GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

[thijsz0r]

Greetings,

Recently ( about 2+- months ago ) I purchased a brand new set of components for gaming use. These are:

- GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6
- Intel C2D E8400 Socket 775 @ Artic Cooler Pro
- Sapphire Radeon HD4850 @ Crossfire @ Thermaltake DuOrb + VF1000@LED
- Samsung Spinpoint F1, 7200RPM, SATA II, 32MB, 1TB
- G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ, 4096MB, 800MHZ DDR2


I've recently upgraded the Bios to the latest stable version aswell ( 8 if i remember correctly )

But, i'm encountering a few problems with overclocking.

First of all,

If i leave the voltage management at automatic it's putting the Vcore way to high!

At 4,0ghz according to the GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 apprently it needs an excesive 1,57 Volt.

Due to the fact this is way beyond what anyone recommends, how are these voltages descided? is it based on my setup or a general thing that someone at Gigabyte descided?

Second, which is similair in a way but what the heck ;)

When doing the voltages manual, i find myself having a fairly major ( even with auto on the voltages , obviously ) Vdrop. at stock, the Vdrop is between 0,05 - 0,10. Could this indicate a component isnt working as intended?

Also, i'm required ( for a more then resonable 3,8ghz ) to put the Vcore around 1,38 - 1,40 whilst plenty of others have no trouble getting their mhz up a whole lot without increasing their Vcore for alot.

Could this indicate something about any of my components, especially the big Vdroop and high voltage requirements for ( relative ) minor overclocks?

Many thanks in advance.

[wtfchuck]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

I think sometimes its just your CPU. I need 3.8v for 3.6ghz.

[soldier]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

UMM.. 3.8?... Lol.. No.. Typo demon!

My e5200 requires 1.45 to get 3.9Gghz stable and I experience Vdrop as well...

[thijsz0r]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

Can a proper PSU change the outcome of any of my problems?
Since i currently have a B-brand 550 WATT ( Eminent, might even be a "C" :( )

[thijsz0r]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

Anyone els has any idea about the Voltage / Vdrop problem?
Especially why im requireing so much ( relatively seen ) voltage then 99% of the world. Just bad luck? :)

[wtfchuck]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

UMM.. 3.8?... Lol.. No.. Typo demon!

My e5200 requires 1.45 to get 3.9Gghz stable and I experience Vdrop as well...

1.38 LMAO oops. I will add that it shows as 1.36 in windows.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

Sounds about normal to me, some chips just need more then others. What full settings are you using? >>>

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

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [8] 
Fine Clock Ratio ____________[0.5]
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [450] 
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_______________
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ [Auto]

CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control [800mV]
CPU Clock Skew Control [normal]
GMCH Clock Skew Control [Normal]

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]

Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect___________________[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

[thijsz0r]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

Sounds about normal to me, some chips just need more then others. What full settings are you using? >>>

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

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [9] 
Fine Clock Ratio ____________[Disabled with the latest Bios ( 8A ? )]
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [423] 
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [auto]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [2.00]
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Auto]

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
Rank Write to READ Delay________ 3
Write to Precharge Delay_________ 6
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ 52
Read to Precharge Delay__________ 3
Static tRead Value_______________ 8
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ [Auto]

CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control [800mV]
CPU Clock Skew Control [normal]
GMCH Clock Skew Control [Normal]

System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [+0.05V] 
PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.00V] 
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.00V] 
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.00V] 
CPU Voltage Control_______ [1.36875]

Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled] Cant find it on the mobo :)
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled] Cant find it on the mobo :)
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Enabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Enabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect___________________[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

Thanks for the answer, i quoted it and filled in my results :)
Hope it helps you in any way :)

[thijsz0r]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

Added note, with the current settings it seems relatively stabile.
Only Intelburntest, with 5 "tests" shows at the end 1 out of 2 tests finished, and the other one failed.

I'd really like your input on this Lsdmeasap, perhaps you see something wrong :) with the above settings.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

Here would be optimal settings for your setup to overclock to what you have, and more >>>

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto or Fast]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [9] 
Fine Clock Ratio ____________[Disabled with the latest Bios ( 8A ? )] ?? I say too! ??  Maybe you should go back and not use a Beta BIOS

CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [423] 
[B]PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100][/B]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [2.00B or 2.00D]
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

[B]Performance Enhance = [Standard][/B]

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

ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ 3-4
Rank Write to READ Delay________ 3-6
Write to Precharge Delay_________ 4-6
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ 52-62
Read to Precharge Delay__________ 3-5
Static tRead Value_______________ 6/7-10
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ [Auto] << Always Auto

CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control [800mV]
CPU Clock Skew Control [normal] 50 may help
GMCH Clock Skew Control [Normal] << 50-150 may help with stability

System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [+0.05V] << [B]Way to much[/B]  Your ram is rated (Warrantied) for 1.8V-1.9V.  I would use 1.9V-2.0, What you have +0.5 = 2.3V 
PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.00V] << +0.1 for stability 
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.00V] << +0.1-0.15/0.2 for stability
[B](G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.00V][/B] << +0.2-0.3 for 2x2GB ram
CPU Voltage Control_______ [1.36875] (1.25-1.34 ACTUAL Should get you 4Ghz)

Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled] 
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
[B]CPU EIST Function.........................: [Enabled][/B] << DISABLED
Virtualization Technology................: [Enabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect___________________[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

[thijsz0r]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

Here would be optimal settings for your setup to overclock to what you have, and more >>>

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto or Fast]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [9] 
Fine Clock Ratio ____________[Disabled with the latest Bios ( 8A ? )] ?? I say too! ??  Maybe you should go back and not use a Beta BIOS

CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [423] 
[B]PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100][/B]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [2.00B or 2.00D]
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

[B]Performance Enhance = [Standard][/B]

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

ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ 3-4
Rank Write to READ Delay________ 3-6
Write to Precharge Delay_________ 4-6
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ 52-62
Read to Precharge Delay__________ 3-5
Static tRead Value_______________ 6/7-10
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ [Auto] << Always Auto

CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control [800mV]
CPU Clock Skew Control [normal] 50 may help
GMCH Clock Skew Control [Normal] << 50-150 may help with stability

System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [+0.05V] << [B]Way to much[/B]  Your ram is rated (Warrantied) for 1.8V-1.9V.  I would use 1.9V-2.0, What you have +0.5 = 2.3V 
PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.00V] << +0.1 for stability 
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.00V] << +0.1-0.15/0.2 for stability
[B](G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.00V][/B] << +0.2-0.3 for 2x2GB ram
CPU Voltage Control_______ [1.36875] (1.25-1.34 ACTUAL Should get you 4Ghz)

Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled] 
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
[B]CPU EIST Function.........................: [Enabled][/B] << DISABLED
Virtualization Technology................: [Enabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect___________________[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

Thanks for the post, ill edit it!
And btw, it's 0,05 not 0,5 volt added to the ram ;)
And i ment 7A, which is the latest Stable Bios :)

Again, thanks for the reply's much appreciated!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

Well F7A is a beta, any BIOS with a letter is beta just so you know

Ahh, .05 ok! Well you may be ok with that, but if you get errors use +0.1 or +0.15

[thijsz0r]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

Well F7A is a beta, any BIOS with a letter is beta just so you know

Ahh, .05 ok! Well you may be ok with that, but if you get errors use +0.1 or +0.15

Currently running on 3,8ghz still.
It's doing ok i guess, but with 5 tests at Intelburntest the last one of the 5 tests failed.

Orthos failed after round about 10/15min.
Tried 4,0ghz with effective 1,34volt under load but it's to little, getting errors straight away.

About the BIOS, im running is ( Final try, now it's good :D )

<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" bgColor=#c8c8c8 border=0><TBODY><TR align=middle><TD bgColor=#ffffff>F7</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>2008/07/18</TD><TD align=left bgColor=#ffffff>

1. Support DES Advanced
2. Update CPU microcode(Support Intel Wolfdale/Yorkfield E0-stepping CPU)

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

You reckon potentially going back to "6" might solve certain things?
My budget isnt currently what it should be ( sunday birthday tho, cash!! ) but could a Proper PSU change anything? the other voltages shown by cpu-z and speedfan are all dodgy, low +12 line etc.

Greetings!

Minor EDIT

I'm still wondering if there is any reason why the automatic voltages with overclocks are so high, people might have looked over it but how is the automatic "done"?
As in, based on pregiven information or actual information about the System?

I can amagine people not noticing it, or thinking it's fine while they are running 1,55+- Volt on their Vcore ruining it bad...

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

Ahh, I see F7 is final now! Ok

Well F6 may or may not help, your chip may just be a volt hungry one? Some are like that have you tried more like 1.35 actual?

What does Easytune, or Everest Ultimate, or PC health section of your BIOS say about your voltages? I do not trust Speedfan at all when it comes to that, and CPU-z does not show any voltages except your vcore so I am not sure what you meant by that

A good PSU Could help, but I am not so sure your one you have now is to blame for anything. What is it anyway?

Some chips do need way more then others, I have seen 4Ghz done with 1.14 on some, and others have needed 1.36+. It is all luck of the draw what CPU you get and how good it scales with voltages.

I am not exactly sure how Auto voltages are programmed into the BIOS/Boards, but I do know they are acceptable for minor overclocks but I would never use them after seeing how high they can go without cause

[thijsz0r]

Re: GigaByte GA-X48-DQ6 Voltage / Vdroop problem

Ahh, I see F7 is final now! Ok

Well F6 may or may not help, your chip may just be a volt hungry one? Some are like that have you tried more like 1.35 actual?

What does Easytune, or Everest Ultimate, or PC health section of your BIOS say about your voltages? I do not trust Speedfan at all when it comes to that, and CPU-z does not show any voltages except your vcore so I am not sure what you meant by that

A good PSU Could help, but I am not so sure your one you have now is to blame for anything. What is it anyway?

Some chips do need way more then others, I have seen 4Ghz done with 1.14 on some, and others have needed 1.36+. It is all luck of the draw what CPU you get and how good it scales with voltages.

I am not exactly sure how Auto voltages are programmed into the BIOS/Boards, but I do know they are acceptable for minor overclocks but I would never use them after seeing how high they can go without cause

Thanks for your reply once more :) , when i get back home ill post the results with Easytune / Everest Ultimate.

My current PSU is a Emininent EM3900 Pro series 550WATT , A new PSU is on my "upgrade" list together with a sparkling new case

About the random factor concerning the Vcore, With 1,408 Vcore under load ( ill double check that voltage with everest ultimate oid.) ( 1,44+- Bios ) im running 4,0ghz fairly stable. But im concerned if this might kill my cpu, due to the fact many dont recommend it ( plan is to use it for 24/7 computer usage)

And yeah, the Auto Voltage part is something i trusted for a few weeks even with 3,6ghz but no idea how high it actually put the Vcore, way to high aswell i reckon :)

For now, thanks for the kind help & information!