[18th Anniversary] Asus Black Pearl - P5k-Premium Testing Report

[sesdave]

Does anybody know what is the max fsb you can get on this board ??

Dont know about max but the board is good for 500+ . Here is an old initial testing review thread http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=155116 and that with the first series and old BIOS- the later v2.0 have better capacitors(all red) and should in theory go higher. Your main constraint will probably be the CPU.

[ReverendMaynard]

Does anybody know what is the max fsb you can get on this board ??

dual core....600 if you got game.

[w2richwood]

yea i need some faster ram im at my limits on the ram but 3.6 aint that bad for this chip
Rich

[wilson]

Well it because you get the options to run at 500 x 8 , 474 x 8.5 or 450 x 9 to get an overclock of 4.0Ghz. And do you think a e8400 @ 4.0Ghz is better that a q6600 at 3.8Ghz ?? i mean the quad has 8mb cache and the duo has only 6mb cache. Is the 45nm suppost to be a better cpu or just that it runs cooler with it being 45 not 65nm.

[w2richwood]

i think the e8400 would be better for gaming.but if you multy task or fold the quad
Rich

[wilson]

ok now i seem to have a problem as in when playing games i get freezing and stuttering and it seems to be after i put the e8400 in but i also put the water block on my gpu so may be it got damaged . Now my system passes both 3dmark 06 and prime so im stuck as to what it is. Is there any way i can find out which it is ??

[Audioboxer]

I have this board, an E6600 and G.Skill 1000mhz DDR2 5-5-5-12 ram.

My question is, am I better to run at,

8x400 = 3.2ghz

or

9x355 = 3.2hgz

Differences are,

Mem divider 4:5 with 8x400 and runs at 1000mhz. On a 266 strap

Mem divider 2:3 with 9x355 and runs at 1065mhz. On a 266 strap

Both are stable!

I'd of thought 9x355 right, for the memory boost?

The rated FSB is 1420mhz with 9x355 and it's higher with 8x400 (can't remember exactly what).

Thanks!

[w2richwood]

run some benches both ways see with is better scores
Rich

[sesdave]

I have this board, an E6600 and G.Skill 1000mhz DDR2 5-5-5-12 ram.

My question is, am I better to run at,

8x400 = 3.2ghz

or

9x355 = 3.2hgz

Differences are,

Mem divider 4:5 with 8x400 and runs at 1000mhz. On a 266 strap

Mem divider 2:3 with 9x355 and runs at 1065mhz. On a 266 strap

Both are stable!

I'd of thought 9x355 right, for the memory boost?

The rated FSB is 1420mhz with 9x355 and it's higher with 8x400 (can't remember exactly what).

Thanks!

If you look back at previous posts there are benches posted comparing a q6600 with high FSB x lower multiplier against lower FSB higher multiplier. Or check out the P5W problems &issues thread where the E6600 was used a lot - it was a question asked a lot there. Higher FSB will increase the BUS speed which should gve better overall performance - looking at some of the stats it doesnt really make that much difference for games and apps in the real world unless a couple of extra FPS really matter. Whatever your CPU like best - I dont think 65mhz extra memory is going to make that much diifference on 355x9. If you want to see a real difference try upping the CPU speed to 3.6 with 400x9. If you E6600 batch is good it should do that okay on this board with 1.45-1.5v.

Happy Easter to everyone - snowing here in North Yorkshire-lol!

[ReverendMaynard]

ok now i seem to have a problem as in when playing games i get freezing and stuttering and it seems to be after i put the e8400 in but i also put the water block on my gpu so may be it got damaged . Now my system passes both 3dmark 06 and prime so im stuck as to what it is. Is there any way i can find out which it is ??

Yank out two stick of ram and test it.

[Audioboxer]

If you look back at previous posts there are benches posted comparing a q6600 with high FSB x lower multiplier against lower FSB higher multiplier. Or check out the P5W problems &issues thread where the E6600 was used a lot - it was a question asked a lot there. Higher FSB will increase the BUS speed which should gve better overall performance - looking at some of the stats it doesnt really make that much difference for games and apps in the real world unless a couple of extra FPS really matter. Whatever your CPU like best - I dont think 65mhz extra memory is going to make that much diifference on 355x9. If you want to see a real difference try upping the CPU speed to 3.6 with 400x9. If you E6600 batch is good it should do that okay on this board with 1.45-1.5v.

Happy Easter to everyone - snowing here in North Yorkshire-lol!

Thanks for the reply.

I tried to get 3.6ghz stable before, and I would get lockups and what not.

My E6600 is a revision B2, Stepping/Family 6, Model F.

I'll have another read!

[sesdave]

Thanks for the reply.

I tried to get 3.6ghz stable before, and I would get lockups and what not.

My E6600 is a revision B2, Stepping/Family 6, Model F.

I'll have another read!

I had one similar that did 3.6 with Bios vore 1.5 on a P5W DH - its had a vdroop of .025.Try it with the settings I posted http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=873 with these amendments , CMOS=9, vcore =1.5 and FSB=1.3v and see if you have any joy. Course not all e6600 would do 3.6 but most of them could get there with a bit of encouragement. If not 400 try 390 then 380 etc.

[sesdave]

ok now i seem to have a problem as in when playing games i get freezing and stuttering and it seems to be after i put the e8400 in but i also put the water block on my gpu so may be it got damaged . Now my system passes both 3dmark 06 and prime so im stuck as to what it is. Is there any way i can find out which it is ??

Is that in all games or just ones like crysis and COD? what drivers are u using. HAve you got an xf-i sound card - if so worth laoding latest driver as it can cause similar problems.

[Audioboxer]

I had one similar that did 3.6 with Bios vore 1.5 on a P5W DH - its had a vdroop of .025.Try it with the settings I posted http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=873 with these amendments , CMOS=9, vcore =1.5 and FSB=1.3v and see if you have any joy. Course not all e6600 would do 3.6 but most of them could get there with a bit of encouragement. If not 400 try 390 then 380 etc.

Thanks! I'll have a look.

I'm currently at 3.36 ghz (8x420) on a vcore of 1.45 (1.432v with droop).

[Audioboxer]

1.5v wouldn't boot into windows, 1.55v would.

1.55v is the highest I'd go, but it's still higher than I would like.

I'm on air cooling (tuniq tower), with a P180 case.



Need to check for stability now - If it pulls through, do you guys think those IDLE temps are ok?

Things get a bit hot, I'll aim for a 3.4ghz clock and be happy (was at 3.36 before, stable - on 1.45v).

[Audioboxer]

Here is my bios settings as well!

Do these look ok to most of you guys, or would you change anything for stability/performance?

Thanks a lot, I know the basics of overclocking ok, I just need a little push in the right direction with the finishing product

[w2richwood]

put your strap at auto see if that helps
Rich

[sesdave]

1.5v wouldn't boot into windows, 1.55v would.

1.55v is the highest I'd go, but it's still higher than I would like.
Things get a bit hot, I'll aim for a 3.4ghz clock and be happy (was at 3.36 before, stable - on 1.45v).

Also try with CPU and NB GTL set to auto or lowest setting. They can mess up the o/c if not right and most of the recommendations on this thread are for q6600. This may help if you want to know what the settings actually do - it for a different MB but explains most of the settings http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...spx?i=3156&p=4
Lapping can help the e6600 temps as a lot are concave. Do a razor check to see if it level - check you HSF as well. If not - lap whatever is uneven. It should even the core temps and help reduce the temps. Heres a guide I used when I did miy old E6600. http://www.thetechrepository.com/showthread.php?t=71

[vcrajeeb]

Shouldnt be a problem . What cooling are u using by the way? Before we start download PCwizard to monitor temps if you arent using anything http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php Its gives a neat display top right screen when you minimise..Try a 4:5 ratio rather than 1:1 for alittle more bandwidth.. You may need to increase vcore slightly if its not stable on stock. Try these settings - if okay and stable we can fine tune memory and maybe reduce some volts in the vcore/NB/FSB later. Should be able to get the sticks running 4.,4,4,12 or better at that speed..

AI Overclocking: Manual
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
FSB Strap=Auto
FSB Frequency: 400
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: 1000
DRAM Command Rate: 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency: 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5
RAS# Precharge:5
RAS# Activate to Precharge:15
TWR: auto
TRFC: auto
TWTR: auto
TRRD: auto
TRTP: auto
DRAM Static Read Control: enabled

Transaction Booster: AUTO
Clock Over-Charging Mode: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Voltage: 1.35 - more or less
CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO
CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.5
DRAM Voltage: 2.2
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.4
North Bridge Voltage: 1.40
North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO
South Bridge Voltage: AUTO

Advance CPU Settings
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
C1E Suppport: disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Vanderpool Technology: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
PECI: Disabled

Well i set it up like this:

------------------------------------------------------------------
AI Overclocking: Manual
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
FSB Strap: Auto
FSB Frequency: 400
PCI-E Frequency: Auto
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1066
DRAM Command Rate: 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency: 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5
RAS# Precharge:5
RAS# Activate to Precharge:15
TWR: Auto
TRFC: Auto
TWTR: Auto
TRRD: Auto
TRTP: Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Disabled

Transaction Booster: AUTO
Clock Over-Charging Mode: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Voltage: 1.4375
CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO
CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.5
DRAM Voltage: 2.2
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.4
North Bridge Voltage: 1.40
North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO
South Bridge Voltage: AUTO
------------------------------------------------------------------

The system is stable enough and running at 3.2 GHz with DDR2-1066. However i am little worried about:
CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO
CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.5
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.4
North Bridge Voltage: 1.40
North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO
South Bridge Voltage: AUTO

Keeping all these constant i had tried reducing the CPU voltage from 1.45v to 1.4375, and it seems this is the right voltage at which the system is stable. However I was wondering if i should try reducing any of the above voltage. And what should i ideally set "DRAM Static Read Control" to?

I am using the stock CPU fan, and my CPU is in the range of 50 - 65 c temperature and during high stress @ 65 - 73 c.

Thank you,
Rajeeb

[sesdave]

Keeping all these constant i had tried reducing the CPU voltage from 1.45v to 1.4375, and it seems this is the right voltage at which the system is stable. However I was wondering if i should try reducing any of the above voltage. And what should i ideally set "DRAM Static Read Control" to?

I am using the stock CPU fan, and my CPU is in the range of 50 - 65 c temperature and during high stress @ 65 - 73 c.

Thank you,
Rajeeb

!.4375 seems very high for running 3.2. You should be able to run 3.0-3.2 on 1.35v or less- what batch and VID is your CPU. You dont want temps like that - reduce vcore . I would recommend another HSF like mine or better - the stock fan is limited if you are overclocking. Also get some decent thermal paste like MX-2. Ideally DRAM static should =enabled for performance but you are probably best to leave disabled until you stabalise the overclock. Check my previous post for link explaining all the BIOS settings.

[Audioboxer]

How is this looking guys?

I'm about to go to bed, so I'll leave it for 5-6 hours.

CPU is around 40 idle.



One of two things I'm going to try if stable over 6 hours.

Reduce Vcore - Running at 1.55v just now for 3.5ghz clock.

Increase FSB to 450 and keep at 1.55v - 3.6ghz clock, then I'll run Orthos at 3.6ghz, and if stable try reducing Vcore again.

[sesdave]

How is this looking guys?

I'm about to go to bed, so I'll leave it for 5-6 hours.

CPU is around 40 idle.

One of two things I'm going to try if stable over 6 hours.

Reduce Vcore - Running at 1.55v just now for 3.5ghz clock.

Increase FSB to 450 and keep at 1.55v - 3.6ghz clock, then I'll run Orthos at 3.6ghz, and if stable try reducing Vcore again.

Your E6600 is a bit hot on prime - you want to try to get it down to round about 60c. http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/...perature-guide If you can reduce vcore or lap the CPU. Preferably both for maximum benefit -lol! What thermal paste have you got - I recommend MX-2 for great all round performance.No cure time and as good as As5 if not better. A better HSF would also help - the tuniq isnt one of the best around. My lilltle Ultima which is way smaller will outperform it http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=137838

That said it will only hit these temps running prime - not during gaming or app use. Mine used to do 60-62 on prime. You might find this thread of interest http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=155116 TinTIn had a good chip and ran 450x8 on low volts with his cooling setup. Note that apart from vcore/voDIMM he set all other volts/settings to minimum. You need to check yours will run with FSB 450 before you go for the overclock - try it with a lower multiplier.

[Audioboxer]

Your E6600 is a bit hot on prime - you want to try to get it down to round about 60c. http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/...perature-guide If you can reduce vcore or lap the CPU. Preferably both for maximum benefit -lol! What thermal paste have you got - I recommend MX-2 for great all round performance.No cure time and as good as As5 if not better. A better HSF would also help - the tuniq isnt one of the best around. My lilltle Ultima which is way smaller will outperform it http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=137838

That said it will only hit these temps running prime - not during gaming or app use. Mine used to do 60-62 on prime. You might find this thread of interest http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=155116 TinTIn had a good chip and ran 450x8 on low volts with his cooling setup. Note that apart from vcore/voDIMM he set all other volts/settings to minimum. You need to check yours will run with FSB 450 before you go for the overclock - try it with a lower multiplier.

Thanks

Paste is Artic Silver Ceramique.

Good news was it hit 8 hours stable in Orthos!

Now to see if I can bring the temps down... Slowly taking voltage down 1 notch at a time, and running orthos.

I'll post my BIOS settings in 5!





ps. I noticed TinTin only goes about 15/30 mins in Orthos! Is that really enough?

[sesdave]

Thanks

Paste is Artic Silver Ceramique.

Good news was it hit 8 hours stable in Orthos!

Now to see if I can bring the temps down...

I'll post my BIOS settings in 5!

ps. I noticed TinTin only goes about 15/30 mins in Orthos! Is that really enough?

Good news - I ran my e6600 24/7 at 3.6 with 1.5v idle 46c from when I bought it up until I sold it. If you can reduce temps by applying some of the suggestions all the better but I wouldnt get excited about it. Lapping will give the most no cost temp reduction benefit if ithe IHS is not even - if it is even/flat when checked with a razor dont bother as you will get minimal if any gain.
TinTin was posting an initial assessment of the boards capabilities for our benefit so he didnt do full runs - I am sure he could have run it prime 8+ if he had wanted to.

[Audioboxer]

Good news - I ran my e6600 24/7 at 3.6 with 1.5v idle 46c from when I bought it up until I sold it. If you can reduce temps by applying some of the suggestions all the better but I wouldnt get excited about it. Lapping will give the most no cost temp reduction benefit if ithe IHS is not even - if it is even/flat when checked with a razor dont bother as you will get minimal if any gain.
TinTin was posting an initial assessment of the boards capabilities for our benefit so he didnt do full runs - I am sure he could have run it prime 8+ if he had wanted to.

I'd prefer not to go through the process of dismantling everything to lap it (I know, lazy heh) - Also because I've never lapped a CPU before.

I run my Tuniq on lowest fan speed, so I could up it a bit.

Other good news is initial test shows stable on 1.53v - 1 notch down from 1.55.

I'll take it down another notch. Once I can get 20-30 mins stable at a certain voltage lower than 1.55, I'll then run another 8 hour test tonight.

Doubt I'll get it as low as 1.5v, 1.5v wouldn't boot into windows at 3.6ghz, and im at 3.53ghz just now.

It's not exceeding 60 now, but hitting it/hovering below, better?

1.53v


1.52v


1.51v
16mins then BSOD

1.5v
BSOD after 8 seconds

1.5v/1.51v are out of the question it seems...

Need to test 1.52 for longer to make sure it is fully stable - Could BSOD after 20-25-30 mins. I'll do another 8 hour test.

At least 1.52/1.53 were below/on 60, so hopefully one of the two pull through!