Why would undervolting be bad? X2 3800 @ 260x10 1.33V

[MiLK MD]

I saw a thread earlier talking about overclocking an X2 3800+. The OP had gotten it to 2.7(?) using close to stock vcore, but a number of replies had mentioned that undervolting could damage the chip.

I am running an X2 3800+ @ 260 x10 1.33Vcore (current stability testing). Why would this be damaging to the CPU? Why would undervolting the vcore be detrimental assuming that the vdimm was within spec?

 

[TheRyuu]

It probably isn't dangerous. In fact it probably extends the life of the chip since your using less volts.

 

[lopri]

It won't damage your CPU at all unless you happen to give 3.5V+ juice to your RAM. Indeed, AMD's CnQ and Intels SpeedStep, both uitilize the trick of reducing multipliers and vcore (down to 1.1~1.2V depending on the chip). 1.33V is absolutely safe Vcore under normal environment.

 

[lopri]

Just to clarify, what happens when you supply high voltages to VDIMMs and very low voltages to A64s is that there is a chance to fry the integrated memory controller on the CPU. But the chance is still very small. If I remember correctly, it could happen when the gap between Vcore and VDIMM is bigger than 2.2~2.5V (for example, 1.2Vcore and 3.7VDIMM). If the gap is like 3V, it'll surely fry the CPU.

 

[MiLK MD]

I have purposely kept the V at stock (or less) on purpose with this OC project. I have not adjusted the vdimm and have not exceeded the minimum vdimm-vcore difference to which I think you are referring.

 

[MiLK MD]

Ah, just saw your second post go in while I was submitting.

 

[greenmaji]

Note.. 3.7V is pretty high for DDR.. OCing with BH5 yea.. valueram.. no

 

[TheRyuu]

Originally posted by: greenmaji
Note.. 3.7V is pretty high for DDR.. OCing with BH5 yea.. valueram.. no

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