BIOS and Overclocking
FSB Frequency | 100 - 800 MHz (1 MHz) |
Clock Multiplier Adjustment | Yes |
DRAM Frequency | DDR3: All Intel Ratios (by boot strap) |
Row 3 - Cell 0 | DDR2: 667, 800 MHz Data Rate |
PCIe Clock | 50 - 150MHz (1 MHz) |
CPU Vcore | 0.81875 - 1.6000 Volts (0.00625 Volts) |
CPU FSB Voltage | Undefined (low/middle/high/highest) |
Northbridge (MCH) | Undefined (low/middle/high/highest) |
Southbridge (ICH) | Undefined (low/middle/high/highest) |
DRAM Voltage | 1.47 - 2.40 Volts (0.06 Volts) |
CAS Latency Range | tCAS: 5-10; tRCD: 3-15; tRP: 3-15; tRAS: 9-30 |
The X48TurboTwins-WiFi’s frequency range looks a little ambitious, with a top setting of FSB-3200 (800 MHz clock) exceeding chipset capabilities by a relatively large margin. On the other hand, the company only offers DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 compatibility with automatic ratio adjustment, rather than with manual ratio selection.
At least all the DDR3 speeds were available, but once again choosing a ratio is done by picking the speed, based on stock FSB. We’re sure newbie CPU overclockers will choose the wrong setting, overclock the memory too far and be confused as to why their system doesn’t boot.
Most disconcerting of available BIOS settings are CPU, MCH and ICH voltage settings of “Low, Middle, High and Highest.” Not knowing what voltage we’re applying to an overclock instills hesitation and fear.
The CPU configuration menu appears rather basic, but the most important controls are present. Voltage levels are found in the “chipset” menu.
ASRock includes only the most familiar memory timing adjustments. Its DRAM frequency settings appear adequate when DDR3 is installed, but are far too restrictive when DDR2 is used.
Scrolling down reveals the voltage settings, with a global “GTLREF” adjustment rather than per-core settings