Need help with Overclocking Athlon 64 X2 3800+ on GA-M56S-S3

[kedolf]

So I'd suggest starting with the CPU, and just turn down the settings for the memory to ridiculously low values so you safely ensure that the memory never approaches instability.

Welcome Your Majesty.
but seriously thanks for joining in and trying to help me. When you say ridiculously low values how low is ridiculously low in my case? I'd appriciate very much if you could have a look at my sys specs and give me some safe and concrete values. And I'd certainly appriciate it even more if you could put it in newbie-friendly terms. All I know I just learned from you guys and it wasn't that long ago that I knew next to nothing about OC so guidance by the hand still is a necessity for me. Long Live the King!

 

[kedolf]

change the memory:CPU ratio

Hi there again,
I'm reporting some developments. I kept overclocking CPU Frequency [240] in small increments of 0.2 with the following values:

PCIE CLOCK - 100MHZ
CPU CLOCK RATIO - AUTO
ROBUST GRAPHIC BOOSTER - AUTO
SYSTEM CLOCK - MANUAL
MEM CLOCK - DDR 533

DRAM CONFIGURATION:
DDRII TIMING ITEMS - MANUAL default of 800
CAS# LATENCY - 5T
RAS to CAS R/W - DELAY 5T
ROW PRECHARGE - TIME 5T
MIN RAS ACTIVE TIME - 18T
1T/2T COMMAND TIMING - 2T
TwTr COMMAND DELAY - 3T
TrFc0 for DIMM 1 - 105ns
TrFc2 for DIMM 2 - 105ns
TrFc1 for DIMM 3 - 75ns
TrFc3 for DIMM 4 - 75ns
WRITE RECOVERY TIME - 6T
PRECHARGE TIME - 3T
ROW CYCLE TIME - 24T
RAS TO CAS DELAY - 3T
BANK SWIZZLE MODE - ENABLED

CHIPSET VOLTAGE CONTROL = NORMAL
DDR2 VOLATAGE CONTROL - AUTO
CPU VOLTAGE CONTROL - 1.4000V
Normal CPU Vcore 1.3500V
K8 <-> NB HT SPEED - 4x
K8 <-> NB HT WIDTH - 16

At the CPU Frequency [256], upon completing the benchmark, IntelBurnTestV2 told me that system was unstable. I almost cried. It was so close to having 4800+. I came back to 254 run the Intel thing again and got congrats that everything was OK. So now I'm stuck and don't know what to do next. If I may I'd have a few questions:
- what is my CPU CLOCK RATIO (now set on Auto) and can I set it manually:
x5
x5.5
x6
x6.5
x7
x7.5
x8
x8.5
x9
x9.5
x10

How can I tell which ver of Athlon 64 X2 3800+ wattage-wise I have, I know the code is on the CPU itself but other then opening the case and taking it out?
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F3 65W 2000
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F2 89W 2000
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F2 65W 2000
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F2 35W 2000

And then is there any way I can make it to 4800+? OC is great, it's a high, it's like sex only better and thanks to you guys I'm hooked. Here are new screens:

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8tfWk0vzmviVEUwdlZGamJlSm8&usp=sharing

 

[Deders]

How can I tell which ver of Athlon 64 X2 3800+ wattage-wise I have, I know the code is on the CPU itself but other then opening the case and taking it out?
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F3 65W 2000
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F2 89W 2000
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F2 65W 2000
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F2 35W 2000

CPUz should tell you.

 

[kedolf]

CPUz should tell you.

Hi, maybe it should but it doesn't seem to or I'm blind. Would you care to have a look at the screens and help me?

 

[Deders]

What was its original voltage?

Edit: The Sisoft readout hints that it was either the 89/90W model or the 65W model, revision F2 (Sandra isn't always accurate) Most of the low power 3800+'s had a default voltage of 1.2v or 1.25v. It looks like yours is 1.35v.

It also says that the max power is 73.645W, I can't tell if Sandra has calculated this to include the overclock, in which case it's a 65W model, or if it's reading from the CPU itself in which case it's the 90W model.

Only way to be sure is to set the cpu speed and voltage back to normal and get the reading again. Do you have a profile you can save all your settings to?

 

[kedolf]

What was its original voltage?

CPU Voltage Control [Normal]
Normal CPU Vcore 1.3500V

 

[nwo]

Increase the CPU voltage a bit more (1.425-1.45) and push for those 4800+ speeds :twisted:

But make sure you monitor your CPU temps under load. Those CPUID temps you posted seem like idle temps, not load temps. Before you proceed with the OC, I would suggest taking a look at your load temps after about 30-60 minutes worth of CPU stress testing. If they are within safe limits, push for a higher OC. Otherwise, I think you have a very good OC right now considering you're coming from a 3800+.

 

[tweakboy]

Nah memory doesnt need to keep up. You just simply changed the memory frequency as you raise FSB. gl

 

[kedolf]

Only way to be sure is to set the cpu speed and voltage back to normal and get the reading again. Do you have a profile you can save all your settings to?

Thanks for all your trouble but it seems too much hustle to set everything back now because cpu speed & voltage are not the only things I changed. Looks like diving into the case is easier. Too bad none of the sys info apps can give you code markings from the cpu itself. As for the profile I'm not sure I know what you're referring to. I gather that's a bios option?

 

[kedolf]

Those CPUID temps you posted seem like idle temps.

You're right there was no stress testing before taking the screens. I can do it again but I won't be able to assess their safety limits. Acceptable max temp varies depending on the wattage & stepping ver of the 3800+. And the gap is huge - anything between 55 - 70 Celsius. I haven't determined yet which one I have:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F3 65W 2000
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F2 89W 2000
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F2 65W 2000
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F2 35W 2000

I think you have a very good OC right now considering you're coming from a 3800+.

Well, you're one of the major culprits to blame for it.

 

[kedolf]

look at your load temps after about 30-60 minutes worth of CPU stress testing.

Here they are during and right after 7hr plus System Stability Test by AIDA64. All the most recent ones have detailed descriptions on them.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8tfWk0vzmviVEUwdlZGamJlSm8&usp=sharing

 

[kedolf]

Increase the CPU voltage a bit more (1.425-1.45) and push for those 4800+ speeds

Hi there,
have you had any chance to go through my last screens? I'd appreciate if could give me some feedback if you find few spare minutes. Now I came across these specs. Can you believe those guys? Are they for real? Can I do the same?:

"I got my x2 3800+ up to 2.8Ghz stable right now. Trying to hit 2.9Ghz. I'm using 9.5 multiplier. I'm using this multiplier because its more stable at 2.8 and i can get it higher up. I tried booting it up to the highest possible speed i can and it went up to around 2.95 but not even close to being stable though.
For my memory i have 4 dimms all 512mb running at i believe 187 frequency in cpu-z. Thats probably whats holding me back mostly i would assume. Of course the 187 frequency is still an overclock because of 4 dimms auto setting it to 333ddr. Its running at 2.5,3,3,5.
I have the hht at 3x and my memory i made it run at 266 instead of 333ddr. I have my volts up to 1.5 in my bios and yet when i check in cpu-z it reads it at around 1.55v. Have my memory at 2.7v i believe.
Have any suggestions on how i can get up to 2.9Ghz while keeping it stable?"

"You could up you volts up a little more. X2's can be safely ran at 1.6 volts, with temperatures being considered of course. AMD dual-core cpu's seem to hit a headwall and it takes a big jump in voltage to over come it. Most have temperature issues so they have to settle for a lesser overclock even though they have stability with that voltage.
If your memory is running at 187MHz I doubt it is a factor. You could try to loosen your timings a little to get that frequency a little higher. Try 3-3-3-8 and see if you can get your memory a little higher. Higher frequency with more loose timings may yield better results.
Run OCCT at an overclock you know you have stability with and not running anything else at the same time you will get a successful test. This successful test will yield some graphs for temps and voltage. Examine how your PSU performs while overclocking. There should be minor fluctuations on all the rails and your +12v rail should be above 12 volts and with minimal fluctuation. If all is well you can rule your psu as a possible limiting factor too. Good luck and I hope you can get to 2.9 stable."

"The default it typically 1.4 volts or at times 1.35 volts. Temperatures are the deciding factor for safety, but pumping that kind of voltage will definitely reduce the lifespan of a cpu. However I think you will have moved far beyond your 3800+ before that point would ever be reached.

Have you ever tried to lower your voltage and see how far you can push your processor? AMD dual-cores can get to some great overclocks on low voltage. I personally have mine running at 2.52GHz stable with only 1.31 volts being pumped into it. I can get all the way to 2.75GHz with only 1.45 volts with stability but my load temps get around 52-53*c. Where I finally settled in relation to max overclock with temperatures considered is 2.67GHz with 1.42 volts."

"2.8GHz stable OC and you are asking for more? You probably hit the CPU OC wall or at least very close. Stop listening to those who tell you to upvolt and stuff. It's not worth it. It won't be a stable OC anymore, but if you want to take a kamakazi OC screenshot/bench, go ahead.
Never believe in those world records and hearsay on forums. Most of the times they just get the lucky draw out of the bin.
Remember this is the Internet and you have do divide everyone's epeen by half."

 

[kedolf]

It also says that the max power is 73.645W, I can't tell if Sandra has calculated this to include the overclock, in which case it's a 65W model, or if it's reading from the CPU itself in which case it's the 90W model.

Hi there Deders, you had a good hunch the code markings on the CPU are:

ADA3800IAA5CU

LDB4F 0626XPMW

Q959872F60035

So it's Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2000MHz 512KBx2 Windsor 90nm F2 89W 2000 which has max operating temp 70 Celsius. I guess that gives me some more leeway then I thought I had. If other temp readings on my last screens are OK too, then I gather I have a GO. What do you think?

 

[tweakboy]

You raise the vcore voltage 1 by 1 ,,,,,,,, and eventually youll get your max OC. gl

 

[tweakboy]

Not even worth it. Upgrade time my friend!

 

[kedolf]

@all
Hi there,
I'm sorry to bother you all but could anyone by any chance find few minutes and explain to me what is my CPU CLOCK RATIO (now set on Auto), by which coefficients it is determined and is there any benefit from setting it manually:
x5, x5.5, x6, x6.5, x7, x7.5, x8, x8.5, x9, x9.5, x10?
and possibly give me some feedback on my last readouts? All the most recent ones have detailed descriptions on them. I'll be insanely grateful. Best regards.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8tfWk0vzmviVEUwdlZGamJlSm8&usp=sharing

 

[Deders]

Hi, the CPU clock ratio is what the CPU multiplies the frontside bus speed to get the CPU frequency.

Unlocked chips allow you to change this to higher than default for higher CPU speeds, but for everyone else you have to overclock via the frontside bus.

So in your case the HTT is effectively the Frontside bus, multiply that by 10 and you get your CPU speed.

So long as your CPU is below 60c you should be fine. Bear in mind that the higher you go the hotter your motherboard will get, chips like the northbridge which don't have temperature sensors may cause system instability if they get too hot.

 

[kedolf]

Unlocked chips allow you to change this to higher than default for higher CPU speeds, but for everyone else you have to overclock via the frontside bus.
So in your case the HTT is effectively the Frontside bus, multiply that by 10 and you get your CPU speed.

Thanks
so in a nutshell if I have choice to set CPU CLOCK RATIO manually between
x5, x5.5, x6, x6.5, x7, x7.5, x8, x8.5, x9, x9.5, x10, then mine is unlocked right? And if I set it at x10 manually what would be the benefit from it if any?

 

[Deders]

It's not unlocked, 10 is its default setting. If it was unlocked it would be able to go higher than the default setting.

Lowering it can be useful when determining whether the overclock is failing because of the CPU. Or if it's the MB or Ram.

 

[nwo]

Here they are during and right after 7hr plus System Stability Test by AIDA64. All the most recent ones have detailed descriptions on them.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8tfWk0vzmviVEUwdlZGamJlSm8&usp=sharing

Those are really good temps. Considering you haven't even touched the voltage yet, I think you can easily get up to 2.7 or possibly even higher by going for 1.45-1.5v on the CPU core.

 

[kedolf]

you can easily get up to 2.7 or possibly even higher by going for 1.45-1.5v on the CPU core.

Hi and thanks,
one thing though, it was on 1.45v and stable. At least IntelBurnTest said so. I run it few times, two or three times on Standard and one time on Max. And then Prime95 for several hrs. I had CR 2T and CPU CLOCK RATIO on Auto. This morning I've read somewhere that this chip usually doesn't "like" 2T so I switched back to 1T and noticed an improvement. POST, OS and desktop full of icons were loading noticeably faster. Some time ago I set manually CPU CLOCK RATIO at x10 just to see if it makes any difference and run the IntelBurnTest again. It flunked me after third loop or so, did not freeze just gave me warning. So I really don't know which way should I go now. 4800+ seems so close to reach and yet so far away, just like some women. Tomorrow morning I'll try again or rather this morning - it's already halt past midnight in Europe and then we'll see. Thanks again for having a look at the screens.

 

[nwo]

Unless you want to push the voltage to the limit, I say stick with the OC you got now. I would not recommend pushing the voltage much higher than 1.5v unless you do not mind gambling with your CPU which doesn't seem to be an option for you. If you can find a stable setting that lets you run with 1T, then just stick with that because 1T can make an impact on the RAM speed.

If you have to change a million things to get another 100-200MHz OC, it's not worth it anyway (in my opinion).

 

[kedolf]

@nwo & all

I would not recommend pushing the voltage much higher than 1.5v

Hi and thanks,
Now CPU Freq is 256 at CPU Voltage Control 1.375V. There were discrepancies among these values set in BIOS and Windows & sys info tools readings. I know voltage can fluctuate but CPU Freq from mid 2-forties to 254 were always 1 lower in OS than in BIOS, 248 was 247, 250 was 249 etc. Only Sandra got it always right. Now it's OK everywhere.
Cool N Quiet: Disabled
Smart CPU Fan Control: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum: Disabled
HT Spread Spectrum: Disabled
and then: K8<->NB HT Speed: 3x
K8<->NB HT Width: Auto
CR: 1T
Win on performance mode
I don't think I have C1/E and C6 options in my Bios.
Here's the link to some detailed readouts as well as new screens. All were taken while Prime was running in Blend for 45 min - 1hr. I've done total re-clocking from scratch today, no clear CMOS though. The weird thing is I've never managed to pushed it up so high on so low voltage before. Gives me an incentive to go higher. I'm very curious what would be your feedback.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8tfWk0vzmviN1dEUFZ1WUY4NVE&usp=sharing

 

[KingFatty]

You should push things past their limit, so you know where instability lies. Then, pull back a bit. If you never actually reach instability, you'll never know. That just gets to you after a while, not knowing the real limit.

 

[kedolf]

You should push things past their limit, so you know where instability lies.

Hi and thanks for you reply, much appreciated,
when I set the CPU Freq to 258 as it is set right now with all the remaining values unchanged (set as the above) then Prime95 running in Blend flunks me after 6 min. At 256 I'm still stable after several hrs of it. So I wonder what to change now that could help. Maybe lowering K8<->NB HT Speed to 2x could do the trick? Of course I'll try it but I don't know what else I could change. I as said before my OC "experience" is counted in single days and this is the reason I'm here on this forum hoping somebody went through similar set up before and/or has enough knowledge & proficiency to already know the answers.