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

[Xilikon]

Thanks... It's not a biggie for me tho since I can always let it run for 1-2 mins before working on it.

[trt740]

Same here. Everything is far far far more responsive with 0308!

308 makes my ram malfunction at higher oc flash back.

[Grnfinger]

I seem to have my rig (in sig) stable at 3774 GHz and 444 FSB. So I thought I'd post my BIOS settings (1004) in case it might give anyone else some ideas or if anyone cares to comment on any improvements I might make.

I went with the FSB of 444 because it allowed me to select memory speed of 1066. I can't even get to 1080 on these G.Skills without relaxing the timings. So I figured to keep it at 1066 at auto timings.

Looks like at this point these Core 2 procs are more FSB limited than anything else. Having a proc at >4 GHz probably means the proc is waiting a lot to get data in and out of memory. Getting the FSB from 400 to 444 did more for my benchies than most other similar tweaks I've made.

I tried to hit 500x7.5 @ 1:1 DDR1000 a la Nuckin_Futs, but I couldn't even POST with that. That gives me hope it's a config problem, not a massive instability at 500. Nuckin_Futs, if you're out there, would certainly be interested to see what you set to hit that 500 @ 1.1. Are you still running the settings posted at http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...ostcount=2704?

Extreme Tweaker 
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual 
Ratio CMOS Setting : 8.5
FSB Frequency : 444
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1066 
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Disabled 
Ai Clock Twister : Strong
Transaction Booster : Disabled
Relax : 0

CPU Voltage : 1.400000   (measured 1.38xxxx)
CPU PLL Voltage : Auto
North Bridge Voltage : Auto (measured 1.61)
DRAM Voltage : 2.00   (measured 2.04xx)
FSB Termination Voltage : Auto  (measured 1.42?)
South Bridge Voltage : Auto
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : .63
North Bridge GTL Reference :  .67
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : Auto
SB 1.5V Voltage : Auto

500FSB is easy on this board, seems to be the sweet spot for it.
Now getting to 525 is hard as hell

[zlojack]

I can't get 500 FSB with a quad on this board...with a dual I could all day.

[dimsdale]

I can't get 500 FSB with a quad on this board...with a dual I could all day.

The CPU is the other half of that equation...isn't it. The North Bridge itself might be able to run at 500 MHz and the bus between the NB and the CPU might, but if the front side of the CPU can't do 500, game over. Correct?

zlojack: how far did you get in your efforts to OC the FSB for your quad?

[swiftex]

using 219 - any further comments re: 308 before i give it a go?

[Grnfinger]

using 219 - any further comments re: 308 before i give it a go?

for me its about the same, others claim its a faster bios but I cant see it, even all my benches are about the same, reloaded 219 and timed my boot, then flashed back to 308 and timed my boot, 219 was 4.6 seconds faster .
Try it is all I can say

[kup]

Only that it seems to either improve on or equal 0219 in terms of performance and stability, IMO.

[theonlybabyface]

Only that it seems to either improve on or equal 0219 in terms of performance and stability, IMO.

I agree. Much better for me so far. No harm in trying it either way.

[Grnfinger]

Only that it seems to either improve on or equal 0219 in terms of performance and stability, IMO.

Agreed, it is certainly no worse. Just with my hardware anyways there is no significant improvement

[kup]

Agreed, it is certainly no worse. Just with my hardware anyways there is no significant improvement

Same here really, but I'll happily take 10 seconds off my boot time...

[NLight95]

I'm looking at two 2x2GB memory kits.

G.Skill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231166

OCZ Reaper
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227289


Of these two, which one is recommended?

I've read some posts in this thread where some seem to be having problems with OCZ's Reaper memory. It's a bit cheaper than the G.Skill but I want to know whether those issues have been resolved or should I just go with the GSkill to be on the safe side.

[swiftex]

thanks gentlemen!

[Grnfinger]

I'm looking at two 2x2GB memory kits.

G.Skill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231166

OCZ Reaper
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227289


Of these two, which one is recommended?

I've read some posts in this thread where some seem to be having problems with OCZ's Reaper memory. It's a bit cheaper than the G.Skill but I want to know whether those issues have been resolved or should I just go with the GSkill to be on the safe side.

OCZ ram I find dosent clock very well, I think you'll find more will recommend G.Skill.
I have used OCZ ram and personally would never buy it again

[safan80]

Marvin, you have no need to be here, you don't even own the required hardware, so kindly keep your opinions to yourself.

Saf', if you feel this thread will split info then continue to post exclusively in the first thread. You didn't seem to mind the Maximus Part 2 thread. This thread was just to tidy up the findings and present them in a clearer way without trawling through pages of snippets. It will also be kept up-to-date with the bios files rather than have them scattered all over.

I did mind the part 2 Maximus Thread if Eastcoasthandle didn't make the post he did on the first page I would of complained. Let's face it if the user isn't willing to look through the first thread then maybe they shouldn't be doing the mod at all. you could always ask a mod to add the information you've gathered to the first post of the original thread. There's no need to split the information up. Your just looking for attention. Having 2 threads just makes it harder on everyone.

I don't want to look through two threads!!!!

[kup]

I did mind the part 2 Maximus Thread if Eastcoasthandle didn't make the post he did on the first page I would of complained. Let's face it if the user isn't willing to look through the first thread then maybe they shouldn't be doing the mod at all. you could always ask a mod to add the information you've gathered to the first post of the original thread. There's no need to split the information up. Your just looking for attention. Having 2 threads just makes it harder on everyone.

I don't want to look through two threads!!!!

Dude, if you don't like it, don't post. I'm not looking for attention, I was trying to make it easier for people to find the information without searching through 18 pages. I for one was sick of people asking how to do the mod when it was repeated over and over throughout the thread. This "Part 2" just highlights the information and makes it readily available to those who WANT to read it.

Like I said, if you don't like it, and if you feel this thread is "making it harder for everyone" then keep your posts regarding the topic exclusively in the other thread.

[Stanley Pain]

308 makes my ram malfunction at higher oc flash back.

Flashed to 0308 using a usb stick + EZ-Flash, no probs.

[safan80]

Dude, if you don't like it, don't post. I'm not looking for attention, I was trying to make it easier for people to find the information without searching through 18 pages. I for one was sick of people asking how to do the mod when it was repeated over and over throughout the thread. This "Part 2" just highlights the information and makes it readily available to those who WANT to read it.

Like I said, if you don't like it, and if you feel this thread is "making it harder for everyone" then keep your posts regarding the topic exclusively in the other thread.

Like I said you could of asked a mod to edit the original post of the original thread with your information in it and the problem would be solved.

[Talonman]

Final Report on my FSB limit for now...

This is what I know. Under Bios 907, this were my finding for OC'ing my Q6600.

Ref link: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...=160606&page=6

"Recap of my findings:
So far With the Maximus and my Q6600 GO:
My CPU Voltage setting of 1.46250v (BIOS), will allow error free Priming with a FSB Frequency 414 giving me 3.7GHz with my 400 NB Strap.
My CPU Voltage setting of 1.506v (BIOS), will allow error free Priming with a FSB Frequency 424 giving me 3.81GHz with my 400 NB Strap.
My CPU Voltage setting of 1.51875v (BIOS), will allow error free Priming with a FSB Frequency 428 giving me 3.85GHz with my 400 NB Strap.
My CPU Voltage setting of 1.51875v (BIOS) starting taking errors 4 minutes into prime with a FSB Frequency 432 giving me 3.8888GHz with my 400 NB Strap.

I did successfully prime 3.9GHz with a FSB Frequency 435 for 45 minutes, but stopped the test.
For my system it requires me to set in the BIOS a CPU core voltage of 1.55000v's, and Everest reads 1.53v.
You also must bump your CPU PLL to 1.60v's.
1.55 Core and only 1.56 PLL would not Prime 3.9GHz error free."

** I added in a TV tuner card 2 days befor my GPU swap, and the system was fine. No problems booting, still 3.8GHz under 907.

I took out an 8600 GT, put in a GX2, and could not boot withought getting a CPU init hang on the LCD poster, right on the initial boot after the install.

I had to back down my FSB speed to give me 3.3GHz to boot for the first time with the GX2 installed. I did fight my way back to 3.4GHz, but no more. (Still on 907)

Now I flashed to BIOS 1004, GX2 still installed, and I am back at a 3.465GHz limit. Any more FSB than 387-388'ish will result in core dumps, Vista lockups, and sometimes not posting. I threw more volts at about everything I could... Took all the posted settings, and combos I could, Enabled, Disabled, and Autoed settings for 2 days...

Made no differeance... Thanks for everybody's help BTW!!

I am keeping 3.465GHz for now until some new info comes into light. Until I hear from another Q6600 Maximus SE dude, who was running at 3.8GHz or faster, and plugged in a GX2, and still heald his speed... I think it's a limit of some sort right now...

I have no explanation, but there it is...

If I have to run my water cooled rig at 3.4, I turned some bells and whistles back on in the BIOS that I like...

I also backed down the voltages to show how easy I can run with a FSB Frequency of 385...

It's not a bad chip! It's a Maximus, Q6600, GX2 combo thing....

Only about 45 minutes, but my stability is there. I have had no problems so far, and don't expect to... (Still on the good side of my 390 FSB limit)
For trivia, a Q6600@3.465GHz and a stock GX2 SSC = 17,775 3DMark06 points at default settings. (Only for the 3DMark fans.. don't yell at me!)


Here is my current 1004 Bios settings for 3.465GHz, (With a GX2 installed!):

Under Extreme Tweaker
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : Auto
CPU Ratio Setting : 9
FSB Frequency : 385
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 400
PCI-E Frequency: 110
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-770MHz
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 18
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 3
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 35
Write Recovery Time : 5
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: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : Strong
Transaction Booster : Enabled
Boost Level: 0

CPU Voltage : 1.40625v (BIOS)
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.54v (BIOS)
North Bridge Voltage : 1.43v (BIOS)
DRAM Voltage : 1.80v (BIOS)
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.40v (BIOS)
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050v (BIOS)
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63x
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67x
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.50v (BIOS)

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

Under Advanced
And CPU Configuration:
CPU Ratio Setting : 9
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Enabled
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled
Execute Disable Bit : Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled

Under Advanced
And USB Configuration :
USB Functions: Enabled
USB 2.0 Controller : Enabled
USB 2.0 Controller Mode: HiSpeed
BIOS EHCI Hand-off : Enabled
Port 64/60 Emulation : Disabled
Legacy USB Support : Enabled

I still love my GX2, but i'm not sure the Maximus SE does?

[kup]

Like I said you could of asked a mod to edit the original post of the original thread with your information in it and the problem would be solved.

And pester a MOD every time a new bios comes out, or every time a new snippet of info comes out? Or...I could just make a new post which can be updated daily without the hassle to other people...

Like I said, if you don't like this thread, leave it. I was trying to help people out and you're just ting on that...

[ElEctric_EyE]

hey Zucker2K, weren't you running Corsair dominator RAM b4?

[safan80]

And pester a MOD every time a new bios comes out, or every time a new snippet of info comes out? Or...I could just make a new post which can be updated daily without the hassle to other people...

Like I said, if you don't like this thread, leave it. I was trying to help people out and you're just ting on that...

you could of got it made into a locked sticky that you could edit. I like the idea of what your trying to do, but 2 threads were easier than 4 to watch.

[kup]

you could of got it made into a locked sticky that you could edit. I like the idea of what your trying to do, but 2 threads were easier than 4 to watch.

I'm sorry but I'm not in the habit of requesting permission to edit other peoples threads. Not discussing this any more.

[XtremeTiramisu]

Give KUP a break and take it easy safan80.
KUP has been a very helpful asset to the community for organizing and gathering all the necessary OC and bios flash infos. I would agree that we start a second thread becouse I also have being making repetitive replies to many people asking for an easy method to flash maximus to rampage thoughout the pages in Part I. Many new forumers are just too lazy to search through the threads for answers. I assume you've looked at Maximus Formula OC thread Part II as that thread was also started by KUP and he has being doing a tremedous job ever since. In the first page of this thread, Kup has given credits to The Stilt and many of other members who also contributed so I wouldn't care whether seeking for an attention was partially his intention. This is an online community afterall, who can say that seeking for attention wasn't part of his reason for starting a thread or making a reply?

I certainly would hope more people like KUP who can share his time to help others. If everyone only thinks for his own self-interest, I can imagine how hard it would be for everyone to OC on their own without everyone's kindly suggestions, tips, and bios templates.

[Maglin]

I flashed 308 the other day. Love it. Very fast post compaired to all the MF BIOS and RF 208 BIOS. Didn't notice any real increase in anything really. I did notice that you can't just use your old OC profile. I had to just manually rebuild it for it to take. But that is small cookies. I'm working on getting the Q6600 stable @ 8x450 before I start to try for 4.0ghz.