Using Prime95 with a QX6850

[Rothgard]

I'm having a number of problems trying to optimize my system. The funny thing is, I haven't even started overclocking yet. Here's my setup:

QX6850
Striker Extreme mobo (bios 1303)
2 gigs kingston 667 ddr2

Before I start overclocking, my aim was to run a very cool (temperature) system, so I had room to add some heat to it. I started using Prime95 to stress test my cores. Ideally this program should run all 4 cores at 100%, but the problem begins here: it's not. At best, it runs all 4 cores on an average of 25% of maximum capacity.

Currently the mobo is set to automatically set the vcore, which is sitting a bit high at 1.35v. Naturally, the CPU is running 50 C while idle, and up to 65 C while under a 50% load.

Something I noticed while running Core Temp (alongside Prime95) was that it identified my QX6850 processor as an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600. Prime95 sees it as a Core 2 Extreme CPU Q6850.

I'll likely be adding some better cooling later, that's no problem, the problem I'm trying to get over now is the fact I'm unable to stress test my 4 cores anywhere over 25%.

 

[zeek987]

I am having the same issue with my Q6600, Prime95 only puts my CPUs 4 cores to 25% usage.

We must be doing something very wrong. Some one please help us?

Also during a test with Prime95, Core Temp shows my Cores' Temps at 57, 57, 52, 52 degrees C, BUT EasyTune5 shows a CPU temp of 47 and a System Temp of 47.

Last thing, I don't know what a "Tjunction" is, in the processor i'm sure, but Core Temp shows a temp of 100 C no matter much the CPU is being used. Is this correct?


Not trying to hi-jack this thread, just feel that all this comes from the same problem most likely. Maybe some sort of setting in one of the programs or even the BIOS that I need to change?

thanks for any help.

 

[zeek987]

Ok, Since I know people hate it when some one doesn't do any research before asking, ...So after I responded to the guy above. I did some more searching, and solved the problem with prime95....but no the problems with the CPU temps and what not else that I asked.


---Rothgard---
http://www.diy-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16446
that link will explain to you how to use 100% of all your cores in prime95.
Basically, You will have to follow that guide, but make 4 of the shortcuts that it talks about and use "-A0" , "-A1", "-A2", and "-A3" at the end of the first, then the 2nd, then 3rd, and finally the 4th shortcut's command line.

Then, don't forget to run a 'custom' torture test and split your memory between all 4 of the tests equally.
So after following the guide at the above link, and adjusting it for 4 cores, Then run all 4 instances of Prime95. You should have 100 % usage across the CPU. Good Luck!


----PS
could some one else please try to answer my other questions in my previous reply? about different temp readings and such. Thanks!

(my Q6600 in Core Temp shows: 50,50,48,47 at idle and 65,64,63,62 at 100% load) ....> is that normal for a Q6600?

 

[cory1234]

Ok I wouldnt use prime95 for quad cores. Orthos already uses two cores and makes it a little bit easier. Download Orthos and run it twice. Go into the task manager and set affinity for 2 cores on the one and obviously set it for the other 2 on the second running program. http://sp2004.fre3.com/beta/beta2.htm
You want the small ffts- cpu stress setting.

To the original op: I would recommend getting an aftermarket cooler if you dont already have one. 65c at 50% load is not a good thing if you haven't even overclocked yet. I would try lowering the vcore down a bit. My q6600 b3 runs @3.0ghz with 1.31 vcore. I would hope that your $1000 can handle better vcores than mine Always make sure to run orthos x2(100%) at least 6 hours to watch the temperatures and to make sure your system is stable at that vcore.

 

[cd14]

Here's a link for Prime95 ver 25.4 that uses all cores. You don't have to mess with the multiple instances. The program is English but the site is German.

http://www.computerbase.de/downloads/software/systemueberwachung/prime95/

"http://www.computerbase.de/downloads/software/systemueberwachung/prime95/"

Make sure your CPU isn't throttling due to heat...

http://cpu.rightmark.org/products/rmclock.shtml

Also make sure your heatsink is seated properly. I had to lap my aftermarket heatsink. Also My Q6600 (B3) was hitting 65c on load and this is at the default 2.66 and 1.325v. They're hot!

 

[rash219]

Here's a link for Prime95 ver 25.4 that uses all cores. You don't have to mess with the multiple instances. The program is English but the site is German.

http://www.computerbase.de/downloads/software/systemueberwachung/prime95/

"http://www.computerbase.de/downloads/software/systemueberwachung/prime95/"

Make sure your CPU isn't throttling due to heat...

http://cpu.rightmark.org/products/rmclock.shtml

Also make sure your heatsink is seated properly. I had to lap my aftermarket heatsink. Also My Q6600 (B3) was hitting 65c on load and this is at the default 2.66 and 1.325v. They're hot!

Hi i am curious i was about to start a new thread when i saw your comment....i just got the Prime95 ver 25.4 to torture my Q6600...but i want to know is there any settings i go to do b4 going to Option > Torture Test......?????

 

[Synthetickiller]

Hi i am curious i was about to start a new thread when i saw your comment....i just got the Prime95 ver 25.4 to torture my Q6600...but i want to know is there any settings i go to do b4 going to Option > Torture Test......?????

In Prime95, do this...

Advanced....
Round off checking.... select this.

Thats it! Now run small FFTs to see if your set up is stable (this is the best stability test you can do).

Make sure you have version 25.4 or higher. This supports 4 cores automatically.

Edit: for all of you guys running high OCs, I think that the CPU can tolerate up to 70*C. Correct me if I am wrong. I'm using a G0 @ 3.8ghz and my max load is 67*C on 1.575v. I am using a triple rad, so I wouldn't advise that much voltage w/ an air cooled set up.

 

[Hatman]

lol nice!

I just got Fzr7 Pro but im waiting until 2moro when I get 5 more 120mm fans for my case. Atm set to auto on my GO it gives me 2.4ghz at 1.28Vcore.


At Idle I dont want it to ever go over 45 from overclocking, atm its at 37 most of the time according to BIOS. I dont trust that much though.

I really hope I got extremly lucky with a good overclocking one lol.