Pushing for more than 3.0ghz

[jerkinjohn]

Cooler Master HAF 932
Intel Quad Core Q6600 OC@ 3.0 Ghz
Noctua NH-D14 HS
Evga 750I FTW Mobo
Evga GTX260 Super Overclocked Edition GPU
Corsair TX750W PSU
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
Western Digital Caviar Black SATA 3.0Gb/s 1TB 7200 RPM
ASUS DVD Burner DRW-22B1LT
Hanns·G HG-281DPB 1920 x 1200
Windows XP Professional SP3 32-bit for System Builders


I am trying to go more than 3.0ghz overclock. I have been doing as much research as I can and have been learning a lot! I followed a guide to learn how to overclock and have tried various things. In my research I have read that Link/Sync is the best way to go. I have tried it at 3.0ghz and 3.2ghz. Here is a template of one of my 3.2ghz config.


BIOS Version: P0 v6.00PG
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 3200.00 GHZ
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1600.00
CPU Multiplier: [8X]
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz: [100]
PCle x16-3, MHz: [100]
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz: [200]
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP: [5X]
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP: [5X]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
**FSB & Memorv Config**
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [Linked]
FSB - Memory Ratio: [Sync Mode]
FSB (QDR), MHz: [1600]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1600
x MEM (DDR), MHz: Linked
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 800.00
P1: [AUTO]
P2: [AUTO]
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [Optimal]
tCL (CAS Latency): Auto (5)
tRCD: Auto (5)
tRP: Auto (5)
tRAS: Auto (15)
Command Per Clock: [Auto (2T)]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto]
tRC: [Auto]
tWR: [Auto]
tWTR: [Auto]
tFAW: [Auto]
tREF: [Auto]
tRFC:
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [1.40000v]
CPU FSB: [1.40v]
Memory: [2.000v]
nForce SPP: [1.45v]
nForce MCP: ■
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto] +00mv
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto] +110mv
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto] +00mv
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto] +00mv
**CPU Configuration**
Limit CPUlD Maxval: Disabled
Intel Speedstep: Disabled
xPPM Mode: [Native]
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit: [Enabled]
Virtualization Technology: [Enabled]
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]
CPU Core 3: [Enabled]


I noticed with this config my 3DBenchmark 05 was 19174... So then I tried changing the memory ratio to 3:2 but my comp. just rebooted on me with in a few minutes of browsing the web. Before I changed the memory ratio and had it on (Sync Mode) I passed 20 passes of IBT so it was stable but the weird thing was in bios and real temp they indicated that I was at 3.2ghz but Futuremark 3DMark and my system properties indicated that I was at 3.6ghz. Weird...

So I got a bit frustrated and set my bios all the same as above except Auto Voltage, Multi X9, FSB 1333, Unlinked, Memory ratio (Auto), Actual memory DDR 1066. I ran IBT for 20 passes and passed, bios, real temp, system properties and 3DMark all indicated that I was at 3.0ghz as they should! My benchmark also went up to 19694.

I am getting better results from not using the Link/Sync method it seems. Now I would like to push for more. In the 3.2/3.4 range. I tried for a 3.375 overclock but bios wouldn't even come up and I had to hit the cmos reset button. So now I'm back to 3.0ghz stable.

If anyone could be so kind as to possibly fill out the template above with a config that might work for a overclock in the range I'm after. Need some fresh ideas! Thank you much in advance

 

[jerkinjohn]

I thought I should have posted my current config as it may be helpfull just to know where everything is currenty at.
BIOS Version: P0 v6.00PG
**System **
CPU Freq, MHz: 2998.8 GHZ
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1332.8
CPU Multiplier: [X9]
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz: [100]
PCle x16-3, MHz: [100]
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz: [200]
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP: [5X]
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP: [5X]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
**FSB & Memorv Config**
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [unlinked]
FSB - Memory Ratio:
FSB (QDR), MHz: [****]
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1333
x MEM (DDR), MHz: 1066
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1066.2
P1: [AUTO]
P2: [AUTO]
**Memory Timing Setting**
Memory Timing Setting: [OPTIMAL]
tCL (CAS Latency): 5
tRCD: 7
tRP: 7
tRAS: 20
Command Per Clock: [2T]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD: [Auto]4
tRC: [Auto] 32
tWR: [Auto] 6
tWTR: [Auto]10
tFAW: [Auto]
tREF: [Auto]7.8uS
tRFC:
**System Voltages**
CPU Core: [Auto]1.45000v
CPU FSB: [Auto] 1.40v
Memory: [Auto] 1.900v
nForce SPP: [Auto] 1.40v
NF 200 Voltage Level [Auto] 1.20v
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto] +00mv
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto] +90mv
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto] +00mv
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto] +00mv
**CPU Configuration**
Limit CPUlD Maxval: Disabled
Intel Speedstep: Disabled
xPPM Mode: [Native]
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit: [Enabled]
Virtualization Technology: [Enabled]
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]
CPU Core 3: [Enabled]

If ya see any red flags please let me know. Everything is stable with these settings and I know with the voltages on auto they are probably a bit high!

 

[Shadow703793]

Is this a B3 or C0? If it's a B3 chances are the CPU is probably at it's limit. The [strike]C0[/strike] G0, not C0 is the version that usually hit 3.2-3.6Ghz.

 

[jerkinjohn]

Is this a B3 or C0? If it's a B3 chances are the CPU is probably at it's limit. The C0 is the version that usually hit 3.2-3.6Ghz.

Where could I find that out at? On the CPU? I have the box but I don't see anything like B3 or CO. I have a FPO/Batch#, Prod Code, MM# and of course Freq, core voltage, FSB, L2 Cache and PCG. I have read that anything above 3.0ghz you have to manually adjust your voltages. So I'm thinking I may not be getting those right.

 

[Shadow703793]

^ Download CPUZ here: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

Then look under "Revision" in CPUZ.

 

[jerkinjohn]

^ Download CPUZ here: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

Then look under "Revision" in CPUZ.

Oh okay, here's the link to my validation http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=1376001 It's CO or actually looks like a GO. Let me know if you have a problem viewing my validation.

 

[Shadow703793]

Yup. It's the 2nd revision alright. It's G0, not C0. My bad there.

Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1333
x MEM (DDR), MHz: 1066
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1066.2

If your RAM is @ 1066, you are OCing your RAM. Your RAM (assuming CPUZ is correct) is DDR2 800 (aka PC2 6400). Adjust your RAM: FSB so that it is 1:1. Then try over 3Ghz in 50-100Mhz increments until 3.3-3.6Ghz.

 

[jerkinjohn]

Yup. It's the 2nd revision alright. It's G0, not C0. My bad there.

Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1333
x MEM (DDR), MHz: 1066
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1066.2

If your RAM is @ 1066, you are OCing your RAM. Your RAM (assuming CPUZ is correct) is DDR2 800 (aka PC2 6400). Adjust your RAM: FSB so that it is 1:1. Then try over 3Ghz in 50-100Mhz increments until 3.3-3.6Ghz.

I will give that a try now and get back to you. Thank you! How about my voltages though. Should I adjust them manually at this point?

 

[jerkinjohn]

Am I to adjust the memory ratio to 1:1 instead of having it Auto? If I do that then I have to adjust Memory Clock Mode to Linked and then my my Actual MEM (DDR), Mhz goes to 1332.8. That's no good right? I have to be 1066 or under don't I? This is at a FSB of 1333.

I just got into Bios and started changing things around a bit and thought I would tell you what I'm seeing.

 

[Shadow703793]

Correct. Your RAM needs to be under 1066 Mhz as your RAM is DDR2 800.

I will give that a try now and get back to you. Thank you! How about my voltages though. Should I adjust them manually at this point?

As for voltages, do it once you get a stable speed.

 

[jerkinjohn]

Well the only thing I can get to boot with the 1:1 ratio is FSB 1333 Ram 667. Anything above that I can't get to boot. Except my original config of FSB 1333 Ram 1066. I get what you are saying about overclocking my Ram but since I can't get anything to work above 3.0ghz with a 1:1 ratio what choice do I have? Do I need better memory or something? I'm at a loss honesty.

If I do Link/Sync method it works out to be the same as manually doing a 1:1 ratio unlinked with Mem ratio set to Auto. If I do linked with Mem ratio set on 1:1 which is the only way you can chose the memory ratio in the mem ratio choices my Ram is well above 1066. The memory ratios to chose from are 1:1, 5:4 and 3:2 or Auto.

Wish I could figure this out because most can get a higher overclock than 3.0ghz with a Q6600.

 

[Shadow703793]

Do I need better memory or something?

No. There is no point in trying to get better RAM.

Go back to 1066Mhz on the RAM and up the RAM voltage a bit more and see if you can then increase the FSB a bit.

 

[jerkinjohn]

Do I need better memory or something?

No. There is no point in trying to get better RAM.

Go back to 1066Mhz on the RAM and up the RAM voltage a bit more and see if you can then increase the FSB a bit.

Away from home now on my girlfriends comp. but thought I would tell ya what I tried before I left. I did set the Ram back to 1066Mhz, then I set my multiplier to X8 and FSB QDR to 1600 which gave me a CPU freq. 3200.00. I left the voltage on auto and booted up. Temps where good so I started IBT and as soon as the burn test started the comp rebooted. So I adjusted the voltages. Bumped them up. Best I can recall I had them at CPU Core:1.45000v CPU FSB: 1.40v Memory: 2.100v nForce SPP:1.40v NF 200 Voltage Level 1.25v

I rebooted and temps where good so I started the IBT burn test to check for stability. I usually run 20 passes at maximum and it got to 3 passes and said I failed and my CPU was unstable. It didn't reboot on me though. So then right before I left the house I went back to 3.0ghz and ran IBT for 20 passes at max and it passed. So I'm solid at 3.0ghz but I think I'm getting close to 3.2ghz. Maybe adjusting some other voltages other then RAM because 2.100v is as high as I can go according to the specs of my RAM. What do ya think?

 

[Shadow703793]

Imo, if you can't hit 3.2Ghz with those settings, looks like your CPU just doesn't like it can hit more than 3Ghz. What's the CPU VID (use CoreTemp to find this)? Also, what's the NB temps?

 

[jerkinjohn]

Imo, if you can't hit 3.2Ghz with those settings, looks like your CPU just doesn't like it can hit more than 3Ghz. What's the CPU VID (use CoreTemp to find this)? Also, what's the NB temps?

I'll check those things out when I get back home. I have a fan on the NB that came with the 750i mobo. You are probably right about my CPU maxing out at 3.0. Maybe that's why I have been banging my head agaist the wall trying to get it higher! Still I would like to try any and all options and configuration to be certain I can't achieve a higher overclock.

The Build is getting out dated anyway so atleast with my next build (when ever I can afford it) I will be much more educated in what exactly I want out of my comp. This comp. is my first attempt at building one. It's been treating me really good till I had a Cooler Master V8 crap out on me and about a month of RMA's and trouble shooting. Loving the new Noctua NH-D14