Quick Q9550 question or 3!!

[ntemples1]

Hi guys,

I currently have a E8400 on a P5Q Deluxe, and I am thinking of getting a Q9550 instead, but I have 3 questions:

1. When i swap out CPU's will i have to do a fresh installation on vista or get away with using my existing one?

2. What voltage should I use on the Quad? as the auto on my mobo apparently is too high (1.31)

3. Which CPU cooler do you recommend? I am using an Arctic Freezer Pro 7 atm is that good enough?

Cheers in advance!!

Merry xmas btw!

 

[mirandamarquez]

I can't help with 1 and 2, ntemples, but as far as 3 is concerned, I've been running a Q9450 @ 3.5 since April, using a Tuniq 120 tower and everything has been fine.

When I say I have been running that machine since April, I mean it. With the exception of reboots to upgrade drivers, etc, the machine has been running 24/7.

Merry Christmas to you

Mira

xx

 

[error8]

1. No, there's no need for that
2. Leave it on auto if you are not overclocking it.
3. If you are not cracking up the clocks, that AC 7 is more then enough.

Merry Christmas.

 

[dbcooper1]

1 Shouldn't need an OS reinstall; just swap out CPUs and go.
2 See how far you get at default voltage and decide how far you want to go beyond that based on temperatures.
3 I'm running mine@4Ghz with the Xigmatek S2183 and AS5 at default (not auto) and it's been a good combination. Temperatures came down a bit after several hot/cold cycles so take it easy at first with heavy CPU loads.

 

[ntemples1]

thanks for the reply's, I am planning to overclock it to around 3.8 if possible... what sort of voltage will I be looking at for that?

Thanks

 

[dbcooper1]

My 9550 does 4.0 at default (1.225) on a Gigabyte EP45-UD3R. Good luck; it's an awesome CPU!

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Originally posted by: dbcooper1
My 9550 does 4.0 at default (1.225) on a Gigabyte EP45-UD3R. Good luck; it's an awesome CPU!

WOW! cannot wait to get my Q9650 up and running

 

[Rich3077]

Originally posted by: dbcooper1
My 9550 does 4.0 at default (1.225) on a Gigabyte EP45-UD3R. Good luck; it's an awesome CPU!

What are your temps like? I am also the owner of a lucky q9550 EO that can do 4.0 at motherboard default voltages,higher than CPU default but under 4.0. I also have the same motherboard. ( It auto increases volts with overclock, unless everything is set on "normal" or "manual")

I could probably do an insane overclock with this chip if I had proper cooling and am considering water cooling for the first time ever. (thats why I logged in, to ask about water cooling)

I did not realize before owning (my first) quad that an increase in FSB alone would make the chip hotter without more voltage. Overclocking a quad is a little different and more challenging. I am currently using a Zigmatek 1283 with diamond thermal paste and my cooler is the weak link in my overclock.

 

[sgrinavi]

Mine's at 3.825 at 1.25v idles in the low 30's and runs in the mid 40's using an ocz vendetta cooler (same as a Xigmatek HDT-S1283 _. The ONLY changes I have made in the BIOS was to set the all the voltages to manual and, of course, set it to 450x8.5. I have not pushed it any further.

For the OP:

I can not stress the importance of setting your voltage manually, regardless of your OC (or not). I have had a P45 board overvolt a E8400 to 1.5v right out of the box with auto settings. First thing I do when I put in a CPU is to check the voltage.

Your HSF should be fine, - at the very least it is worth a shot. I would suggest losing the push pins and getting a generic LGA775 Bolt-Thru-Kit for $5 plus shipping.

 

[Infrnl]

1. Not needed as already mentioned
2. Need search and find someone with the same setup as you and see what their settings are.
3. OCZ Vendetta 2 or xigmatek

I have my q9450 and 9550 running at 3.8 all on stock voltages no problems.

 

[OCNewbie]

If you're looking for the best bang/buck on a CPU cooler get this - Link, $13.99 after rebate, and an excellent cooler, in the top 5-10 as far as air coolers go, and only separated from the top coolers by maybe 2-3c.