Undervolting E8500

[optional22]

I am running a stable 3.8 GHz (400 FSB) overclock of an E8500 (~12 hrs stable in Prime95).

After I got it stable at stock voltages, I played around and managed to reduce Bios Vcore to 1.20. CPUZ with droop reports 1.151 during load, 1.168 when idle.

I really have no idea what the effects of undervolting are. As long as is runs stable with no errors, does it even matter?

 

[V3NOM]

thats great! lower is better! so long as its stable. less volts = less heat+longer life! thats really great! gratz

 

[JohnnyMash]

Its not even undervolting, as a 45nm Core 2 can run in the area of down around 0.95v.

My E8400 stock on Asus P5K SE/EPU mobo on normal settings sets it at 1.07v, down to 0.975v when I turn on max power savings, and I can only speak of my specific chip, but thats not ever a problem, and I too require about the same voltage (1.185v) to get 3.6GHz stable.

Effects of undervolting are namely reduced heat output and power saving, with increasing chance of instability. Dialling back my 9600GT from 1.1v to 1.0v drops its idle temp 3-5 degrees, and 7-9 degrees total combined with underclocking for 2D.

Stable? No errors? Lowest acceptable voltage? Sounds great.

 

[V3NOM]

yeah a core 2 can run around 0.95 v.... at 1.5ghz.

 

[enaher]

Mmmm that really good i havent tried UV with a Wolfdale, the last undervolter was ye olde E6600@ 3.2 with 1.2v jejeje

 

[optional22]

I don't know how you can run a Core 2 at sub 1 volt region unless you seriously underclock it.

I think I can further reduce the voltages on it, but I don't know if I care to try. I set it to 1.15 and it booted, but P95 crashed. I set it to 1.2, and it was fine. I figured **** it, and left it.

My apartment is a chilly 12 centigrade because I'm a poor college student trying to save money, but my CPU temp is 27 degrees idle which goes up to 35 under load (Zalman CNPS9500). I'm not too worried about temperatures right now.

 

[enaher]

mmm... since readimg this ive been trying to Undervolt a spare 8400 on with .85v and lowering the clock to 1.8ghz mmm seems stable enough, consumptiom would be around 25-35 watts now if could find a q31 chipset Mobo that could actually undervolt well i might get a rather efficient and powerful download server/HTPC , its not practical but was fun enough.

 

[V3NOM]

:lol: poor but can afford an E8500? >.<

 

[optional22]

I know how to budget my money