GA-EP45-UD3P overclocking fun!! ;)

[oggmonster]

Going to be doing a little testing on a Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P (rev 1.1) see, what I can squeeze out of this board (stable clocks only!)




Processors in question will be the E8600 E0 Stepping + the famous Q6600 G0 stepping




My TRUE needed some epic lapping, but both IHS were amazingly flat!


Equipment being used:

Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P
Kingston HyperX 4GB 8500C5
Q6600 G0 + E8600 E0
Antec 900 case
Thermalright Ultra Extreme with washer mod + 120mm Yateloon fan.
8800 GTX
320GB WD caviar sata2
Vista HP x64 SP2



Washer mod


In case close up



All in the case and yes I will give the wires a good tidy when i'm happy with everything!

BIOS M.I.T shots.

Multi, FSB + RAM ratio options


Ram timings + CPU voltage settings - nice to see volts going to 100,000th of a volt there!


Northbridge volts and RAM volts.


Ok first up the E8600

Everything at stock, just to make sure everythings okay. I had noticed the lowest the 2nd core goes is 37oc...Kinda weird as @ 100% load they're both equal, so think I'm gonna put this down to an iffy temp sensor

I really wanted this dual to run 1:1 ratio with my ddr2 8500 memory. So I set the FSB at 533mhz and the multi at 6 (for now). CPU PLL @ 1.570v. MCH Core @ 1.280v. Then manually set the RAM timings and gave it 2.1v. This will give me CPU speed of 3.2ghz but with a really quick FSB speed. Next to test RAM make sure its running at rated speed.


Great!
Next up making sure CPU is stable


All good, now for 4.53ghz ^_^ After much playing around I eventually got there using the following settings in BIOS FSB@ 533 multi @ 8.5 (hurray for .5 multis!) Vcore @ 1.4375v PLL @ 1.570v MCH core @ 1.4v (am thinking this can possibly be lowered at a later date)


Somewhat toasty, but okay + stable. Plus I only use my PC for gaming so would never get that hot anyway. Though I found when I enabled speed step etc the temps dropped :S


Strange..possibly lower room temps...though don't have a thermometer in my room so can't tell!


Have never been a fan overclocking software, but I thought I would try the gigabyte overclocking software. So I loaded it up, pressed the big red button for 4.05ghz, restarted.


Am somewhat impressed, I know its not as comprehensive as overclocking in the BIOS but for someone who wants a quick stable overclock, this seems pretty good

Next up the quad, pretty sure 3.6ghz is achiveable. Set FSB@ 400 Multi x9, manually set RAM timings to run at 800mhz (1:1 ratio again) with 1.8v. CPU volts: 1.40625v PLL:1.57v MCHcore: 1.3v


W00t. When I have time i'm going to lower cpu volts. Also i'm suprised at the 4c difference between cores 2,3 and 0,1. The cpu IHS seemed flat, perhaps it just needs a little lapping? Though am not overly worried as its still within safe temps, will resolve this at a later date

Now for easytune


Bam! 3.52ghz like that and prime stable!

All in all an impressive board great for clocking both dual and quads alike. An extensive number of BIOS options for the advanced user. Was impressed that voltages for CPU went to 100,000th of a volt! Also seems like a good board for newbies as the easytune software provides a fairly decent overclock at the click of a button. Was always sceptical of overclocking software, but from what I've seen of this it seems pretty faultless. Like I said a great option for a newbie looking for a simple overclock.

So to finish - E8600 @ 4.53ghz - 36% increase and a Q6600 @ 3.6ghz - 50% increase. Also I'm pretty sure the Q6600 would hit 4ghz with watercooling. Am aware that this is also 'old tech' now, but for anyone on a budget or for someone who wanted to build a gaming rig, this would be ideal.

[Elemental_Dragon]

Push her more!!! I got my E8600 to 4.8Ghz Daily @ 1.48v (although I did have extreme RAM that OC'd like no tomorrow)

~Bex

[oggmonster]

Nah my cooling can't take any more 4.5GhZ on air is very good imho 

[Elemental_Dragon]

Lol upgrade the cooling!!! My old Swiftech MCR320 + Delta V3 used to never let it go over 65c at that OC 100% load.

I7 was too hot so I squeezed in the old 480 instead :lol:

~Bex

[oggmonster]

Ive had watercooling before, too much hassle imo!

[oggmonster]

Updated with better pics

[RuiPereira]

Great... we need more of these types of write up... it shows that overclocking can be done, even using the software which just one click away 
I may not know how to overclock the BIOS, but I’m sure I can manage the software… or will I   

[Pottypete]

Hi, oggmonster,
Great article, as Rupereira says "we need more of these types of write up"
Got to give it to you young techy types, Great O/c,
Anyone got ga-965p-ds3p settings for a e7200 with ddr400 ram?
Regards

[oggmonster]

haha thanks guys

pottypete: can help you overclock your e7200 if you wanna make a new thread? Don't know the exact setings for that motherboard, but pretty sure we can get you somewhere with it, obviously depending on cooling

[Whitehot]

It's great to see a review done by a real person for a change! Nicely worded and explained

 Nice one oggmonster!

p.s.  You are a real person aint ya?

 

[oggmonster]

It's great to see a review done by a real person for a change! Nicely worded and explained

 Nice one oggmonster!

p.s.  You are a real person aint ya?

 

Thanks alot, appreciate it! And yes I am real am sorry to say

[chameleon]

Hey Ogg, could you post the rest of your settings?  

I'm using nearly identical equipment and I can't get stable above 4.25ghz.
E8600
OCZ Reaper PC8500
Noctua NH-D14 cooler with 3 NF-P12 120mm fans

Here's the bios template if you need it.

Code: [Select]

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto or Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................:
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................:


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100

C.I.A.2 .................................:[Disabled]


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<<
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<<


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............:
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............:
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................
tRCD .........................................
tRP'...........................................
tRAS..........................................

Set all Suggested below to highest Values first.  Then later you can lower, one at a time, testing as you go

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................................
tWTR..........................................
tWR............................................
tRFC...........................................
tRTP...........................................
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ............................

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:6/7-10 333/B MCH - 8/9-12 400/D MCH
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................:6/7-10 333/B MCH - 8/9-12 400/D MCH
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

Motherboard Voltage Control

CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................:Auto if not overclocking, if you are overclocking please do find and set your own voltages

CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much.  Optimal range for overclock would be 1.2-1.5 depending on Vcore, try to keep at least .1 under vcore.  Auto is fine if not overclocking

CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much.  Optimal range for overclock would be 1.5-1.65.  Auto is fine if not overclocking

CPU Referen.…………....0.755V*.......: <<< .64% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly

CPU Reference2………,,0.800V*.......:<<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: <<
MCH Reference….…….0.760V...........; <<< Leave
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.500V............: <<< Leave
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< Leave

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............:
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB


[oggmonster]

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0.5x
CPU Frequency ...........................: 4.53ghz (533x8.5)


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 533 Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100

C.I.A.2 .................................:[Disabled]


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter] (I didn't touch these but they are as follows)
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 700
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 700
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<<  0
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<<  0


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.00b
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1066mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................5
tRCD ........................................5
tRP'...........................................5
tRAS..........................................18

Set all Suggested below to highest Values first.  Then later you can lower, one at a time, testing as you go

Advanced Timing Control (didn't touch these whatsoever)
tRRD...........................................
tWTR..........................................
tWR............................................
tRFC...........................................
tRTP...........................................
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ............................

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:6/7-10 333/B MCH - 8/9-12 400/D MCH
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................:6/7-10 333/B MCH - 8/9-12 400/D MCH
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

Motherboard Voltage Control
Load Line Calibration Enabled
CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................: 1.43750 (you may need less if you have a better clocking processor)

CPU Termination….....I actually had this on auto :O

CPU PLL…………………....1.570

CPU Referen.…………....Also had this on auto


MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: << 1.500v (this can prob be lowered, have just never got round to doing it! )
MCH Reference….…….0.760V...........; <<< auto
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< auto
ICH I/O……………….....1.500V............: <<< auto
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< auto

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 2.100v
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: <<< Auto
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Auto
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Auto

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]                        <---- power saving options can be re-enabled after you're happy system is stable
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB


Hope this has helped

[gilgamesh]

Nah my cooling can't take any more 4.5GhZ on air is very good imho 

Darn straight pal! That is good on a 8600

Fastest I could get on air (mind you this was on a E8500 AND a rubbishy OCZ VENDETTA 2 and NO OTHER cooling methods) was 4.247 stable1

gilgamesh

[oggmonster]

Nah my cooling can't take any more 4.5GhZ on air is very good imho 

Darn straight pal! That is good on a 8600

Fastest I could get on air (mind you this was on a E8500 AND a rubbishy OCZ VENDETTA 2 and NO OTHER cooling methods) was 4.247 stable1

gilgamesh

haha cheers, what board was that on? I'm still impressed by this boards 2132mhz FSB speed (still 100% stable to this day )