Quote Originally Posted by Semicycle View Post
Thought I'd share my results with everyone. I got this motherboard and cpu from newegg earlier in the week

Q6600 - L743A944 (pack date 12/20/07)
DFI LP LT X38-T2R
Tuniq Tower

Highest I've been able to boot into windows is 3.8Gz, but system freezes and temps idle in the 60s. It also took 1.58v to get this.

I was able to run a tests at 3720Mhz (picture below), but the system isn't stable and load temps reach 75-77c. I believe the CPU Voltage was set around 1.42-1.46 for this test.

I'm currently running at 3600Mhz (1.37v) and all seems stable. Ran a load test last night and the system stayed up without problem. Load temps are hitting 69-73 (depending on core), but the system idles between 48-54 depending on the core. Anyone have any tips for me? I just recently upgraded from my trusty Athlon X2 4200 system I had for about 18months. This is my first Core based cpu system and I haven't mastered everything yet.

Also, Should I be worried about the 4-6 degree difference in the highest to lowest cpu temp readings?



I guess my first comment is that the temps you are getting is inline with what I used to see myself with air cooling. furthermore, that 4-6 C diffrence in core temps is normal. my old B3 stepping Q6600 got within 2 C of each other after lapping, but doing the same with my new G) stepping did nothing. Intel seems to have a bit of an issue with IHS contact with their CPU cores. Having said that, I have a few ideas for you to try.

First, the Tuniq Tower has a removable fan in the middle, and the factory fan is just not as good as some aftermarket units. When I used my Tuniq Tower, I upgraded to a Scythe S-Flex SFF21F, which pushes 60+ cfm without being too loud. it lowered my temps by about 2-3 C, but had an even bigger benefit with PWM temps, which dropped by about 5 C because of extra airflow.

Next, I would focus tuning your GTL levels. Doing so allowed me to lower volts down to 1.275 vCore in BIOS for 3600 MHz, and also lowered my temperatures by about 4 C. Your results may vary, but the right GTL settings make the whole system more efficient.

Third, if you haven't done so, try remounting HSF with a better grade thermal paste (I have used Arctic Silver 5, but am currently using arctic Cooling MX-2). Follow the directions for putting thermal paste on Intel quad core CPU's as outlined on Arctic Silvers website.