x48-ds5 probs...

[Nick05]

hi all

i am new to overclocking and of course have hit my first problem.......

i have read many forums trying to overcome the problem but have still not succeded so here goes....

i am trying to overclock my gigabyte x48-ds5 / E8500 core2duo and here are my specs...

gigabyte x48-ds5 rev.1 F7 bios
Core2duo E8500 3.16 g
Vandetta 2 cpu cooler
EZCool 1050w psu
2x 1g Buffalo 800 ddr2 (dual channel) 5-5-5-15 pc6400
2x gigabyte ati hd4870 crossfire

now, i started in the bios by setting the fsb to 400mhz and bringing down multiplyer to 8 to get 3.4gig, i set the spd to stay at 800mhz which of course in return gave me a 1:1 ratio, i rebooted and got to desktop only to hang 2 mins later so i did a bit of reading and read somewhere to set the cpu skew at 50ps which i tried and still it hangs at desktop, i have checked temps constantly and core temps never go above 50.c
am i right in saying i need to start playing with voltages ?? this is what worries me and is why i am now asking for help before i end up blowing my cpu sky high, i understand that overclocking is risky but best to ask the experianced and learn from their mistakes eh ...

can anyone suggest some more bios settings for a newb ? :)

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

You should set manually the DDR2 voltage to the spec on your ram, which is likely 2.1 (+0.3V)

I can say 8 X 400 FSB is not 3.4, but 3.2

Other then that please fill this out so I can know what you are trying already. If you need to add something that is not listed please do so >>>>

This is Just a template I use to ask people there settings, pay no attention to the numbers in it, replace with yours

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [8]
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [400]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [2.00]
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

Performance Enhance = [Standard]

CAS Latency Time________________ ?
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ ?
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______?
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________ ?
ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ ?
Rank Write to READ Delay________ ?
Write to Precharge Delay_________ ?
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ ?
Read to Precharge Delay__________ ?
Static tRead Value_______________ 1-31
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ 1-31

System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [+0.300V]
PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.1V]
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.1V]
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.1V]
CPU Voltage Control_______ [1.25]

[Nick05]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

ok i think ive sorted it....

i upped the voltages by 0.1v and the ram voltage to 2.1v i think my ram should only be 1.8v so a little concern there, should i also adjust the skew settings ? ive read somewhere to change them both between 50 - 150 ps ?? does this look ok to you guys ??.....

[Nick05]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

hi Lsdmeasap , thankyou for your very quick response

i will fill out the form now and post.............

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

If this is your Model # on your ram FSX800D2C-K2G Then it is 2.1 as shown here>>>
Newegg.com - BUFFALO Firestix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

But best for you to check the model # to be sure where you bought it or on the ram sticker!!!! Or possibly In Everest or PCWizard

As for the skew, which are you referring to exactly as some boards have a few

[Nick05]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

ok, heres what you asked for.....


Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [8.5]
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [400]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [2.00]
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

Performance Enhance = [Standard]

CAS Latency Time________________ 5
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ 5
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______5
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________ 15
ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ auto
Rank Write to READ Delay________ auto
Write to Precharge Delay_________ auto
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ auto
Read to Precharge Delay__________ auto
Static tRead Value_______________ auto
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ auto

System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [+0.300V]
PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.1V]
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.1V]
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.1V]
CPU Voltage Control_______ [1.35]

skew settings:

cpu/pciex clock driving control [800mv]
cpu clock skew control [normal]
(g)mch clock skew control [normal]

my ram models are as follows: Buffalo M2U800-1GBJ (x2 1024 sticks installed)


again thankyou for your time

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

I cannot find that Model AT ALL online or at The manufacturers website >>>
Buffalo Technology - Select Your Region

Can you find it there, or link me to where you bought it? SO we can be sure about this voltage question

Ahh I forgot you said 8500 When I looked before, so you was right 8.5 X 400 is 3.4 Silly me!

I see you are using 1.35 CPU Voltage for 3.4, that is likely way more then enough. I am using 1.32 on my E3110 (8400) for 4+ GHZ. So you can likely bring that down for sure after you get your memory stable

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [8.5]
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [400]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [2.00]
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

Performance Enhance = [Standard]

CAS Latency Time________________ 5
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ 5
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______5
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________ 15/18

The below settings I will suggest are Ranges, set to highest first. The later move lower ONE AT A TIME testing with memtest86+ after each move.

ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ 3-4
Rank Write to READ Delay________ 9-11
Write to Precharge Delay_________ 3-5
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ 38-42
Read to Precharge Delay__________ 3-5
Static tRead Value_______________ 7-10
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ auto << Leave on AUTO or Zero or 1-31

System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [+0.300V]
PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.1V]
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.1V]
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.1V - +0.125V]
CPU Voltage Control_______ [1.35]

CPU Clock Drive..........................: 800mv
PCI Express Clock Drive..................: 900mv
CPU Clock Skew (ps)......................: 150ps
MCH Clock Skew (ps)......................: 250ps

Here is a FAQ I found about Skew >>>
How to: Clock Skew Can Save Your Overclock And Memory - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net

And here you see a little discussion as well
Overclocking 45nm CPUs with the Gigabyte EP45-DS3R - [H]ard|Forum

By the way, have you tested that ram at all with memtest86+? If not you shoudl for sure, in a different board if you can to be sure it did not come to you DOA, it happens

[Nick05]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

i have not done mem. tests as of yet, TBH i think its obviously not the best of performers and no i cant find it either ? only this Mix Computerversand GmbH which has answerd the voltage question at least, i have been thinking about buying some new ram and wonderd if you have any good suggestions for my particular setup ??

i will change some more settings as per your post and will let you know how i get on.

cheers bud..

[Nick05]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

ok , all set, i have however changed CPU Voltage Control from 1.35 to 1.3 and DDR2 OverVoltage Control from 2.1 back to 1.8 and have booted successfully at least.

ill run a mem test..............

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

Well unless you find the exact model you will never know if it should be 2.1 or 1.8 as I see MANY different models by that company both using 1.8 and 2.1

I would suggest Mushkins or G.Skills. If you cannot find those in your area let me know and I will make some other suggestions

[Nick05]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

Hi Lsdmeasap ,

i have been running memtest overnight and have so far had 100% succsess with no errors.

here are my settings so far.....

i have included the values that are written in the bios in (*)


Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [8.5]
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [400]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [2.00]
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

Performance Enhance = [Standard]

CAS Latency Time________________ 5
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ 5
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______5
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________ 15


ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ (3) i have 3
Rank Write to READ Delay________ (3) " 10
Write to Precharge Delay_________ (6) " 4
Refresh to ACT Delay____________ (42) " 40
Read to Precharge Delay__________(3) " 4
Static tRead Value_______________ (9) " 9
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ (0) " Auto
System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [Normal]
PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.1V]
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.1V]
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.1V]
CPU Voltage Control_______ [1.23125]

CPU Clock Drive..........................: 800mv
PCI Express Clock Drive..................: 900mv
CPU Clock Skew (ps)......................: 150ps
MCH Clock Skew (ps)......................: 250ps

where you have suggested CPU Clock Drive 800mv and PCI Express Clock Drive 900mv, in my bios i have only one option for both...

CPU/PCIEX CLOCK DRIVING CONTROL, which is currently set at 800mv

also i have a few more options which i havnt touched...

Command Rate (CMD) -------- (2) i have--- Auto

CPU GTLREF1 Voltage Ratio---- Auto

CPU GTLREF2 Voltage Ratio---- Normal

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

Looks good, you can likely bring down Static tRead when you get some time for more testing. Maybe to 7 or 8

That is what I would suggest for those GTLREF voltages with a dual core >>
CPU GTLREF1 Voltage Ratio [Normal]
CPU GTLREF2 Voltage Ratio [Normal]

Auto should be used only if you see instabilities

[Nick05]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

ill give it a go........

may i say thankyou very much for your time and help, youve made my first overclock experiance pain free and with no expensive mistakes and pretty much easy peasy :P

your a gentleman !!

[Nick05]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

went right in and brought down Static tRead to 7 and it did the old 3 x reboot then reset so i changed to 8 and rebooted fine, i have run memtest for an hour with no errors but will leave it running tonight, fingers crossed..........

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: x48-ds5 probs...

Looks good then. I would think maybe that because that is the "Budget" ram from Buffalo is partly why it wont do tRD 7, that and the low voltage allowance

Or you could try it again with either higher Trfc of 42 or so, or try it again with a little more MCH voltage

Did you ever try 4-4-4-12 with this ram? It might do it, but would likely need 2.0V, but I'd test it anyway with the voltage you are using just to see.

You know you can save different BIOS profiles? On the MAIN page of the BIOS hit F11 for save and F12 for Load