OK...For some reason I cannot seem to be able to get Orthos blend stable at 500x8 with even up to 1.35vcore. The RAM is rated to run DDR2 1066 @ 2.3v. It passes memtest at 2.1v DDR2 1000 speed. The CPU runs small FFTs for over four hours at 500x8, but no joy on blend test.

My best possible 24/7 setings are as follows.



Ship/Packaging Date: Jan. 04, 2008
Voltage(s) (Stock/OC'ed): 1.112 (VID)/1.355 (set in BIOS)
Frequency(ies) (OC'ed): 456x9 (4.1ghz)
Motherboard: Abit IP35 Pro
BIOS: 16.B09
Video Card: El Cheapo X300 PCI-E
__________________________________________________ __
FSB = 456x9(4.1ghz)
RAM = 1:1
Vcore = 1.355(set in BIOS) (CPU-Z idle = 1.34------CPU-Z load = 1.31)
DDR2: 2.200v
CPU VVT: 1.10v
MCH = 1.33v
ICH = 1.05v
ICHIO = 1.50v
DDR2 REF = 0%
CPU GTLREF = 63% (for all)
__________________________________________________
*Extra* Memory(ies) (Timing(s)): 2GB OCZ SLI ready PC2-8500 5-5-5-15 running 1:1
*Extra* Memory(ies) (Voltage(s)): 2.2v
*Extra* Third Party Cooling Solution: NY winter (Zalman 9700)
*Extra* Paste(s)/Compound(s)/Other(s): Ceramique
*Extra* NB/SB/Mosfets bolt modded using Ceramique
*Extra* PSU Ultra XVS 750watt Modular

Ambient temps in my garage were a balmy 12C...open case w/ 120mm blowing on NB. Core Temp reads 36C (core 1) 32C (core 0) idle...as always, this NEVER changes. Load was 52 (core 1) 56 (core 0). Everyst reads the CPU temp as 26C under load

I think this will even be OK if I bring it into the house. I do not think temps will be too much of an issue with a TJmax of 105C.

The only difference in the setup from this pic is I swapped the stock cooler out for a Zalman 9700.



I have now taken out the OCZ RAM and installed some Dominators PC2 8500's to try for that evasive blend stable 500x8. I will update if this gets me a few hours of blend stability.

EDIT: OK that failed after only 2 minutes on blend test. I guess this combo just doesn't like 500fsb. Next up is the Dominators and E8400 on a GA X38 DQ6.