HOWTO: Overclock C2Q (Quads) and C2D (Duals) - A Guide v1.7

[graysky]

Originally posted by: InCrYsIs
I have a P5WDH Deluxe with Kingston Hyper-X DDR-800.
I got the chip up to the 3.0 GHZ. The system is only stable with the ram at 667. Is there something I'm missing or is there a limit to what the RAM will do in this configuration? Or is my ram just not the best for doing this?

Thanks

Dunno about that RAM. What are the specs (timings/volrage)? Also, see my post above regarding manually raising MB voltages such as NB and ICH.

P.S. Sorry it took a while to reply, I've been pretty busy these days.

 

[graysky]

Originally posted by: blackbookNow, I'd say I've got about 90% of things right and ready to change - but theres a few things worded differently, and the FSB&Memory page confused the hell outta me!

I think the FSB (QDR) is the FSB of the chip/2. In other words, if you want 9x266 you'd type 533 in here (266*2=533). If you want 9x333 you'd enter 667 in here (333.34*2=667), etc.

Same goes for the MEM (DDR) setting, but this is DDR2 memory so I'm a little confused by the wording. Anyway, if you're running the CPU @ stock 9x266, you'd enter double the true FSB as you did in the first blank. So, 533. If you're running 9x333 you'd enter 667. That's assuming a 1:1 divider. You can do the math of the higher dividers:

Standard dividers are:

1:1
4:5
2:3
3:5
1:2

For 333 FSB:

1:1 = 667
4:5 = 833
2:3 = 1,000
3:5 = 1,100
1:2 = 1,333

Why are you running a multiplier of 6? Why have you disabed CPU Internal Thermal Control? Dunno what Limit CPUID MacVal means. LDT Frequency is something else I haven't seen before... have you tried google?

A vcore of 1.5 is the recommended max limit for your g0 just so you know. Are your DIMMs rated to 2.4 V? Again, same comments I made for the previous two post about MB voltages... if you pushing the memory with a high divider such as 2/3 or 3/5 or 1/2 you may have to bump up your NB and other voltages to run stable. My advice is to use a 1/1 divider at first, verify you can run say 9x333 stable or 9x400 whatever, THEN start messing with mem dividers and timings. Finally, the mem settings look fine assuming the specs on your memory are indeed 4-4-4-12. You can relax them to 5-5-5-15 if you're having problems.

P.S. Sorry it took a while to reply, I've been pretty busy these days.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: graysky

Originally posted by: MichaelDBeing that I can get to 3.0GHz with all voltages on AUTO, there's got to be more in this chip. I've got a known good OCing MB and powersupply and I'm running the memory in-spec.

What am I doing wrong?

You should have more out of that setup unless you got a really crappy g0. Have a look at this thread comparing PC5300 to PC8888. For me to get the PC8888 mode to be stable, I had to raise the NB voltage two ticks, the ICH voltage up to the max. If vcore and RAM vcore didn't do it for you, you may have to boost your board voltages as well.

Also, drop down to 1:1 and use default timings or better yet, 5-5-5-15 until you can verify stability.

P.S. Sorry it took a while to reply, I've been pretty busy these days.

No prob; thanks for the reply! :thumbsup:

I'm currently running the memory "By SPD" and default (1.80v) voltage. I haven't tried raising any voltages but the CPU and the Memory; and obviously that didn't work. I'll give the NB and ICH (SB?) a shot. Thanks.

 

[Plumcuda1]

I dont understand how you (Graysky) are running lower voltage with your q6600 OC'd to 3000mhz (1.232v) where my q6600 runs at 1.296v @ 2395mhz.

Different motherboards?

 

[graysky]

@michaeld - let us know

@plumcuda1 - I dunno man. 9x333 only requires 1.2625V to run stable for me. Is that 1.296 for you minimized or what the board runs auto? Also, how are you measuring it? That seems VERY excessive.

 

[Plumcuda1]

Originally posted by: graysky
@michaeld - let us know

@plumcuda1 - I dunno man. 9x333 only requires 1.2625V to run stable for me. Is that 1.296 for you minimized or what the board runs auto? Also, how are you measuring it? That seems VERY excessive.

I have changed nothing on the board, so it must be auto. CPU-Z is how I got the voltage.

FWIW my board is a DFI P35-T2RL. My CPU is the same as yours ... B3.

 

[graysky]

OK... you really need to minimize that vcore dude. Read the guide for steps to do so. I'll bet it'll be stable under 1.2 v for sure... I believe mine runs stable 9x266 @ 1.000v (the min it goes).

 

[InCrYsIs]

I followed the guide to the letter. I have a P5WDH Deluxe Q6600 Go and 4 GB Kingston Hyper X DDR 800. Everything is set at exactly what you have yours at. Reboots the machine sometimes in COD 4 but thats it. Doesn't seem like a temp problem. Any thoughts?

 

[Plumcuda1]

Originally posted by: graysky
OK... you really need to minimize that vcore dude. Read the guide for steps to do so. I'll bet it'll be stable under 1.2 v for sure... I believe mine runs stable 9x266 @ 1.000v (the min it goes).

I'll read up tonight and print it out ... then start changing the voltage. It actually will pop up to 1.312 at times ....
http://i144.photobucket.com/al...uda1/Misc/21a0b4bb.jpg

It also seems my ram voltage is too low. That is set at 1.8v and recommended setting is 2.1v. How would this affect performance?

 

[graysky]

@InCrYsIs -don't just set your board the way mine is..... you need to stress test your settings with p95 to ensure stability. If you're getting a reboot it may be the game, but more likely your voltage settings. Use p95 as described in the guide and see if you get rounding errors after 6-8 h and get back to me

@plucuda1 - yes, if your RAM is rated for 2.1 V and you're undervolting it, you can get stability issues as a result. Start @ 2.1V (or whatever is recommended by the manufacture), then verify stability, THEN you can think about dropping the voltage.

 

[Firebrandx]

Hi graysky! Just wanted to say thanks for the nifty info guide and also to ask you a question.

I'm using an Asus Maximus Formula mobo with a Q6600 G0 and it comes with an overclocking program called AI Suite. Its pretty nice, but I was wondering how accurate its coretemp readout is. I ran a full load on all 4 cores at stock speed and it showed the core temp reached 43 C and seemed to top out there. I then overclocked to 3Ghz (333x9) and this time the max temp topped out at 50 C. I was wondering if I can rely on this or If perhaps I need to download another program. I tried to run the coretemp program, but windows vista 64-bit blocked it claiming the program used an unsigned driver that was not allowed. I then had a heck of a time trying to stop coretemp as it was stuck in a crash loop.


Edit: tried out speedfan and did the +15 offset on the 4 cores. Looks like I need to upgrade the heatsink. I was getting temps topping out at 65 65 62 63 at full load on 333x9 overclock

 

[graysky]

I'd recommend that you uninstall AI Suite and do you overclocking from the BIOS. I too have the option to use AIS on my P5B-Deluxe but not only does it crash, it also does not allow you to control key features such as vcore to the cpu and to the NB/SB/FSB/ICH.

Also, as you discovered, it does not report the coretemps of all 4 of you cores. You will need something like Coretemp, HWMonitor, or speedfan. I'd actually recommend that you use HWMonitor or Coretemp.

You can get core temp to work under vista x64. Follow the instructions in this thread to do it. Alternatively, give HWMonitor a try.

Finally, as I mentioned, AIS will not allow you to minimize your temps. 65,65,62,63 isn't too bad for you chip @ 9x333, but I suspect they can be much lower if you lower your vcore (minimize it) as described in my quide. What is your current vcore (set to auto I'd assuming but what does cpu-z say it is under load and idle)? Also, what cooling do you have?

 

[Mayor McCheese]

Built my first own build last night,

abit ip35-e
e2180
antec p182

pepared the hsf and cpu with articlean 1 and 2. then used AS 5

this is the hsf http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...dpNo=2943299&CatId=493


I have it at 270mhz x 10 for 2.7 ghz @ the lowest vcore
fsb:ram at 1:1
dram timings at 5, 5, 5, 15, and auto the rest.
disabled C1E

Ive been running prime 95 for 6 hours with no errors.
Idle temps by coretemp: 21 C for both
Load temps by coretemp: 50 C for both

Are those OK temperatures? Should I change any more settings in the bios? voltages?


Thanks. And thank you to graysky, without that guide oh how to oc, I never would have been able to do this!

 

[v27v]

Ill preface this with I am so close to kicking in the side of this machine from utter frustration that words cannot express how upsetting this is.

To start with here is my current rig:
QX6700
Zalman Reserator XT watercooling the proc
D975XBX2 (Badaxe 2)
2 x 3870X2 in Crossfire
2 DVDRW
2 Raptors in Raid 0
2 other stata drvies
X-fi elite
PhysX Pcie
2GB PNY XLR8 1066 5-5-5-15
Thermaltake Toughpower 1000W

I'll also note that this is the first real time overclocking on an Intel platform. I did this a few times on my old AMD stuff with no problems, but that was just adjusting multipliers, no real brainwork there. So essentailly I am an OC noob.


So I got to reading this thread, and it was WONDERFUL information! Thank you, but alas alot of what is posted here doesn't translate well into the Intel BIOS so I ended up getting some information via this article http://forums.slizone.com/lofi...on/index.php?t964.html

So anyways I decide to go in and use CPU-Z and look at the clocks etc. I come to find out that my QX6700 which should be at a 10 x 266, but instead it is at 9 x 266, default voltages on everything...,

So I decide to bump it up a bit to 10x266..right where it is supposed to be right....WRONG. No POST.

That is where my frustrations started. I tried bumping up the cpu voltage, turning on the enhanced power slope and even dropping to an 8 multiplier and adjusting the fsb to compensate. Still NO POST.

I can't seem to get this thing to POST in anything but the damn defaults. I even tried removing 2 hdd, the physx card, one of the 3870X2s, and a dvdrw drive in case it was a power issue, still no POST.

What am I doing wrong here? Am I just that big of a noob, or is it just an ignorance thing here?

I have been trying to do research on this but cant find much. I did find some other peoples setups and most are able to get to 3.8Ghz with no issues! Why cant I even get this to POST where the proc is supposed to be (10x266)?


If anyone has some guideance on this I would be much appreciatve.

Thanks!

 

[frankbo]

Hi, I'm new around here and looking for a bit of help. I'm planning on doing my first build-your-own, and I just took advantage of the Q6600/E8400 sale at Micro Center. I bought a Q6600 with the intention of mildly overclocking it--3.0 GHz at the most. I'm also new to overclocking, so I read through the FAQ (thanks graysky). However, I want to make sure I have everything correct before I buy the remaining pieces of this puzzle.

First, seeing as how I'm planning on getting a 1333/1066 board (GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L) with DDR2-800 RAM, I really don't have to worry too much about my board or memory for overclocking the Q6600, correct? (Just want to check on this.) So I figure all I have to worry about is keeping my CPU cool.

So about cooling... Will the stock fan be enough if I'm not pushing the chip hard? I know it's a good idea NOT to stock cool and to put something in myself. After looking at some of the better coolers at Micro Center (the thermaltake 120 for one), I can't believe that any of those bastard fit in a case! And I'm worried as a first-timer I may be biting off more than I can chew there.

So assuming I shouldn't rely on stock cooling, what's a good cooling solution for a mild overclocking of a Q6600? Something with a low profile that will fit into a case and is DIY idiot resistant. I don't mind doing the legwork on my own (that is, finding the appropriate cooler if no one has recommendations), but I'm hopeful someone can provide me with some kind of metric to know what's required, what will fit easily in a case, and what I can do myself.

Thanks for reading, and thanks again OP.

 

[graysky]

Originally posted by: Mayor McCheeseIve been running prime 95 for 6 hours with no errors.
Idle temps by coretemp: 21 C for both
Load temps by coretemp: 50 C for both

Are those OK temperatures? Should I change any more settings in the bios? voltages?


Thanks. And thank you to graysky, without that guide oh how to oc, I never would have been able to do this!

50 load is great and you said you're at the min vcore so you really can't lower it. If you board voltages are lowered you're pretty much done unless you wanted to tighten the mem timings to 4-4-4-12. You can make note of your settings or save an oc profile if your bios supports it and begin to push it up if you want, but 10x270 is already +35 % for your chip. That's not to say there isn't more, but just keeping things in perspective.

 

[graysky]

Originally posted by: v27v
So I decide to bump it up a bit to 10x266..right where it is supposed to be right....WRONG. No POST.

That's odd since the native state of that chip is 10x266. I know very little about Intel boards... I've read that they can be horrible o/c'ers but in this case, you can't even POST @ the standard settings. Did you look for a BIOS upgrade that might fix this issue? I'd seriously think about scrapping that board (maybe you can get $50 for it on ebay) and get yourself a X38 or P35 based Asus board such as the Maximus Formula or P5K-Del - both of which are excellent o/c'ing MBs.

 

[graysky]

Originally posted by: frankbo
So about cooling... Will the stock fan be enough if I'm not pushing the chip hard? I know it's a good idea NOT to stock cool and to put something in myself. After looking at some of the better coolers at Micro Center (the thermaltake 120 for one), I can't believe that any of those bastard fit in a case! And I'm worried as a first-timer I may be biting off more than I can chew there.

So assuming I shouldn't rely on stock cooling, what's a good cooling solution for a mild overclocking of a Q6600? Something with a low profile that will fit into a case and is DIY idiot resistant. I don't mind doing the legwork on my own (that is, finding the appropriate cooler if no one has recommendations), but I'm hopeful someone can provide me with some kind of metric to know what's required, what will fit easily in a case, and what I can do myself.

Thanks for reading, and thanks again OP.

Is your Q6600 a G0 or B3 stepping? The B3's run pretty hot at moderate vcores compared the the G0's. I can almost assure you the stock HSF won't keep your chip under 65 °C load running 9x333. I would recommend the Ultra-120 Extreme and you'll need to make sure that it'll fit in the case obviously. What case do you have?

Re-read the temperature management section of my guide for more tips on keeping the chip cool.

 

[v27v]

Totally agree with you on this. As far as teh BIOS goes, I'm up to date. I am unsure if there are other bios revs that did not have this issue.

I have a buddy that's a engineer over at Intel, time to see what he can do. =)

 

[Firebrandx]

Originally posted by: graysky
I'd recommend that you uninstall AI Suite and do you overclocking from the BIOS. I too have the option to use AIS on my P5B-Deluxe but not only does it crash, it also does not allow you to control key features such as vcore to the cpu and to the NB/SB/FSB/ICH.

Also, as you discovered, it does not report the coretemps of all 4 of you cores. You will need something like Coretemp, HWMonitor, or speedfan. I'd actually recommend that you use HWMonitor or Coretemp.

You can get core temp to work under vista x64. Follow the instructions in this thread to do it. Alternatively, give HWMonitor a try.

Finally, as I mentioned, AIS will not allow you to minimize your temps. 65,65,62,63 isn't too bad for you chip @ 9x333, but I suspect they can be much lower if you lower your vcore (minimize it) as described in my quide. What is your current vcore (set to auto I'd assuming but what does cpu-z say it is under load and idle)? Also, what cooling do you have?

I see your point about AI suite, and I will uninstall it in favor of bios editing. AIS was reporting an even 1.28 vcore under full load, which is a little bit higher than the vcore you set yours too. As for cooling, I'm using an Antec 900 case with all the fans keeping the internal case reading at 28 C. I'm still using the stock heatsink, but I installed it with artic 5. I intend to go with the Thermalright Ultra 120 soon and I imagine that will really help lower the core temps.

 

[Mayor McCheese]

Originally posted by: graysky

Originally posted by: Mayor McCheeseIve been running prime 95 for 6 hours with no errors.
Idle temps by coretemp: 21 C for both
Load temps by coretemp: 50 C for both

Are those OK temperatures? Should I change any more settings in the bios? voltages?


Thanks. And thank you to graysky, without that guide oh how to oc, I never would have been able to do this!

50 load is great and you said you're at the min vcore so you really can't lower it. If you board voltages are lowered you're pretty much done unless you wanted to tighten the mem timings to 4-4-4-12. You can make note of your settings or save an oc profile if your bios supports it and begin to push it up if you want, but 10x270 is already +35 % for your chip. That's not to say there isn't more, but just keeping things in perspective.

Say at some point, the motherboard needs more voltage at whatever area, how will I know if it needs more voltage?

 

[frankbo]

Originally posted by: graysky

Originally posted by: frankbo
So about cooling... Will the stock fan be enough if I'm not pushing the chip hard?

Is your Q6600 a G0 or B3 stepping? The B3's run pretty hot at moderate vcores compared the the G0's.

It's a G0. The case I'm planning on is a Cooler Master Centurion 5, which I would think is as capable of accommodating a big heat sink as anything else. I'll keep the the Ultra 120 near the top of the list and look further into the installation to make sure I don't screw it up. I was just shocked at how big those heatsinks are in person and a little intimidated by the potential installation, and I wasn't sure if I could get away with a less extreme heatsink and fan combo.

 

[graysky]

@mayor - the only way to know is to raise the MB voltages until you're stable, them back off one-by-one. It's a tedious process. NB and ICH are common ones to need more juice, 2nd by FSB term.

 

[Mayor McCheese]

Originally posted by: graysky
@mayor - the only way to know is to raise the MB voltages until you're stable, them back off one-by-one. It's a tedious process. NB and ICH are common ones to need more juice, 2nd by FSB term.

Thanks very much graysky

 

[BillFoto]

Is it odd that two of my four processors are consistently higher than the other two? Load or idle, my Core 0 and 2 are about 7C higher than the other two. My heatsink/fan seems to be attached properly, maybe it is just an odd coincidence.

EX: 59,52,59,52 and idle is about 20C cooler for each. Also, this is only in CoreTemp, in speedfan with the +15 compensation, it shows all 4 cores as the lower number of the two numbers (52C) during load