The Maximus Formula Thread - Help/OCing/Guide/Rampage conversion

[zlojack]

so... i guess we are taking bets then

my bet...
THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE WHAT SO EVER.

That's what I'm thinking we'll see.

[Grnfinger]

MAXIMUX FORMULA SE BIOS v0903 (new return)

[set as] = reported
------------------------
Extreme Tweaker Settings

Ai Overclock: [Manual]
OC From CPU Level Up: [Auto]
CPU Ratio Control: [Manial]
Ratio CMOS Setting: [8]
FSB Frequency: [500]
FSB Strap to North Bridge: [Auto]
PCI-E Frequency: [115]

DRAM Frequency: [Auto] (can try divider later if stable)
DRAM Command Rate: [2T]
DRAM Timing Control: [Manual]
Primary Info : 5-5-5-15-3-42-6-3 (try 4-4-4-13 @ 2.24v when stable)
Secondary Info : 8-3-5-4-6-4-6

DRAM Static Read Control: [Enabled] (helps with FSB on these core and mobo
Ai Clock Twister: [Light] (moderate if stable later)
Transaction Booster: [Disabled] (Auto later if stable)
Relax Level [0] 0-7 for more stability or Auto, if stable)

CPU Voltage ----------------- [1.58xxv] = 1.58v (some need 1.60v for stability @ 4GHz)
CPU PLL Voltage ------------- [1.54v] ==== 1.648v (may need upto 1.712v, not more then 1.79v) EDIE: I used 1.712 afterall)
North Bridge Voltage -------- [1.49v] ==== 1.520v
DRAM Voltage ---------------- [2.12v] === 2.224v (or whaterver you need)
FSB Termination Voltage ----- [1.44v] ==== 1.504v (shouldnt need more then 1.54v here)
South Bridge Voltage -------- [1.075v] === 1.104v (1.114 for RAID set stability)
Loadline Calibration -------- [Enabled]
CPU GTL Refference ---------- [0.63%] --
North Bridge GTL Reference -- [0.67%] --
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage -- [Auto] ---
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage -- [Auto] ---
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage - [Auto] =====
SB 1.5v Voltage ------------- [1.55v] ==== 1.600v

CPU + PCI-E Spread Spectrum --------- [Disabled]

This for example of 4GHz @ 1:1 for DDR1000, most stable for mine, but Quads are already hard to keep this high so try dividers at your desired risk. I did get some to hold. 450x9 as well, much easier but less RAM in 1:1 so try dividers here if you can get away with it.


minimal voltages and more airflow for SE users on air. I found for SE on air, leaving barbs open but "stove piping" them to outside or one in line of fresh air and other in draft of exhaulst adds a tad of cooling effort, as well as good draft of air from cool sorse blowing over. The tiny fans just buckled directly onto it didntr seam to halp as much, and only made more noise.

9x450 @1080 ram is very easy to do on the 333 strap, you have to disable Dram static tho but on the up side you can run Trans Booster on strong to compensate bandwidth.

alright, as per the posting on page 101, here are my settings.

Current Bios Version Used is 0907 with XP SP2.

Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 9
FSB Frequency : 400
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 400
PCI-E Frequency: 110
DRAM Frequency: DDR2- 1199
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 12
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 3
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 42
Write Recovery Time : 6
Read to Precharge Time : 3

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : 8
Write to Read Delay (S) : 3
Write to Read Delay (D) : 5
Read to Read Delay (S) : 4
Read to Read Delay (D) : 6
Write to Write Delay (S) : 4
Write to Write Delay (D) : 6
DRAM Static Read Control: Disabled
Ai Clock Twister : Strong
Transaction Booster : Enabled
Boost Level : 0
CPU Voltage : Auto
CPU PLL Voltage : Auto
North Bridge Voltage : Auto
DRAM Voltage : Auto
FSB Termination Voltage : Auto
South Bridge Voltage : Auto
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63x
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67x
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : Auto
SB 1.5V Voltage : Auto

NB LED Selection : NB Volt
SB LED Selection : SB Volt
CPU LED Selection : CPU VOlt
Voltiminder LED :

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting :9
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Enabled
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled
Execute Disable Bit : Enabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled


USB Configuration
USB Functions: Enabled
Legacy USB Support : Enabled

I doubt you will ever get your rig stable at 1200 mhz ram with those timing, your looking for 4.0GHz on a Q6600?

[loften]

How are you guys keeping your N/B temps down on your non SE boards.

until i get water i have a fan screwed to the sink with 2wood screws. the screws go right inbetween the pins on the sink.. i droped about 15 degrees with the fan on it even with bumping up my nb volts to 1.51....

[Grnfinger]

Anyone have a template for a Q6600 at around 4.0Ghz with the Rampage bios ?

Here try this for starts and post back any issues

Extreme Tweaker
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 9
FSB Frequency : 445
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333 / 400
PCI-E Frequency: 110
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1069 / 1186
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 3
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 35
Write Recovery Time : 6
Read to Precharge Time : 3

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : 8
Write to Read Delay (S) : 3
Write to Read Delay (D) : 5
Read to Read Delay (S) : 4
Read to Read Delay (D) : 6
Write to Write Delay (S) : 4
Write to Write Delay (D) : 6

Write to PRE Delay : 14
Read to PRE Delay : 5
PRE to PRE Delay : 1
ALL PRE to ACT Delay : 5
ALL PRE to REF Delay : 5

DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : Stronger ( set to strong/moderate if running 400 strap@1186)
Transaction Booster : Manual

Common Performance Level [7]

Pull-In of CHA PH1 Disabled
Pull-In of CHA PH2 Disabled
Pull-In of CHA PH3 Disabled
Pull-In of CHA PH4 Disabled
Pull-In of CHA PH5 Disabled
Pull-In of CHB PH1 Disabled
Pull-In of CHB PH2 Disabled
Pull-In of CHB PH3 Disabled
Pull-In of CHB PH4 Disabled
Pull-In of CHB PH5 Disabled

CPU Voltage : Set what your cpu needs (maybe 1.40 to start?)
CPU PLL Voltage : AUTO
North Bridge Voltage : 1.51
DRAM Voltage : 2.10
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.40
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63X
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67X
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : AUTO
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : AUTO
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2-REFF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.5

[Grnfinger]

so... i guess we are taking bets then

my bet...
THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE WHAT SO EVER.

Dunno, waiting on the results from the Rampage owner, But I would suspect that the rampage will pull slightly better numbers

[jwfitt]

After lots of tweaking I've gotten 4 ghz stable on small fft tests in prime. However, I cannot pass Blend mode (usually one thread dies in 30-50 min, while the other 3 chug on for hours - tested up to 10 hrs this morning).

I've tried all kinds of RAM settings as I've seen suggested here: Twister-Light, Transaction Booster disabled 0-7/auto/etc.

Looking for suggestions! Thanks.

Extreme Tweaker 
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual 
CPU Ratio Control : Manual 
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 10
FSB Frequency : 400
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
PCI-E Frequency: 112
DRAM Frequency: DDR2- 801 Mhz
DRAM Command Rate : Auto
DRAM Timing Control: Auto 
DRAM Static Read Control: Auto
Ai Clock Twister : Auto
Transaction Booster : Auto

CPU Voltage : 1.4375
CPU PLL Voltage : Auto
North Bridge Voltage : 1.49
DRAM Voltage : 2.0
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.4 
South Bridge Voltage : Auto
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : Auto
North Bridge GTL Reference : Auto
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : Auto
SB 1.5V Voltage : Auto

NB LED Selection : NB Volt 
SB LED Selection : SB Volt 
CPU LED Selection : CPU Volt 
Voltiminder LED : Enabled

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled 
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled 

Advanced CPU Configuration 
CPU Ratio Control : Manual 
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 10
C1E Suppport : Disabled 
CPU TM Function : Disabled 
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled 
Execute Disable Bit : Disabled 
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled 


USB Configuration 
USB Functions: Enabled 
Legacy USB Support : Auto

The DRAM Volts show up as 2.1 in Everest which is suggest for the G.skill I have, However CPU-Z shows a 1.8v rating for running it at 400 mhz (vs the default 533). I tried lowering the DRAMV to 1.8 in the bios but that didn't help either.

[cyrixMII300]

9x450 @1080 ram is very easy to do on the 333 strap, you have to disable Dram static tho but on the up side you can run Trans Booster on strong to compensate bandwidth.



I doubt you will ever get your rig stable at 1200 mhz ram with those timing, your looking for 4.0GHz on a Q6600?

yes i am. trying to get this Q6600 up to 4.0GHz without sending him straight to heaven.

MAXIMUX FORMULA SE BIOS v0903 (new return)

[set as] = reported
------------------------
Extreme Tweaker Settings

Ai Overclock: [Manual]
OC From CPU Level Up: [Auto]
CPU Ratio Control: [Manial]
Ratio CMOS Setting: [8]
FSB Frequency: [500]
FSB Strap to North Bridge: [Auto]
PCI-E Frequency: [115]

DRAM Frequency: [Auto] (can try divider later if stable)
DRAM Command Rate: [2T]
DRAM Timing Control: [Manual]
Primary Info : 5-5-5-15-3-42-6-3 (try 4-4-4-13 @ 2.24v when stable)
Secondary Info : 8-3-5-4-6-4-6

DRAM Static Read Control: [Enabled] (helps with FSB on these core and mobo
Ai Clock Twister: [Light] (moderate if stable later)
Transaction Booster: [Disabled] (Auto later if stable)
Relax Level [0] 0-7 for more stability or Auto, if stable)

CPU Voltage ----------------- [1.58xxv] = 1.58v (some need 1.60v for stability @ 4GHz)
CPU PLL Voltage ------------- [1.54v] ==== 1.648v (may need upto 1.712v, not more then 1.79v) EDIE: I used 1.712 afterall)
North Bridge Voltage -------- [1.49v] ==== 1.520v
DRAM Voltage ---------------- [2.12v] === 2.224v (or whaterver you need)
FSB Termination Voltage ----- [1.44v] ==== 1.504v (shouldnt need more then 1.54v here)
South Bridge Voltage -------- [1.075v] === 1.104v (1.114 for RAID set stability)
Loadline Calibration -------- [Enabled]
CPU GTL Refference ---------- [0.63%] --
North Bridge GTL Reference -- [0.67%] --
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage -- [Auto] ---
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage -- [Auto] ---
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage - [Auto] =====
SB 1.5v Voltage ------------- [1.55v] ==== 1.600v

CPU + PCI-E Spread Spectrum --------- [Disabled]

This for example of 4GHz @ 1:1 for DDR1000, most stable for mine, but Quads are already hard to keep this high so try dividers at your desired risk. I did get some to hold. 450x9 as well, much easier but less RAM in 1:1 so try dividers here if you can get away with it.


minimal voltages and more airflow for SE users on air. I found for SE on air, leaving barbs open but "stove piping" them to outside or one in line of fresh air and other in draft of exhaulst adds a tad of cooling effort, as well as good draft of air from cool sorse blowing over. The tiny fans just buckled directly onto it didntr seam to halp as much, and only made more noise.

alright thanks man. i am going to try this shortly and see what happens. i have a question though. isnt the volt of 1.58 for the core not too high?

[Nuckin_Futs]

It's a tad high, but then it isnt really the daily user profile. Just cool to know it can stable and Prime at such FSB and clock. the 480x8 is more reasonable but just lower a lil' of vcore. 1.488 worked for mine, but still needed the 1.712 PLL and 1.504 FSBT.

My m8 I loaned this too got better on his DFI x38 cause of the GTL_RTef and Pll tweaks better on his mobo. The quads really need better individual GTL and PLL tweaking to keep the loaded heat down. I can hit 67c easy on a warm day w/ the 1.58v, just cause 2 cores get more GTL then they need.

[dimsdale]

jwfitt,

I'm in exactly the same position you are...QX9650, Maximus Formula (1004 bios), and even the G.Skill 8500s and Thermaltake eXtreme with Scythe fan.

I've been having trouble getting stable higher than 3.6GHz. Same failure as you as well - one thread will fail after about 30 mins in prime95 blend mode while the other three run indefinitely.

I'll let you know what bios profile I'm able to come up with. Any other QX9650 people here care to share a profile?
Thanks in advance!

[zlojack]

I would think you need more NB voltage with that much RAM.

Also, I wouldn't leave PLL on auto. There have been suggestions that the infamous 45nm degradation is caused by high PLL, and you never know what your board could be doing there. I leave mine at the minimum 1.5v.

[Grnfinger]

Auto PLL gives about 1.60, you can monitor the voltage in the bios

[ElEctric_EyE]

I predict water cooled, over volted X38 = air cooled, stock X48

[tc17]

Would the Thermal Paste that comes installed on the heatsinks on this motherboard, have a longer life than putting our own paste on?

I was debating whether I want to change the paste or not. I don't care to be replacing it every 12 months (my Thermalright Chill Factor paste says to replace it every 12 months).

[zlojack]

Auto PLL gives about 1.60, you can monitor the voltage in the bios

Yeah, but I've had instances where I boot into bios with settings on Auto and all of a sudden in the monitor in the bios I get a huge overvolt. That's why I'm careful about auto.

(Although, it hasn't happened with PLL yet, but with SB a couple of times)

[Nuckin_Futs]

Auto PLL gives about 1.60, you can monitor the voltage in the bios

Yet for me, if I allowed it, Auto gives me 1.712, but can drop when unexpected, or I supose it can go higher. It hasnt, to my knowledge. at 500FSB, my Auto for NB wants to use 1.6v, yet I never needed that high for anything yet. O' ja a quad w/ 4 sticks on a divider.

Obviously, different CPU's and BIOS overvolt at a various rate, so this is why it makes so much sence for all of us if we give or refference our voltages as REPORTED, not what we set.

[safan80]

Does the mod show correct temps for the NB and SB? I just flashed to the MF bios 1004 and now the NB and SB are showing the same temps when before the temps were different with bios 0903.

[Stanley Pain]

Does the mod show correct temps for the NB and SB? I just flashed to the MF bios 1004 and now the NB and SB are showing the same temps when before the temps were different with bios 0903.

What're you using to read the temps?

[jwfitt]

jwfitt,
I'm in exactly the same position you are...

Nice rig!!

I've been testing a bunch of RAM settings to no avail. I finally started pumping up the CPU Voltage...last place I thought to check since I passed small FFT tests w/ no issues at my current settings.

Anyhow, I'd start tweaking the cpu voltage up a bit and take it from there...so far blend is hanging in there for almost an hour now with all 4 threads still going.

UPDATE: One thread crapped out right around the hour mark...gonna take a different approach and see how Blend handles similar settings at 333x12 (vs 400x10).

[safan80]

What're you using to read the temps?

everest. I should add I only have this problem with the system running at stock when I OC the NB and SB temp are where they should be.

[Stanley Pain]

Odd, I had to update Everest and everything seems fine. Oldder version wasn't showing NB/SB, or the proper voltage readings.

[Krav]

Im running my q6600 @ 3ghz could anyone tell me if my voltages look okay, mainly the 3.3 v, 5 v and 12 v. As i have a friend who has almost same settings but his voltages are lower than mine for the 3.3 5 and 12 sections in everest.

Thanks


Voltage Values
CPU Core 1.22 V
+3.3 V 3.26 V
+5 V 4.90 V
+12 V 11.93 V
+5 V Standby 4.97 V
FSB VTT 1.36 V
North Bridge Core 1.36 V
South Bridge Core 1.09 V
South Bridge PLL 1.55 V
DIMM 2.14 V
DIMM VTT 1.07 V

[dimsdale]

jwfitt,
Were you able to get the QX9650 stable at 3800 MHz? (Or are you jumping straight to 4000 MHz?)
I'm very stable at 3600 MHz with 1.28125 V (bios) / 1.2640 (Everest) and load line calibration enabled. But I can't even get stable at 3800.
I'd be interested to know your key bios settings if you were stable at 3800.
-dimsdale

[Levesque]

Can anyone tell me where does the MB temp reading is taken on the Maximus?

My temps are all pretty good (NB 34-38, SB 30-35 and core 28-38) even on high load and OC (E8400 at 400 FSB, 3600) on air, but my MB temp gets to 48 on load (from 36 idle to 48 on load)!

[Sources]

Can anyone tell me where does the MB temp reading is taken on the Maximus?

My temps are all pretty good (NB 34-38, SB 30-35 and core 28-38) even on high load and OC (E8400 at 400 FSB, 3600) on air, but my MB temp gets to 48 on load (from 36 idle to 48 on load)!

Are you running your hard drives raid?
is the Vid card cooler stock ? single or dual slot? and does it exit hot air out the back or into the case ?

How many case fans do you have and are they set up with a good air flow path ?

Plus those ballistix get HOT ! unless you are cooling them directly somehow.

[jwfitt]

jwfitt,
Were you able to get the QX9650 stable at 3800 MHz? (Or are you jumping straight to 4000 MHz?)
I'm very stable at 3600 MHz with 1.28125 V (bios) / 1.2640 (Everest) and load line calibration enabled. But I can't even get stable at 3800.
I'd be interested to know your key bios settings if you were stable at 3800.
-dimsdale

I'm actually testing 3.8 Ghz right now. I've given up on the 4 ghz being stable...more cpuv seemed to give longer stability, but the voltages were getting too high for my liking.

I let a blend test run before I left for work, gonna see how it did and try some more tweaking tonight. I have gotten 3.6 perfectly stable w/ blend and small ffts.

I'll let you know if I find any good settings for 3.8 when/if I find them!