Official GIGABYTE Forum
Overclocking, Benching, Events, Tweaking & Modding => Overclocking motherboards with Intel processors => Topic started by: Lucky23 on October 03, 2010, 10:30:56 pm
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Ok ive read a few overclocking how to's and im still in the process of reading yours. Heres the info ive obtained so far and the question that have popped into my head. Im sure more will come later after reading your how to.
i understand a lot of it but some of the hardcore technical stuff does goes way over my head.
ive never overclocked a CPU before and looking into trying it, not necessarily at this point for maximum overclock just mainly for practice and understand/learning how to.
Im not planning on overclocking today as im not finished reading and im sure i will have more questions but so far this is what i got.
How is my system when it comes to overclocking?
how much Overclock could i get w/out touching voltages? Guesstimate if possible???
Im planning on upgrading to a Q9550 soon so this would be just for fun and practice and not for long term use.
System:
Cooler master RC-310
Cooler Master 650 pro P/S (i think 57a on +12v)
GA-P35-DS3L REV 2.0 Board F9 Bios
3gb G-skill 800 1.8v 5-5-5-15
8800GS OC'd @ 601/2098
Zerotherm CF900 Cooler
3 120mm fans
320gb Segate
From what i have read (please correct me if im wrong) i would start with these steps to achieve a mild(im guessing thats mild) overclock of 2.8ghz. Reason im choosing 2.8ghz because anything over a 400FSB then i would have to start overclocking my ram too correct?
1. 400 FSB (or try a lower fsb first?)
2. PCIe @ 100mhz
3. CIA2 Disabled
4. Performance enhanced to Standard (currently @ turbo)
5. System memory multiplier at 2.00 so that memory is FSBx2=800mhz
Then would i try and see if it posts? can i leave everything else left alone or on Normal?
Bios shots
(http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/2168/cimg2599g.jpg) (http://img46.imageshack.us/i/cimg2599g.jpg/)
(http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/5743/cimg2601.jpg) (http://img821.imageshack.us/i/cimg2601.jpg/)
Anything need to be change on these bios pages?
(http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/8346/cimg2582w.jpg) (http://img839.imageshack.us/i/cimg2582w.jpg/)
(http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9692/cimg2579f.jpg) (http://img208.imageshack.us/i/cimg2579f.jpg/)
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You have been busy ;)
Generally what you have seems right to me although I don't profess to be a real overclocker. I have a bit of a play around sometimes but I am more interested in stability as I find my system is fast enough for my needs anyway. From what I remember of your CPU it was a good one for overclocking and I think you should be able to get it up to well over 3Ghz without any trouble. But as you know all hardware is different and some OCs better than others. The main thing is to keep the temps down. 8)
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some things seem to come a little bit easier then others lol but still not 100% on it yet
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Ok so i read through the whole overclock thread.
1. He said have a fan on the northbridge if your FSB is over 333. I think i have a small fan i can attach to it if this is still required.
2. Memtest? is this only if your overclocking your Ram?
If your doing minor overclock w/ my ram still at 800 is there any need to up the voltage from 1.8v or test stability?
3. i think my Vcore is set to 1.316 according to the bios shot. So for any amount of overclock, should you automatically set Vcore to 1.35?
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1. He said have a fan on the northbridge if your FSB is over 333. I think i have a small fan i can attach to it if this is still required.
2. Memtest? is this only if your overclocking your Ram?
If your doing minor overclock w/ my ram still at 800 is there any need to up the voltage from 1.8v or test stability?
3. i think my Vcore is set to 1.316 according to the bios shot. So for any amount of overclock, should you automatically set Vcore to 1.35?
1) I would just suggest monitoring the temps on the NB and see if it needs any extra cooling/
2) Memtest86+ will test your memory for errors of any description not just for OCing. No need to up the voltage if it remains stable but chances are you will have to.
3) Again you will probably have to raise the voltage but try a bit at a time and see how it goes.
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Ok so i changed all my bios settings that were enabled to disabled according to the overclocking how to.
So this is where im at now
1. 400 FSB
2. PCIe @ 100mhz
3. CIA2 Disabled
4. Performance enhanced to Standard (currently @ turbo)
5. System memory multiplier at 2.00 so that memory is FSBx2=800mhz
Then would i try and see if it posts.
If it doesnt post the remove CMOS battery for a minute or so and then reboot. Go back into bios and fix all regular settings. Am i correct here? Pulling the battery will fix everything and make the computer post again.
Then go to the MIT
to adjust other settings
System Voltage-Leave at manual
DDR2 Overvoltage- Can select from a +0.1 - +0.3. My Ram is 1.8v with a max volt of 2.0. So a + 0.2v would be maximum overvolt (Hoping to keep it at 1.8v or in the middle at 1.9v)
PCIE Overvoltage- I think i would leave on Normal (set at 100mhz at top of MIT). If i cant get it stable after ive tried everything add a +0.1v Maximum?
FSB Overvoltage- Is this the Northbridge overvoltage? Can add a +0.1 - +0.3v
MCH Overvoltage- Is this the Southbridge Overvoltage? Can add a +0.1 - + 0.3v
CPU Voltage-Currently at Normal- 1.296v (CPU-Z) to Bios Vcore of 1.314.
Are these the only voltages you have to mess with when overclocking?
Seems Gigabyte made easy to overclock by allowing you to a simple +0.1 - +0.3 for stability.
(http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/qq21/kpitcl/screenshot-1.jpg)
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If it doesnt post the remove CMOS battery for a minute or so and then reboot. Go back into bios and fix all regular settings. Am i correct here? Pulling the battery will fix everything and make the computer post again.
Yes, no problem. Don't forget to unplug first though.
Everything else looks ok to me. Just remember to take little steps and keep an eye on the voltages and tempertures. ;)
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Ok cool so everything i listed is all voltage adjustments. Nothing hidden anywhere else? ;D
Also should i shoot for the same idle temps after overclock? What would be a maximum idle temp roughly so i know or have an idea what to look for.
Also do you happen to know if im right or wrong about those two voltage controls being the Northbridge or southbridge? If not do you have a guess of what they are. Im just like to know what im doing LOL.
thanks again mantis
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Try it and see. You have the right username see if you can live up to it ;) You can never be 100% sure that anything will work until you try it. Often it doesn't and you have to go back to the beginmning and try new settings. That's the fun ;D Good luck.
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Yea i guess i can put that user name to good use LOL. ;D
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FSB Overvoltage is chipset overvoltage ( I don't really know the term here )? Anyway, it's the #1 thing to raise if you're overclocking your FSB ( well, more like on par with the importance of raising your CPU voltage ).
MCH Overvoltage is Northbridge overvoltage - this would be next to raise if you can't get your system stable with FSB and CPU voltages.
DDR2 you generally shouldn't have to worry about as long as you're not exceeding it's stock parameters ( best to actually underclock it so that you will have some headroom ).
PCIe generally should be left alone. No overclocking and no overvolting.
An easier alternative to removing the CMOS battery would be clearing CMOS ( check your motherboard manual if your board has this option ). You generally have to connect 2 pins for a few seconds with, say, a screwdriver and it should be cleared then. Unpluging / turning off the PSU is also needed.
Lastly, don't look at idle temps but at load temps. Look around the net for what's the highest safe voltage and temperature of your CPU. While voltage you can set to the safe max, the temps should stay ~10 degrees under the max value.
Right, good luck and remember to increase voltage and values bit by bit. Especially once you reach issues with stability.
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Found an awesome thread about my Motherboard so this should help a lot.
http://www.overclock.net/intel-motherboards/254734-gigabyte-ga-p35-ds3l-thread.html
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FSB Overvoltage is chipset overvoltage ( I don't really know the term here )? Anyway, it's the #1 thing to raise if you're overclocking your FSB ( well, more like on par with the importance of raising your CPU voltage ).
MCH Overvoltage is Northbridge overvoltage - this would be next to raise if you can't get your system stable with FSB and CPU voltages.
DDR2 you generally shouldn't have to worry about as long as you're not exceeding it's stock parameters ( best to actually underclock it so that you will have some headroom ).
PCIe generally should be left alone. No overclocking and no overvolting.
An easier alternative to removing the CMOS battery would be clearing CMOS ( check your motherboard manual if your board has this option ). You generally have to connect 2 pins for a few seconds with, say, a screwdriver and it should be cleared then. Unpluging / turning off the PSU is also needed.
Lastly, don't look at idle temps but at load temps. Look around the net for what's the highest safe voltage and temperature of your CPU. While voltage you can set to the safe max, the temps should stay ~10 degrees under the max value.
Right, good luck and remember to increase voltage and values bit by bit. Especially once you reach issues with stability.
Thanks man this helps out a lot
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Ok so i successfully got my E6550 OC'd to 2.8ghz by only doing these steps. So far i haven't changed any Voltages but cpu-z showed my Vcore at 1.296 @ stock and 1.312 @ 2.8ghz.
1. 400 FSB
2. PCIe @ 100mhz
3. CIA2 Disabled
4. Performance enhanced to Standard (currently @ turbo)
5. System memory multiplier at 2.00 so that memory is FSBx2=800mhz
So if i didnt change any voltages is the comp still considered stable?
I have prime95 and i go to options then torture test. After clicking that it gives me a couple options, which one do you guys choose.
I tried one test on stock Ghz and i selected "blend"
(http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/qq21/kpitcl/28ghz.jpg)
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Your computer is considered stable if you can run it and do anything you would normally do without it fallling over.
You can run all the burn tests etc like Prime for as long as you feel you need to but the real test is if it runs everyday with no problems.
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I find Intel BurnTest to be one of the nicer tools to stress test the CPU. You have to REALLY watch the temperatures when running it, though. I suppose it's a good tool to check how capable your CPU cooler is, too ;D
Btw. I'd enable CPU temp warning in BIOS. I have it set to 70 degrees with my CPU's max temp being 73 degrees. A precaution if something were to fail. With air cooling, the CPU fan could fail for example. There's the fan fail warning option, too but it's not working right for me. With aftermarket cooler and fan that spins much slower or even stops when the CPU has just been turned on it's just not reliable.
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Ok Update i just tried a 429fsb x 7 =3.0ghz and it booted to windows fine. I didnt change any voltages at all. I sure i will have to and thats what im going to play with now but i think 429fsb is pushing this system far enough for me right now. Plus my ram is already overclocked to 858mhz. So from this point i think i just want to try and get the 429fsb stable.
Yea i got CPU temp enabled but it was set to 80c but i can change it to 70c if that is better
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Finally finished my overclock @ 3.22ghz
460fsb
Vcore @ 1.33v
+1 DDR2 overvoltage
+1 MCH overvoltage
Also got it to post into windows w/ a 500fsb @ 3.5ghz w/ 1.356v but i felt it was stressing the system too much so i dropped it back down to 3.22ghz. Also ordered an E8500 E0 stepping to take the place of the E6550. Hopefully will be at 4ghz soon.
Thanks for all the help. The overclocking guide was also very helpful
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You seem to have it all in hand now ok ;) See you at next years Gigabyte Overclocking Championships ;D
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Hi there what were you using the system for? Its probably an idea to check for stability using prime95. Stability is a personal thing, but I like to run a memtest for 6-8 hours, then a prime95 small fft for 6-8 hours. This is on a gaming machine
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I ran prime 95 on FFT for the CPU and Blend test to test the ram. I also use hyperpi.
I currently have my E8500 @ 4.03ghz 425fsb on 1.22v. I stressed it for 2hours on Prime95 FFT. I also ran blend to test the ram.
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I ran prime 95 on FFT for the CPU and Blend test to test the ram. I also use hyperpi.
I currently have my E8500 @ 4.03ghz 425fsb on 1.22v. I stressed it for 2hours on Prime95 FFT. I also ran blend to test the ram.
Nice! :) I know its a different board and an E8600 but if you take a look here http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,615.0.html (http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,615.0.html) Got my E8600 to 4.53ghz stable - you might be able to use some of those settings or something :)
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Yea i can push more out of this E8500 no problem i think. Im only at 1.22v which seems kind of low but ill definitely check out the link.
I also ran Intel burn test and that program is hardcore. Prime95 after 2hrs only got my temps up to 56c-57c w/ my mugen 2. I passed Intel burn test on high and it got my temps up to a max of 61c :o. Thats a good program for stress testing.
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Yeah intel burn test stresses it a fair ammount more. Which is great for your 27/7 folding at home - or heavy heavy encoding. But for a general use/gaming machine - prime95 is great.
Although what "stable" is at the end of the day is pretty much down to personal opinion + preferences :)
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Yes I agree. From a personal standpoint I regard anything that will withstand the noraml use I put it to and not fall over as stable. As oggmonster said it all depends on what you want to do with your machine. I only do everyday type things and a bit of gaming when time and the wife allows. ;)
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Yea well most of the time im just surfing the web and when i game i might be doing that for 2 hours at a time if that. But even gaming isnt as stressful as prime 95 or intel burntest nor will anything that i do keep the cpu at 100% load for a long period of time.
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No that's my point very few people push their system to 100% in normal use even when multi tasking or gaming.
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Yea i know i with you Dark Mantis
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The best stress test is running your pc normally for a while and see if anything fails; Also try to game cause when your overall case temperature goes up you might find your cpu overheating...Though If you can pass 8 hours of prime you should be fine. Intel stress test gets the cpu hotter than prime for some reason bit I dont think thats necessary
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Well me personally i wouldnt say that running your computer like normal is a good stress test. For one there is no way to tell whats stable and whats not. The max ive run Prime95 is for 3 hours and thats plenty because at most i might game for 3 straight hours but even games are no where near as stressful as prime95 or Intel burn test.
Plus with out running a stress test you would have no way of knowing if your overvolting/undervolting your system until it crashes/BSOD
Everyone has there own method for stability in overclocking but i still feel that its better to stress test the system so that your able dial in your voltages to the lowest stable setting while reducing heat and prevent overvolting
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Yes agreed! A bit of stresstesting is a good idea but some people seem to think that it is all about stress tests and it is really about having a computer that you can use. The Intel burn test has to be the most stressful of all the tests that are available. I don't tend to use it myself but i use more than one test at once usually. Like i will run Superpi and Prime95 anong with some GPU stresser like Vantage just to load the whole sysytem.
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Yea i agree. I dont feel that you need to stress test for long periods of time just enough to make sure your voltages are correct and you system is stable.
I ran Prime95 a little bit longer then normal to make sure this E8500 was stable plus like i said i might game for 3 hours consistently and that would be the only time that my cpu might be at full load for an extended period of time.
I know when i would first start upping the FSB and vcore on the E6550 and the E8500 it usually wouldnt be stable and it would take me a few hours to get the correct settings. I would change some settings and then see if it would boot into windows and both CPU's would seem stable and would run fine opening programs but they weren't stable at all. I think one reason is that just opening programs or internet doesnt bring your CPU usage even close to 100%, maybe like 30% and its only at that usage for a second.
You need a stress test so that CPU usage is at a constant 100% while monitoring CPU-z to see how much vdroop you have at full load. Majority of the time my comp would be fine with opening the internet and programs but as soon as a stress test put a full load on it, core 1 would fail in prime95.
Even after having prime95 run for an hour i would start to think it was stable and then at 1hour 15min core 1 would fail again. So i would have to go back and up vcore 1-2 notches until i was finally able to get it to run fully stable for 3 hours.
But once you get all the voltages set correctly, your now able to use your comp as you please with out any worry of something getting damaged or sudden crashes/BSOD's
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Exactly! You must be very carefull with your vdroop setting though as it can be a dangerous thing to play with.