OC 3.0C w/CorsairXMS3500 Cas2 version 1.1

Ok, so I recently got 2x512 of these sticks, which should be bh-5, however they come out as PC3200 in the part number section of cpu-z.

http://images.dr3vil.com/uploads/corsair.jpg
http://images.dr3vil.com/uploads/corsairxms1.jpg

I have not taken the heatspreaders off to verify they are winbound chips and customer support has said that it should be bh-5.

Here are my settings for the RAM:
Cas:2
Ras Precharge:2
Ras Cas Delay:2
DRAM Precharge Delay: 5
DRAM Burst length: 8 (4 is the only other option of my P4C800E)
DRAM Idle Timer: Auto (1/8/16/64T are the other options)
DRAM Refresh: Auto (15.6usec/7.8/64/64T are the other options)

I am not sure if spread spectrum should be on or whether USB legacy should be disabled, but customer support said USB only matters when memtesting.

The problem is I cannot get a 1:1 overclock for crap out of these when they were supposed to have run @ atleast 260mhz w/2.75 vdimm.
When I overclock with 1:1 by setting the DRAM frequency @ 400mhz, AGP/PCI @ auto and upping the FSB to just 220 @ 2.85 vdimm (max), I boot into windows and bluescreen. This really does not feel like bh-5 at all. However, the RAM will do 2-2-2-5 @ stock with 2.75 vdimm without errors on memtest.

Here are my specs:
P4 3.0C
P4C800-E Deluxe
Quadro FX 1000
2xWD360 Raptors RAID 0
Maxtor 160 GB/Diamond Max 9/8mb
2x512 Corsais XMS 3500 Cas2 version 1.1
LDW851 and LTC4816 Combo drive

The odd thing is 7 months ago this cpu would do 245 FSB into windows, but unstable @ 1.675 (ASUS volts sway a lot). However, I've left it stock for a while and now it get unstable @ 240 FSB. I've tried a 3:2 divider and gotten unstable OC @ 240 FSB and possibly unstable at 235. Does this mean my cpu is peaked, since the RAM is under spec?

Lastly, I'm running this in a RAIDMAX case with a RAIDMAX 420 watt psu
:D , but the voltage never sways under spec, but I don't know if that is a factor. I've gotten an offer for a 520 watt OCZ powerstream for a great price, but I'm unsure as to whether it will make any difference.

Anyways, I just wanted to get the best out of my rig, and sorry for the long post, but I thought I'd be thorough.

Thanks.

They need voltage. There is no way they ran 260 w/ 2.75v. They would need 3.3v+ to do that.

how far should they be getting @ 2.85? I know the guy I got them from said he couldn't push past 260 but he said he didn't mod his board or anything. I can't even run the RAM at spec i don't think, and it definitely isn't stable at 220mhz. Do I have to physically mod my mobo to get the vdimm that high, because I'd be a noob at soldering? Is the voltage the problem or is there something wrong here because I thought the 3500 1.1s were the best bh-5 ever made.

Hi there and welcome to Xtreme.

Your memory is BH5, as Corsair PC3500 is always BH5.
You should be able to run your memory around 225Mhz, 1:1, with fastest timings, at 2.85V.

260Mhz with only 2.75V is impossible, but I think the guy meant with the 3:2 or 5:4 divider.

I have the same board and sticks and have no problems running mine at 266FSB, 5:4 divider, 2.85V, using the 1014 bios.

Do a search on the forums about the drop and vdimm mod, I'm sure you'll find a way how to give the VDimm more juice.

// edit :

here's 1 link already :

http://www.malvescorner.com/p4c800.html

thanks for the link. :)

Is there a reason for using 1014? Does that BIOS OC better?

Isn't it strange though that I Blue Screen with a 1:1 overclock @ 220. I didn't clear the CMOS manually, but I thought that this ASUS board does that automatically on a failed overclock.

Anyways, thanks for the help and warm welcome to the forum.

No particular reason why I still use bios 1014. It has been performing very well for me, other owners of the P4C800-E will tell you the same thing.

Perhaps changing memory slots can help. Try slot 2+4 instead of 1+3, and see which one gives you a better result.

AGP/PCI

Is the AGP/PCI really locked? On Abit boards we've got both auto and fixed, but fixed is the wy to go. Auto will just select AGP/PCI ratios, not lock them,

BH5 needs volts to fly. over 2.9v it really starts responding.

heh, totally forgot about the other two slots. :D

Will try that ASAP.

About the AGP/PCI well I can set it manually, but I'm not sure what I should set it to. When it's at 400 it will short my SATA raptors so that the BIOS won't read them. So I have to manually turn off the power.

I never thought overclocking was so difficult lol. I thought that u just change a few settings and let your rig fly.

Set them manually to
PCI: 33 (MHz)
AGP: 66 (MHz)

Do you guys think getting an OCZ 520 watt powerstream will help my OC at all?
Or has my cpu reached it peak and the only thing to do is get a new cpu or start saving for a water or LN (although i don't think I'm prepared for that yet) :D

Maybe you should first try and see how high your cpu can overclock, before spending money on a new PSU.
Not all cpu's overclock that well, so possibility exists that you have a dud one.
Give it a try, doesn't cost you anything.

well i have tested all the possible options and it looks like my 3.0C that once did 3.6-3.7 rather stable at 1.65 is now a dud that can't get into windows @ 240FSB on a 5:4 divider.

My 3500 bh-5 are also duds that aren't stable @ 220mhz w/2.85.

I thought perhaps it was the powersupply, but I unplugged both my optical drives and my IDE drives and made no difference in performance.

Tried the RAM in slots 2 and 4 no difference. Tried just single 512 and no difference.

Not sure if it's worth the cash to vdimm mod the voard myself (but i have no experience or supplies) and i don't know if the OCZ ddr booster is worth it (as i have seen many people with issues over at the overclocking section).

Either way I'm mainly in need of a higher FSB overclock for more Mhz. I guess I must settle for mediocre stock performance or shell out more time and cash for another cpu and perhaps some watercooling gear.

Thanks for the advice, and if any one's got some miracle advice I'd love to hear it. The thing I don't get is why would the max overclock on my cpu change if I've been running it at stock this whole time. I guess the AS5 could have dried improperly or something and I could reapply and remount the zalmann. :rolleyes:

the OCZ 520w PSU will stabalize your system more and if u do decide to vmod your board, it will help u get higher vdimm because of the variable 3.3v line on the PSU.

get someone to vmod the board for you ...hell-fire does it i think?

yeah you can run a 3.3v line so it goes to your RAM. I'm trying to remember....how. I've never done it but I think I could if it was ever needed. Something like you soder a wire on to a...thing. lol don't remember what it is called.

There is only a description here now, but if you need a pic PM me.

Post # 28

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