Intel x48 Chipset and C2Q 45nm Overclocking Thread

[Zucker2k]

The s775 platform is almost set to be phased out soon, but some of us who are usually early adopters have decided to pass up the opportunity to jump on the Ci7 bandwagon; we have a good reason to: armed with proven, albeit a little older technology, we feel our systems still have what it takes for the most intensive applications out there. Be it the P965, P35, x38, x48, or p45, we have come to appreciate the stability the s775 platform offers and are unwilling to part with it yet.

While all the chipsets have their strengths and weakneses, it seems for the x48 chipset in particular, weakness comes in the form of its seeming lack of ability to power a C2Q 45nm to heights the P45 seems to do effortlessly. This is quite understandable since the P45 is a newer chipset and bound to offer significant improvements over earlier chipsets.

While this is generally the accepted conclusion, the results have been mixed somewhat. At least, I have witnessed or been engaged in debates in which I had to question some of these generalizations and conclusions about the x48 chipset. This thread is an attempt to bring together the adopters of this particular chipset to enable us share resources and tips on overclocks and stability.

In my experience with 45nm quad, I find that they can be very volt-sensitive for stable performance but can endure heavy volts as well. This is not to encourage anyone to pump insane volts into their hardware unless they know what they're doing. What I do mean is, some chips do need the volts in order to shine. Careful observation and testing is a must for the best success.

The results below are indicative of my interaction with three 45nm C2Qs and how each responded to my x48 Rampage Formula. I have also received requests for my settings so I'll post my current settings later to day.

I'm on water; all chipsets water cooled. Hardware in my sig. OS is Windows Vista x64 for all tests unless stated otherwise. Thanks.

Richard.

Q9450 @ 8x450FSB, 4GB ram @ DDR2 1080, PL7.
DRAM SKEWS = 300/300 on A/B Channels
DRAM STATIC READ = Disabled
Ai CLOCK TWISTER = AUTO
CPL = Manual
PL = 7
CPUPLL=1.50v
NBV = 1.250v
CPU GTL = x67
NB GTL = x67
FSBT = 1.20v


Asus Rampage Formula x48, bios 0308
C2Q Q9550, C1 @ 8.5 x 471 (4Ghz)
4x 2GB G.Skill F2-7200CLD4, 8GB DDR2 942mhz Cas 4, PL7
WC, both chipsets watercooled.
2x 2-disk raid0
Windows Server 2008 SP2 beta (Regular OS)

Only changes from above are;

DRAM STATIC READ = Enabled
Ai CLOCK TWISTER = Enabled
NBV = 1.31v
FSBT = 1.240v




Prime95 small ffts...
Voltages are a little higher here, should take about 1.50v, but my reputation was at stake so I took precautions...

Q9550 @ 4.250Ghz 8.5x500FSB
All settings as above except;
NBV = 1.73v
FSBT = 1.72v
CPU GTL = x62
NB GTL = x67

3hrs done....


4hrs done and small ffts cycle complete....




Prime95 blend....



Just to give an idea how stable the system is....


12hrs+ complete....



Q9650 stability test and some fun runs...


9x506 fsb
Settings same as above except;
PL = 8
CPUPLL = 1.56
NBV = 1.85v
FSBT = 1.72
CPU GTL = x62
NB GTL = x67
SBV = 1.250v
SB 1.5 = 1.60v












9x511 fsb
All settings same as above except;
CPUPLL = 1.60v
FSBT = 1.80v








So as you can see, the x48 chipset is quite capable; keep in mind that this chipset is a 90nm node and carries a heavier load of work comparatively, it therefore needs more voltage; the ihs is there for a reason. In spite of this, I was able to run at very low voltages because I kept the chipsets cool with my wc setup. Hopefully, as this thread grows, we shall dig deeper into what works with this chipset. Thanks.

Richard.

[WhiteFireDragon]

first of all, i don't think 775 will phase out anytime soon. i7 just hit the market and i'm sure the average person does not even know what i7 is.

anyways, it looks like your results are pretty good with 500+ fsb. i haven't tried every x48 or p45 out there, but from the maximus II that i have, reaching 500fsb on a quad requires a bit of tuning. comparing it to the same ROG family, the rampage extreme seems to do better even though the chipset is 90nm compared to p45 65nm. someone correct me if i'm wrong on these two comparison. now this is also just comparing two specific mobos within the same company, but i'm sure you're right that generally p45 will clock higher than x48 when looking at a wide range of other mobos.

[Zucker2k]

first of all, i don't think 775 will phase out anytime soon. i7 just hit the market and i'm sure the average person does not even know what i7 is.

anyways, it looks like your results are pretty good with 500+ fsb. i haven't tried every x48 or p45 out there, but from the maximus II that i have, reaching 500fsb on a quad requires a bit of tuning. comparing it to the same ROG family, the rampage extreme seems to do better even though the chipset is 90nm compared to p45 65nm. someone correct me if i'm wrong on these two comparison. now this is also just comparing two specific mobos within the same company, but i'm sure you're right that generally p45 will clock higher than x48 when looking at a wide range of other mobos.

You're right, but if the release of the E8700 is any indicator, I think it'll be less than two years before we see the phase out. On the debate, like I've said, the general conclusion is that the p45 is the fsb king and that does make sense in terms of the progression of the chipset design and Intel's own internal efforts toward overclocking.

[radaja]

zucker2k,those are very impressive results for 8 gigs.great job on the thread too,i think it will grow and be a good one.

[Zucker2k]

zucker2k,those are very impressive results for 8 gigs.great job on the thread too,i think it will grow and be a good one.

Thanks, here's another milestone for me. Unfortunately my rams, which are cas 4 binned, don't go any higher with 5-5-5 so I'm kinda stuck here.

[radaja]

WOW.awsome.

[pphx459]

Hey Zucker, nice results there! I see that you are running the NB volts very high, do you think it's safe to run over 1.8 for an extended period of time even with water cooling?

[Zucker2k]

Hey Zucker, nice results there! I see that you are running the NB volts very high, do you think it's safe to run over 1.8 for an extended period of time even with water cooling?

No, this was a strictly clocks oc; 1.70v is okay though, as long as you keep the nb under 40c.