would like some help overclocking q9550 on msi p45 platinum

[GrandPixel]

Hi everyone. I read a lot of the overclock guide sticky for core 2 processors, but I would still like some help. I think I need a simplified version. I am using Intel Q9550 and MSI P45 Platinum board. My goal is at least 4GHz. Thanks very much.

 

[Gillbot]

Use Vcore mostly, minimal VTT and NB voltage adjustments and be sure to fan cool the mosfets and NB sink.

If you get me your current settings, I'll try to help you dial them in.

 

[GrandPixel]

k i am having trouble with my motherboard, doesn't like 4 ram sticks... i updated bios already, sometime will boot, sometimes will not

i will take 2 sticks out and we can work with that for now

let me do this, find my digital camera, and post a screenshot

 

[Jd007]

Some motherboards do have stability issues when overclocked (from base clock not CPU multiplier) with all DIMM slots filled. But it's usually manifested as random BSODs. This is the first time I've heard booting problems.

 

[GrandPixel]

hm... what is the best way to post images here

 

[Jd007]

hm... what is the best way to post images here

Imageshack + link?

 

[GrandPixel]

well, i built a system for a friend several years back with a msi board, and we had the same problem booting with 4 ram sticks. solution for that was to use some beta bios that was available from msi, but it worked... now i have the latest released bios in this machine - i will sort it out later

 

[Schmide]

Getting to 4ghz is not easy. Do you have more than average cooling?

 

[GrandPixel]

let's see if this works

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/2334/image01z.jpg

 

[GrandPixel]

it's a xigmatek tower w/ 120mm fan

 

[GrandPixel]

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/6632/image02d.jpg

 

[GrandPixel]

in the image of my bios.... i don't think my vcore is actually set at that, i think it is/was on auto also

 

[GrandPixel]

so any help with the overclock?

 

[Shmee]

if you are using 4 sticks of ram, you may need to up the NB voltage, especially for running at higher frequencies.

 

[GrandPixel]

using 2 sticks for now... but since i took the other 2 out, i did set the nb to 1.256v. Default I believe is 1.1v. I will stick the other 2 sticks back in at some point and try it

in the mean time, I am trying my overclock. running prime95 right now.
425 x 8.5 = 3612 mhz
cpu is 1.28v
dram is 2.1v
mch is 1.256v
vtt is 1.30v

i think temps are around 50c, not getting any errors so far

 

[Shmee]

also, if you have memory trouble, you could try using lower frequency/looser timings. Good luck with ur OC, so far looks good!

 

[GrandPixel]

i started with these as i thought to be a safe starting point based on what others were using

fsb 425 (*8.5) = 3612
vcore 1.2825
vtt 1.30
nb 1.256
dram 2.1 (my ddr2 ram is 2.0 - 2.1)
post, boot, and prime95 for 10+ min

fsb 440 (*8.5) = 3740
voltages - no change... post, boot, and prime95 for 10+ min

fsb 450 (*8.5) = 3825
voltages - no chnage... post, boot fail

nb 1.256 > 1.304
post, boot fail

nb 1.304 > 1.256
vtt 1.30 > 1.32
post, boot, prime95 bsod

cpu 1.2825 > 1.3025
post, boot fail
post, boot, prime95 freeze (soon after stress began)

cpu 1.3025 > 1.2825
vtt 1.32 > 1.35
post, boot, prime95 freeze (~2 min)

want to get advice before moving on... thank you.

 

[Shmee]

what stepping is your Q9550? Also, try vcore up to 1.375, MB even 1.4 if temps are good. Just dont go higher. Also, depends on how much you want your chip to last

I would keep temps below 80C during linx. should be much lower in every day use, and once "stable" try not to stress too often if temps are high. or lower frequency/vcore.

Also, you may want to stay with VTT no higher than 1.35 V.

 

[GrandPixel]

q9550 stepping is e0

so vcore can be up to 1.375-1.4 but vtt no higher than 1.35 ?

 

[Shmee]

it depends. I have heard ppl say you dont need much vtt, and too much vcore isnt good either. At least you got an E0 chip, thats good. If I were you I would try this: (this is just is if it were me, what I would do if I had ur setup, may not necessarily be what you SHOULD do)

I would start with the target, 4 GHz. Ur probably not gonna get it first try though.

Start with 471x8.5, Vcore 1.375, vtt 1.35, keep NB around 1.3 for now. For now Try to use a 2:1 FSB:memory ratio. So you should be around 942 MHz. This will be a bit easier on NB. See how it goes, you may get lucky and find a sweet spot. If temps get too high, reduce freq/Vcore. If it fails but temps are ok, you may need a tad bit more vcore/other adjustment.

Hope this helps somewhat.

 

[Gillbot]

if you are using 4 sticks of ram, you may need to up the NB voltage, especially for running at higher frequencies.

this is good advice

If you are looking for your max CPU clock, try running just 1 stick until you know what the max is, then you can add the others and increase ram or NB voltage as needed.

If you have GOOD GOOD cooling, I wouldn't be afraid to run 1.4 v core but only if it gets you a good clock. If it only ups you 100-200mhz, it's not worth it.

Only mess with vtt if you have to. On ALL of my MSI boards, less was better. Meaning, if you don't have to change it don't. I found that I got my best clocks just by adjusting vcore, NB and ram voltage while leaving the others alone.