GA-EP45-UD3P can't go over Stock Speed? Help?

weatherphobia

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First off, let me give my computer parts in case it matters.

OCZ GameXtream 700 Watts PSU
GA-EP45-UD3P Motherboard
Q9400 Quad core cpu
Freezer 7 Pro CPU FAN HSF

G.skill ddr2-1066 - 2x2gb -2 sticks for 4gb total
Seagate sata II- 320 GB hard drive
SAT DVD burner
Radimax Dirk-tooth case, 4 fans, in and out
Home Premium VISTA 64 bit

I might have missed something but I'm sure these are the parts that would be most important.


It's the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P motherboard. If I go over 8 X 333 it is either unstable or will refuse to boot. I've heard and read of people oc'ing to 3.5 Ghz and that would be impossible for me since I can't go over the stock speed of 2.66Ghz Q9400 CPU.

Is there a guide that gives step-by-step detailed instructions on how to overclock my computer? I've Googled many times and I can only find where people overclocked and are sharing how well they did, no detailed discussions on HOW they overclocked this motherboard/cpu combo.

I'm only wanting to go from the stock of 2.66GHZ to perhaps 3.0GHZ, I'm not asking to go as high as others have gone, just a tad Overclocked.

So is there a detailed step by step instructions on the web for my motherboard's chipset/bios settings?
 

flyin15sec

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Overclocking that processor is just like any other socket775. Read up on the guides on this board or others to understand the basics.

You should first lower your memory divider. If you are using the 333 MCH latch, use the 2.00B divider. That should keep the memory at 800mhz. Set your memory to the rated voltage from the manufacturer.

Change all the voltages from auto to their default value, which should be listed next to the input value, under the Default collumn.

Raise the FSB slowly from 333 in 10 or so increments. Test each time you raise. Use Prime95 or any other stress testing software.
 

cappster

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You should have no proble going to 3.0 even on stock voltages. I would also check the memory strap to see if that could be a problem. I also have a UD3P with a Q9400 and was able to use 2.40b while overclocking. Try manually setting the voltage for your ram to factory specs (2.1?). I would also try setting the cpu voltage to 1.3 or so just to see if I could get it to boot @ 3.0.
 

weatherphobia

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What does that 2xxB in the ram settings stand for?
 

cappster

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The 2.40b changes the memory divider, but maintains the 333 strap (if I understand it correctly). Since your CPU by default is 333 x8, it is probably best to stick with the memory divider with the "b" on the end. I am not sure if it is a 1:1 ratio or not. With my Q9400 sitting @ 3.6, my memory is clocked to 1080 @ 5-5-5-15 with my ram setting at 2.40b if that helps any.
 

weatherphobia

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I OC'ed a comp I had around 1999-2001 and that's the last time I fooled with this and it seems things have become far more advanced and detailed since then. I think I know what you're trying to say and thanks.



IS it true that you want to go as high as you can on the multiplier and that allows smaller moves on the FSB to overclock?

anyone?
 

flyin15sec

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Using a higher CPU muliplier makes less strain on your motherboard. Older boards could not get to 400 bus speed or 1600FSB. However your motherboard can do over 500 bus speed, 2000FSB. That shouldn't be a problem for your low CPU multiplier.

Your cpu mulitplier is 8, you should just stick with that.
 

weatherphobia

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There is 9 separate videos listed. Which one am I suppose to be watching?

thanks as always