**Official DFI LanParty UT 790FX-M2R Review/Overclock/Guide Thread**

[justapost]

BrotherEsau: Saw you need a description of CPU-NB Vlotage (should be Voltage of course). That is the voltage for the cpu's north bridge. Due to the split power plane design this gets handled separated now.
With my 9600BE ~1.3V was good up to 2.1GHz NB speed. For stock (1.8GHz) 1.1V was a save value, min possible was ~1.0625V.
You can use AMD Power Monitor to check what NB VID is actualy used.

@oese: umm yeah, the unlocked multi is an argument.

[KTE]

Achim what's the maximum voltage you've tried? Given it 1.55v (limit) yet?

[justapost]

Achim what's the maximum voltage you've tried? Given it 1.55v (limit) yet?

Tried 1.5V (bios) max, temps go up rapid with those voltages so I'd need better cooling for testing first.
I configured my mobo to power off if the cpu temp (ext. sensor) reaches 80°C. That happend at 2.9GHz with ~1.45V once.
I don't think the cpu will life long at 1.5V however, but i'd like to bench >3.GHz.

EDIT: That said, I tried to boot at 1.6V(max on DFI) with 15.5 multi and it freezes short before login. Added another 100,25% bump with the same result.

[Oese]

My contribution towards the Sunday Gospel

yeeeeah..

@ justapost: unfortunately not really unlocked, but 16x is high enough

[Brother Esau]

Question.......Is CoreTemp accurate with read out on Phenom with the new version?

[Sparky]

Well I feel better now, finally got my board back from DFI (took them the whole 10 days and no communication, never even let me know they got it in the first place ) and I just got set back up, bumped my multi from 11.5 default to 12 and set full default ram speed and voila, booted into windows.

Thing is, I may be selling them all off because my car spun a rod bearing and I need a new engine now

[Tony]

you need a crank grind and new bearings, this can usually be done without even removing the engine if you go to a good shop

Sorry for the OT there

[Brother Esau]

@BroE; You have not apllied high voltages to your 9600BE yet, i'd recommend you sell that thing and get an 9850BE quick, much more fun and alot easier to oc.

GIDDY UP!!!!!!!

[3oh6]

Hey 3oh6, did you really require that high vCore for that setting? By my experience, it's very high, I only required 1.3V to get to 3.35/6G stable with the stock HSF using two of them CPUs.
Also, how accurate is the DRAM voltage given there? If true, looks very good.

okay so i missed your response earlier, but better late than never i guess

yeah, this 5000+ just isn't that good. it was on basically the stock cooler but any lower voltage just wasn't stable.

as for the vDIMM, i find SG to be bang on to my measured voltage at the DIMM slot. good old PC2-8000 OCZ Platinums

[justapost]

GIDDY UP!!!!!!!

I'm serious about that point i made.

Running 2.8/2.2 at 1.3125/1.275V atm, mem at 1066-5-5-5-16-18 using 2V. Dropped vdimm to 1.9V and it seems to be stable also
Mem is rated for 2.2V at those timings and i used ~2.12V with the 9600BE all the times. I'm unsure if this low consumption has todo with the new b3 stepping because i never tried below 2.12V with an B2.

EDIT: Hmm 3dMark06 froze with those settings, gona see if it's the nb voltage or the vdimm.

[Brother Esau]

Hmmmm...... Achim, obviously you think I am making a Funny? Obviously you have also overlooked my updated signature as well


GIDDY UP!!!!!

[justapost]

Hmmmm...... Achim, obviously you think I am making a Funny? Obviously you have also overlooked my updated signature as well

Hehe yeah I thought it's sunday and you had fun with guiness.
It's gettin to be an expensive hobby, I already spended ~600€ for phenoms this year and i will buy an 45nm version too if it's available this year.

edit. GIDDY UP = got the update?

I said yesterday that AMD power monitor can be used to monitor NB voltages. That is not true! It works only if you tweak the p-states and switch to them manual or via cnq. Normaly AMD power monitor reads the vid's from the msr registers, but those are not used on the DFI board and they always show the stock vid's the cpu is rated for.

[Brother Esau]

Well I see it like this my participation will help the "Whole" and that means better Bios , Better & superior Products and end user experience and in general get it to work and work really well. Quite Frankly Intel They can kiss my ass in Macy's Window! (No Seriously I mean it!) And thats what I think about SuperPi / Intel Fiasco that gets shoved down our throat relentlessly.

I have had both Q6600 and Phenom and guess what? I like my Phenom better!

Yes it is a expensive ordeal but at least its going to a great cause and not a selfish intention. I really should not be doing this either but I believe AMD is paying very close attention to this forum and everybody that ha been actively participating in this Phenom 790FX Platform has been and is instrumental in AMD's turn around with what we are seeing present in current jump from B2 Loser to B3 Winner!

[aGeoM]

Brother Esau How is going your bios testing?

[Mechromancer]

Brother Esau I'm interested to know how well the 6-phase digital PWM handles overclocking the mighty 125watt 9850BE. If you haven't heard, cheaper motherboards with 3 to 5 phase PWMs blow their MOSFETS with these 125w CPUs. If the 6-phase on this board can't get the CPU to 3.2Ghz (which it will do on air with the stock cooler @1.4v) then I need to consider an 8-Phase ASUS or Gigabyte (both have crappy bioses though).

Here are some links describing the 125watt mobo problem and 3.2Ghz@1.4v respectively:
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3279
http://www.lostcircuits.com/cpu/amd_phenom9850/

EDIT: From the looks of the 6400+ overclocking, it seems this board is more than capable, but I don't see any validation with the 9850BE to put my mind at ease. I'm pretty sure it can handle it but just wanted to get your go ahead with my little project. BTW, this is my first post. I'm from the OCForums, but there are too many Intel fanbois hassling us AMD guys now. For that reason all my Phenom posts must come here where its safe.

[Brother Esau]

The board you are thinking of at Anandtech I believe is the Gigayte 780G that is blowing the Mosefts...pretty sure about that one.

[KTE]

Brother Esau I'm interested to know how well the 6-phase digital PWM handles overclocking the mighty 125watt 9850BE. If you haven't heard, cheaper motherboards with 3 to 5 phase PWMs blow their MOSFETS with these 125w CPUs. If the 6-phase on this board can't get the CPU to 3.2Ghz (which it will do on air with the stock cooler @1.4v) then I need to consider an 8-Phase ASUS or Gigabyte (both have crappy bioses though).

Here are some links describing the 125watt mobo problem and 3.2Ghz@1.4v respectively:
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3279
http://www.lostcircuits.com/cpu/amd_phenom9850/

LOL, no, none of the 790FX boards have a problem or blow up with Phenoms, but 3-phase cheaper 780G designs with 125W mainly or 3+1 phase if you don't cool the PWM area or top the 160W CPU boundaries - then very possible. Nothing above 3+1 phase has a problem that we know of.

My 4+1 phase I've benched pulling 250W DC through CPU alone at 1.6v 3.1GHz stock HSF with no TIM and not tied down, just resting on top of CPU. Over 48 hours at that setting. Don't read too much into FUD, ask the guys who have experience with the board you're after and you'll get accurate answers.

The DFI has no problem with these wattages nor does any other 790FX board that I know of.

1.4v 3.2G? That has nothing to do with board if you have a decent board, that's good, but don't expect it unless you get a good oc chip. Mine and Achims won't do that. Mine will not even POST at 1.4v 3.2G, let alone stable.

[Brother Esau]

Brother Esau How is going your bios testing?

Well have been doing allot of reading on this Phenom Overclocking so I have been taking the logical baby steps with it and there is allot more reading (Allot) that I need to do as to not cross the very fine line with these Phenom CPU's

I am currently on the 1/30/08 Official because it seemed the most stable for me ATM but keep in mind most of my initial Hoopla with the Bios was figuring out why the 1066 Divider did not work with this Ram on this OCZ FLEX PC29200 which I got figured out and its all SPD related on these sticks anyway

Currently I am on a SPD File from the Reaper PC29200 and it works well but I will actually be ordering the 2X2GB OCZ Reaper PC28500 Kit so I can see whats up with those 2x2gb Kit and get under way with a Valid list started for 2X2GB Ram Kits that work well and Boot @ 1066 Divider on this board I am also going to be testing Tony's Modified SPD with them as well so I can give him some feedback on how thats working too


Will be getting my Phenom 9850 Black Edition in a couple of days I should have waited on getting the Current Phenom I have because I really need to be on the B3 Rev because thats what anybody and everybody will be on and its kind of hard to cross reference with others when you have a B2 and they have B3 different (Naughty Monkey) All together

But so Far for the Bios that are available......

1/30/2008 Official....Not perfect but stable (have not explored fully with Phenom)

3/07/2008 Official.....Ummmmm.....Little nervous about using that one as it could have been responsible for corrupting my bios chip in Beta stage

3/12/2008 Beta.....Really enjoyed this Beta release with my 6400+ BE but was acting a little funky with Phenom// Will test again with B3

3/31/2008 Beta....Stay away from this Release it has major problems!


As I have mentioned my conclusion at this moment on any given Bios Release Official or Beta is inconclusive at this point in time for a number of reasons and would not fair to definitively say Good or Bad at this point for any particular Release Due to the Ram Booting @ 1066 Divider / SPD issue and also not being up to speed on the whole Phenom deal yet

Be patient guys I am working on it and Tony is onboard again so its gonna get better by a long shot now that B3 Rev is out

[Mechromancer]

Don't read too much into FUD, ask the guys who have experience with the board you're after and you'll get accurate answers.

Thats EXACTLY why I wrote my post! Thanks for the fast reply. I need a laptop and a fast, stable computer for my new job ASAP. I have $3005 worth of Phenom 9850BE build parts and a laptop queued up at Newegg.com and I may pull the trigger this afternoon so it all arrives by Friday (weekend overclocking FTW). I'm loving my 2900XT's digital PWM that allows me to achieve 900+Mhz stable overclocks and I know a motherboard with that feature will be amazing.

Parts List:
-Phenom 9850BE
-G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - Retail
-DFI LP UT 790FX-M2R AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
-VisionTek 900209 Radeon HD 3870 X2 1GB (512MB x 2) 512-bit (256-bit x 2) GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

....and some other stuff.

Is it critical that I pair that motherboard with DDR2 from the compatibility list on DFI's site? I want a 2x2GB kit because I may get another 4GB sooner than later. The 1066 on DFI's site are all 2x1GB kits. How sensitive is this motherboard to memory? Also, does this board have a problem with all 4 memory slots being filled?


Let me ask though, do the power management chips gets very hot to the touch? I wonder if they could benefit from an added heatsink for extra cooling.

[Mechromancer]

Well have been doing allot of reading on this Phenom Overclocking so I have been taking the logical baby steps with it and there is allot more reading (Allot) that I need to do as to not cross the very fine line with these Phenom CPU's

I am currently on the 1/30/08 Official because it seemed the most stable for me ATM but keep in mind most of my initial Hoopla with the Bios was figuring out why the 1066 Divider did not work with this Ram on this OCZ FLEX PC29200 which I got figured out and its all SPD related on these sticks anyway

Currently I am on a SPD File from the Reaper PC29200 and it works well but I will actually be ordering the 2X2GB OCZ Reaper PC28500 Kit so I can see whats up with those 2x2gb Kit and get under way with a Valid list started for 2X2GB Ram Kits that work well and Boot @ 1066 Divider on this board I am also going to be testing Tony's Modified SPD with them as well so I can give him some feedback on how thats working too


Will be getting my Phenom 9850 Black Edition in a couple of days I should have waited on getting the Current Phenom I have because I really need to be on the B3 Rev because thats what anybody and everybody will be on and its kind of hard to cross reference with others when you have a B2 and they have B3 different (Naughty Monkey) All together

But so Far for the Bios that are available......

1/30/2008 Official....Not perfect but stable (have not explored fully with Phenom)

3/07/2008 Official.....Ummmmm.....Little nervous about using that one as it could have been responsible for corrupting my bios chip in Beta stage

3/12/2008 Beta.....Really enjoyed this Beta release with my 6400+ BE but was acting a little funky with Phenom// Will test again with B3

3/31/2008 Beta....Stay away from this Release it has major problems!


As I have mentioned my conclusion at this moment on any given Bios Release Official or Beta is inconclusive at this point in time for a number of reasons and would not fair to definitively say Good or Bad at this point for any particular Release Due to the Ram Booting @ 1066 Divider / SPD issue and also not being up to speed on the whole Phenom deal yet

Be patient guys I am working on it and Tony is onboard again so its gonna get better by a long shot now that B3 Rev is out

After reading that, I think I'll wait for you to flesh out a good build with 2x2GB 1066. When you have things settled I'll build according to your recommendation. I really appreciate you doing this for the AMD community. I usually go my own way and do the trial and error bit myself but I want to get it done right the first time. I feel like I'm gambling with that G.SKILL memory so I'll wait to see what happens with yours.

[Brother Esau]

Thats EXACTLY why I wrote my post! Thanks for the fast reply. I need a laptop and a fast, stable computer for my new job ASAP. I have $3005 worth of Phenom 9850BE build parts and a laptop queued up at Newegg.com and I may pull the trigger this afternoon so it all arrives by Friday (weekend overclocking FTW). I'm loving my 2900XT's digital PWM that allows me to achieve 900+Mhz stable overclocks and I know a motherboard with that feature will be amazing.

Parts List:
-Phenom 9850BE
-G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - Retail
-DFI LP UT 790FX-M2R AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
-VisionTek 900209 Radeon HD 3870 X2 1GB (512MB x 2) 512-bit (256-bit x 2) GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

....and some other stuff.

Is it critical that I pair that motherboard with DDR2 from the compatibility list on DFI's site? I want a 2x2GB kit because I may get another 4GB sooner than later. The 1066 on DFI's site are all 2x1GB kits. How sensitive is this motherboard to memory? Also, does this board have a problem with all 4 memory slots being filled?Let me ask though, do the power management chips gets very hot to the touch? I wonder if they could benefit from an added heatsink for extra cooling.

NO!
But I would cross reference whats working with folks on this thread and on the 2X2GB G-SKILL Baby Blue PC28500 Kit I would wait and ask Keithlm who should have them tomorrow or today possibly if they boot properly @1066 divider with Phenom on this DFI 790FX-M2R


A little love from the Phenom all at Stock Volts @1.24 Real Vcore Stable under Prime95 Blend for 3hrs tested so far [/B]

[keithlm]

Parts List:
-Phenom 9850BE
-G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - Retail
-DFI LP UT 790FX-M2R AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

That's basically what I bought. I am nervous about the ram.

Many people seem to be happy with that ram on X2 and X4 setups. However there is one person that apparently had some major problems with it. Since it is only one person I'm not as worried as if it had been a LOT of people... but nevertheless I'm still concerned. Until I plug it all in and turn on the power... and it WORKS... at 1066... then I'll remain concerned.

At newegg the only other choice was some cheaper Patriot ram or some "TeamGroup".

I've had Patriot before.. they clocked at exactly what they said. Not a bit more. The G.Skill had a bunch of reviews... mostly good. Many for the Phenom on 790FX motherboards.

IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IC'S:
The "TeamGroup" ram might have Micron integrated circuit chips and the G.Skill might have Powerchip integrated circuit chips. If that is true you might want to consider the TeamGroup ram. (Nobody is totally sure on the G.Skill brand of chip because the PC-8000 speed has the powerchip 6-layer PCB and the PC-8500 has an 8-layer PCB and nobody has verified what chip it is... but it is probably powerchip. Knowing what I know TODAY I would probably order the TeamGroup ram if I placed my order today.)

From what I have read the Micron ram seems to overclock better... but takes more voltage and runs hotter. The current powerchip IC take less voltage and run cooler but some people might have problems.

I might RMA the G.Skill and order some of the Teamgroup ram if G.Skill works poorly. (BTW: When I hit the "buy" button on Newegg the TeamGroup ram was $20.00 more than the G.Skill and I had no reason to believe it was any better.)

But I would cross reference whats working with folks on this thread and on the 2X2GB G-SKILL Baby Blue PC28500 Kit I would wait and ask Keithlm who should have them tomorrow or today possibly if they boot properly @1066 divider with Phenom on this DFI 790FX-M2R

I'm on it already. :-)

But it looks like... no UPS until tomorrow. <cry> They list the delivery date as tomorrow... but they have snuck overnight stuff in before... so I'm hopeful.

[Brother Esau]

Actually you will better off getting the G-SKILL with the Power Chip IC's over the Team Group ...Why? Because for Phenom CPU's you want to be able to run the lowest Vdimm value possible as to not Blow up the IMC in the Phenom due to excessive Voltage to the Memory. 2.3v Rated Memory is not a good choice with Phenom Keithlm

I am pretty sure the 2X2GB G-SKILL PC28500 that you are getting should work without issue. Also it will make you a contributer to the Recommended 2X2GB Ram Kit List I am starting.

I am getting the 2X2gb OCZ Reaper HTC PC2-8500 Kit so that makes 2 kits of different types of Ram and more will follow once started

[Mechromancer]

Actually you will better off getting the G-SKILL with the Power Chip IC's over the Team Group ...Why? Because for Phenom CPU's you want to be able to run the lowest Vdimm value possible as to not Blow up the IMC in the Phenom due to excessive Voltage to the Memory. 2.3v Rated Memory is not a good choice with Phenom Keithlm

I am pretty sure the 2X2GB G-SKILL PC28500 that you are getting should work without issue. Also it will make you a contributer to the Recommended 2X2GB Ram Kit List I am starting.

I am getting the 2X2gb OCZ Reaper HTC PC2-8500 Kit so that makes 2 kits of different types of Ram and more will follow once started

Jeez, yall respond fast as hell...

I'm glad you brought up the point about mem voltage and the IMC. I had not taken that into consideration this time around. With my s939 system I bought Mushkin DDR500 just so I could undervolt it to cut down on stressing my components. I wonder if higher rated DDR2 would allow for lower operating voltages at 1066 speeds. I'll put in some research on this subject after work today and get back with you all.

I'm already spending a fortune . A few more dollars can't hurt.

EDIT: WOW I found this PDF about the G.SKILL stix: http://www.gskill.us/166.pdf
If you have an intel mobo thats about as helpful as it gets. They tell you all the BIOS settings you need to use. I hope some of that can translate to Phenom IMC performance and stability.

[keithlm]

Jeez, yall respond fast as hell...

What do you mean? It's a slow day. Usually we answer in much less time.

I'm already spending a fortune . A few more dollars can't hurt.

I'm regretting the choice of UPS over Fedex. On friday when I ordered... I figured that they wouldn't ship til monday so it doesn't matter.

They shipped saturday... so I got excited. Fedex would deliver today with no problem. UPS might deliver today.. but since they don't count saturday as a workday they reserve the right to deliver tomorrow. (And have it listed as the estimated delivery date... even though they picked up saturday. That's "one business day".)

It would only have been $10.00 more to use FEDEX. <hits head on wall> Like you dais... a few more dollars can't hurt. Or be noticeable when you talk about these kinds of amounts.

Actually you will better off getting the G-SKILL with the Power Chip IC's over the Team Group ...Why? Because for Phenom CPU's you want to be able to run the lowest Vdimm value possible as to not Blow up the IMC in the Phenom due to excessive Voltage to the Memory. 2.3v Rated Memory is not a good choice with Phenom Keithlm

I am pretty sure the 2X2GB G-SKILL PC28500 that you are getting should work without issue. Also it will make you a contributer to the Recommended 2X2GB Ram Kit List I am starting.

I am getting the 2X2gb OCZ Reaper HTC PC2-8500 Kit so that makes 2 kits of different types of Ram and more will follow once started

Ah good deal... I feel better again. <sigh>

Although MotF Bane worries me: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...1&postcount=24

(But I've seen many cases where some people have problems and others don't with the same equipment. Sometimes its faulty hardware... sometimes software.. sometimes just having a certain video card or maybe dust in the slots... who knows. So I can hope for no problems.)