Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

[Cowtown_R]

Hi, this looks like a super helpful forum for people with my kind of setup...so glad I found it.

Here's my setup:

C1 Q9550 w/ Scythe Infinity Heatsink/fan
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3L
2GB G.Skill PC28500 1066 Ram
Evga GeForce 8800 Ultra S/C
Windows XP Home
Enermax 535W Power Supply

I have everything on Auto and just tried upping the FSB a bit. I can go to 340 and still boot to windows. 350 and Windows locks up.

If I try adding upping the voltage a tad, the computer will power up, then shut down about 3 seconds later...and then power up, then shut down. It'll keep doing this until I shut down the PS and let the BIOS reset.

I've read a couple threads of guys getting in the upper 3's with most BIOS settings on Auto, so I figured I could do the same. Obviously I'm new at any kind of serious overclocking and feel really stupid right now, but I think I just need a push in the right direction. Any help would be most appreciated!

Should I be lowering the multiplier to start? What about matching the ram speed? I think I shouldn't have to touch voltage until I get a bit higher right?

I've ran Memtest86+ and no errors on the memory. I guess what I'm looking for is a good overclock setup in the BIOS to start with that's stable...maybe 3.2-3.4 ghz?

Thanks!

[Cowtown_R]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

Ok I used a bios setup that the mod suggested for someone with a similar setup. However at 8.5 x 402fsb it wouldn't post. Once I lowered the multiplier to 8 x 400fsb I was able to boot to windows.

Any idea why the extra multiplier is messing it up?

Here's the config I used with the 8.5 multiplier (wouldn't post):

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster .................: [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio .........................: 8
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: 0.5
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.40Mhz


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control...................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ................: 402Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .............: 100
C.I.A.2 .................................: [Disabled]


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive..........................: 800mv
PCI Express Clock Drive..................: 900mv
CPU Clock Skew (ps)......................: 0ps
MCH Clock Skew (ps)......................: 50-250ps


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance......................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)..........: [Auto]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...................: 400
System Memory Multiplier ................: 2.66D
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..................: 1066Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ..................: [Manual]


^^ if you keep 2.00D and 800 above you can like use 444-12 or 544-12/15 below

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time.........................: 5
tRCD ....................................: 5
tRP'.....................................: 5
tRAS.....................................: 15

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................[4].......:3-5
tWTR...........................[4].......: 4-8
tWR............................[13]......: 6-10
tRFC...........................[65]......:52-75
tRTP...........................[4].......: 3-6
Command Rate (CMD) ............[0].......: 2

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ........................: 800-1066

Channel A
Static tRead Value..............[11].....: 9-12
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ..........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank)..........[6]......: [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank)..........[6]......: [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank)..........[5]......: [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..........[8]......: [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control.................: [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control.................: [Auto]
DDR Write Training.......................: [Auto]

Channel B
Static tRead Value..............[11].....: 9-12
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ..........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank)..........[6]......: [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank)..........[6]......: [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank)..........[5]......: [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..........[8]......: [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control.................: [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control.................: [Auto]
DDR Write Training.......................: [Auto]

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
CPU Vcore..............[1.25v]...........: 1.350V << you may not even need this much at only 3.4 once you add some Vtt (termination) below
CPU Termination….......[1.20V]...........: 1.20V-1.38 (maybe 1.24-1.28 for what you have now)

CPU PLL................[1.50V]...........: 1.50V
CPU Ref................[0.76V]...........: [Auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core...............[1.100V]..........: 1.24V-1.3
MCH Reference..........[0.760V]..........: [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref...........[0.900V]..........: [Auto]
ICH I/O................[1.500V]..........: [Auto]
ICH Core...............[1.100V]..........: [Auto]

DRAM
DRAM Voltage...........[1.800V]..........: 2.0-2.10V
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]
C2/C2E State Support.....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support...................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ..............: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function........................: [Enabled] << Disable for overclocking
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled]

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ...............: [Disabled]

[MarkJohnson]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

sounds like your memory is running at full speed at default. Lower your memory to run at same speed as CPU (1:1) so at 400FSB your memory should be at 800 as it runs twice the speed of your CPU FSB. Also, manually set your CPU Volts to 1.25v. auto sometimes sets it too high and causes crashes. auto is only good to about 1.3v anyway(give or take).

Also, set your memory voltage to factory specs. should be about 2.0v-2.1 But I'd try 2.0 first and go from there.

download some stress testings programs to make sure it is stable.

First get CPU-z to provide info on your overclock.
CPUID

Real temp to monitor your CPU temperatures.
Real Temp - CPU temperature monitoring

OCCT to stress your CPU. watch the heat when this runs!
Download - OCCT Website english

Mem Test to test your memory. Run this after/before OCCT. Do not run both at same time.

Good luck
-=Mark=-

[MarkJohnson]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

lol - looks like you posted when I was typing. and yes, it looks like it's just your memory running too fast. as you increase your CPU speed, it will raise your memory speed as well.

Try to keep as many settings on auto as possible until you get things going. changing too many options at once just leaves you at a loss as to what is causing problem. Just manually set vcore and memory volts for now. Set cpu FSB 400 and ram to 800 and test from there.

Good luck
-=Mark=-

[Cowtown_R]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

thanks mark. I'll try that tonight. I'm still open to other suggestions by the resident gurus :)

UPDATE!

I went with the 1:1 ratios as mark suggested and I seem to be running pretty stable at 3.6Ghz on 8.5x424...pretty happy with that! The trick for me was figuring out how to match the ram with the FSB.

Thanks very much!

[MarkJohnson]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

On my Asus P45 board I need around 1.3v vcore, 1.28v nb, 1.22v Vtt, for 450MHz. That's as high as I've went, but I own an older C1 Q9450. My temps are around 70C under load with Prime95.

Good luck
-=Mark=-

[Cowtown_R]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

Do you still run that? 70C is pretty hot for the CPU isn't it?

Prime95 hasn't pushed my cores higher than 51C yet, but I'm only at 3.6Ghz

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

Sorry for the late reply here it's been crazy around my way this week!

So you still need some help or are you all up and running smoothly now?

[Cowtown_R]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

Hey lsd...thanks for replying. I used one of your other suggested bios setups that I posted above and so far everything is running great. Temps are low and system seems stable. Here's what I put into the M.I.T.

One question I have is do I have to match the ram to the fsb speed for the system to be stable? My ram is rated to 1066mhz so that means it should work up to 533mhz fsb?

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster .................: [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio .........................: 8
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: 0.5
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.60Ghz


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control...................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ................: 424Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .............: 100
C.I.A.2 .................................: [Disabled]


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive..........................: 800mv
PCI Express Clock Drive..................: 900mv
CPU Clock Skew (ps)......................: 0ps
MCH Clock Skew (ps)......................: 50ps


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance......................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)..........: [Auto]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...................: 400
System Memory Multiplier ................: 2.00D
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..................: 848Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ..................: [Manual]


^^ if you keep 2.00D and 800 above you can like use 444-12 or 544-12/15 below

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time.........................: 5
tRCD ....................................: 5
tRP'.....................................: 5
tRAS.....................................: 15

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................[4].......:4
tWTR...........................[4].......: 5
tWR............................[13]......: 8
tRFC...........................[65]......:65
tRTP...........................[4].......: 4
Command Rate (CMD) ............[0].......: 2

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ........................: don't have this

Channel A
Static tRead Value..............[11].....: 10
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ..........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank)..........[6]......: [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank)..........[6]......: [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank)..........[5]......: [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..........[8]......: [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control.................: [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control.................: [Auto]
DDR Write Training.......................: [Auto]

Channel B
Static tRead Value..............[11].....: 10
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ..........[0]......: [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment...........[0]......: [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank)..........[6]......: [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank)..........[6]......: [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank)..........[5]......: [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..........[8]......: [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control.................: [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control.................: [Auto]
DDR Write Training.......................: [Auto]

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
CPU Vcore..............[1.25v]...........: 1.29V - CPUID actual is 1.26V
CPU Termination….......[1.20V]...........: 1.24V

CPU PLL................[1.50V]...........: 1.50V
CPU Ref................[0.83V]...........: [Auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core...............[1.100V]..........: 1.24V
MCH Reference..........[0.760V]..........: [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref...........[0.900V]..........: [Auto]
ICH I/O................[1.500V]..........: [Auto]
ICH Core...............[1.100V]..........: [Auto]

DRAM
DRAM Voltage...........[1.800V]..........: 2.0V
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]
C2/C2E State Support.....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support...................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ..............: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled]

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ...............: [Disabled]

[Cowtown_R]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

I just tried changing the G(MCH) and System Memory Multiplier to get to 1060 Mhz. PC posted and Windows almost finished loading, then got quick flash of BSOD, then complete lock up...had to cold restart.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

You dont have to run 533 FSB to get 1066 on your ram. You could run 401 FSB and use the 2.66 D multiplier or run

After 400 FSB you are going to need to use the "D" Strap multipliers (2.00D, 2.66D, or 3.33D), that and you may need 2.1v on your ram or maybe 1.26-1.28 MCH Voltage

And of course, yes you can run 533 FSB on your CPU if you want and 2.0)B or 2.00D Memory multi, but you will spend some time getting that stable for sure

[Cowtown_R]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

LSD, thanks for the tip. I'm going to try that tonight to see if the 2.66D multiplier will work. Hopefully the NB strap or the voltage on the ram is the key.

[MarkJohnson]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

Do you still run that? 70C is pretty hot for the CPU isn't it?

Prime95 hasn't pushed my cores higher than 51C yet, but I'm only at 3.6Ghz

Yeah, with 450fsb clocks, it runs hot on one core. The other 3 run about 60c. I just got a flaky CPU.

Good luck with your setup.
-=Mark=-

[Cowtown_R]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

No luck guys. I can't seem to change my memory speed to anything other than 2.00D multiplier. I'm at 3.65Ghz running stable so far, but ram is still where I left it. I upped the voltage to 2.1V on the ram and changed the (G)Mch to 1.26V. It'll get to windows, but it locks up before I get to the login screen.

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

EDIT: crapola...I just ran the small FFT test on my 3.6Ghz setup and core #3 fails after a few minutes. It doesn't in the blend or large fft test. Should I up the voltage on the core a bit? I heard the 45nm chips shouldn't have more than 1.3V...is that right?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Overclocking my Q9550 GA-EP45-DS3L w/ G.Skill

Ya, you may need more voltage to your CPU (Vtt and or Vcore) na, you can use 1.3+ for sure. And do keep in mind what you set in the BIOS is not what you get in windows and it is even less at load. You can check this difference with CPU-z

You should always be sure at any set of settings that your ram is passing 5-10 passes of memtest86+ before you try to test with orthos/prime because you will never know if it is your ram causing issues or not. Quick failure is often voltages though, just so you know.

If you still keep having issues please post the full settings you are using and we will advise