Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

[Nova Phoenix]

This is primarily at lsdmeasap's request that I make my own topic. As you requested mate, here are my current settings...

HDD Smart Capability = disabled
Limit CPUID Max to 3 = disabled
No-Execute Memory protect = enabled
C1E = disabled
TM2 = enabled
EIST = disabled
Virtualization Tech = disabled
Init Display First = PEG
CPU Warning Temp = 70oC
CPU FAN Warning = enabled
SYSTEM FAN 1 Warning = enabled
Smart FAN Control Method = disabled
R.G.B = auto
CPU Clock Ratio = 8x
CPU Host Clock Control = enabled
CPU Host Frequency = 400 mhz
PCI-E Frequency = 100 mhz
CIA2 = disabled
Performance Enhance = standard
System Memory Multiplier = 2.00D
CAS Latency Timer = 4
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay = 4
DRAM RAS# precharge = 4
Precharge Delay = 12
ACT to ACT delay = 3
Rank write to read delay = 3
Write to precharge delay = 6
refresh to act delay = 55
read to precharge delay = 3
static tread value = 7
static tread phase adjust = Auto/0
command rate = 2T
System Voltage Control = manual
DDR2 OV Control = +0.30v
PCI-E OV Control = +0.10vl
FSB OV Control = +0.10v
(G)MCH OV Control = +0.200v
CPU Voltage Control = 1.33something volts

Currently, the Vcore on CPU-Z hovers between 1.31v and 1.32v, depending on idle/loading conditions. There have been no hardware changes to anything for the past few months.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

What is your full spec's and your issues?

[Nova Phoenix]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

Issues: BSODs and blur-tear effects (video pattern rapidly descending the screen accompanied by stuttering sound) caused by idling and some games (not always) respectively. Error code always begins with 0x00000124. Vcore changes in either direction seem to do nothing against the BSODs, or just delay them.

Specs:
Gigabyte GA-EX38-DS4 Motherboard
Intel Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz Processor
Patriot Viper 2x2GB DDR2-800 4-4-4-12 Memory
Seagate 500GB HDD SATA2
2x Powercolor HD3870X2 GDDR4 Video Cards
TRU120E Heatsink w/2x Scythe S-Flex SFF21F fans
Thermaltake Armor+ Case
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit w/SP1

At current time of posting, I've checked RealTemp and these are the CPU temps...

C1 = 50
C2 = 47
C3 = 62
C4 = 54

I'm no temp expert, but even I know this is incorrect!!

[godto]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

static tread value = 7 .. this is too low ... should be 8 to 10 ... when ever i got to 400mhz .. i need 8 .. some time 9

[Nova Phoenix]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

Static tRead = 8 you say? Okay, I'll give it a shot!

UPDATE: Value set according to what godto suggested. Actually, the BIOS seemed to want "8" too because it had as the standard/auto setting for this value.

Also, as a trial thing (as things can't get any worse I guess), I backed my Vcore way down to 1.25000v (my chip's VID) and slightly upped the NB/MCH by +0.250v. Is this bad, or potentially good?

It's just that I read these particular CPUs like slightly high NB/MCH volts somewhat more than Vcore.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

I would say MCH .2-.3 is ok, NB/FSB should be good at .1-.2 and vcore should be raised instead as you do not have direct control over Vtt and raising the generic FSB Voltage may raise more things then you want.

Graphical errors are almost always caused by overheating cards. What does GPU-z show for your card temps at idle and while gaming or benching them?

I would also suggest you use 399 FSB with 2.00B multi (Lower Static tRead can be used on the B strap), or 401 FSB with 2.00D multi as 400 exact may cause you issues.

What is your CPU Load temps?

[Nova Phoenix]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

(all temps are in degrees celsius)

As stated many times before (btw, that's a reminder, not an attack), I have no way to monitor the NB short of attaching an actual thermometer to it. I was under the impression that NB and MCH voltage were and are one in the same thing. In any case, MCH is still at +0.250v. If necessary I will lower it back to +0.200v.

A recent error has caused my second HD3870X2 to be undetected. However this is fine as I'm sure it rarely got used in games anyway (ie. Crysis, which scales better with Nvidia - a future goal of mine). As for the primary HD3870X2, GPU-Z is currently reporting between 49 on the first GPU and 51 on the second.

I never see the temps for long when gaming (I can glance very-quickly after I exit), but in CCC I've seen the temp sometimes reach 65.

I'm not sure this is viable financially, seeing as I wanna upgrade at some point, but are there any aftermarket coolers designed for the HDxxxxX2 cards?

Currently running a short Prime95 Large FFT test to heck for CPU load temps. Going from Core 1 to Core 4 as follows (keep in mind they fluctuate): 56/51/65/59.

I can set the FSB to 399/401 to test, but why would exactly 400 pose a problem anyway?

Update: At this time, I just finished playing about 20 minutes of Far Cry 2. Now I only saw this just as FC2 fully shutdown, but GPUZ reported about 60-65 on both GPUs on my HD3870X2.

[Nova Phoenix]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

Seems everything survived overnight w/3.2Ghz on stock voltage (technically 1.323v after vdroop). Will continue to monitor. I may still need help though.

EDIT: Had a BSOD. Figured it was because of my F-ed up HD3870X2s (I HATE!!! ATI right now!). I upped the Vcore to 1.27500v, which CPU-Z reads as between 1.232v and 1.248v.

#2-EDIT: I went into CCC and set it to only use 2 GPUs in Crossfire. Hopefully it figured out to only use one of my HD3870X2s - the primary one. I did this thinking that this would disabled the second HD3870X2 entirely.

[Nova Phoenix]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

This is pissing me off something shocking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just got a RED SCREEN of death, not a BSOD, just now whilst playing Crysis Wars. I backed the NB down a tick and upped the Vcore a tick.

WTF is going on here??? I'm f-ing sick of this ****! Do I need a new CPU? Water cooling instead of air? Better GPU? WHAT??

[cdelong]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

Instead of getting pissed off why don't you post you full specs and BIOS settings, so we can be of some help....

[Nova Phoenix]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

Instead of getting pissed off why don't you post you full specs and BIOS settings, so we can be of some help....

I have before at the top of the topic, but I will again.

[-Specs-]
Gigabyte GA-EX38-DS4 Motherboard (Bios F5)
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450
Patriot Viper 2x2GB DDR2-800 4-4-4-12 Memory
Seagate 500GB HDD SATA2
2x Powercolor HD3870X2 GDDR4 Video Cards
TRU120E Heatsink w/2x Scythe S-Flex SFF21F fans
Thermaltake Armor+ Case
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit w/SP1

[-BIOS Settings-]
HDD Smart Capability = disabled
Limit CPUID Max to 3 = disabled
No-Execute Memory protect = enabled
C1E = disabled
TM2 = enabled
EIST = disabled
Virtualization Tech = disabled
Init Display First = PEG
CPU Warning Temp = 70oC
CPU FAN Warning = enabled
SYSTEM FAN 1 Warning = enabled
Smart FAN Control Method = disabled
R.G.B = turbo
CPU Clock Ratio = 8x
CPU Host Clock Control = enabled
CPU Host Frequency = 401 mhz
PCI-E Frequency = 100 mhz
CIA2 = disabled
Performance Enhance = standard
System Memory Multiplier = 2.00D
CAS Latency Timer = 4
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay = 4
DRAM RAS# precharge = 4
Precharge Delay = 12
ACT to ACT delay = 3
Rank write to read delay = 3
Write to precharge delay = 6
refresh to act delay = 56
read to precharge delay = 3
static tread value = 8
static tread phase adjust = Auto/0
command rate = 2T
System Voltage Control = manual
DDR2 OV Control = +0.35v
PCI-E OV Control = +0.10vl
FSB OV Control = +0.10v
(G)MCH OV Control = +0.225v
CPU Voltage Control = 1.28125v

Something is seriously wrong I think. BSODs, RSODs, Assassin's Creed causing problems, Vista thinking the CPU is at fault all the time...what am I to do??

[cdelong]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

I have before at the top of the topic, but I will again.

[-Specs-]
Gigabyte GA-EX38-DS4 Motherboard (Bios F5)
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450
Patriot Viper 2x2GB DDR2-800 4-4-4-12 Memory
Seagate 500GB HDD SATA2
2x Powercolor HD3870X2 GDDR4 Video Cards
TRU120E Heatsink w/2x Scythe S-Flex SFF21F fans
Thermaltake Armor+ Case
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit w/SP1

[-BIOS Settings-]
HDD Smart Capability = disabled
Limit CPUID Max to 3 = disabled
No-Execute Memory protect = enabled
C1E = disabled
TM2 = enabled
EIST = disabled
Virtualization Tech = disabled
Init Display First = PEG
CPU Warning Temp = 70oC
CPU FAN Warning = enabled
SYSTEM FAN 1 Warning = enabled
Smart FAN Control Method = disabled
R.G.B = turbo
CPU Clock Ratio = 8x
CPU Host Clock Control = enabled
CPU Host Frequency = 401 mhz
PCI-E Frequency = 100 mhz
CIA2 = disabled
Performance Enhance = standard
System Memory Multiplier = 2.00D
CAS Latency Timer = 4
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay = 4
DRAM RAS# precharge = 4
Precharge Delay = 12
ACT to ACT delay = 4
Rank write to read delay = 4
Write to precharge delay = 6
refresh to act delay = 58-62
read to precharge delay = 4
static tread value = 9
static tread phase adjust = Auto/0
command rate = 2T
System Voltage Control = manual
DDR2 OV Control = +0.35v??
PCI-E OV Control = +0.10v
FSB OV Control = +0.10v (is this +Vcore??)
(G)MCH OV Control = +0.20v
CPU Voltage Control = 1.3750v

don't know what your stock memory volts are, but just bump it up +0.1v over rated voltage. I don't have FSB OV Control setting on my UD3P- is that like +vcore?

[Nova Phoenix]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

FSB OV is voltage control for the FSB. It is independant of the Vcore. I'm surprised your mobo does not feature it. Anyways...

Stock memory voltage at 800Mhz and 4-4-4-12-2T, according to Patriot is 2.2v! I boosted it to +0.35v because +0.30v wasn't quite reaching it.

CPU Voltage Control, is the Vcore! Why do you suggest I set it that high? At that setting, after vdrop, the chip will probably be about to breach the safety range set by Intel.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

The way you post your BIOS setting is very confusing to me. Can you please use this so that they appear as they do in your BIOS please >>>

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

Please also link your ram so we can be sure of what is warranted, if 2.2V is on the sticker that would be it. And that would not generally be needed either, just warranted

[Nova Phoenix]

Re: Saga #2 - Q9450 @ 3.2Ghz woes

Link my ram? Exactly how do I do that on a Gigabyte GA-EX38-DS4? I don't think it has this feature even after Ctrl+F1. Believe me, I've been over the manual and the actual bios quite a number of times.

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Turbo]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [8]
Fine Clock Ratio ____________[x] << q9450 cannot enable this
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [401] << you suggested this, lsdmeasap, a post or two ago
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________________ 4
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ 4
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______4
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________ 12

ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ 3
Rank Write to READ Delay________ 3
Write to Precharge Delay_________ 6
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ 56
Read to Precharge Delay__________ 6
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__ [+0.350V]
PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.1V]
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.1V]
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.225V]
CPU Voltage Control_______ [1.28125v]

Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled] << not present
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled] << not present
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled]

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect___________________[Enabled] << I use usb drives sometimes for storage