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Overclocking, Benching, Events, Tweaking & Modding => Overclocking motherboards with Intel processors => Sandy Bridge => Topic started by: absic on January 20, 2012, 04:01:44 pm

Title: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: absic on January 20, 2012, 04:01:44 pm
Just thought I would post a little image for your perusal of my current set-up with the Intel i5 2500k running at 4.8GHz.

(http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/647/heavyload.png) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/804/heavyload.png/)

I'm sure I can clock this little baby a bit higher than this but I am going to have to leave it for a little while before doing so.

For those who are interested, my current settings are:
CPU Vcore  = 1.375V
Multi-Steps LLC = Level 6
BIOS Version = F8d
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) = Disabled
C3/C6 State Support = Disabled
CPU Thermal Monitor = Disabled
CPU EIST Function = Disabled
All other BIOS settings under the MIT Section are set to AUTO or Default except for the RAM which I have set to 1600MHz

Max Temp with my Noctua NH-D14 is 64C
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: Aussie Allan on January 20, 2012, 04:41:42 pm

   Cooking with Intel gas now matie ..... and you've got the clocking trick down pat ...... turn off everything except the power :D

       I'm sure I can clock this little baby a bit higher than this but I am going to have to leave it for a little while before doing so.                    

  So when does the policy start ? .... I'm going to be watching this space for when it does ..... you can also use the egg trick.....crack one over the CPU cooler ...... if it starts turning white...... back it off 10 Mhz.... :D :D :D :D

  Seriously Absic....great result mate for someone so new to Intel  ;)

  Aussie Allan
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: absic on January 20, 2012, 04:53:16 pm
29 days before the insurance kicks in.  :'(

I have been playing around with O/C'ing for a little while now but have struggled to get past 4.5GHz until today probably the latest BIOS has helped.

In my earlier attempts I did get to 5.0GHz but, for some reason, after running a stability test for over an hour without issue the PC on next BOOT decided it didn't like my settings and after resetting itself to defaults it wouldn't let me run above the 4.5GHz mark.

There is still some more headroom with the set-up and I would like to see if I can get a 2.0GHz (or higher) O/C from the system without resorting to water cooling everything.  :P

Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: Aussie Allan on January 20, 2012, 04:55:14 pm


  What was the temp and Vcore at 5 Ghz ?......AA
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: absic on January 20, 2012, 04:59:14 pm
That depends on which software you take as being accurate.

HW Monitor showed it as 72-75C
TouchBIOS showed it as being 10C lower
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: Aussie Allan on January 20, 2012, 05:05:00 pm

  and the Volts AA
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: absic on January 20, 2012, 05:43:32 pm
1.4V LLC set at 6
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: Aussie Allan on January 20, 2012, 07:06:34 pm

   So you DO have a big set to go with your Hero Member ...... can't wait to see where you go with a policy over your head.... :D

  AA
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: absic on January 21, 2012, 10:49:54 am
Although the Noctua is a very impressive cooler it is beginning to be pushed to its limits. I may be able to improve things temperature wise once I do some fine tuning with the Voltage and other settings but I'm really not sure how much higher I will be able to go with my current set-up.

Oh well, I've switched to Intel, so now, I may have to also switch to Water Cooling!  :D
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: Aussie Allan on January 21, 2012, 10:56:03 am


   Yup! ..... Once we have the right equipment ..... first we walk ..... then we fly .... who wants to run anyway ;D

  Thermal goop can help .... but not as much as water!...... now goop and water ;)

  Aussie Allan
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: Dark Mantis on January 21, 2012, 02:21:37 pm
I haven't applied for one of these policies yet but the do seem to be a brilliant idea if you plan to hit the OC hard. Did you have to fill in a form with all the CPUs details on it when you purchased it ?

Your overclock seems to be going very well absic. Shame about the 5Ghz fail on the next boot wasn't it. I reckon that was just down to a poorly written BIOS.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: absic on January 21, 2012, 02:38:46 pm
The 5.0GHz issue was with an earlier BIOS (F8c) but now running latest (F8d) and that seems better. I did have a couple of minor issues with teh system going through the reboot cycle mentioned in other posts but that only happened a couple of time and since getting to 4.8GHz it hasn't happened again.

When you take out the Intel Protection Plan you do not need any specific details about the processor apart from the model type. It has to be a retail version but they do not ask for serial numbers or anything like that. You need to register your details prior to taking the Protection Plan out and you have to pay for it using PayPal but, apart from that, it is really easy to do. If you are not from the UK or USA remember to double check that your country is covered by Intel as it seems as if, not all are yet. And if you're reading this but are not sure what we are talking about, check here: http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,8029.0.html
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: Dark Mantis on January 21, 2012, 03:44:27 pm
Hi absic,

Likewise I have just enrolled on the plan. It is brilliant for the price. 8)
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: absic on January 21, 2012, 04:00:21 pm
Well, it definitely give a little more confidence when it comes to pushing the CPU and, if the worst does happen, at least you know it isn't going to cause a hole in your pocket to replace it.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: Rolo42 on January 25, 2012, 04:54:07 am
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) = Disabled
C3/C6 State Support = Disabled
CPU Thermal Monitor = Disabled
CPU EIST Function = Disabled
Did you have to disable these to get to 4.8?
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: Dark Mantis on January 25, 2012, 09:08:09 am
Apart from the Thermal Monitor I would disable all those anytime I am overclocking.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: Rolo42 on January 25, 2012, 06:43:57 pm
I know in the past it was required but with SB it seems optional still, irrespective of overclocking.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: twaddle69 on February 18, 2012, 12:02:24 am
As I have the same mobo and CPU could I ask your opinions on my current dilemma. 

I have the  GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3, I5-2500k, 8 gb Corsair Vengeance RAM @ 1600 Mhz, and a Radeon 6870 GPU in a Fractal Designs R3, with a Thermalright HR-02 Macho cooler.

To date I've run a sedate overclock of 4.5 Ghz with Vcore @ 1.3 to 1.35V, and temps of around 50 to 60 C, or current settings of a Vcore of 1.435V, loadline @ 8, Easytune stating Voltage of 1.488v, with core temps on Prime 95 blend maxed @ 89C after four hours.

Common sense says 4.5 Ghz, but the Overclocker in me wants 5.0 Ghz on air.

Any suggestions on how to get the voltages & temps down?

Thanks

Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: absic on February 18, 2012, 01:18:36 pm
Hi there,

not sure if I'm the best person to offer advice on this subject as I am still learning myself. Also remember that although we have the same basic components, each PC is different and what works for me might not work for you.

That said, from my research, you might do better if you set the LLC to 6 rather than 8 as this will give better control over the voltage and should keep things here a little more even. Then try lowering the VCore gradually, testing each time, until the system falls over, then you will know the minimum VCore that you can run with your current configuration. Lowering the VCore voltage should help lower the temps a bit more.

So far I haven't been able to get above 4.8GHz with my CPU but I do think 5.0GHz is achievable and I just need to spend more time tweaking and testing to get there.

Do you have a fan on your CPU cooler? If not add one and if you do, you could always add a second as a pull fan.

I use the Noctua NH-D14 with two fans and my PC Chassis is the NZXT Tempest Evo which gives a lot of air through the case which also helps keeps things cool.

Also, as a matter of interest, which BIOS version are you running? I have tried several different BIOSes for this board and have found that this can have a major affect on how much of an overclock is possible.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: twaddle69 on February 20, 2012, 10:42:40 pm
Thanks for the helpful comments.

To be honest I copied your settings as a baseline for 4.8 Ghz which worked out pretty stable including the use of the F8d firmware.

From there I increased the multiplier to 50, it would load windows OK, but BSOD within minutes on Prime95. 

I therefore upped the Vcore to 1.435V in stages at which point it stabilised in conjunction with the Load Line at 8.  I've since backed the Load Line down to 7 which dropped the max core temps to 81C,   I then went back into BIOS to reduce the loadline to 6 at which point I got a nasty shock when I saw the actual Vcore reading in the BIOS was over 1.52V.  I immediately reverted to my 4.5 Ghz settings of basically Auto everything in the advanced Voltage section of BIOS for now.

My concern is that the Easytune and Core Temp show drastically different temperature readings by 10-12C, and most of the Voltage readings I can access in windows display Vline not VCore. Can you recommend any accurate application to monitor actual Vcore from within windows as I really want to keep this at or below 1.45v if possible

PS The cooler has a 140mm PWM fan on at present, and whilst it can take a further fan for push-pull this will be a very tight fit in the case.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: absic on February 21, 2012, 10:34:19 am
Usually I use HW Monitor: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html when checking voltages and temps along with CPU-Z: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html as these tend to be the most accurate. Download the free versions as they will give you everything you need.

I also tend to monitor the system using TouchBios so that I can compare the readings I am getting. The reason for this is, that any issues I come across will only be acknowledged officially by Gigabyte if you use their software not 3rd party versions. So it's useful to have this information handy if you want to raise a support ticket with GTS.

On another subject, have you encountered any of the reported reboot issues with your system?
Also, what RAM are you using?
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: twaddle69 on February 21, 2012, 07:45:24 pm
I'll give those three a try, in particular TouchBios - I've never bothered with it before  as I'm not comfortable with altering BIOS settings from within windows, but as a hardware monitoring tool I can see a use for it.

With regards to the reboot issue, I have a little too much knowledge of this -  this PC is on it's third motherboard since the 31/01/2012.  Initially it was built using a GA-Z68AP-D3 which went into a terminal boot loop after 6 days - unable to get to the BIOS splashscreen, and I was unable to invoke the backup bios autorecovery  using the power supply on-off switch,  after this was RMA'd the replacement GA-Z68AP-D3 arrived pre-boot looped for me, I never even saw the BIOS screen on that one, so another RMA with a refund request this time.

I opted for the GA-68X-UD3P-B3, as for what I paid for it from DABS it seemed better built than the GA-Z68AP-D3 for the same price (less features I know) .  With this one I've had one failed boot, but clearing the CMOS resolved that and this was down to OC tinkering.  As I was forewarned by now the BIOS was flashed to F8d when the PC was first booted, and I then copied F8d to the backup BIOS for good measure before touching anything else.

I'm using 8 Gb of Corsair Low Profile Vengeance, CL9, 1600Mhz, @ 1.5V (CML8GX3M2A1600C9) 
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 4.8GHz so far
Post by: twaddle69 on February 21, 2012, 11:05:21 pm
Sadly what I'm unable to show via a screen shot is:-

Max CPU Temp Via Easy Tune 6 of 70C
Core Temp 1.0  #0 72C, #1 80C, #2 82C, #3 76C
CPUID Hardware Monitor #0 69C, #1 76C, #2 78C, #3 73C - Package 83C

VCore Proper BIOS 1.51V
VCore Touch BIOS 1.48-1.49V
VCore Hardware Monitor a laughable 1.06V
Voltage (nicely ambiguos) Easy Tune 6 1.476V

But it seems to be stable, I'm not happy with the proper BIOS Vcore showing 1.51V, especially from a set VCore of 1.435V - is this a result of the Load Line being set at 7, or my leaving the CPU PLL and Dynamic VCore on auto settings?

Yours thoroughly confused
 

 
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0GHz so far
Post by: absic on February 23, 2012, 02:05:35 pm
OK a little update

I have now managed to hit 5.0 GHz! I have updated to the latest F8 BIOS and had to raise the CPU VCore to 1.48V in BIOS.

The only issue now is in the way different software is reporting things. HWMonitor shows the CPU reaching a maximum of 77C whilst TouchBios shows the CPU as reaching 67C before settling back to 64C. There is around 10C difference between these two programs and the way they are reporting things with temperature. In fact, I have noticed that the TMPIN2 figure in HWMonitor matches exactly the CPU Temp as reported by TouchBios. So, which one is reporting correctly? I don't know but I have asked Gigabyte their views on this and I will post back when I get an answer. Hopefully it is TouchBios that is reporting accurately as this will mean I have even more room, when it comes to the CPU temperature to play with.

The ambient temperature for this test was 22C and this time around I have added a couple of BIOS screen shots as these might help.

In answer to Rolo42's question about my having disabled certain states the answer is no, I didn't have to disable them but I feel that doing so gives me more control and removes some of the possible areas where things might cause issues. For the 5.0 GHz test I did disable the CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) , C3/C6 State Support & CPU EIST Function. This time around I heeded DM's advice and left the CPU Thermal Monitor on AUTO.


(http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/7282/001zu.png) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/26/001zu.png/)

(http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/3986/002vi.png) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/401/002vi.png/)

(http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/3981/dscn0146zj.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/18/dscn0146zj.jpg/)

(http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/3847/dscn0145dr.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/96/dscn0145dr.jpg/)

(http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7924/dscn0144to.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/196/dscn0144to.jpg/)

So what now, well I guess onwards and upwards would be the logical step. I have the Intel security blanket in place which removes a lot of my concerns about killing this CPU and I would be interested to see if I can get a 2.0+ GHz overclock from the processor, on air!
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: twaddle69 on February 23, 2012, 08:01:28 pm
Excellent results, I notice you refer to the latest F8 BIOS - is this still F8d as it would appear the F8 BIOS' are no longer available from the Gigiabyte website.  The most recent currently available is F7.

If you are still on the F8d, it would appear you got a better processor than me, no matter what I try I need 1.51V of Vcore in BIOS in order to keep things stable. 

Best of luck with the 2.0 Ghz overclock.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: absic on February 23, 2012, 08:09:51 pm
No, it is the F8 BIOS. There is a problem with the downloads on Gigabyte site which should be sorted tomorrow, according to EX58

If you do update to this BIOS remember to copy it to the back-up chip to prevent any issues.

Not sure if I will actually be able to get above 5.0GHz with my chip as I briefly attempted 5.1GHz and had a BSOD which indicated the CPU needed more voltage. I think the Max recommend by Intel is 1.52V and I am getting pretty close to that mark already at 1.48V.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: Aussie Allan on February 23, 2012, 08:17:09 pm

     Stella to get to 5 on Air Absic ....... might have to look at something a little thicker then Air to get to your goal ....  ;D

  Have you worked out what Watts (heat) your coping with and compared it to the max rating of the said cooler ...... could be your up to the limiting factor of the cooler

  Aussie Allan
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: absic on February 23, 2012, 09:23:58 pm
Now, now Allan, do you really want me to get involved with advanced mathematics over this?  According to the reported temps I am below the Max for the CPU and I don't believe, with the current figures that the CPU temperature is the issue here.  
I know that you and DM would love me to switch to water cooling and I have been looking into this option more seriously recently. It could well be that, when I have the cash I will go down this path.

Another and cheaper option would be to try adding a 3rd fan to the Noctua to see if that lowers CPU Temps further or to try taking the board out of the PC Case, but that smacks of serious overclocking and I wouldn't count myself as a member of that club just yet.  :D

The only problem I am seeing is with a couple of 0x0124 BSOD's which would usually indicate CPU Voltage. It could be the LLC which I have set at 6 and it may be that I need to switch this to 7 or 8 to get things stable as I go above 5.0GHz.

Of course, I am still new to Intel chips and I could be missing something basic or am not tweaking another voltage setting that is required so any hints or help from other members would be appreciated.



Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: Aussie Allan on February 23, 2012, 10:42:53 pm

  Absic

  LLC to 7 is the next bus stop ;) .... But to go back one step .... I looked everywhere and no one has a Max TDP rating for this or any fan combo setup for this C-Hooler .... you gotta be up near the max of this design with no modding.

  Aussie Allan
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: absic on February 24, 2012, 09:17:35 am
Well, a little further playing around has got me up to 5.2GHz!

(http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/117/52ghz001.png) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/210/52ghz001.png/)

(http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/289/52ghz001b.png) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/52/52ghz001b.png/)

I had to set LLC to level 7 and set the CPU VCore in BIOS to 1.485V. However this showed up in TouchBIOS and HWMonitor at an initial starting value of 1.58V dropping back to 1.52V under load. And, once again depending on which temperature reading for the CPU is correct it reached either 86C (HWMonitor) or 75C (TouchBIOS).

I then spent sometime trying to get to 5.3GHz but so far without success. I am concerned by the high voltage on the CPU as this is now technically above the specified limit for the processor, which if my research is correct is 1.52V. Although I do have the protection of Intel's insurance I don't really want to kill the CPU if I can avoid it.

I did try dropping the speed of the RAM back to 1333MHz and also experimented with LLC levels 8 & 9 but couldn't get past the post screen without the system resetting so I may have reached the limits to which I can go with my current hardware and set-up.

That said a 1.9GHz overclock is not to be sniffed at and I am in awe of how well the CPU, motherboard, cooler and other hardware have stood up to my tweaking attempts.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: Aussie Allan on February 24, 2012, 09:42:54 am


  5.2 on Air Absic ..... A lot of people would sell there Grandma to get where you have ..... I think you've reached the limit of the current  setup

  If you reeeeeeeeeeealy want to get to 5.3 on air .... I read some people have installed  a killer third Buzz saw fan to the 14 coolers and run it off a single front bay speed controller .... take it to 5.3 under 100% fan speed and then start backing  off the fan at 10% increments till it fails/BSODS

  Pretty cost effective exercise ..... probable only around 15 squid and a couple of hours fitting

  Or go to water ... ;D.... Wicked thermal paste you must be running  ;)

  Aussie Allan  8)
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: absic on February 24, 2012, 10:27:08 am
Getting to 5.3 GHz on air is a distinct possibility and if I were into setting records then I would take the motherboard out of the PC Case and install it on a test bench, remove a couple of sticks of RAM, add another cooler to the Noctua and have a couple of desktop fans blowing air over the whole thing. But I think I will call it a day at 5.2 GHz as I don't really want to go through all that at the present time. And it's worth remembering that the 5.2 GHz I have achieved is with my PC configured as it is for everyday use, which I feel makes it even more impressive.

Yes, switching to water cooling would be the next logical step if I wanted to run 24/7 at 5.0GHz+ and I believe the system would allow me to do that. As I mentioned previously I am now seriously considering this option and feel that when finances allow, a water cooling system will be my next major investment.

The main reason I wanted to tweak this system and to see what it was capable of was because I switched after more than 10 years of running AMD systems to Intel. I also felt happy with AMD as the platform always allowed me a reasonable O/C but this Intel rig has blown my AMD system away.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: Aussie Allan on February 24, 2012, 10:36:18 am


  A sad day for AMD But ....... "WELCOME LUKE"

  Aussie Allan 8)
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: absic on February 24, 2012, 11:05:25 am
Wicked thermal paste you must be running  ;)

Actually the Thermal paste I have been using is an un-named, special, home-made brand (not made by me I hasten to add) that I have been testing and which has proved very effective. I have been especially pleased with the speed with which the CPU returns to "normal" temps after stopping the test sequence. This has been a consistent 4 seconds, which is twice as fast as the Noctua NT- H1 TIM that I usually use.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: Twiglet015 on September 11, 2017, 09:15:45 pm
Just wondered if the original author of this post is still around. I realise it is an old post but your setup is identical to mine (Mobo, cpu, cooler) and wondered if you could have a look at my question or, if you still have it, send me your cmos settings?
Thanks a ton.
Title: Re: GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 + 2500k = 5.0 GHz so far
Post by: absic on September 12, 2017, 07:27:02 am
Yes, I'm still here and I will have a look and reply to your post here: https://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php?topic=19085.0 and also try to help if I can.