Help on BIOS Settings for new GA-EP45-UD3R, Q9550 and 4GB RAM

[peleuba]

Hello,

I am looking for some help in setting up the optimal settings in a NON-Overclocked configuration. I've got an intel Q9550, a GA-EP45-UD3R mobo, and 4GB of G.Skill ram. This is my first Intel build in over 6 years - I've been AMD exclusivley for awhile, but needed an fast PC for video rendering. This board is amazing in the number of BIOS settings that are available for tweaking.

Here is the mobo:
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards


Here is the CPU:
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops


Here is the RAM:
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory


The RAM is G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - two sticks total. Should I underclock this memeory at 333 (667) rather then at full stock speed of 400 (800)? I've always heard that for the Intel quads, you should run the RAM at a 1:1 ratio. 333 RAM speed would give me the 1:1.

Anyway, looking for some assistance tweaking.

Thanks and Best of the Season to you.

Paul

[MarkJohnson]

Re: Help on BIOS Settings for new GA-EP45-UD3R, Q9550 and 4GB RAM

From the looks of your system it should be already set to optimal settings. The only thing you could really do is overclock the system a little to gain extra performance. You can normally overclock your cpu from 333 to 400 with extremely little effort and maybe 450fsb with minor tweaking.

-=Mark=-

[peleuba]

Re: Help on BIOS Settings for new GA-EP45-UD3R, Q9550 and 4GB RAM

From the looks of your system it should be already set to optimal settings.

You mean the stock/auto settings are optimal? If so, thats different then any board I've ever used in the AMD world. I know this Intel, and its my first Intel build in 6 years - was hoping for some specific settings similar to what appear in other posts.

And what do I run the RAM at - 333 (667) or 400 (800)? Any comments on the being 1:1 with the Quald core?

Thanks.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Help on BIOS Settings for new GA-EP45-UD3R, Q9550 and 4GB RAM

You will need to overclock your CPU FSB if you want to run 1:1 with your ram. Here would be optimal ranges for that type of a setup. CPU Voltage of course will be up to you to find a stable setting, do not use Auto

[b][u]MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)[/u][/b]
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto or fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.5
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.408 (401x8.5)


[b][u]Clock Chip Control [/u][/b]
[b][u]Standard Clock Control[/u][/b]
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled] 
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 401Mhz
[B]PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100[/B]

C.I.A.2 .................................:[Disabled]


[b][u]Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter][/u][/b]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<< 50-150
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< 150-250


[b][u]DRAM Performance Control[/u][/b][u][/u]
[B]Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD][/B]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.00B or 2.00D (D would be more stable at 400+ FSB, B may work but if unstable use 399 FSB if you want to use it)

Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 802Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

[b]Standard Timing Control[/b]
CAS Latency Time........................5
tRCD .........................................5
tRP'...........................................5
tRAS..........................................15

[b][u]Advanced Timing Control[/u][/b]
tRRD........................................... 3-4
tWTR..........................................3-5
tWR............................................4-6
tRFC...........................................52-62
tRTP...........................................3-5
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

[u][b]Driving Strength Profiles[/b][/u][b][/b]
Driving Strength ............................800/1066 (Bench/Test Both last)

A & B Should match

[b]Channel A[/b]
Static tRead Value.........................:6/7-10 333/B MCH - 8/9-12 400/D MCH
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< Leave for all below as well
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  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

[b]Channel B[/b]
Static tRead Value.........................:6/7-10 333/B MCH - 8/9-12 400/D MCH
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< Leave for all below as well
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  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

[b][U]Motherboard Voltage Control[/U][/b][U][/U]
Voltage Type.………... Manual
[b]CPU[/b]
CPU Vcore….……….........................: All up to your chip, but do set manually.  Stock may work, or it may not.  What you set here will be less in windows, you can check this difference with CPU-z.  Maybe 1.2-1.3 Actual for 3.4

CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: <<< 1.2-1.28
CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: << Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much

CPU Referen.…………....0.755V*.......: <<< .64% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

CPU Reference2………,,0.800V*.......:<<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

[b]MCH/ICH[/b]
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: << 1.24-1.28
MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........; <<< Leave
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: <<< 1.55
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< 1.1x-1.2

[b]DRAM[/b]
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 1.85-1.95
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave

[b][U]Advanced Settings[/U][/b][U][/U]
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

[b][U]Integrated Peripherals[/U][/b][U][/U]
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

[peleuba]

Re: Help on BIOS Settings for new GA-EP45-UD3R, Q9550 and 4GB RAM

You will need to overclock your CPU FSB if you want to run 1:1 with your ram. Here would be optimal ranges for that type of a setup. CPU Voltage of course will be up to you to find a stable setting, do not use Auto

Thanks for this! I am not really interested in an overclock at this time... To keep the 1:1 ratio can't I underclock the RAM to 333 (667) to match the FSB of the Q9550?

Is a 1:1 ratio critical with the Intel Quads?

Thanks.

[MarkJohnson]

Re: Help on BIOS Settings for new GA-EP45-UD3R, Q9550 and 4GB RAM

You mean the stock/auto settings are optimal? If so, thats different then any board I've ever used in the AMD world. I know this Intel, and its my first Intel build in 6 years - was hoping for some specific settings similar to what appear in other posts.

And what do I run the RAM at - 333 (667) or 400 (800)? Any comments on the being 1:1 with the Quald core?

Thanks.

since you have standard components then the default settings will pick them up. Your cpu should be 333 and your ram should be 800. The boards have a memory divider built-in and can auto set them up at default. The only other thing left is fine tuning the setting to get to run at optimal settings. ie. tighten your ram timing to make them more effecint/fast. Adjust your cpu timings/volts to get your CPU to run with lowest power you can. Both of which can be as much or more work than overclocking.

anyway, you should be fine. Just sit back and enjoy your trouble free setup ( I know it can be a rare things these days)

-=Mark=-

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Help on BIOS Settings for new GA-EP45-UD3R, Q9550 and 4GB RAM

Yes, you "Could" underclock your ram to 667, but I would not advise it. No 1:1 is for sure not needed and is not best these days anyway. Faster FSB will wind everytime, as will faster ram speeds generally

If you do not want to overclock then you can use these changes from above to run your ram and CPU at stock >>>

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto or fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.5
CPU Frequency ...........................: 2.83 (333x8.5)

CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz

System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.40B

[PerroSinSangre]

Re: Help on BIOS Settings for new GA-EP45-UD3R, Q9550 and 4GB RAM

You will need to overclock your CPU FSB if you want to run 1:1 with your ram. Here would be optimal ranges for that type of a setup. CPU Voltage of course will be up to you to find a stable setting, do not use Auto

[B][U]MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)[/U][/B]
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto or fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.5
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.408 (401x8.5)


[B][U]Clock Chip Control [/U][/B]
[B][U]Standard Clock Control[/U][/B]
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled] 
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 401Mhz
[B]PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100[/B]

C.I.A.2 .................................:[Disabled]


[B][U]Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter][/U][/B]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<< 50-150
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< 150-250


[B][U]DRAM Performance Control[/U][/B]
[B]Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD][/B]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.00B or 2.00D (D would be more stable at 400+ FSB, B may work but if unstable use 399 FSB if you want to use it)

Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 802Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

[B]Standard Timing Control[/B]
CAS Latency Time........................5
tRCD .........................................5
tRP'...........................................5
tRAS..........................................15

[B][U]Advanced Timing Control[/U][/B]
tRRD........................................... 3-4
tWTR..........................................3-5
tWR............................................4-6
tRFC...........................................52-62
tRTP...........................................3-5
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

[U][B]Driving Strength Profiles[/B][/U]
Driving Strength ............................800/1066 (Bench/Test Both last)

A & B Should match

[B]Channel A[/B]
Static tRead Value.........................:6/7-10 333/B MCH - 8/9-12 400/D MCH
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< Leave for all below as well
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  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

[B]Channel B[/B]
Static tRead Value.........................:6/7-10 333/B MCH - 8/9-12 400/D MCH
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< Leave for all below as well
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  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

[B][U]Motherboard Voltage Control[/U][/B]
Voltage Type.���... Manual
[B]CPU[/B]
CPU Vcore�.���.........................: All up to your chip, but do set manually.  Stock may work, or it may not.  What you set here will be less in windows, you can check this difference with CPU-z.  Maybe 1.2-1.3 Actual for 3.4

CPU Termination�..... 1.200V*.......: <<< 1.2-1.28
CPU PLL�������....1.500V*.......: << Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much

CPU Referen.����....0.755V*.......: <<< .64% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

CPU Reference2���,,0.800V*.......:<<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

[B]MCH/ICH[/B]
MCH Core�����.....1.100V...........: << 1.24-1.28
MCH Reference�.��.0.800V...........; <<< Leave
MCH/DRAM Ref.�......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O������.....1.550V............: <<< 1.55
ICH Core����...��1.100V............: <<< 1.1x-1.2

[B]DRAM[/B]
DRAM Voltage ��....1.800V............: 1.85-1.95
DRAM Termination .�0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave

[B][U]Advanced Settings[/U][/B]
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

[B][U]Integrated Peripherals[/U][/B]
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

Hi, I have a similar board. The EP45 UD3L, and there are some options that does not appear or changes, is this becuase of a different BIOS?

Also, I would like to know some things.

-It is the first time that i want to OC, i tried before with the same configuration but a Q6600 instead of the Q9550 but i did not know how many Mhz per try should I raise.

-I still dont understand the ratio thing and 1:1 or 4:3 thing.. i really dont understand quite well about this. Is it possible to use the quoted configuration but without messing with the RAM?

-My configuration is
Q9550 E0
Gigabyte EP45 UD3L BIOS Ver. F6
2x2Gb Corsair XMS2 @ 1066

Thank you very much for your advice, it would be great to know to do this well without blowing up my rig...