vcore setting question

[Orbee]

I know the potential problems associated with having too
high a vcore setting. But what, if any, are the problems
associated with setting a lower vcore. If the system runs
stable, is there any harm. As a real life example... I have
a T-bird 800, not overclocked. Ideally it would want a 1.7v
vcore. If I set it to 1.625v, and the system runs stable, is
it a problem Short or long term)?

 

[Superdoopercooper]

Dude... if it is stable, go with it. I can't forsee any problems. I guess you should find the minimum voltage your system is stable at, and then bump that number up by about 0.025 or 0.05, just to give you some margin of error in case.

But, as an electrical engineer, I can tell you that by lowering the voltage, about the only thing you'll do is extend the lifespan of the IC. Since you'll probably only use the thing for a year or two, it's not that big of a deal. But, also, you're case temp will be a smidgeon lower due to the lower power comsumption of the T-bird.

Hope that helps.

 

[Orbee]

Appreciate the reply Super. Yea, temp is down a bit (to be expected). And if your saying the only potential problem is stability, not that real damage can be done, then good. That's what I was hoping for.

 

[Superdoopercooper]

Orbee,

I'm certain that other than stability issue, the lower voltage should cause no other problems. It is the higher voltages that cause shorter lifespans due to the chip "wearing out". Or in even more extreme cases, too much voltage can punch throught certain layers on the chip, cause the thing to latch up and die.

See... microprocessors and other chips run on SMOKE. If you let smoke out, the don't work anymore

 

[Orbee]

Gotta. Yea, guess everything is smoke and mirrors.

Thanks again Super.