680i + Q6600 + Overclocking = :(

[Andrews]

Good evening everyone! I've trolled these boards for quite awhile now, so I figured I might as well join in on the fun.

To introduce myself, I'm a n00b at heart who wants to see results, but can never find them. I've done enough reading on overclocking to make me sick to my stomach, so I thought I'd be specific and ask here.

My current specs:

evga 680i mainboard 122-CK-NF68-AR *P24 BIOS, which will not upgrade or flash higher.
Intel Q6600 Quad Core @ 2.4mhz *B3 stepping
egva 8800 GTX
4Gb G.Skill DDR 2 / 800mhz * 5-5-5-15 timings

Like I mentioned earlier, I've done a lot of reading, and for the life of me I can't seem to overclock this CPU. I'm shooting for a 3.0ghz system with aircooling (Zalman 9700 CPU cooler).

I'm not sure if I should just leave the 9x multiplier and up the FSB, leave AUTO voltages, change memory timings, blah blah blah! Every time I slowly increase the speed a bit, the system just reboots and loops.

I apologize if this thread has seen more attention than Paris Hilton, but I really need some good sound advice.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

[akhilles]

You don't need to read anything but:

http://www.nvidia.com/docs/CP/45121/nforce_680i_sli_overclocking.pdf

What's the case & case cooling? Room temp?

Oh jeez, I think I see it. The AR revision may be it. The A1 is the best for o/cing quad. Have you o/c'ed a c2d on this mobo & how far?

Set up your bios like this:

http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1069&pageID=3204

Except for these:

CPU MULTIPLIER = 8 or 7
QDR = 1200
DDR = 800
MEMORY VOLTAGE = see your specs (1.9-2.3 = safe)

Your ram will need more than normal voltage if there are 4 sticks.

What error do you get when you update bios? How do you update bios? floppy/windows?

 

[genec57]

You definitely need the A1 version motherboard. EVGA will RMA no problem and they will cross ship for a small fee.

 

[Andrews]

Thanks for the quick responses. I've read about the AR mobo version not being Quad Core friendly. I've been trying to overlook this on purpose, since I don't wish to go through the hassle of taking things apart and dealing with the shipping. (which I just might have to do) I picked the parts out for the PC, but had someone build it for me. With that said, how would the eVGA RMA work? Could I just ship it to them or would I need to go through the seller of the PC?

Anyhow, I managed to update the BIOS to P30 and still notice the same scenarios, can't get much higher than 2.8ghz.

I am using the Stacker CM 830 case with 6 120mm fans, and a Zalman 9700 for the CPU heatsink/fan. I believe this to be ample cooling to push 3.0ghz. I like my room cool, so I would say it ranges between 69 and 75 degrees.

I failed to mention that the PC was shipped to me O/C to begin with, unfortunately, I lost the settings because I had to update the BIOS for the SATA connection issue. I don't recall what the specs were, but I know it was 3.0+Ghz.

Thanks again for the help, any news is good news.

 

[Hatman]

So Just a quick question, mine is A2 from XFX, what does that mean?

 

[akhilles]

Typically, you must contact the manufacturer to arrange for a RMA unless they instruct you otherwise. Their site usually details the procedure.

You have every right part for o/c except the combo of the mobo & quad.

 

[penguin1]

wahaha mine's A1 rev..

if u cant rma u can try this.. great guide,
http://sg.vr-zone.com/articles/A1_Revising_your_Motherboards_for_Kentsfield/4756.html