Overclocking the EP45-EXTREME

[TimothyGaray]

I've been experimenting with my EP45-EXTREME and attempting to overclock it. To be honest, I don't know what most of the setting even are.

I've seen posts on the Internet where people have gotten as high as 5.0GHz.

Currently, the best I've been able to do is 3.75GHz with my Intel Quad Core Q9550 processor.

I'm attaching my current settings. With 2 sticks of RAM, it worked ok but when I added two more identical sticks, Everest's system stability checker started reporting errors.

I'm open to any suggestions, recommendations or just flat out tell me where I've screwed something up.

Thanks!

-Tim

 
Motherboard...............................: Gigabyte EP45-EXTREME
Processor.................................: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz
RAM.......................................: OCZ Reaper DDR2 OCZ2RPR10664GK
 
 
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ..................: Turbo
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio......................: +0.5
CPU Frequency ............................: 3.75Ghz (442*8.5)
 
 
Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control....................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) .................: 442MHz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 100MHz
C.I.A.2 ..................................: [Disabled]
 
 
Advanced Clock Control
CPU Clock Drive...........................: 800
PCI Express Clock Drive...................: 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps).......................: 0ps
MCH Clock Skew (ps).......................: 50ps
 
 
DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance......................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)..........: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...................: 400MHz
System Memory Multiplier ................: 2.66D
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..................: 1179Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ..................: [Manual]
 
Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time.........................: 5
tRCD ....................................: 5
tRP......................................: 5
tRAS.....................................: 15
 
Advanced Timing Control
tRRD.....................................: 4
tWTR.....................................: 5
tWR......................................: 5
tRFC.....................................: 52
tRTP.....................................: 5
Command Rate (CMD) ......................: 2
 
Channel A
Static tRead Value.......................: 8
tRD Phase0 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase1 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ...................: Auto
tRD Phase3 Adjustment....................: Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)...................: Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
 
Channel B
Static tRead Value.......................: 8
tRD Phase0 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase1 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ...................: Auto
tRD Phase3 Adjustment....................: Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)...................: Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
 
Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.............................: Manual
CPU
CPU Vcore................................: 1.38750V
CPU Termination........... 1.200V*.......: 1.300V
CPU PLL....................1.500V*.......: Auto
CPU Referen................0.755V*.......: Auto
CPU Reference2.............0.800V*.......: Auto
 
MCH/ICH
MCH Core...................1.100V........: 1.200V
MCH Reference..............0.800V........: Auto
MCH/DRAM Ref...............0.900V........: Auto
ICH I/O....................1.550V........: Auto
ICH Core...................1.100V........: Auto
 
DRAM
DRAM Voltage...............1.800V........: 2.100V
DRAM Termination...........0.900V........: Auto
Channel A Reference........0.900V........: Auto
Channel B Reference........0.900V........: Auto
 
Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect................: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2)...............: [Disabled]
CPU EIST Function........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Enabled]

[Dweirdo]

Re: Overclocking the EP45-EXTREME

tRFC.....................................: 58-62
Static tRead Value.......................: 8 try this higher, 9-10.

MCH Core...................1.100V........: 1.200V this is one of ur problem! it needs 1.3 at least for 4 sticks.
your memory is working on high frenq, why wont u lower the MP to 2.0D or 2.40D
as well:
MCH Clock Skew (ps).......................: 50ps try this 150\100
but wait for LSDMEASAP he is a genius he will get u going in no time.

[TimothyGaray]

Re: Overclocking the EP45-EXTREME

I read through the sticky on memory timings and what all they mean. I already changed the MCH Core to 1.300V I am also trying to bump that up a smidge.

I also already bumped up the Static tRead Value to 10.

My current changed settings are:

 
Advanced Clock Control
CPU Clock Drive...........................: 800
PCI Express Clock Drive...................: 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps).......................: 0ps
MCH Clock Skew (ps).......................: 150ps

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance......................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)..........: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...................: 400MHz
System Memory Multiplier ................: 2.00D
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..................: 884Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ..................: [Manual]

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD.....................................: 4
tWTR.....................................: 4
tWR......................................: 6
tRFC.....................................: 71
tRTP.....................................: 4
Command Rate (CMD) ......................: 2
Channel A
Static tRead Value.......................: 10

Channel B
Static tRead Value.......................: 10

MCH/ICH
MCH Core...................1.100V........: 1.340V

My only options for the memory MP is 2.00D, 2.66D and 3.33D

The settings I'm using for the advanced timing control came from the SPD information in memset v3.4

I'm running Memtest now and so far no errors. However, running the Everest System Stability Test crashed and ultimately BSOD the system. Maybe the problem isn't memory but the processor?

BTW, my BIOS on this EP45-EXTREME is F7.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Overclocking the EP45-EXTREME

Ya, I woudl agree you would have more stability with trd of 9 instead of 8 with the rest of your timings as they are.

1.2 MCH may be good, but for 4 sticks at 1066 I would try using 1.24-1.28 or so until you see if this is the issue or not, then if not back off it again.

The rest of your timings look acceptable at those speeds, I would think maybe trd (Static Tread Value) was maybe what is causing your error.

But best to be sure, with what you have now, if it is the ram or the CPU. To find out, simply run Memtest86+ for a while. If you get errors you know it is the ram/NB and not your other CPU related settings >>
Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

[TimothyGaray]

Re: Overclocking the EP45-EXTREME

So far, no errors yet on MemTest.

One thing I don't understand is what am I doing when I change MCH Frequency latch and the system memory multiplier?

I changed the multiplier from 2.66D to 2.00D and now the memory frequency is showing at only 884MHz. Does that mean my memory is running slower now?

I guess I'm not really sure what I am trying to accomplish or what is being changed with these settings.

[TimothyGaray]

Re: Overclocking the EP45-EXTREME

If it turns out that the CPU is what is making me unstable, should I back down on the CPU Host Frequency or do I need to beef something else up to support the current frequency (like the CPU voltages)?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Overclocking the EP45-EXTREME

Yes, as you increase your CPU Freq you will need more Vcore. And yes your ram is running slower when you choose a smaller multi. What you can do is use 333 or 400 MCH latch and then depending on your FSB choose a ram multi that is closer to your ram's rated speed

[TimothyGaray]

Re: Overclocking the EP45-EXTREME

I've been working on this for a while now. I ran MemTest overnight (7 full passes) and there were no errors so I am pretty sure that any issues I have are CPU-related.

This profile is stable and runs ok via OCCT:

 
Motherboard...............................: Gigabyte EP45-EXTREME
Processor.................................: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz
RAM.......................................: OCZ Reaper DDR2 OCZ2RPR10664GK

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ..................: Turbo
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio......................: +0.5
CPU Frequency ............................: 3.75Ghz (442*8.5)

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control....................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) .................: 442MHz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 100MHz
C.I.A.2 ..................................: [Disabled]

Advanced Clock Control
CPU Clock Drive...........................: 800
PCI Express Clock Drive...................: 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps).......................: 0ps
MCH Clock Skew (ps).......................: 150ps

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance......................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)..........: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...................: 333MHz
System Memory Multiplier ................: 2.40B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..................: 1061Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ..................: [Manual]
Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time.........................: 5
tRCD ....................................: 5
tRP......................................: 5
tRAS.....................................: 15
Advanced Timing Control
tRRD.....................................: 4
tWTR.....................................: 4
tWR......................................: 6
tRFC.....................................: 60
tRTP.....................................: 4
Command Rate (CMD) ......................: 2
Channel A
Static tRead Value.......................: 9
tRD Phase0 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase1 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ...................: Auto
tRD Phase3 Adjustment....................: Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)...................: Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
Channel B
Static tRead Value.......................: 9
tRD Phase0 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase1 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ...................: Auto
tRD Phase3 Adjustment....................: Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)...................: Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.............................: Manual
CPU
CPU Vcore................................: 1.38750V
CPU Termination........... 1.200V*.......: 1.300V
CPU PLL....................1.500V*.......: Auto
CPU Referen................0.755V*.......: Auto
CPU Reference2.............0.800V*.......: Auto
MCH/ICH
MCH Core...................1.100V........: 1.300V
MCH Reference..............0.800V........: Auto
MCH/DRAM Ref...............0.900V........: Auto
ICH I/O....................1.550V........: Auto
ICH Core...................1.100V........: Auto
DRAM
DRAM Voltage...............1.800V........: 2.100V
DRAM Termination...........0.900V........: Auto
Channel A Reference........0.900V........: Auto
Channel B Reference........0.900V........: Auto
Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect................: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2)...............: [Disabled]
CPU EIST Function........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Enabled]

I've had to make significant cooling changes for the CPU. It was getting hotter than what I was seeing on the Everest System Stability Test.

This morning I broke down and hooked up the liquid cooling.

Now I am trying to see if I can go faster than 3.75GHz. Unfortunately, when I try, Vista locks up under load (running OCCT).

Here is the profile I am trying now that runs the CPU at 3.95GHz. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stabilize this so Vista doesn't hang when running a high load (it runs fine under normal conditions)?

 
Motherboard...............................: Gigabyte EP45-EXTREME
Processor.................................: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz
RAM.......................................: OCZ Reaper DDR2 OCZ2RPR10664GK

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ..................: Turbo
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio......................: +0.5
CPU Frequency ............................: 3.95Ghz (465*8.5)

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control....................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) .................: 465MHz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 100MHz
C.I.A.2 ..................................: [Disabled]

Advanced Clock Control
CPU Clock Drive...........................: 800
PCI Express Clock Drive...................: 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps).......................: 0ps
MCH Clock Skew (ps).......................: 150ps

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance......................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)..........: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...................: 333MHz
System Memory Multiplier ................: 2.40B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..................: 1116Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ..................: [Manual]
Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time.........................: 5
tRCD ....................................: 5
tRP......................................: 5
tRAS.....................................: 15
Advanced Timing Control
tRRD.....................................: 4
tWTR.....................................: 4
tWR......................................: 6
tRFC.....................................: 60
tRTP.....................................: 4
Command Rate (CMD) ......................: 2
Channel A
Static tRead Value.......................: 9
tRD Phase0 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase1 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ...................: Auto
tRD Phase3 Adjustment....................: Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)...................: Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
Channel B
Static tRead Value.......................: 9
tRD Phase0 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase1 Adjustment....................: Auto
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ...................: Auto
tRD Phase3 Adjustment....................: Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................: Auto
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)...................: Auto
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control.................: Auto
Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.............................: Manual
CPU
CPU Vcore................................: 1.47500V
CPU Termination........... 1.200V*.......: 1.380V
CPU PLL....................1.500V*.......: Auto
CPU Referen................0.755V*.......: Auto
CPU Reference2.............0.800V*.......: Auto
MCH/ICH
MCH Core...................1.100V........: 1.300V
MCH Reference..............0.800V........: Auto
MCH/DRAM Ref...............0.900V........: Auto
ICH I/O....................1.550V........: Auto
ICH Core...................1.100V........: Auto
DRAM
DRAM Voltage...............1.800V........: 2.100V
DRAM Termination...........0.900V........: Auto
Channel A Reference........0.900V........: Auto
Channel B Reference........0.900V........: Auto
Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect................: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2)...............: [Disabled]
CPU EIST Function........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Enabled]

Thanks for all your help!

-Tim

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Overclocking the EP45-EXTREME

What Ram, ram configuration are you using now?

Maybe this will help since I think you said you are using 4 sticks of ram >>>

CPU Clock Skew (ps).......................: maybe 50-150
MCH Clock Skew (ps).......................: 150ps << Maybe 200.250

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance......................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)..........: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...................: 333MHz << You may want to go up to the 400 strap

System Memory Multiplier ................: 2.40B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..................: 1116Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ..................: [Manual]


Channel A & B
Static tRead Value.......................: 10 << This will loosen up things (Less stress) for you on the NB for now

CPU
CPU Vcore................................: 1.47500V
CPU Termination........... 1.200V*.......: 1.380V << Maybe less will stabilize things, or less plus adjust Reference voltages below manually to get under the defaults, or over. Those help alot with stability, and it is a trail and error type of thing. Here is a few write up's on it. First one is for SLI board, but has some great info >>>
How to: What is GTLREF and what does it have to do with me?

Also see >>>
Understanding GTL Reference Voltage | ocXtreme
Edge Of Stability ~ Understanding GTL Reference Voltage
Edge Of Stability ~ CPU And Northbridge GTL Default Settings (DFI)


CPU PLL....................1.500V*.......: 1.56-1.6
CPU Referen................0.755V*.......: Auto
CPU Reference2.............0.800V*.......: Auto

MCH/ICH
MCH Core...................1.100V........: 1.300V-1.35
MCH Reference..............0.800V........: Auto
MCH/DRAM Ref...............0.900V........: Auto
ICH I/O....................1.550V........: 1.55-1.65
ICH Core...................1.100V........: 1.2-1.35