Q6600 and P35-DS4 Overclocking Problems

[jdogg707]

So I setup the following system last weekend:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz Processor (G0) (Lapped)
Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme (Lapped) w/Noctua NF-P12 120mm Fan
Gigabyte P35-DS4 Rev. 2.0 Motherboard w/F11 BIOS
4GB (2x2GB) Transcend DDR2-800 (5-5-5-15) RAM
eVGA 8800GTS 512 Video Card
Western Digital 150GB Raptor Hard Drive
Antec Neo HE 550W PSU
Antec P180
Windows Vista Ultimate x64

The system booted up fine and worked perfectly at stock. After installing Windows and getting the drivers setup, I ran some Prime tests, lapped the CPU and HSF, then ran more tests. After lapping I saved a whole 8C off of my temps and really evened out the temperatures across all four cores. I then proceeded to start overclocking. Going through the guide in this forum, I started by setting my processor voltage to 1.25V (default) and then increased my FSB to 333MHz, making sure my RAM divider was at 2.40 which kept my memory at DDR2-800 with default timings. I booted up the system and everything worked great, I was able to prime for 24 hours without any failures. I went back to try and hit 3.2GHz, making sure my memory was staying at or under DDR2-800 so as not to cause stability problems for my overclock, and no matter what I do, anything above a 333 FSB causes the system not to POST. I have tried different Vcore voltages, different FSB settings, nothing seems to allow me to boot above the 333 FSB. I was hoping to hit around 3.4GHz, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Thor86]

How high vcore did you try?

You will need at least 1.375 for anything over 3Ghz.

 

[jdogg707]

Hmmm, I tried going as high as 1.34 I believe. I'll try upping the vcore a bit and see what happens.

What is highest Vcore I should run on the Q6600?

 

[SystemPlue]

wow... i hope you find a solution, cause i have pretty much the same setup that i am just about to build and i hope i don't run into the same problem

 

[jdogg707]

From what I can tell it's possible that there is an issue with the "USB Mouse support" option and the CIA settings in the BIOS. Apparently the CIA setting needs to be set to Turbo and the USB Mouse Support disabled. I haven't tried this configuration yet on my own, but it has been suggested in a few other forums. I'm going to give it a try tonight and will update here.

SystemPlue, keep me updated on your progress once you get your system together, I'd be interested to see what your experiences are.

 

[SystemPlue]

Just waiting on the CPU... i ordered it on Sun. Jan.26th hopefully it arrives today so i can build it this weekend..... I will definitely post back =)

 

[Markfw]

Try this. 8x multi
400 fsb
2.0 memory multiplier
ddr voltage to mfg spec
FSB +.2
GMH + .2
cpu @ 1.4 or better

I have the same motherboard and have run a Q6600@3.2 on it, but now my X3210 is in it.

You also may try a small fan on the NB. I don't need it, as my big typhoon blows down on it.

 

[jdogg707]

Thanks for the suggestions Mark. Currently I have been priming for 4 hours using the Turbo enabled, USB Mouse disabled setup @ 356FSB/9x multiplier @ 1.275V. I'll update in the morning when I get up to see what the progress is. If I pass 8 hours of Prime, I'll probably start pushing it a bit further to see how things go. Nevertheless, I am feeling good about my results thus far.

 

[jdogg707]

As an update, I primed for 8+ hours using my updated settings detailed above. I'm pushing to 3.4 and we'll see what happens, but I am pretty excited about my results at 3.2 right now.

 

[SystemPlue]

I finally got the time to build my new system.... so far i am running stable and cool
this by the way is my first over clocking experience.... so i am no expert =(

I was having trouble making the overclock settings stay at first because after the motherboard post it would restart itself again with default settings.... ppl were telling my to raise the (G)MCH by +.1 but that wasn't helping... later i found out that my USB 500gb MyBook was making the motherboard restart itself.... i just simply unplug the USB and now everything is working great =)

9x333 @1.264V ... its crazy how much cooler this CPU runs compared to my old FX-60
10 hours of Prime95 with these settings barely gets CPU to 50 degrees celcius on these settings.... i run the computer 24/7

OverVoltage control settings:
DDR2: +.30
PCI-E: Normal
FSB: Normal
(G)MCH: +.1

i am using F8 bios that came on the board..... also my ram timing is still 5-5-5-18

I have tried 9x400 with 1.4V and it booted into windows fine BUT..... i went out for 30min while running Prime95 and when i got back windows had rebooted itself.... i had these settings on the bios

OverVoltage control settings:
DDR2: +.30
PCI-E: Normal
FSB: +.15
(G)MCH: +.1

it was fine the first 5min. of Prime.... but i guess it wasn't for much longer... by that time i had already left...

as soon as i have more time im going to attempt 3.6ghz again.... i run my computer 24/7.... so 3.6ghz is my goal... nothing higher because im scared it will die on me after 1year of use...
but so far i am satisfied with 3ghz ....

I would be very thankful if you posted more on your current or new overclock settings.... i would really like to compare more since we both have a very similar setup .... =)

 

[Tachyon74]

Originally posted by: jdogg707
From what I can tell it's possible that there is an issue with the "USB Mouse support" option and the CIA settings in the BIOS. Apparently the CIA setting needs to be set to Turbo and the USB Mouse Support disabled. I haven't tried this configuration yet on my own, but it has been suggested in a few other forums. I'm going to give it a try tonight and will update here.

SystemPlue, keep me updated on your progress once you get your system together, I'd be interested to see what your experiences are.

I am using the same mobo, but an e8400 and I have been having a ton of bluescreens, crashes, and memtest+ errors. But I tried setting those two back that way and it's working just fine now. (memtest+ for 16 hours with no errors) Thanks so much for the tip!

 

[jdogg707]

Originally posted by: Tachyon74

Originally posted by: jdogg707
From what I can tell it's possible that there is an issue with the "USB Mouse support" option and the CIA settings in the BIOS. Apparently the CIA setting needs to be set to Turbo and the USB Mouse Support disabled. I haven't tried this configuration yet on my own, but it has been suggested in a few other forums. I'm going to give it a try tonight and will update here.

SystemPlue, keep me updated on your progress once you get your system together, I'd be interested to see what your experiences are.

I am using the same mobo, but an e8400 and I have been having a ton of bluescreens, crashes, and memtest+ errors. But I tried setting those two back that way and it's working just fine now. (memtest+ for 16 hours with no errors) Thanks so much for the tip!

Glad it helped, I am trucking along now at 3.6GHz with no problems. I don't know why these settings have to be set this way, but it works!

 

[jdogg707]

Originally posted by: SystemPlue
I finally got the time to build my new system.... so far i am running stable and cool
this by the way is my first over clocking experience.... so i am no expert =(

I was having trouble making the overclock settings stay at first because after the motherboard post it would restart itself again with default settings.... ppl were telling my to raise the (G)MCH by +.1 but that wasn't helping... later i found out that my USB 500gb MyBook was making the motherboard restart itself.... i just simply unplug the USB and now everything is working great =)

9x333 @1.264V ... its crazy how much cooler this CPU runs compared to my old FX-60
10 hours of Prime95 with these settings barely gets CPU to 50 degrees celcius on these settings.... i run the computer 24/7

OverVoltage control settings:
DDR2: +.30
PCI-E: Normal
FSB: Normal
(G)MCH: +.1

i am using F8 bios that came on the board..... also my ram timing is still 5-5-5-18

I have tried 9x400 with 1.4V and it booted into windows fine BUT..... i went out for 30min while running Prime95 and when i got back windows had rebooted itself.... i had these settings on the bios

OverVoltage control settings:
DDR2: +.30
PCI-E: Normal
FSB: +.15
(G)MCH: +.1

it was fine the first 5min. of Prime.... but i guess it wasn't for much longer... by that time i had already left...

as soon as i have more time im going to attempt 3.6ghz again.... i run my computer 24/7.... so 3.6ghz is my goal... nothing higher because im scared it will die on me after 1year of use...
but so far i am satisfied with 3ghz ....

I would be very thankful if you posted more on your current or new overclock settings.... i would really like to compare more since we both have a very similar setup .... =)

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I have left all settings at default other than voltage, which I have currently at 1.3V @ 3.4GHz. My BIOS is F11 BTW. Try setting the USB Mouse support to Disabled and the CIA setting to Turbo when you OC. Make sure memory is running within spec and the memory divider is correct for your mem speed. Let me know if you're still running into problems and I'll see what I can do to help you get on track!

 

[SystemPlue]

I fixed the USB problem... apparently there is a USB Storage Legacy device in the bios that i can disable.. so i did that and i can boot up with my external drive attached.....

right now i am running 9x378 @ 1.4125V... reads 1.408 on CPU-Z .....
I tried Prime95 for like 2hours with Vcore set to 1.4V while i was out for dinner and when i came back the computer had hanged... so i raised the voltage up 1 notch....

can you tell me what kinda temperature you are getting from your cores while running Prime95 for about or so min?

I will be more then happy to be able to run 3.4ghz @ 1.3V .... i will tweak my settings to match what you have said... hopefully it will run with less Vcore =)

 

[SystemPlue]

thanks again for the help i really appreciate it =)

 

[jdogg707]

No problems, glad I can be of some assistance. My temps top out at around 50C or so, but I have both my processor and heatsink lapped. Let me know what kind of results you get once you tweak your settings.

 

[SystemPlue]

wow... your setup runs really cool =)
I finally decided on running mine 9x367 @ 1.375V ..... it runs stable... and temps barely pass 60C =)
all my voltages are set to Normal like you suggested.... only Ram and Vcore are set accordingly

9x378 @1.4V was a little too hot for my taste.... temps on the first 2 cores would sometime hit 70C when im running Prime

now to tighten the timing on the ram... before i change it to factory spec 4-4-4-12 T2 2.1V is it possible for me to mess anything up? because I'm not sure of what all the other settings in the Bios for the memory are for =(
just wanted to ask someone with experience before i fool around with the settings and blow something up -_-

 

[tenax]

Originally posted by: jdogg707

Originally posted by: Tachyon74

Originally posted by: jdogg707
From what I can tell it's possible that there is an issue with the "USB Mouse support" option and the CIA settings in the BIOS. Apparently the CIA setting needs to be set to Turbo and the USB Mouse Support disabled. I haven't tried this configuration yet on my own, but it has been suggested in a few other forums. I'm going to give it a try tonight and will update here.

SystemPlue, keep me updated on your progress once you get your system together, I'd be interested to see what your experiences are.

I am using the same mobo, but an e8400 and I have been having a ton of bluescreens, crashes, and memtest+ errors. But I tried setting those two back that way and it's working just fine now. (memtest+ for 16 hours with no errors) Thanks so much for the tip!

Glad it helped, I am trucking along now at 3.6GHz with no problems. I don't know why these settings have to be set this way, but it works!

interesting..i had a p965 ds3 that was a great overclocker..switched the same memory and processor etc into a ds4 and found it to be a dog compared to the ds3 for overclocking..i now have to assume this stuff was related (disabled turbo and yes, had usb mouse support functioning). also found the ds4 wasn't compatible with my 9450 quad so just as well in the end i guess..

 

[SystemPlue]

Originally posted by: tenax

Originally posted by: jdogg707

Originally posted by: Tachyon74

Originally posted by: jdogg707
From what I can tell it's possible that there is an issue with the "USB Mouse support" option and the CIA settings in the BIOS. Apparently the CIA setting needs to be set to Turbo and the USB Mouse Support disabled. I haven't tried this configuration yet on my own, but it has been suggested in a few other forums. I'm going to give it a try tonight and will update here.

SystemPlue, keep me updated on your progress once you get your system together, I'd be interested to see what your experiences are.

I am using the same mobo, but an e8400 and I have been having a ton of bluescreens, crashes, and memtest+ errors. But I tried setting those two back that way and it's working just fine now. (memtest+ for 16 hours with no errors) Thanks so much for the tip!

Glad it helped, I am trucking along now at 3.6GHz with no problems. I don't know why these settings have to be set this way, but it works!

interesting..i had a p965 ds3 that was a great overclocker..switched the same memory and processor etc into a ds4 and found it to be a dog compared to the ds3 for overclocking..i now have to assume this stuff was related (disabled turbo and yes, had usb mouse support functioning). also found the ds4 wasn't compatible with my 9450 quad so just as well in the end i guess..

o wow the new Q9450 is not compatible with the DS4 that you have? I was originally waiting for the Q9450 but now I am glad i went for the Q6600 to go with the DS4 i bought.... i upgraded from a FX-60 and it feels a lot faster especially =)

but i am sure the Q9450 will run cooler and faster even at a lower clock speed compared to the Q6600 ^^

 

[tenax]

nope..the quad penryn is not..at this point...and F11 is the latest bios ..it's supposed to have been 45nm compatible since about f7 so it was very disappointing..maybe the 45nm duals work..can't speak to that..but the quad no dice..and i verified there was no other issue by going back and forth from my 6400 to the 9450 4 times at least (to verify it wasn't an issue with heatsink mounting or anything like that and finally gave up. contact with gigabyte gave me no encouraging commitment that there was an issue..nor that they would look into it..simply stating that the board is compatible with 45nm intel processors...so, i moved on..it will definitely run cooler..will it run faster than a 6600 quad? depends what your reference point is and the tasks you're doing..in encoding, you'll know it's faster. beyond that...don't think you'll really be able to tell

 

[jdogg707]

Strange, can't imagine why the 45nm quads don't work, because there are several reports on XtremeSystems that the 45nm dual cores work. Maybe a new BIOS will be released once Intel actually starts releasing some of these chips to market. The P35 as a whole supports the new chips, so it should just be a little BIOS tweaking needed to iron things out.

SystemPlue, I think your overclock is pretty awesome and as long as your temps stay under 70C with the G0 stepping, you should be fine. There shouldn't be a problem with your RAM being set to factory timings/voltage, just make sure that if you start getting crashes you run Memtest86 to see whether it is your RAM. As long as the rest of your settings remain the same, go for it! If you're feeling adventurous, I would definitely recommend lapping your processor and HSF, it shaved a good 8-9C off of my temps! Be warned, it isn't for the faint of heart and there is a chance you could break your processor (plus the warranty is definitely voided). Something to keep on the horizon though!

Let me know how it goes with the RAM.

 

[tenax]

i agree..you'd think penryn is penryn..and i didn't have an 8400 to prove my theory...my processor being an ES B1 version may well have been the problem as well..but then again, the abit board i have now worked with the 14 bios i think it was for 8400s, but it took a 16 beta bios to work with my quad