A "balanced" OC for i7-930?

[henryvalz]

I am wondering how to get the best results out of an i7-930 OC.

I generally like to set the FSB/RAM speeds in such a way so that you have a nice round number as the ratio between the two.

However, I'm not particularly wanting to push my i7-930 too hard.

So, here are my options, I think...

DDR3-1600, running at 1600. Put the FSB at 200/400 and put the i7-930 at 19x (3.8ghz). This puts the RAM at it's rated speed, and puts the FSB: DRAM at 2:8.

Another option is to put the FSB at 166/333, then run 1333, and put the 930 at 21x (3.5 Ghz)... But then I'm not getting as much out of my RAM (or saving $20 and buying the cheaper stuff). FSB: DRAM would also be 2:8.

Finally, I could do a FSB at 166/333 with a FSB: DRAM of 2:10, which would put my processor at 3.5Ghz, and the RAM at 1666...

Or, and here's the unthinkable thing... I just leave it as is. (GASP! NEVAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR!)

Board is GA-X58-UD3R.

Ram is OCZ DDR-1600.

Cooler is a CoolerMaster V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP. Yeah, I know, the cooler is capable of more, but I'd rather keep my Vcore the same, and just be happy with the OC.

 

[redechelon]

He understands it, he just said FSB instead of BCLK.

But yeah, If I were you I'd go with your first setup. 200 BCLK * 19x = 3.8GHz and 1600MHz for the RAM with an 8x multiplier.

For my particular chip, a 4.0GHz OC still doesn't need much voltage at all, but the jump from 3.8 to 4 didn't seem worth it. It seems to be a common barrier, so 3.8 or 3.6 will most likely give you the best balance that you're looking for.

If you're already set on not increasing your vcore at all, 3.8GHz will probably be hard to achieve, but who knows how well your setup will perform. No harm in increasing the voltage as long as your temps are fine.

 

[razercultmember1]

Hey I have the same mobo tips on overclocking? i just got to 4.0 ghz but not sure the settings lol ill check tomorrow but i doubt my settings are within the "standards" of overclocking

 

[aznshinobi]

A 3.8 to 4.0 really isn't that much different. Your OC is already fine, especially since power consumption change is a bit much from 3.8 to 4.0 which is kinda suprising.

 

[henryvalz]

He understands it, he just said FSB instead of BCLK.

If you're already set on not increasing your vcore at all, 3.8GHz will probably be hard to achieve, but who knows how well your setup will perform. No harm in increasing the voltage as long as your temps are fine.

I'm a little old-school, and so the new terminology for terms that mean the same thing still screws with me. My first OC was a Celeron 300a to 500MHz (I loved that chip so much). And I only do a new system every 24-36 months.

I'd rather not jump my vcore too much, but in order to get to that 3.8 number, is there a good voltage you would recommend? Seems like a 1.30V would be fine, yeah?

 

[redechelon]

I'm a little old-school, and so the new terminology for terms that mean the same thing still screws with me. My first OC was a Celeron 300a to 500MHz (I loved that chip so much). And I only do a new system every 24-36 months.

I'd rather not jump my vcore too much, but in order to get to that 3.8 number, is there a good voltage you would recommend? Seems like a 1.30V would be fine, yeah?

8D

1.3V is perfectly safe, but you probably won't even need that big of a jump for 3.8GHz. Actually, right now I'm overclocked to 3.6GHz, all while UNDERvolting to 1.175v... so who knows what you'll experience. Anyways, I'd say start with 1.25v or so and lower it until you find the sweet spot. I'd also turn SpeedStep off and possibly LLC, but that's your call.