System seems to be underperforming -- how do I optimize?

[Sekkai]

Thing is when I tried going to 3.125 Ghz last night, I had a green CPU overvoltage light turn on in addition to a memory overvoltage light (also green), where there are green/yellow/red levels. Should these lights be on at max clock?

I mean it all seems like a massive sensitivity challenge, I assume, where a given component can be pushed to some maximum given everything else is set low, and then, given these maximums, find some optimal point as a combination of some levels sub-max such that the system is pushed as far as possible while still remaining safe.

However, I'm not sure if this is true or what the ACTUAL process is. "Just fiddle with stuff" is not how one reaches an optimal point.

 

[dguy6789]

Sorry to jump in, I've been pretty busy, still am. I'd suggest just seeing what kind of overclocks you can reach without touching any voltage settings at all. Leave them at stock. This is an extremely safe method. You won't get as far as you would if you modify voltages, but you will relatively guarantee the safety of your hardware and should still be able to get a pretty nice overclock.

This is also how I would suggest overclocking anyway. Only increase voltages once you find out just how high you can clock your processor without changing anything but the voltage. Voltage adjustment is the number one way to kill a processor or shorten the life of parts significantly. A maxed out overclock without increasing voltage will have a nearly unchanged lifetime compared to the stock processor as long as you can keep temperatures within a reasonable threshold.

 

[Sekkai]

The thing is, when I JUST increased the 133 to 150, it was able to reach 3.15 Ghz, but then I had "overvoltage lights" lighting up, everything else at stock

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Test your ram first before you start overclocking. Run it at its default max. e.g for DDR2 1000 your max will be 500fsb or a ratio of 1:1 This will rule out one aspect of trying to overclock your system. Test using memtest86

 

[Sekkai]

How do I use it to test all 12 GB? Do I need to restart the system and boot to it somehow? I don't have a floppy nor a disc to write memtest to

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

You need to burn the app to a CD I use memtest86 v2.11 There are other versions of which some may be better but all have to be burned to a CD and then booted into after the bios. You'll have to set your CD/DVD player to boot before your OS drive. Run the test 3 times through. With 12g, you are going to maybe spend 2 + hrs to run one full pass. It will report errors in RED if your ram is bad. Make sure you run the specified vdimm volts too. Set that through your bios.

I've found many RAM purchases to fail at their advertised speeds.

Good Luck!

EDIT: it may be possible to run it from a usb flash - might want to google that... if it can be done... not sure though...

 

[Sekkai]

Sure thing, thanks -- but see this is what I am referring to in terms of systematic process. There absolutely has to be a way to test relevant variables and then a way to figure out the optimal point.

 

[Greg04]

Originally posted by: Sekkai
Hello -- I just put a computer together for the first time with these specs:

Intel i7 920 processor with d0 stepping
Gigabyte UD4P motherboard
EVGA GTX 295 video card
12 GB OCZ GOLD RAM
2 1TB 7200 RPM HDDs
1 LG Optical Drive (CD and DVD R/RW)
850W Corsair PSU
Prolimatech Megahalem heatsink with Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound
Windows Vista 64
Antec 1200 Case (three intake fans in the front, two exhaust in the back, a huge exhaust up top, an intake fan on the side, another fan to cool off the GPU, and a fan pulling air up through the heatsink).

Some pics if anyone is curious:
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1331/dsc00534t.jpg
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/7040/dsc00537q.jpg
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/9486/dsc00538y.jpg
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/224/dsc00539v.jpg
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/8914/dsc00540l.jpg
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/155/dsc00542uak.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3175/dsc00543uma.jpg


3dMark Vantage results:
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1624/3dmarki.jpg

System stats:
CT and CPUZ and Precision: http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/9889/sysstats.jpg
Note: For the SPD tab, it displays those stats for all 6 memory slots (each slot is a 2 GB stick)
HWMonitor: http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/5456/24447720.jpg

Some screens of my BIOS settings:

MB Intelligent Tweaker
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/7584/dsc00524g.jpg

Bottom of MB Intelligent Tweaker
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/931/dsc00525l.jpg

Advanced DRAM features
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/2663/dsc00526djy.jpg

Advanced Voltage Control
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/4357/dsc00527akd.jpg

Bottom of Advanced Voltage Control
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/485/dsc00528y.jpg

Forgot where this was
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/3569/dsc00529j.jpg

Integrated Peripherals
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/8647/dsc00530n.jpg

Advanced BIOS Features
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5905/dsc00531x.jpg

Standard CMOS Features
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/6079/dsc00532t.jpg








WHEW. I don't expect anyone to actually read all that, but to anyone that does, you have no idea how much I appreciate it. I've never put one of these together before, and this site has been of great help.

My problem is that I feel like my system is vastly underperforming. This 295 gfx card should be chewing everything alive, and it doesn't seem to be, especially given that 3dMark Vantage score.

Questions:
1. Does anything look glaringly wrong or inefficient or anything in ANY of these pictures/numbers/figures?
2. How would I overclock the CPU correctly/how do I adjust the relevant voltage settings and to what extent? What else must I change?
3. Should I OC the gfx card? If so, to what extent?
4. In general, given these figures/pictures/specs/results, how can I change things to maximize my computer's potential?

Thank you all very much.

My gut reaction is what everyone is thinking, but no one wants to say - not enough RAM.

I suggest you pack the whole thing up, shipt it to me, and I'll diagnose it for you (it might take a few months).

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Well, i'm not too sure on overclocking an i7, many others are, but it wouldn't hurt to start with your RAM first.

The next thing I did with my Q9550 system, after i tested the ram, was tested the MB subsystem by running Prime95 Large FFT's. This stressed the North Bridge... you have a different system where the memory controller is integrated in the chip. i7 overclocking still perplexes me but I'm sure to find out on what to do.

I'd strongly suggest to stay within the manufactures recommended voltage specs. Balancing that and a moderate overclock speed with your temps will ensure your systems longevity.

 

[elconejito]

Originally posted by: Sekkai
Sure thing, thanks -- but see this is what I am referring to in terms of systematic process. There absolutely has to be a way to test relevant variables and then a way to figure out the optimal point.

Sekkai, I can't believe you had trouble with the guides. Yes, some of them are long-winded but ALL of the questions you are asking have already been answered. ALL of them. I can't do it now because I'm working on a project, but if somebody with i7 experience hasn't chimed in by tomorrow I'll dig up some guides and link to them here. maybe you're looking in the wrong place?

Anyway did you set your voltages to the defaults? Or leave it on auto? If you left it on auto, and then cranked up the speed that is likely why you are getting overvoltage warnings.

@Eureka, he is overclocking an i7 so the FSB info isn't relevant to him.

Here is the systematic way I would do it:

1) Set all voltages to their default values. That is RAM, VCore, etc. I don't know what other voltages specific to an i7. Do not assume that Auto is safe. It isn't. Auto will jack up the voltages.

2) Gradually, meaning small increments, increase one of the values. I think (not sure) on i7's this is the BClock. What you have been changing from 133 to 150.

3) Test for instability using a stress test like OCCT, Prime95, etc.

4) If it is stable, increase again (The BClock or whatever it is).

5) If it is not stable, increase the voltage of ONE value. Maybe vCore. By just a little. I consider a little from 1.250 to 1.275 for example. Stress Test again.

6) If it is still not stable, increase that same voltage another few notches. Test again.

7) If it is still not stable, put that value back to normal. Try to increase another voltage. Test again.

Repeat this process ad infinitum until you either a) get to the overclock you want or b) you get tired of testing.

If you are looking for some magical post that has the magic settings for your board You are NOT going to find it. Every CPU is different. Every motherboard is different. Every RAM is different. Every environment (ambient temps) is different. All of those settings you've found out there are just rough ballparks. You might be able to use them... or you might not.

The bottom line is you are going to have to get there by trial and error.

 

[Eureka]

Originally posted by: elconejito
@Eureka, he is overclocking an i7 so the FSB info isn't relevant to him.

Ok so its not a FSB, but rather this bclock or whatever you call it... would raising it still affect memory speeds? I haven't read up on the i7s yet and I'm interested.

 

[Sekkai]

I tried reading the guides, yes, but I felt like it didn't answer the questions I had been raising (I still could find nothing about speedstep/turbo vs standard performance/turbo +1 mode). I didn't find any answers to my voltage questions, either (I STILL don't know how to find the maxes such that anything past is considered unsafe). I understand it is trial and error, but there is still a process involved, and I can't seem to find that. I don't know how to determine what the safe maxes are for my variables (max backclock? Max voltages? etc), nor what it means for the system when these variables are altered in tandem.

 

[GLeeM]

Originally posted by: elconejito
1) Set all voltages to their default values. That is RAM, VCore, etc. I don't know what other voltages specific to an i7. Do not assume that Auto is safe. It isn't. Auto will jack up the voltages.

I'm one month old i7 OCer and still confused too.

Each brand of mobo uses different terminology, adding to the

Your temps do seem high for such a low OC. Is your heatsink seated positioned correctly? Is it tight enough against the CPU (doesn't wiggle)? Not too much paste? Does it help to remove the side panel?

To give an idea on temps I have a TRUE that doesn't seem to be working as good as it should but I get mid-30s idle and mid-60s load 3.7 (185x20) @ 1.16vcore

(what did I do, hit tab and enter? EDIT)
I started moving BCLK up with vcore set at 1.20. Then I read that someone had 4.0@1.1.
So I started lowering voltage as I raised BCLK. This has the advantage of keeping temps at close to same level

If you are worried about voltage, start your overclocking at less than default voltage.

I don't know what other setting do, but I figure that when I reach a limit at how I am going, I will start "fiddling" with those settings if I am not happy with the last stable OC.

 

[Sekkai]

Maybe too much paste? How much is too much?

OH GOD if I have to reapply paste, that would suck. I'd have to take everything off again.

 

[betasub]

Originally posted by: Sekkai
Maybe too much paste? How much is too much?

OH GOD if I have to reapply paste, that would suck. I'd have to take everything off again.

Heh, don't freak out, it's not fatal.

A common newbie mistake is to pile on the TIM. Most guides describe applying "a grain of rice"-sized amount centrally, before seating the HSF. Sound familiar? Slightly more or less is not a problem, unless you really went overboard...

 

[Sekkai]

What about the instructions as per the AC5 website? A thin line, no spreading? Slight back-and-forth twist of the heatsink?

I don't seem to have any alcohol. Would a towel/qtip suffice?

 

[GLeeM]

Originally posted by: Sekkai
What about the instructions as per the AC5 website? A thin line, no spreading? Slight back-and-forth twist of the heatsink?

I don't seem to have any alcohol. Would a towel/qtip suffice?

It sounds like you did it correctly. Maybe someone else will come along with another idea on why your temps seem higher than they should be with that very good heatsink. (Are the ones that know the answer sitting back laughing at us?)

Also, I read somewhere to not clean those surfaces with anything that would leave behind stuff like cotton from a q-tip. They recommended using a coffee filter.

Originally posted by: Sekkai
Also, my voltage at idle right now for the core is 1.312, but under load it DROPS to 1.296 or so. Is this normal?

I think that is called v-droop and if somewhat normal. One of the settings, I forget what it is called, can help control that. There was a big thread on it recently.

1.312 seems high for such a small OC. Try it again with 1.20 or 1.18 or lower and see if temps are better.

 

[Sekkai]

I mean I am leaving everything on stock settings, basically, and there doesn't seem to be an overvoltage. Right now I am at 1.6 ghz, .928V vcore, with these tmpvalues under HWMonitor:

TMPIN0: 39C
TMPIN1: 38C
TMPIN2: 45C

Core0: 41C
Core1: 39C
Core2: 42C
Core3: 38C

GPU first core: 50C
GPU second core: 50C

Processor: ~50W



So these values represent, at stock, my computer at idle. Thoughts?

 

[Sekkai]

Anyone?

 

[betasub]

GPU temps are fine, so you must have good airflow through your case - that helps.

CPU temps look to be higher than I'd expect for idle, low-power state (1.6 ghz, .928V vcore), but then my ambient room temp is about 20C - if your ambient room temp is up around 30C then those core temps would be about right.

 

[Sekkai]

Do you think the problem is the ambient temp and not the heatsink?

 

[Sekkai]

I mean my room doesn't feel absurdly hot or anything?

 

[Sekkai]

Does it matter if it's on the floor or not?

 

[Sekkai]

What is considered a good ambient temp?

 

[Sekkai]

I just tried setting it at 1.25 VCore and seeing how high I could drive up the base clock... once I hit 150, it let me boot, but my overvoltage lights were on! So I tried bumping my clock up to 151... utter failure. That makes NO sense to me.

EDIT:

It seems as if .96250V is the lowest possible setting that I can both boot into Windows AND run a stable Prime95 without things getting hardware failure (at the setting below this voltage, I could boot, but Prime95 would bite the big one after about 10 seconds), with turbo mode and turbo performance on (2.8 ghz at load).

I might just give up on this overclocking stuff. I feel like I am going to ruin my computer with all these constant hardware failures, failed boots, voltage errors, etc. The 1.25V thing showing up as overvolted for 150 baseclock but then FAILING TO BOOT at 151 baseclock just totally confuses me, and I feel like this system is destined to not ever pass 3.00 Ghz safely.