Overclocking core i7 920 with X.M.P

You should be fine. As long as memory voltage is within .5v of QPI. You're right now at .0425v.

However you should still manually change your memory voltage down to 1.65v

@ flyin15sec,

Good catch!

@ sanni786,

Nice rig, however, the most efficient overclock configurations are achieved through 100% manual settings, which is a learning curve that requires a considerable amount of time and patience, but is well worth the effort and knowledge gained. Also, you should be aware that your core voltage and temperatures exceed Intel's specifications. From Intel's Processor Spec Finder - http://processorfinder.intel.com/L [...] SearchKey=

Vcore Max 1.375v
Tcase Max (CPU temperature) 68c
Tjunction (Core temperature) 73c

From the Core i7 and Core 2 Temperature Guide - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] ture-guide


Section 1: Introduction

Core i and Core 2 processors have 2 different types of temperature sensors; a CPU case (not computer case) Thermal Diode centered under the Cores, and Digital Thermal Sensors located on each Core. The case Thermal Diode measures Tcase (Temperature case), which is CPU temperature, and the Digital Thermal Sensors measure Tjunction (Temperature junction), which is Core temperature. Since these sensors measure 2 distinct thermal levels, there is a 5c temperature difference between them, which is Tcase to Tjunction Gradient. Core i7’s / i5’s and Core 2 Quad’s have 1 Tcase and 4 Tjunction sensors, while Core 2 Duo's have 1 Tcase and 2 Tjunction sensors ...

... The monitoring utilities provided by motherboard manufacturers monitor CPU temperature, while some popular freeware utilities monitor Core temperatures ... Real Temp ... is recommended for users interested in monitoring Core temperatures only ... SpeedFan monitors Tcase (CPU temperature) and Tjunction (Core temperature) ...


The thermal specification which is shown in Intel's Processor Spec Finder is Tcase Max (CPU) NOT Tjunction (Core), which is a very common misconception among most enthusiasts. Since there's a 5c gradient between the CPU sensor and the Core sensors, (shown in the following Intel document) - http://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/0709/0709.1861.pdf - just add 5c to the value shown in the Spec Finder to find the corresponding Core temperature, which is 73c for all Core i7 9xx variants.

Intel's second and frequently misunderstood thermal specification, Tjunction Max, (100c for all Core i variants) applies to overtemp protection such as Throttle and Shutdown, so you don't toast your transistors. As such, any i7 Core temperatures which exceed 73c should be considered "overtemp". Further, when specifications are exceeded, then premature processor degradation (longevity) becomes a factor that should be considered, which is explained in the following AnandTech article - http://anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/i [...] i=3251&p=6

Since it's somewhat less than clear as to whether the temperature you've listed is actually CPU temperature or Core temperature, and as you haven't listed your ambient temperature, (22c is the Standard for testing and reference), you're potentially either 4c or 9c over specs.

My objective is to assure that less informed enthusiasts understand the specifications, so they can better decide how to apply and manage their overclocking options. If longevity is a concern, then there are three alternatives:

(1) Disable HT and decrease Vcore to ~ 1.3.

(2) Decrease overclock to 3.8 Ghz and Vcore to ~ 1.3.

(3) Save your current BIOS settings as "Profile 1", and save one of the above settings as "Profile 2", either of which is within specs. Then simply load Proifile 1 for gaming, or Profile 2 for routine computing, so as to maximize longevity by minimizing the number of hours spent operating over specs.

IF, on the other hand, you upgrade your rig anually or so, then screw the specs, have numerous beers, and enjoy your rocket!

Hope this helps,

Comp

Your Corsair liquid cooling system isn't exactly the best, and CPU-Z sometime does not accurately report the multiplier values, which is unrelated to temperatures, unless of course you're hitting the upper 90's.

Please refer to the following: Intel Core i7-920 Overclocking Guiude - http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/c [...] cking.html

Thanks, Shadow.

I was just trying to be somewhat less blunt about it, but thanks for backing me up.