[18th Anniversary] Asus Black Pearl - P5k-Premium Testing Report

Seems my P5k-P is having some issues breaking 440+FSB. So far I've tried 3 different 2Gb kits of PC2 6400 RAM, Corsair XMS26400C4, Crucial Ballistix PC26400C4 (single sided) and Crucial Ballistix PC26400C4 older style double-sided w/ Micron chips.

All 3 sets did 435 and their respective voltages (2.1 Corsair, 2.2 Crucial) at 5-5-5-18 T2, orthos, prime, memtest stable 24hrs. Tried raising the FSB to 436-440Mhz and it won't even post, no beep, nothing. Tried raising voltage to 2.2 Corsair and 2.3 Crucial still no boot. Thought it might be an FSB hole so I tried 450,460 and 475 FSB and still, no POST.

Can this be PC6400 hitting their max OC? Because thats one hell of a coincidence that all 3 sets hit the exact same FSB wall. So I'm thinking its the MB.

BIOS Settings as follows:

Ai Overclock - Manual
CPU Ratio - Manual (6)
FSB Strap - 333
FSB Freq - 340
PCIE Freq - 101
DRAM Freq - 881
DRAM Cmd Rate - T2 (5-5-5-18) Rest are set to AUTO
DRAM Static Read Control - Enabled

Transaction Booster - Disabled
-- Relax Lvl (0)
Clock Over-Charge Mode - 0.80v


CPU Spread Spectrum - Disabled
PCED Spread Spectrum - Disabled

CPU Voltage - 1.4750
CPU vRef - 0.63x
CPU V Damper - Enabled
CPU PLL - 1.50
DRAM V- 2.1/2.2
FSB Term. Voltage - 1.50
NB Voltage - 1.55
NB Ref Voltage - 0.67x
SB Voltage - 1.05

Anyone got any ideas or suggestions? Could be a dud board?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bradpit999

had 3 asus boards last one was P5B Delux and that one was flakey and unstable no matter what i did at 400FSB this on the

P5K Premium seems buletproof and just accepts whatever setting i put in and it boots up

extremly impressed

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Good News!! :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EightyDuce

Seems my P5k-P is having some issues breaking 440+FSB. So far I've tried 3 different 2Gb kits of PC2 6400 RAM, Corsair XMS26400C4, Crucial Ballistix PC26400C4 (single sided) and Crucial Ballistix PC26400C4 older style double-sided w/ Micron chips.

Anyone got any ideas or suggestions? Could be a dud board?

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Have you done the o/c basics to first establish what the max FSB/Speed your CPU will run at and then your max memory speed ? I use these settings quite happily for 3.6 with FSB=450 x8 with DRAM FREQ=1128 but not all q6600 are going to run higher FSB/ lower multiplier. Your memory should be good for at least 1000 especially on this MB. Set your strap to AUTO so it displays all availble dividers for all strap settings. If you look back you will see quite a few recent posts on best strap setting. Check your advanced CPU settings - I disable them all. I would also disable static to begin with and set transaction booster and clock overcharging to auto.

CPU Voltage: 1.4125
CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO
CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.6
DRAM Voltage: 2.2
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.4
North Bridge Voltage: 1.40
North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO
South Bridge Voltage: AUTO

Advance CPU Settings
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 9
C1E Suppport: disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Vanderpool Technology: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
PECI: Disabled

USB Configuration
USB Functions: Enabled
Legacy USB Support: Enabled

I fully agree with sesdave, you really have to sort out your maximum CPU FSB and RAM overclock before going further. I doubt the P5K is limiting you
I just don't agree to put any voltage on Auto as ASUS is known to overvolt when you OC it and there's no way to monitor what voltage they are bumping in your CPU. But, you could for sure run lower vNB and vFSB. 1.50v on the vFSB is really too much. With a bad cooling, it can limit you, also the vNB

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sesdave

CPU Voltage: 1.4125
CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO
CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.6
DRAM Voltage: 2.2
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.4
North Bridge Voltage: 1.40
North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO
South Bridge Voltage: AUTO

Advance CPU Settings
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 9
C1E Suppport: disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Vanderpool Technology: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
PECI: Disabled

USB Configuration
USB Functions: Enabled
Legacy USB Support: Enabled

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Well looks like mystery solved, using above settings. Used a dividier to run FSB at 400 while RAM was running 951, which it couldn't run before and it POSTed right off the bat and is now running Memtest.

Looks like its time to go shopping for a new Q6600. This one's high VID anyway, 1.325. :shakes:

Thank's for the help sesdave. :up:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EightyDuce

Well looks like mystery solved, using above settings. Used a dividier to run FSB at 400 while RAM was running 951, which it couldn't run before and it POSTed right off the bat and is now running Memtest.

Looks like its time to go shopping for a new Q6600. This one's high VID anyway, 1.325. :shakes:

Thank's for the help sesdave. :up:

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Glad its up and running. Dont be so quick to dump the CPU just yet. Find out what it can realy do . There are plenty with that vid get upto 3.6 or there abouts. It not really worth getting another one just for a 100 or so extra mhz unless you want to post benchies that is :) . If you want a quick test Jump in and see if it runs 3.6 on 400x9 with memory 1:1 using the other current settings.. Try it with vcore 1.45v for starters and work down if stable. You should be okay on temps for that with the Ultra 120 unless its a hotdog of a chip.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sesdave

Glad its up and running. Dont be so quick to dump the CPU just yet. Find out what it can realy do . There are plenty with that vid get upto 3.6 or there abouts. It not really worth getting another one just for a 100 or so extra mhz unless you want to post benchies that is :) . If you want a quick test Jump in and see if it runs 3.6 on 400x9 with memory 1:1 using the other current settings.. Try it with vcore 1.45v for starters and work down if stable. You should be okay on temps for that with the Ultra 120 unless its a hotdog of a chip.

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The chip can do 400x9 because I've done it in the past, though it took 1.52v in the bios to get it stable at 67 load (its kinda hot in my APT). Now I'm going to a SS vapo and wanted to see how much I can push the FSB, and 435x9 is kinda limiting for benching.

Ok now after some more tests it seems that running at 450 x 8 is better for me that 400 x 9. But this board says it supports FSB 1333 so will running it well over 1500 damage it or is it ok as it seems to be fine at any FSB i throw at it? And with running it at 450 x 8 should i put my FSB volt up to 1.3v or leave it at 1.2v.
Cheers Paul

as far as I know, speed won't kill just volts. Oh and trying to turn your P5K-Premium into a Blitz Formula...that really kills em. No worries man, the P5K-Premium loves the fsb, and can handle the volts needed to get there as long as you have sufficient case flow.

Tell me you did not just try to flash the blitz formula bios? And now it is bricked!

Why disable PECI? Everything I've managed to find about it says it gives more accurate core temps with it enabled.

try it see what happens
Rich

Quote:

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Originally Posted by w2richwood

try it see what happens
Rich

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Okay, just disabled it, doesn't really seem to have done anything.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by holwill

Tell me you did not just try to flash the blitz formula bios? And now it is bricked!

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I did and it is.

all in the name of science I say....and retardation.

never know tell ya try it for sure lol

thankfully, I shop at a great place and they replaced it no questions asked. Funny enough, I get the exact same overclock with the exact same volts. talk about consistency.

As far as overclocking on this board I have no complaints.

E8400 @ 4G 444x9 Memory @ 1066 5-5-5-18 (4x1GB Kingston HyperX 8500)
Transaction Booster Enabled - 3
BIOS (volts) all lowest except CPUv
CPU 1.350 (1.312 idle, 1.296 load)
PLL 1.50
MEM 1.80
FSB 1.1
NB 1.25
SB 1.025

Can run prime blend/small 24 hours no problems.

I've read various threads and posts about two issues I'm having that is not related to overclocking.

1) S3 Resume from Sleep. No matter what I try i cant get this damn board to come out of sleep, S1 works, but no S3. Can anyone say they've successfully gotten this to work?

2) AHCI or RAID using the new Samsung F1 drives, I purchased an F1 and it will not complete setup, used the latest AHCI/RAID drivers from Intel and the ones on ASUS site. Anyone get this to work?

I just want to know if this affects all P5K premiums or just some, if it's just some then I'll get an RMA, if it effects all of em then I guess I'm stuck.

I know this is an OC site but the other forums dont seem to have the educated userbase like xs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ReverendMaynard

thankfully, I shop at a great place and they replaced it no questions asked. Funny enough, I get the exact same overclock with the exact same volts. talk about consistency.

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your one lucky guy im not sure if asus would rma it ot not if so it would take a while. far as harddrives good ive only used wd raptors in this system so far
Rich

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ReverendMaynard

thankfully, I shop at a great place and they replaced it no questions asked. Funny enough, I get the exact same overclock with the exact same volts. talk about consistency.

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Now I always like a story with a happy ending, good to hear!

Running 1xWD RaptorX and 1x Seagate 7200.11 on AHCI no problems here and no noticeable benefits using it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by holwill

Now I always like a story with a happy ending, good to hear!

Running 1xWD RaptorX and 1x Seagate 7200.11 on AHCI no problems here and no noticeable benefits using it.

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You want disk performance? Join the party and enter the matrix http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=467848 This certainly did it for me - -:yepp: I am waiting for reverendmaynard to get more drives and post his results.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sesdave

You want disk performance? Join the party and enter the matrix http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=467848 This certainly did it for me - -:yepp: I am waiting for reverendmaynard to get more drives and post his results.

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lol ses, I've been stoked to get this up and rolling it's just killing my ultra perfect current Vista install that's holding me back. Well.. that and my momentary lapse of reason with the whole "Blitz" fiasco lol.

What's the best free image software that works with Vista? And can I apply that image to a matrix RAID set up or do I have to start from scratch?

These are questions that I probably know the answer to, but hey what the hell it keeps the thread moving :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ReverendMaynard

lol ses, I've been stoked to get this up and rolling it's just killing my ultra perfect current Vista install that's holding me back. Well.. that and my momentary lapse of reason with the whole "Blitz" fiasco lol.

What's the best free image software that works with Vista? And can I apply that image to a matrix RAID set up or do I have to start from scratch?

These are questions that I probably know the answer to, but hey what the hell it keeps the thread moving :)

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Is your current setup RAID? If not, it'll be a little difficult to image it to RAID partitions, but not impossible. If it is, it should be fairly seamless. Vista actually has a builtin imaging utility called ImageX. Google it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ReverendMaynard

lol ses, I've been stoked to get this up and rolling it's just killing my ultra perfect current Vista install that's holding me back. Well.. that and my momentary lapse of reason with the whole "Blitz" fiasco lol.

What's the best free image software that works with Vista? And can I apply that image to a matrix RAID set up or do I have to start from scratch?

These are questions that I probably know the answer to, but hey what the hell it keeps the thread moving :)

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Fritzman recommends Acronis http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/ or you could go the free route and use BartPE with DriveXML. You have to put the ICH9R drivers into the right folder before creating the CD, but there's heaps of info on their site about how to do all that. Check hs posts in the matrix thread p44. Personally I did a reinstall but I am going to get Acronis True Image 11 as it looks a good investment - the free trial is fully operational for 15 days and it looks very good. Seems to have universal reinstall. I can always check with Fritzman for help if I get any problems as he seems to be leading the RAID way on all of this - he used to be on the P5W problems thread cos thats where I first picked this all up from.

I think I'm just going to go with a fresh install. I have a bit of reading to do now though so thanks ses for the info and the direction :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ReverendMaynard

I think I'm just going to go with a fresh install. I have a bit of reading to do now though so thanks ses for the info and the direction :)

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Give the trial copy of Acronis a go first for backing up and restoring. You have nothing to lose if you are going to reinstall anyway. I have asked Fritzman if he can post a tutorial on how he set it up - check the thread for the response which should come soon -he has all the answers :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ReverendMaynard

I think I'm just going to go with a fresh install. I have a bit of reading to do now though so thanks ses for the info and the direction :)

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Give the trial copy of Acronis a go first for backing up and restoring. You have nothing to lose if you are going to reinstall anyway. I have posted the question re any Acronis configuration things to consider on the matrix thread so Fritzman will answer - he has all the answers :) Once you have spent the effort (and the money for more disks-lol!) and you have setup raid0/5 or 10 with Matrix the premium MB disk performance should fly :up:

On another note - I'm wondering if I should be concerned that I can rock my top stock mosfet cooler back and forth with very little effort. Seems they did a crap job tightening it down or the pushpins are just too big/loose.

Been too lazy to replace it so far.

Very impressive.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kilyin

On another note - I'm wondering if I should be concerned that I can rock my top stock mosfet cooler back and forth with very little effort. Seems they did a crap job tightening it down or the pushpins are just too big/loose.

Been too lazy to replace it so far.

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They arent the tightest and will rock quite easily if you push them but work okay. Just to be sure push the pins to check they are all the way in . I am sure Jonny FTM will be on the case recommending you throw the whole lot away :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sesdave

They arent the tightest and will rock quite easily if you push them but work okay. Just to be sure push the pins to check they are all the way in . I am sure Jonny FTM will be on the case recommending you throw the whole lot away :D

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I've tried pushing them down, but they just 'pop' back up into their original position. Kinda like wack-a-moles.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kilyin

I've tried pushing them down, but they just 'pop' back up into their original position. Kinda like wack-a-moles.

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well they are sprung pins :ROTF: as long as they dont pull out you are okay.

mine rocks also but its not giving me any problems yet i did put 40mm fan on the nb but besides that nothing and it seems cool to the touch at load
Rich

Quote:

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Originally Posted by w2richwood

mine rocks also but its not giving me any problems yet i did put 40mm fan on the nb but besides that nothing and it seems cool to the touch at load
Rich

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cool to the touch would be something to worry about no? my nb will mess me up if I touch it.

as for the mosfet cooler rocking, both of my pearls do it and it's probably because the springs a weak. as longs as they are woarm-hot to the touch, they are doing their job :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ReverendMaynard

cool to the touch would be something to worry about no? my nb will mess me up if I touch it.

as for the mosfet cooler rocking, both of my pearls do it and it's probably because the springs a weak. as longs as they are woarm-hot to the touch, they are doing their job :)

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Stick a 40mm fan on it and it wont :ROTF:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sesdave

Stick a 40mm fan on it and it wont :ROTF:

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bahh, not needed lol. I have the 250cm side fan blowing right in an around the mobo and the cross flow I have going on is tornado like lol. Maybe if I was running an 8400 at insanely high 475+ fsb. Not with a lowly 425 1.5v :D

plus if I ever have to get emo and hurt myself I have a venue for pain lol

for the life of me, I cannot get this board to take any bios other than the original (0104) and the current (0504). I have an e8400 in there right now, and the original bios (0104) posted, but said unknown CPU. It allowed me to flash to 0504.

Now, I want to downgrade the bios to 0404, because I think 0504 is causing problems with my ballistix. It will not take the bios. It will not downgrade to anything other than 0104. I was able to get 0104 back on using the Bios Crash recovery thing, and even from 0104, it will not let me put on 0204 or 0404, saying that the current ROM version is newer than what I am trying to upgrade to.

Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
system:
E8400
P5K Premium Rev 2.00G
2GB Ballistix ddr800

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Erratic

for the life of me, I cannot get this board to take any bios other than the original (0104) and the current (0504). I have an e8400 in there right now, and the original bios (0104) posted, but said unknown CPU. It allowed me to flash to 0504.

Now, I want to downgrade the bios to 0404, because I think 0504 is causing problems with my ballistix. It will not take the bios. It will not downgrade to anything other than 0104. I was able to get 0104 back on using the Bios Crash recovery thing, and even from 0104, it will not let me put on 0204 or 0404, saying that the current ROM version is newer than what I am trying to upgrade to.

Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
system:
E8400
P5K Premium Rev 2.00G
2GB Ballistix ddr800

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AFUDOS v2.17 and previous would downgrade securely in dos mode. You need a boot CD though with floppy emulation as the boot file exceeds 1.44Mb
But, in your case, wolfdales are supported only since 0504. So, any older bios will give you a CPU init error

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sesdave

They arent the tightest and will rock quite easily if you push them but work okay. Just to be sure push the pins to check they are all the way in . I am sure Jonny FTM will be on the case recommending you throw the whole lot away :D

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:D
Exacltly, but really only for high vcore on a quadcore. High FSB won't load the mosfets too much, it is really the vcore with those quadcores.
Anything above 1.45v usually will make your mosfets burning to the touch on full load. An alternative is a really very good horizontal case air flow near the mosfets area
And, look here, on the maximus what could happen if you care :eek:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...45&postcount=1

So, I will at least reseat the stock cooler and believe me, used compound is usually real crap

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Erratic

Now, I want to downgrade the bios to 0404, because I think 0504 is causing problems with my ballistix.
system:
E8400
P5K Premium Rev 2.00G
2GB Ballistix ddr800

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As you have to use 0504 what problems are you getting.? I take it you have tested memory with memtest86 . Post your BIOS settings and a more detailed signature and maybe we can help resolve your issues.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sesdave

As you have to use 0504 what problems are you getting.? I take it you have tested memory with memtest86 . Post your BIOS settings and a more detailed signature and maybe we can help resolve your issues.

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OK. So I put this PC together about 3 weeks ago:
E8400
Asus P5K Premium
2GB Crucial Ballistix PC6400
Seagate 500GB 7200.11
Samsung DVDR
Antec Sonata 3 case, 500w Earthwatts Power Supply

When I first booted the mobo, it detected the e8400 but said I needed to upgrade the bios to unleash its full power. So, I immediately upgraded to 0504. I was trying to get the system stable, so I did not change any bios settings, other than running my ram at 5-5-5-15 @ 500mhz @ 2.2v. Last week, I started getting the BSODs in Windows Vista. So I rebooted, and ran memtest, and got tons of errors. I put my ram back to default 4-4-4-12 and ran memtest again, and I got tons of errors again. I figured I would exchange the ram and see if that was the issue.

I came home, popped the ram in, ran memtest at default 4-4-4-12 settings, and I am still getting errors. Very few errors (maybe 1 or 2), but there shouldn't be any at all. I ran orthos for 8 hours, and no issues. I figured there was an issue with memtest, and I was reading that there were problems with bios 0504. Thats when I tried to downgrade, and no go.

So far, my system has been stable. I have not made any bios adjustments because honestly, I still have some reading to do on what the optimal settings are for this motherboard. So, any settings you recommend for this cpu/mobo combo, would be great.

Thanks,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Erratic

OK. So I put this PC together about 3 weeks ago:
E8400
Asus P5K Premium
2GB Crucial Ballistix PC6400
Seagate 500GB 7200.11
Samsung DVDR
Antec Sonata 3 case, 500w Earthwatts Power Supply

When I first booted the mobo, it detected the e8400 but said I needed to upgrade the bios to unleash its full power. So, I immediately upgraded to 0504. I was trying to get the system stable, so I did not change any bios settings, other than running my ram at 5-5-5-15 @ 500mhz @ 2.2v. Last week, I started getting the BSODs in Windows Vista. So I rebooted, and ran memtest, and got tons of errors. I put my ram back to default 4-4-4-12 and ran memtest again, and I got tons of errors again. I figured I would exchange the ram and see if that was the issue.

I came home, popped the ram in, ran memtest at default 4-4-4-12 settings, and I am still getting errors. Very few errors (maybe 1 or 2), but there shouldn't be any at all. I ran orthos for 8 hours, and no issues. I figured there was an issue with memtest, and I was reading that there were problems with bios 0504. Thats when I tried to downgrade, and no go.

So far, my system has been stable. I have not made any bios adjustments because honestly, I still have some reading to do on what the optimal settings are for this motherboard. So, any settings you recommend for this cpu/mobo combo, would be great.

Thanks,

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We need much more info to help you
1- list all your bios settings

2- Try your RAM and CPU at motherboard default settings first (set bios defaults on exit page in bios), Your RAM will be launched at DDR2-800 and 1.8v and CPU at default speed.
Now Run memtest, if it errors on stock settings, you're maybe unlucky guy getting bad RAM or toasting it
Also, keep in mind, your RAM is rated PC2-6400 (800MHz). Running it at 1000MHz can be achieved, but not granted. Usually, 1000MHz on RAM needs 2.25-2.35v too and active cooling of the RAM
Also, list bios settings as you could have to loosen the subtimings and disable Static Read Control and Booster to start overclocking

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Erratic

OK. So I put this PC together about 3 weeks ago:
E8400
Asus P5K Premium
2GB Crucial Ballistix PC6400
Seagate 500GB 7200.11
Samsung DVDR
Antec Sonata 3 case, 500w Earthwatts Power Supply

When I first booted the mobo, it detected the e8400 but said I needed to upgrade the bios to unleash its full power. So, I immediately upgraded to 0504. I was trying to get the system stable, so I did not change any bios settings, other than running my ram at 5-5-5-15 @ 500mhz @ 2.2v. Last week, I started getting the BSODs in Windows Vista. So I rebooted, and ran memtest, and got tons of errors. I put my ram back to default 4-4-4-12 and ran memtest again, and I got tons of errors again. I figured I would exchange the ram and see if that was the issue.

I came home, popped the ram in, ran memtest at default 4-4-4-12 settings, and I am still getting errors. Very few errors (maybe 1 or 2), but there shouldn't be any at all. I ran orthos for 8 hours, and no issues. I figured there was an issue with memtest, and I was reading that there were problems with bios 0504. Thats when I tried to downgrade, and no go.

So far, my system has been stable. I have not made any bios adjustments because honestly, I still have some reading to do on what the optimal settings are for this motherboard. So, any settings you recommend for this cpu/mobo combo, would be great.

Thanks,

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Whilst they may run on lower volts 2.2v is the standard volts for Ballistix 6400 running stock 800 @ 4,4,4,12 . Check to see if you have the new ballistix sticks which are single sided chips which are now supposed to be D9HNL chips or the older double sided chips (D9GMH). The old ones are great overclockers - I had a pair and they would do 1100 + without increasing above 2.2v. If you have the newer single sided ones they are getting quite a lot of bad press re very high failure rate. Google and you will see. If you get any memtest86 errors on stock test - RMA and ask them to find you double sided ones from stock or offer to pay a little more for 8500s which will give you more headroom. This reminds me of the problems they had with the old DDR4000's which kept burning out - Just be thankful that Crucial dont shirk on their RMA service -lol! If no luck on either option take the RMA replacement sticks and sell them on ebay without opening and buy some 8500 sticks - they are so cheap now they are practically free -lol!. Get 4x1gb if you have Vista x64. Here a chip list so you can find some decent overclocking ones with D9GMH http://ramlist.ath.cx/ddr2/. That said my Ballistix 8500's run great.

My Kingston PC2-9600 are also D9GMH and clock great

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ReverendMaynard

I think I'm just going to go with a fresh install. I have a bit of reading to do now though so thanks ses for the info and the direction :)

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Being doing some more investigation after response from Fritzman re Acronis Tue Image Home 11 with the P5k and ICH9R. Current version 8053 works fine in Vista and Winxp creating backups and sees Raid so you can create full operating system image(raid0) and incremental backups on the RAid 1/5/10 patyition. Current issue is that their supplied recovery bootcd for when the RAID0 system fails and you want to restore the disk image cant see RAID when it boots on this MB -:rofl:
Looking at this link http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=189038 it appears that if you buy the product then contact the tech support they give you another boot ISO image to try out. The latest vesion is 8053 this was 8040. When all else fails you build your own bootcd using Bartpe or Vista PE - This forum gives all the links to all the deatils required to build either .http://www.wilderssecurity.com/searc...archid=2142255 So a bit fiddly getting a working bootCD if the one Acronis tech supply doesnt work but you end up with a working backup/restore system that will save a lot of time in the event of a RAID0 crash.

Have a look here......

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=203630

Best to raise ticket with support and point them to that thread.

Is it just me or does the Soundmax onboard slow down XP boot time significantly? If I disable it in the BIOS I can boot into XP about 3-4 times as fast. I don't know if it's a driver issue or if it's just the onboard sound chipset.

I don't boot into my Vista partition enough to notice, but I don't think it affects it as dramatically.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bito

Have a look here......

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=203630

Best to raise ticket with support and point them to that thread.

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Thanks for this - I will check with their tech support as this could save building the BArtpe/VistaPE recovery CD. If they guarantee this bootcd will work with the P5k /ICH9R I will buy the product as its the best out there for incremental backup/recovery and backup image/restore of RAID0 partition - when it can see it that is -lol!

Ok guys any one here using the e8400 and if so what setting`s have you got in the bios. Im after volt setting more than anything else.
Im using as follows
CPU 1.36v
CPU PLL 1.6v
FSB 1.4v
NB 1.4v
SB 1.05v
Clock Over-charge 0.80v
Load-Line calibration [Enabled]
CPU GTL Auto
NB GTL Auto
I only ask as i get random bsod when doing random things and i know its becouse of the overclock but im trying to figure it out.
Thanks Paul

Ive just had an idea as it fails prime straight away and ive just updated to bios 0504 so could it be a compatability problem between the new bios and my ram ?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilson

Ok guys any one here using the e8400 and if so what setting`s have you got in the bios. Im after volt setting more than anything else.
Im using as follows
CPU 1.36v
CPU PLL 1.6v
FSB 1.4v
NB 1.55v
SB 1.05v
Clock Over-charge 0.80v
Load-Line calibration [Enabled]
CPU GTL 0.63x
NB GTL 0.67x
I only ask as i get random bsod when doing random things and i know its becouse of the overclock but im trying to figure it out.
Thanks Paul

---

Minor changes made in quote

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilson

Ok guys any one here using the e8400 and if so what setting`s have you got in the bios. Im after volt setting more than anything else.
I only ask as i get random bsod when doing random things and i know its becouse of the overclock but im trying to figure it out.
Thanks Paul

---

Can you post the rest of your settings as well please just for thoroughness. Could be timmings,static,booster settings causing BSOD rather than NB volts.

1.36vcore may not be enough. Depending on your batch you will not remain stable at this vcore.

I have booster disabled aswell as all options in cpu configuration and i have my ram running at 5,5,5,15 with 2.25v.
My batch is Q748A402 and i can pass two memtests at that setting.
Cheers Paul.

Another thing my cpu is 1.36 in bios but shows up as 1.33v - 1.34v in cpu-z and everest when using prime so this could be the problem ??

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilson

Another thing my cpu is 1.36 in bios but shows up as 1.33v - 1.34v in cpu-z and everest when using prime so this could be the problem ??

---

I have the same vdroop which tends to be about .025 on this MB even with damper enabled. I run with static enabled and transaction booster and clock overcharging to auto.
As per previous post give it more vcore and test with Prime95.You have some headroom yet-lol!

Hows this board looking for the new .45nm quads?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by situman

Hows this board looking for the new .45nm quads?

---

Running my E3110 at 4.3GHz rock solid. Need 0504 bios update though.

A small question, did my uual 6 monthly re-install yesterday and at the time i thought it was worth tring out the 404 bios after being on the 402 beta since I brought th board (what a dumbass:shrug: ) anyways all seems to be as per normal and maybe it even boots a little faster than before, but in all the monitoring software that I have( everest, pc wizard,speedfan) my cpu temp has raised by about 10c, my cores still remain the same as before. I know this is probably pretty trivial but just wanted to see if anyone else noticed anything similar? Also is the only way to revert back to say 402 or 204 by using Asus update? can you not use a early version of afudos as per how we used to do it with the P5WDH? Cheers guys and happy easter :D .

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by holwill

A small question, did my uual 6 monthly re-install yesterday and at the time i thought it was worth tring out the 404 bios after being on the 402 beta since I brought th board (what a dumbass:shrug: ) anyways all seems to be as per normal and maybe it even boots a little faster than before, but in all the monitoring software that I have( everest, pc wizard,speedfan) my cpu temp has raised by about 10c, my cores still remain the same as before. I know this is probably pretty trivial but just wanted to see if anyone else noticed anything similar? Also is the only way to revert back to say 402 or 204 by using Asus update? can you not use a early version of afudos as per how we used to do it with the P5WDH? Cheers guys and happy easter :D .

---

Yepp - CPU temp displays higher but core the same so no problem. Its the only niggle - its runs very stable .
If you want to revert use Afudos 2.17 and USB stick .Rememeber to reset BIOS with optimum settings first. Dont know if that will work for 0504 as previous posts have indicated only Asusupdate will regress that which is why I havent tried it. Seems to run fine for a lot of people but have see numerous reports of memory problems. As I havent got an E8400 I dont see any real benefit of going to it.

Cheers mate that is reassuring to know, you have noticed the same.Will just leave it alone I think for the time being, thx for the reply.:up:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilson

I have booster disabled aswell as all options in cpu configuration and i have my ram running at 5,5,5,15 with 2.25v.
My batch is Q748A402 and i can pass two memtests at that setting.
Cheers Paul.

---

You're liquid cooled so compensating for the vdroop might help. I wouldn't take a wolfie much over 1.4v though. Also the GTL settings can be a deal breaker as well, especially when you're pushing high fsb.

Ive read that over 1.4v can damage the cpu and most people are at 1.36v max as above this is out of the cpu`s volt range. I hope that this is intel just trying to stop people using high volts to get stable overclocks but im not gonna chance it yet. What settings should i use for GTL as they are now at 0.63x and 0.67x and my fsb is like 1700 :eek:

Heres a pic of my system with the swiftech kit installed.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...7/P1010719.jpg
And im happy with the gpu block as i never go above 35 even when on cod4 for hours at a atime.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...7/P1010714.jpg

Hey Wilson :)

What are your ambeint and load temps on that setup?

I usually have at least dual loops, but with my HTPC I am going to go with a CPU/NB/GPU but only have a 2x120 RAD as you do. This worries me as I think it does not have enough jam to run my E8400 at 4Ghz and hold my NB/GPU all at acceptable temps.

Would love some info on what yours is running.

Thanks ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilson

Ive read that over 1.4v can damage the cpu and most people are at 1.36v max as above this is out of the cpu`s volt range. I hope that this is intel just trying to stop people using high volts to get stable overclocks but im not gonna chance it yet. What settings should i use for GTL as they are now at 0.63x and 0.67x and my fsb is like 1700 :eek:

---

You may find this of use - http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/...perature-guide
1.4v seems to be the rrecommended line its supposedly dangerous to cross on e8400 but hey 1.5 -1.55 is the one for quads and plenty are running 24/7 high overclocks above that. So the CPU may die sooner but what are talking about here -years,months? In all likelyhood you will upgrade your processor before it dies on you unless you absolutly toast it with insane volts and temps.We are overclocking afterall - as long as I can handle the temps I would give mine plenty more to take it higher but it wont go any higher stable whatever I stuff into it. I have tried numerous times cos 4.0 seemed a nice figure -lol! on air I am idling happily at 35c and prime 60c at 3.6.. I keep seeing post from people on the q6600 o/c thread with a 3.6 o/c complaning about volts being too high below 1.4v and with lower temps - maybe the never tried o/c a B3 :ROTF:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by turtletrax

Hey Wilson :)

What are your ambeint and load temps on that setup?

I usually have at least dual loops, but with my HTPC I am going to go with a CPU/NB/GPU but only have a 2x120 RAD as you do. This worries me as I think it does not have enough jam to run my E8400 at 4Ghz and hold my NB/GPU all at acceptable temps.

Would love some info on what yours is running.

Thanks ;)

---

Yes no worries m8..
At idle they run at 34 with my gpu at about 32 and this is with an ambeint temp of 30-33 . When online with say cod4 i go to about 40 on both cores and 35 on my gpu and when i hit prime i never seem to go above 50 and that was with a 2 hour run.
I may get better results with another loop but im happy with it as it is because 4.0Ghz is good enough for me and my g-card is also overclocked and my fans on the rad are only running at 70%.

Thats some good info m8 cheers.
Also if it lasts me 2 years i will be happy as they will always bring new cpu`s out almost every year that are faster and better.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sesdave

You may find this of use - http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/...perature-guide
1.4v seems to be the rrecommended line its supposedly dangerous to cross on e8400 but hey 1.5 -1.55 is the one for quads and plenty are running 24/7 high overclocks above that. So the CPU may die sooner but what are talking about here -years,months? In all likelyhood you will upgrade your processor before it dies on you unless you absolutly toast it with insane volts and temps.We are overclocking afterall - as long as I can handle the temps I would give mine plenty more to take it higher but it wont go any higher stable whatever I stuff into it. I have tried numerous times cos 4.0 seemed a nice figure -lol! on air I am idling happily at 35c and prime 60c at 3.6.. I keep seeing post from people on the q6600 o/c thread with a 3.6 o/c complaning about volts being too high below 1.4v and with lower temps - maybe the never tried o/c a B3 :ROTF:

---

I'm not really agreeing this. There's a whole topic on Wolfdale dying or not under vcore higher than 1.40v. When I say dying, it is real degradation expierienced by many people. Some don't, but many do noted it, even on quadcore 45nm CPUs.

You can't compare a B3 Q6600 or even a G0 to a Wolfdale/Penryn. For the Q6600 series, vcore intel specs are 1.50v +/- 5%. For the 45nm chips, it is 1.40v only. I'd take care putting many volts in those frale 45nm silicone parts

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jonny_ftm

I'm not really agreeing this. There's a whole topic on Wolfdale dying or not under vcore higher than 1.40v. When I say dying, it is real degradation expierienced by many people. Some don't, but many do noted it, even on quadcore 45nm CPUs.

You can't compare a B3 Q6600 or even a G0 to a Wolfdale/Penryn. For the Q6600 series, vcore intel specs are 1.50v +/- 5%. For the 45nm chips, it is 1.40v only. I'd take care putting many volts in those frale 45nm silicone parts

---

I wasn't comparing them - the temperature link I gave stated the limits that you are quoting. All overclocking is an accepted risk as you immediately move out of manufactures warranty when running above stock - it just depends on how far you as an individual want to push it irrespective of what the stated boundaries are with an accepted risk of the CPU dying/degrading suddenly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilson

Yes no worries m8..
At idle they run at 34 with my gpu at about 32 and this is with an ambeint temp of 30-33 . When online with say cod4 i go to about 40 on both cores and 35 on my gpu and when i hit prime i never seem to go above 50 and that was with a 2 hour run.
I may get better results with another loop but im happy with it as it is because 4.0Ghz is good enough for me and my g-card is also overclocked and my fans on the rad are only running at 70%.

---

What is the room ambient average that you get these temps as well.

Thanks for your info too, Saves me some cash ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sesdave

Being doing some more investigation after response from Fritzman re Acronis Tue Image Home 11 with the P5k and ICH9R. Current version 8053 works fine in Vista and Winxp creating backups and sees Raid so you can create full operating system image(raid0) and incremental backups on the RAid 1/5/10 patyition. Current issue is that their supplied recovery bootcd for when the RAID0 system fails and you want to restore the disk image cant see RAID when it boots on this MB -:rofl:
Looking at this link http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=189038 it appears that if you buy the product then contact the tech support they give you another boot ISO image to try out. The latest vesion is 8053 this was 8040. When all else fails you build your own bootcd using Bartpe or Vista PE - This forum gives all the links to all the deatils required to build either .http://www.wilderssecurity.com/searc...archid=2142255 So a bit fiddly getting a working bootCD if the one Acronis tech supply doesnt work but you end up with a working backup/restore system that will save a lot of time in the event of a RAID0 crash.

---

This post kinda worried me. So I put in the Acronis disk in and booted it, and got to the point where I could pick the drive to restore. It saw both my raid 0 drives, it just gave the partitions different drive letters. I was to chicken to start the restore. Hopefully I don't have this problem or am I missing something? Like does the failure of the raid and putting in another drive in and resetting the raid in bios cause this problem?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by petercintn

This post kinda worried me. So I put in the Acronis disk in and booted it, and got to the point where I could pick the drive to restore. It saw both my raid 0 drives, it just gave the partitions different drive letters. I was to chicken to start the restore. Hopefully I don't have this problem or am I missing something? Like does the failure of the raid and putting in another drive in and resetting the raid in bios cause this problem?

---

You got further than me then -lol. Did you check to see if you could see and select the image backup on the the drive.? It works fine in Vista/WinXp but there can be issues with the rescue CD on P35/ICH9R setup with RAID. Which version did you try it with - I tried v8053 and when I booted the the rescue CD it couldnt see the raid drives. There are numerous ways round it if you encounter it such as using BARTPE or VISTAPE to build a bootCD. This previous post looks promising and I need to follow it up to see if it solves my problem. http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=844

Hi friends,

I recently assembled a new system. Here is my configuration:

Asus P5K Premium, bios 0504
Q6600 @ 2.4.0Ghz (stock)
2 x 1 GB OCZ2N1066SR2GK @ 1067 Mhz
EVGA 8800GTX 768 MB
FSB Epsilon 600 Watts PSU

In order to set the memory at 1067Mhz, i did the following change in the bios (everything else, remains at default):

FSB Frequency: 266
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1067
DRAM Command Rate: 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual

CAS# Latency: 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5
RAS# Precharge: 5
RAS# Activate to Precharge:15

DRAM Voltage: 2.20V

C1E Support: Disabled
Maximum CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Vanderpool Technology: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disabled Bit: Disabled

The system is stable (since i haven't tried OCing anything else). However my CPU is running at 2.4 GHz. My RAM frequency is 534.6 MHz and my FSB:DRAM ratio is 1:2, as obsereved in CPU-Z.

I was wondering if i could increase my CPU to 3 or 3.2 GHz and my FSB:DRAM ratio to 1:1 safely without degrading my memory speed.

Please help me, as I am pretty new to this field.

Thank you,
Rajeeb

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vcrajeeb

Hi friends,

I recently assembled a new system. Here is my configuration:

Asus P5K Premium, bios 0504
Q6600 @ 2.4.0Ghz (stock)
2 x 1 GB OCZ2N1066SR2GK @ 1067 Mhz
EVGA 8800GTX 768 MB
FSB Epsilon 600 Watts PSU

I was wondering if i could increase my CPU to 3 or 3.2 GHz and my FSB:DRAM ratio to 1:1 safely without degrading my memory speed.

Please help me, as I am pretty new to this field.

Thank you,
Rajeeb

---

Shouldnt be a problem . What cooling are u using by the way? Before we start download PCwizard to monitor temps if you arent using anything http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php Its gives a neat display top right screen when you minimise..Try a 4:5 ratio rather than 1:1 for alittle more bandwidth.. You may need to increase vcore slightly if its not stable on stock. Try these settings - if okay and stable we can fine tune memory and maybe reduce some volts in the vcore/NB/FSB later. Should be able to get the sticks running 4.,4,4,12 or better at that speed..

AI Overclocking: Manual
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
FSB Strap=Auto
FSB Frequency: 400
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: 1000
DRAM Command Rate: 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency: 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5
RAS# Precharge:5
RAS# Activate to Precharge:15
TWR: auto
TRFC: auto
TWTR: auto
TRRD: auto
TRTP: auto
DRAM Static Read Control: enabled

Transaction Booster: AUTO
Clock Over-Charging Mode: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Voltage: 1.35 - more or less
CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO
CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.5
DRAM Voltage: 2.2
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.4
North Bridge Voltage: 1.40
North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO
South Bridge Voltage: AUTO

Advance CPU Settings
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
C1E Suppport: disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Vanderpool Technology: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
PECI: Disabled

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kilyin

Is it just me or does the Soundmax onboard slow down XP boot time significantly? If I disable it in the BIOS I can boot into XP about 3-4 times as fast. I don't know if it's a driver issue or if it's just the onboard sound chipset.

I don't boot into my Vista partition enough to notice, but I don't think it affects it as dramatically.

---

I guess it's just me...

:stick:

Does anybody know what is the max fsb you can get on this board ??

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilson

Does anybody know what is the max fsb you can get on this board ??

---

Dont know about max but the board is good for 500+ . Here is an old initial testing review thread http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=155116 and that with the first series and old BIOS- the later v2.0 have better capacitors(all red) and should in theory go higher. Your main constraint will probably be the CPU.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilson

Does anybody know what is the max fsb you can get on this board ??

---

dual core....600 if you got game.

yea i need some faster ram im at my limits on the ram but 3.6 aint that bad for this chip
Rich

Well it because you get the options to run at 500 x 8 , 474 x 8.5 or 450 x 9 to get an overclock of 4.0Ghz. And do you think a e8400 @ 4.0Ghz is better that a q6600 at 3.8Ghz ?? i mean the quad has 8mb cache and the duo has only 6mb cache. Is the 45nm suppost to be a better cpu or just that it runs cooler with it being 45 not 65nm.

i think the e8400 would be better for gaming.but if you multy task or fold the quad
Rich

ok now i seem to have a problem as in when playing games i get freezing and stuttering and it seems to be after i put the e8400 in but i also put the water block on my gpu so may be it got damaged:mad: . Now my system passes both 3dmark 06 and prime so im stuck as to what it is. Is there any way i can find out which it is ??

I have this board, an E6600 and G.Skill 1000mhz DDR2 5-5-5-12 ram.

My question is, am I better to run at,

8x400 = 3.2ghz

or

9x355 = 3.2hgz

Differences are,

Mem divider 4:5 with 8x400 and runs at 1000mhz. On a 266 strap

Mem divider 2:3 with 9x355 and runs at 1065mhz. On a 266 strap

Both are stable!

I'd of thought 9x355 right, for the memory boost?

The rated FSB is 1420mhz with 9x355 and it's higher with 8x400 (can't remember exactly what).

Thanks! :up:

run some benches both ways see with is better scores
Rich

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Audioboxer

I have this board, an E6600 and G.Skill 1000mhz DDR2 5-5-5-12 ram.

My question is, am I better to run at,

8x400 = 3.2ghz

or

9x355 = 3.2hgz

Differences are,

Mem divider 4:5 with 8x400 and runs at 1000mhz. On a 266 strap

Mem divider 2:3 with 9x355 and runs at 1065mhz. On a 266 strap

Both are stable!

I'd of thought 9x355 right, for the memory boost?

The rated FSB is 1420mhz with 9x355 and it's higher with 8x400 (can't remember exactly what).

Thanks! :up:

---

If you look back at previous posts there are benches posted comparing a q6600 with high FSB x lower multiplier against lower FSB higher multiplier. Or check out the P5W problems &issues thread where the E6600 was used a lot - it was a question asked a lot there. Higher FSB will increase the BUS speed which should gve better overall performance - looking at some of the stats it doesnt really make that much difference for games and apps in the real world unless a couple of extra FPS really matter. Whatever your CPU like best - I dont think 65mhz extra memory is going to make that much diifference on 355x9. If you want to see a real difference try upping the CPU speed to 3.6 with 400x9. If you E6600 batch is good it should do that okay on this board with 1.45-1.5v.

Happy Easter to everyone - snowing here in North Yorkshire-lol!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilson

ok now i seem to have a problem as in when playing games i get freezing and stuttering and it seems to be after i put the e8400 in but i also put the water block on my gpu so may be it got damaged:mad: . Now my system passes both 3dmark 06 and prime so im stuck as to what it is. Is there any way i can find out which it is ??

---

Yank out two stick of ram and test it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sesdave

If you look back at previous posts there are benches posted comparing a q6600 with high FSB x lower multiplier against lower FSB higher multiplier. Or check out the P5W problems &issues thread where the E6600 was used a lot - it was a question asked a lot there. Higher FSB will increase the BUS speed which should gve better overall performance - looking at some of the stats it doesnt really make that much difference for games and apps in the real world unless a couple of extra FPS really matter. Whatever your CPU like best - I dont think 65mhz extra memory is going to make that much diifference on 355x9. If you want to see a real difference try upping the CPU speed to 3.6 with 400x9. If you E6600 batch is good it should do that okay on this board with 1.45-1.5v.

Happy Easter to everyone - snowing here in North Yorkshire-lol!

---

Thanks for the reply.

I tried to get 3.6ghz stable before, and I would get lockups and what not.

My E6600 is a revision B2, Stepping/Family 6, Model F.

I'll have another read! :up:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Audioboxer

Thanks for the reply.

I tried to get 3.6ghz stable before, and I would get lockups and what not.

My E6600 is a revision B2, Stepping/Family 6, Model F.

I'll have another read! :up:

---

I had one similar that did 3.6 with Bios vore 1.5 on a P5W DH - its had a vdroop of .025.Try it with the settings I posted http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=873 with these amendments , CMOS=9, vcore =1.5 and FSB=1.3v and see if you have any joy. Course not all e6600 would do 3.6 but most of them could get there with a bit of encouragement. If not 400 try 390 then 380 etc.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilson

ok now i seem to have a problem as in when playing games i get freezing and stuttering and it seems to be after i put the e8400 in but i also put the water block on my gpu so may be it got damaged:mad: . Now my system passes both 3dmark 06 and prime so im stuck as to what it is. Is there any way i can find out which it is ??

---

Is that in all games or just ones like crysis and COD? what drivers are u using. HAve you got an xf-i sound card - if so worth laoding latest driver as it can cause similar problems.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sesdave

I had one similar that did 3.6 with Bios vore 1.5 on a P5W DH - its had a vdroop of .025.Try it with the settings I posted http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=873 with these amendments , CMOS=9, vcore =1.5 and FSB=1.3v and see if you have any joy. Course not all e6600 would do 3.6 but most of them could get there with a bit of encouragement. If not 400 try 390 then 380 etc.

---

Thanks! I'll have a look.

I'm currently at 3.36 ghz (8x420) on a vcore of 1.45 (1.432v with droop).

1.5v wouldn't boot into windows, 1.55v would.

1.55v is the highest I'd go, but it's still higher than I would like.

I'm on air cooling (tuniq tower), with a P180 case.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...verclock-2.jpg

Need to check for stability now - If it pulls through, do you guys think those IDLE temps are ok?

Things get a bit hot, I'll aim for a 3.4ghz clock and be happy (was at 3.36 before, stable - on 1.45v).

Here is my bios settings as well!

Do these look ok to most of you guys, or would you change anything for stability/performance?

Thanks a lot, I know the basics of overclocking ok, I just need a little push in the right direction with the finishing product :up:

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...ages/bios1.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...ages/bios2.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...ages/bios3.jpg

put your strap at auto see if that helps
Rich

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Audioboxer

1.5v wouldn't boot into windows, 1.55v would.

1.55v is the highest I'd go, but it's still higher than I would like.
Things get a bit hot, I'll aim for a 3.4ghz clock and be happy (was at 3.36 before, stable - on 1.45v).

---

Also try with CPU and NB GTL set to auto or lowest setting. They can mess up the o/c if not right and most of the recommendations on this thread are for q6600. This may help if you want to know what the settings actually do - it for a different MB but explains most of the settings http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...spx?i=3156&p=4
Lapping can help the e6600 temps as a lot are concave. Do a razor check to see if it level - check you HSF as well. If not - lap whatever is uneven. It should even the core temps and help reduce the temps. Heres a guide I used when I did miy old E6600. http://www.thetechrepository.com/showthread.php?t=71

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sesdave

Shouldnt be a problem . What cooling are u using by the way? Before we start download PCwizard to monitor temps if you arent using anything http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php Its gives a neat display top right screen when you minimise..Try a 4:5 ratio rather than 1:1 for alittle more bandwidth.. You may need to increase vcore slightly if its not stable on stock. Try these settings - if okay and stable we can fine tune memory and maybe reduce some volts in the vcore/NB/FSB later. Should be able to get the sticks running 4.,4,4,12 or better at that speed..

AI Overclocking: Manual
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
FSB Strap=Auto
FSB Frequency: 400
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: 1000
DRAM Command Rate: 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency: 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5
RAS# Precharge:5
RAS# Activate to Precharge:15
TWR: auto
TRFC: auto
TWTR: auto
TRRD: auto
TRTP: auto
DRAM Static Read Control: enabled

Transaction Booster: AUTO
Clock Over-Charging Mode: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Voltage: 1.35 - more or less
CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO
CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.5
DRAM Voltage: 2.2
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.4
North Bridge Voltage: 1.40
North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO
South Bridge Voltage: AUTO

Advance CPU Settings
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
C1E Suppport: disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Vanderpool Technology: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
PECI: Disabled

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Well i set it up like this:

------------------------------------------------------------------
AI Overclocking: Manual
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
FSB Strap: Auto
FSB Frequency: 400
PCI-E Frequency: Auto
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1066
DRAM Command Rate: 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency: 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5
RAS# Precharge:5
RAS# Activate to Precharge:15
TWR: Auto
TRFC: Auto
TWTR: Auto
TRRD: Auto
TRTP: Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Disabled

Transaction Booster: AUTO
Clock Over-Charging Mode: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Voltage: 1.4375
CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO
CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.5
DRAM Voltage: 2.2
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.4
North Bridge Voltage: 1.40
North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO
South Bridge Voltage: AUTO
------------------------------------------------------------------

The system is stable enough and running at 3.2 GHz with DDR2-1066. However i am little worried about:
CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO
CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.5
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.4
North Bridge Voltage: 1.40
North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO
South Bridge Voltage: AUTO

Keeping all these constant i had tried reducing the CPU voltage from 1.45v to 1.4375, and it seems this is the right voltage at which the system is stable. However I was wondering if i should try reducing any of the above voltage. And what should i ideally set "DRAM Static Read Control" to?

I am using the stock CPU fan, and my CPU is in the range of 50 - 65 c temperature and during high stress @ 65 - 73 c.

Thank you,
Rajeeb

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vcrajeeb

Keeping all these constant i had tried reducing the CPU voltage from 1.45v to 1.4375, and it seems this is the right voltage at which the system is stable. However I was wondering if i should try reducing any of the above voltage. And what should i ideally set "DRAM Static Read Control" to?

I am using the stock CPU fan, and my CPU is in the range of 50 - 65 c temperature and during high stress @ 65 - 73 c.

Thank you,
Rajeeb

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!.4375 seems very high for running 3.2. You should be able to run 3.0-3.2 on 1.35v or less- what batch and VID is your CPU. You dont want temps like that - reduce vcore . I would recommend another HSF like mine or better - the stock fan is limited if you are overclocking. Also get some decent thermal paste like MX-2. Ideally DRAM static should =enabled for performance but you are probably best to leave disabled until you stabalise the overclock. Check my previous post for link explaining all the BIOS settings.

How is this looking guys?

I'm about to go to bed, so I'll leave it for 5-6 hours.

CPU is around 40 idle.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...es/orthos1.jpg

One of two things I'm going to try if stable over 6 hours.

Reduce Vcore - Running at 1.55v just now for 3.5ghz clock.

Increase FSB to 450 and keep at 1.55v - 3.6ghz clock, then I'll run Orthos at 3.6ghz, and if stable try reducing Vcore again.

:up:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Audioboxer

How is this looking guys?

I'm about to go to bed, so I'll leave it for 5-6 hours.

CPU is around 40 idle.

One of two things I'm going to try if stable over 6 hours.

Reduce Vcore - Running at 1.55v just now for 3.5ghz clock.

Increase FSB to 450 and keep at 1.55v - 3.6ghz clock, then I'll run Orthos at 3.6ghz, and if stable try reducing Vcore again.

:up:

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Your E6600 is a bit hot on prime - you want to try to get it down to round about 60c. http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/...perature-guide If you can reduce vcore or lap the CPU. Preferably both for maximum benefit -lol! What thermal paste have you got - I recommend MX-2 for great all round performance.No cure time and as good as As5 if not better. A better HSF would also help - the tuniq isnt one of the best around. My lilltle Ultima which is way smaller will outperform it http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=137838

That said it will only hit these temps running prime - not during gaming or app use. Mine used to do 60-62 on prime. You might find this thread of interest http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=155116 TinTIn had a good chip and ran 450x8 on low volts with his cooling setup. Note that apart from vcore/voDIMM he set all other volts/settings to minimum. You need to check yours will run with FSB 450 before you go for the overclock - try it with a lower multiplier.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sesdave

Your E6600 is a bit hot on prime - you want to try to get it down to round about 60c. http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/...perature-guide If you can reduce vcore or lap the CPU. Preferably both for maximum benefit -lol! What thermal paste have you got - I recommend MX-2 for great all round performance.No cure time and as good as As5 if not better. A better HSF would also help - the tuniq isnt one of the best around. My lilltle Ultima which is way smaller will outperform it http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=137838

That said it will only hit these temps running prime - not during gaming or app use. Mine used to do 60-62 on prime. You might find this thread of interest http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=155116 TinTIn had a good chip and ran 450x8 on low volts with his cooling setup. Note that apart from vcore/voDIMM he set all other volts/settings to minimum. You need to check yours will run with FSB 450 before you go for the overclock - try it with a lower multiplier.

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Thanks :up:

Paste is Artic Silver Ceramique.

Good news was it hit 8 hours stable in Orthos!

Now to see if I can bring the temps down... Slowly taking voltage down 1 notch at a time, and running orthos.

I'll post my BIOS settings in 5!

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...ios1stable.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...ios2stable.jpg

ps. I noticed TinTin only goes about 15/30 mins in Orthos! Is that really enough?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Audioboxer

Thanks :up:

Paste is Artic Silver Ceramique.

Good news was it hit 8 hours stable in Orthos!

Now to see if I can bring the temps down...

I'll post my BIOS settings in 5!

ps. I noticed TinTin only goes about 15/30 mins in Orthos! Is that really enough?

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Good news - I ran my e6600 24/7 at 3.6 with 1.5v idle 46c from when I bought it up until I sold it. If you can reduce temps by applying some of the suggestions all the better but I wouldnt get excited about it. Lapping will give the most no cost temp reduction benefit if ithe IHS is not even - if it is even/flat when checked with a razor dont bother as you will get minimal if any gain.
TinTin was posting an initial assessment of the boards capabilities for our benefit so he didnt do full runs - I am sure he could have run it prime 8+ if he had wanted to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sesdave

Good news - I ran my e6600 24/7 at 3.6 with 1.5v idle 46c from when I bought it up until I sold it. If you can reduce temps by applying some of the suggestions all the better but I wouldnt get excited about it. Lapping will give the most no cost temp reduction benefit if ithe IHS is not even - if it is even/flat when checked with a razor dont bother as you will get minimal if any gain.
TinTin was posting an initial assessment of the boards capabilities for our benefit so he didnt do full runs - I am sure he could have run it prime 8+ if he had wanted to.

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:up:

I'd prefer not to go through the process of dismantling everything to lap it (I know, lazy heh) - Also because I've never lapped a CPU before.

I run my Tuniq on lowest fan speed, so I could up it a bit.

Other good news is initial test shows stable on 1.53v - 1 notch down from 1.55.

I'll take it down another notch. Once I can get 20-30 mins stable at a certain voltage lower than 1.55, I'll then run another 8 hour test tonight.

Doubt I'll get it as low as 1.5v, 1.5v wouldn't boot into windows at 3.6ghz, and im at 3.53ghz just now.

It's not exceeding 60 now, but hitting it/hovering below, better?

1.53v
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...es/orthos2.jpg

1.52v
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...mages/152v.jpg

1.51v
16mins then BSOD :(

1.5v
BSOD after 8 seconds :(

1.5v/1.51v are out of the question it seems...

Need to test 1.52 for longer to make sure it is fully stable - Could BSOD after 20-25-30 mins. I'll do another 8 hour test.

At least 1.52/1.53 were below/on 60, so hopefully one of the two pull through!