How to lock i7-920 multiplier at 21x on Intel Smackover DX58SO

[aph]

After waiting a month to get my account validated, I wanted to post something useful I just figured out today. To lock the multiplier at 21x on the Intel DX58SO motherboard all you have to change in the BIOS is this option:

CPU VR Current Limit Override: change to [Enable]



Strangely, this is not in ANY of the reviews. I figured it out after fitzing with HWMonitor and reading the 60 page long thread here about the modded unofficial P6TDeluxe V1 BIOS.

The description for Intel Turbo Boost Technology is: "Enable to allow system to dynamically change processor speed and voltage based on load and power limits." Power doesn't refer to voltage, it refers to current.

The Asus mod causes the mobo to think the CPU is taking less current than it is, preventing the throttling from taking place. This does the same thing, only it's built right in to the official BIOS. The CPU VR Current Limit Override option removes that block.

This gives me all locked 21.0x on i7 Turbo V8 regardless of LinX/Prime95 load. With this option and the fact that I can get this board to 218 BCLK, I think it definitely qualifies as an enthusiast board.

And because you don't have to fuss with the C states or EIST to get 21x this way, you can still get the 22x multi in single-threaded/moderate load cases. To my knowledge the Intel board is the only one that can get the 22x max with a 21x min.