now.

I am running mine @ 4:5 with the strap set to High. Check This out. Not bad for PC2700 Kingston Value RAM (Winbond BH-6) huh? Anyway, I am running the 512MB stick in the 1st DIMM slot. (by the processor) with the VDIMM @ 2.85v. You may have to try some different RAM.... I tried a 256MB stick of HyperX 3500, and Twinmos BH-5 Winbond, neither would run as well as each of the two 512 Kingston BH-6 sticks I have.

Keep at it... I know the BH7 is able to get you there...

EDIT: Winbond Hardware Doctor is showing the VDIMM @ 2.80-2.82v when set to 2.85v in the BIOS. I consider this voltage safe for Winbond chips since Corsair guarantees their XMS series (Winbond) up to 2.80v.

 

[lupohki]

Originally posted by: Technonut

Does the "strap" setting matter? I think i have it set at CPU now.

I am running mine @ 4:5 with the strap set to High. Check This out. Not bad for PC2700 Kingston Value RAM (Winbond BH-6) huh? Anyway, I am running the 512MB stick in the 1st DIMM slot. (by the processor) with the VDIMM @ 2.85v. You may have to try some different RAM.... I tried a 256MB stick of HyperX 3500, and Twinmos BH-5 Winbond, neither would run as well as each of the two 512 Kingston BH-6 sticks I have.

Keep at it... I know the BH7 is able to get you there...

EDIT: Winbond Hardware Doctor is showing the VDIMM @ 2.80-2.82v when set to 2.85v in the BIOS. I consider this voltage safe for Winbond chips since Corsair guarantees their XMS series (Winbond) up to 2.80v.

I tried moving the ram to the first slot, 2.8v, strap to high, and errored in the 4th test. You have some outrageously good BH -6 sticks there if they're only suppose to be pc2700!! I'm getting sick of the ram hunt .. might as well spend the money towards a dual ddr board and get 2 cheaper sticks.

If the BH7 is able to do DDR450, I don't know why I can't at least pass memtest86 like I did on the Albatron though.

I'm going to do a clean install of Windows and move onto Prime95 as I've found a setting that passes Memtest86 now.

 

[lupohki]

So at 3.4 Ghz I was hitting above ~60C (taking into account Abit mobo temp misread).

Currently doing Prime95 3.330Ghz at 1.55v and speedfan is showing ~68C so that would be ~53C actual, which is close to what was reported on my Albatron at the same speeds and around the same voltage.

 

[althes]

BH7 cant seem to cut it then.ALbatron board rocks. Ihad one an it was a really good board.That ram may definitely need ore volts.

 

[lupohki]

Some more input in the temperature situation. I'm running at default voltage at 2.4b@3.24Ghz, and I'm still occasionally tripping the alarm with Prime95. I'm wondering if I installed the HSF wrong, or is the actual temp even more far off from the reading than originally thought.

I never exp this when I was running at this speed on the Albatron or the Epox 4G4A.

 

[lupohki]

Argh .. I found out what was causing my high temps. For this install, I had plugged my CPU fan into my power supply's "fan only" header, and for whatever reason, it supplies a lot less juice than the other headers which I usually use to power my CPU fan. I felt the fan when it was plugged into the 'fan only' and couldn't feel a draft. I changed over to one of the other headers and felt one. So I'm going to have to redo my tests.

 

[Technonut]

At least you caught the problem... Now you can get on with business..

 

[Duvie]

Yep press on!!!! I think you are going to need a bit more then 1.55v to pass prime95 if you needed 1.55v to pass 3.3ghz......once you give vcore it starts to tail of fast...omre vcore for less and less fsb adjustment...

 

[LastRide]

gsethi is having a heat problem with his BH7 also.I'll have to ask him where he has the CPU fan plugged in.This board reads real high temps regardless where you plug the fan in from what I been reading.

 

[brucehao]

I also have an SL6RZ, but it's on an Asus P4G8XD with 2X Corsair CMX256-3200LL memory. I can get it up to 184fsb or 3306mhz at 1.6vcore. Above that, P95 will fail after three or four hours. Currently, I'm running it at 3240 at 180fsb with stock vcore.

 

[gsethi]

i currently have mine running @ 185FSB @ +5% VCore (1.52-1.54v actual).....my memory is Kingston HyperX PC3000 and am using relaxed settings and little more voltage to the memory...

i also noted that my temps have fallen down from yesterday....it is prolly that the AS3 has settled in now and also i am running my HSF on full speed now. Yesterday, i was constantly hitting 70s, today, i havnt crossed 65C (same settings) using Abit winbond monitor.

I have a feeling that the board is reading temps by ~15C higher....Abit needs to fix this in their next BIOS realease...we all might need to Email them of this problem. Also, my HSF is plugged on the CPU Fan header on the motherboard itself.

hope that helps..

btw, my CPU is rock stable @ 190FSB @ +10% vcore (1.65-1.66v actual)....but temps get really high and so i am not gonna run at that FSB for daily use....but for testing purposes, i will try 195FSB in a day or so ...200FSB..here i come...

I think that the memory controller on this board is not that good for some reason. I had tested my Kingston memory to run at DDR 415 speeds on Epox 8RDA+ at more aggressive settings but it wont do 185FSB at the same settings on this board....(maybe i will try a lower FSB next w/ 4:5 ratio to see if my memory can again do DDR 415+ speeds...it could just be 1:1 ratio).

Also, did anyone try the DIMM 2 slot rather than DIMM 1 slot ? I remember, on my Epox 4g4a+, i used to get much higher memory oveclocks in the dimm2 slot as compared to dimm1 slot. my other memory would crap out at DDR 380 or so @ dimm1 but @ dimm2, i was able to get it all the way to DDR 434 ..... i will try dimm2 next though after i am throughly done testing that my memory can handle 185FSB effectively.

Thanks

 

[lupohki]

I think I'm stable at 190fsb with +10% vcore as well .. doing 5th loop of memtest86 now. There's a lot of heat generated going towards 4Ghz - more than my Alpha and Panaflo can handle. Even with taking into account the temp misread of the mobo, I was towards upwards of 60C at 195fsb. I haven't triggered the alarm at all with 190fsb though. I'll have to get a reading when I'm in Windows.

I switched my ram into the middle slot now as well just for giggles.

 

[Duvie]

maybe my albatron drastically underestimates temps....At 3.33ghz I have 37c idle and no more then 45c load....I have an alpha 8942 with a ystech 80mm fan doing 3750rpm and pushing around 48cfm....my epox 4g4a at 3.24ghz was doing 39c idle and 52c load.....no where near the 60c you are seeing!!!

 

[lupohki]

You have to take into account we're at higher speeds as well, Duvie.

At 3428mhz 190fsb @ DDR380 (Vcore 1.64v) in Prime95, Speedfan is showing low 70's. I'll probably get waken up by the temp alarm some time at night.

I'm going to stick with where ever I max out at +5% voltage. +10% (~1.64v) is too hot.

edit: I installed the "Winbond Hardware Doctor" temperature monitor utility and it's showing the "CPU" temp jumping around from 59 to 66, staying more closely to 60C most of the time with the occasional 72C showing once in a while. There's a "Other" reading that's in the low 70's. I guess I was reading the wrong display in Speedfan. Wouldn't the CPU be the hottest temp monitor in the case?

 

[Duvie]

YOU ARE RUNNING 90MHZ MORE THEN ME BUT .07V LESS....I think I should be running hotter then you, don't you??? Is there a way to turn alarm off as it may be a simple error in temp reporting??? Does the heatsink feel cold, warm, slightly hot, etc???

 

[lupohki]

The air is a little warm, but the heatsink doesn't feel warm at all.

I'm in the part of Prime95 now where it does a lot of short tests and the temps have gone down a bit from the beginning long ones.

 

[maxSe]

Originally posted by: lupohki
You have to take into account we're at higher speeds as well, Duvie.

At 3428mhz 190fsb @ DDR380 (Vcore 1.64v) in Prime95, Speedfan is showing low 70's. I'll probably get waken up by the temp alarm some time at night.

I'm going to stick with where ever I max out at +5% voltage. +10% (~1.64v) is too hot.

edit: I installed the "Winbond Hardware Doctor" temperature monitor utility and it's showing the "CPU" temp jumping around from 59 to 66, staying more closely to 60C most of the time with the occasional 72C showing once in a while. There's a "Other" reading that's in the low 70's. I guess I was reading the wrong display in Speedfan. Wouldn't the CPU be the hottest temp monitor in the case?

That's under load temp, right? Even so, that seems rather high... My SL6EF needs around 1.57v (actual, according to Winbond HW) running 190fsb, and it idles around 45c and shoots to ~60c in p95, topping out around 62c or so... @195fsb, it now needs 1.62v (I ran it ~@1.57 before ), but it never goes upto 70c in p95...

I know Abit boards are notorious for undervolting and high temps, so I'm not that worried... I read that a bunch of Abit boards report temps anywhere from 7c to 15c higher.... I was hoping that these were addressed with BH-7 (I'm still waiting for mine... ), but I guess it didn't.....

 

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by: lupohki

Originally posted by: wixt0r
Do you know if the RAM hits that high? Perhaps you need to feed it more voltage. Hitting 450 with that RAM at that voltage is asking for a bit much, don't you think?

Edit: I'm a n00b that's not reading much, sorry. Haha

I just tried bumping the Vdimm up to 2.88 and it still errored out immediately. On the Albatron, I could at least pass memtest at less voltage at DDR450.

If you are looking for better RAM, I am very happy with my OCZ EL DDR433 . I am not sure how fast it will go, but I have gotten it to DDR 440, 2-6-3-3, with 2.58 vdimm on my IT7. My 2.4B BO chip is keeping me from going any higher, as 2.94 is all she'll do at 1.68 vcore.

If you are looking for another memory ratio, set the H/W strap to low and you will see 3:4, although I doubt there is a RAM chip out there that will do DDR 533!

Since you have such a fast chip, you might wanna get a Granite Bay board so you can get better performance out of a 1:1 ratio.