Well that OC didn't go well...

[mysticjbyrd]

I have been playing and fixing PCs for nearly 20 years, but I this was my first time trying to OC one. Just my luck, I get two steps out of the gate, and fall on my face! So, could you fine gentlemen tell me where I misstepped?

Optimal i7-930 Settings:
CPU freq: 2.8 Ghz
DDR3 freq:1600 Mhz
QPI: 4.8 GT/s

HT: enabled

QPI freq: auto
Memory Ratio: auto
XMP: enabled
cpu multiplier: 21

Blck: 133
Spread spectrum: enabled
PCI Freq: auto
PCI-E freq: 100
Turbo mode: enabled

Vcore: By CPU vid
DDR3 Voltage: auto
IOH: 1.10 V
QPI uncore: Default



Level 1 OC (Preset OC option on motherboard):
CPU freq: 3.36 Ghz
DDR3 freq:1600 Mhz
QPI: ~5.7 GT/s (Forgot to write this one down, so I am unsure of the exact number, but it was OC'd)

HT: enabled

QPI freq: auto
Memory Ratio: 10
XMP: enabled
cpu multiplier: 21

Blck: 160
Spread spectrum: enabled
PCI Freq: auto
PCI-E freq: 100
Turbo mode: disabled

Vcore: +20 mV
DDR3 Voltage: auto
IOH: 1.10 V
QPI uncore: Default

**This is how the PC arrived, and ran for years. It became unstable with this mild OC about a year ago. The system would seemingly run fine for days, or even weeks of casual use, and then it would randomly blue screen. (Now that I think about it, the inconsistent nature of the problem would be consistent with memory issues.)



My OC Settings:
CPU freq: 3.57 Ghz
DDR3 freq:1360 Mhz
QPI: ? (Wouldn't boot, so Idk this figure)

HT: enabled

QPI freq: 4.8 GT/s (I lowered this in accordance with a guide I read)
Memory Ratio: 8 (I lowered this to ensure the memory didn't get OC'd, also recommended in guides I read)
XMP: enabled
cpu multiplier: 21

Blck: 170 (I increased this by 10, a small increase)
Spread spectrum: enabled
PCI Freq: auto
PCI-E freq: 100
Turbo mode: disabled

Vcore: +20 mV
DDR3 Voltage: auto
IOH: 1.10 V
QPI uncore: Default



Now, what happened.

The computerredacted!

It started, then immediately shut down. Then it started again, and ran for about a minute, and shut down again. Then it would just repeat this minute on, shutdown cycle. There is no video or beeping during this time. So, I was like ohh shit, I blew something up, which I did. I swear if it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any.

Long story short, I diagnose the problem, and my 2nd memory slot is fried. If I plug memory into it, alongside other memory the system does the above. If I plug a single stick into that slot, the system won't recognize it all, and will start beeping (notifying me I have no memory)

Currently, I am running a stress test with the e5620 at stock speeds. It's been going 30 minutes now, and no issues.

My 2 cents,
I don't think I screwed up, but I am certainly no expert on OC'ing. I am thinking that memory slot was going bad anyways, which potentially caused my previous instability issues.

Currently I have the E5620 that I got in the mail today, and have been running an aida64 stress test at stock.

 

[DrMrLordX]

You probably didn't do anything wrong. I'm not well-versed in Nehalem overclocking, but nothing you did seems too extreme. The board was probably flaky already. Your assessment seems rational.

 

[Burpo]

Over tightening the CPU cooler may cause the loss of DIMMs registered by the system. This is a common problem with X58.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

your files probably got corrupt also, if you get it up and running open up an elevated command prompt and run sfc /scannow

 

[Burpo]

This is what I see that needs changing..
Vcore: +20 mV
DDR3 Voltage: auto
IOH: 1.10 V
QPI uncore: Default

IOH go to 1.20 volts
QPI uncore to 1.30 volts

Vcore may need to come up to +25mV (depending on Bclk)

I also leave Turbo enabled, but not Spread Spectrum.

 

[mysticjbyrd]

Over tightening the CPU cooler may cause the loss of DIMMs registered by the system. This is a common problem with X58.

I actually started trying to OC the 930 to get comparative benchmarks before I installed the new xeon. I haven't touched the MB in a good 2 weeks.

Then again, I don't think I have been super over tightening it, but I have been messing with the CPU quite a bit here lately. Maybe a combination of all of the above along with the age of the system.

This is what I see that needs changing..
Vcore: +20 mV
DDR3 Voltage: auto
IOH: 1.10 V
QPI uncore: Default

IOH go to 1.20 volts
QPI uncore to 1.30 volts

Vcore may need to come up to +25mV (depending on Bclk)

I also leave Turbo enabled, but not Spread Spectrum.

Can the QPI go too high, or should I not worry about that?

PS:
What kind of configuration do you guys think I should use for my memory?

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2457603

 

[jihe]

clear cmos. run stock.

 

[Burpo]

You need higher QPI volts for higher bclk, up to 1.35V. I use 1.325v for 200+bclk. 3X4Gb (12Gb) is fine in dual channel. My son's Asus P6X58 Deluxe has same prob as you, and he has gamed with it for more than a yr. without issue.