EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

[Thorhall]

[profJim]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

In your next post, include a link to your ram's specs.
OCZ is a ram vendor, and it is unlikely that Geil would use this in the model name. We need to know exactly which model ram you have.

Some bios settings are not available in all ep45 mobos, or they might have different names. From the bios main menu, you might have to use <ctrl> <ctrl> [CTRL] + F1 to access some advanced bios settings.

After flashing your bios, did you load FAIL SAFE settings or OPTIMIZED settings? FAIL SAFE settings can be problematic, use OPTIMIZED settings initially. The first thing you need to do is get your system stable at stock settings with no overclock.

</ctrl></ctrl>Do you have a hard copy of your bios settings when you were using the F5 bios?

It will be easier for us if you add a list of your system's major components to your signature.
<ctrl><ctrl>
Once your system is stable at stock speeds, we'll offer suggestions to get you back up to a maximum stable overclock.

========
Here are some basics settings that will provide most mobo's with a stable system at stock settings:

</ctrl></ctrl>Robust Graphics Booster ...............: [Fast]

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

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: [Disabled] <-- to avoid overclocking problems

Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type ........ Manual
CPU
CPU Vcore ............. 1.xxxxxV ......: [xxxx] <-- set to the value displayed in the bios
CPU Termination ..... 1.200V*.......: [xxxx] <-- set to the value displayed in the bios
CPU PL .................. 1.500V*.......: [xxxx] <-- set to the value displayed in the bios

MCH/ICH
MCH Core .............. 1.100V .........: [1.20] <-- for 2x2GB, 1.05 need with some memory

ICH I/O ................ 1.500V ..........: [xxxx] <-- set to the value displayed in the bios
ICH Core .............. 1.100V ..........: [xxxx] <-- set to the value displayed in the bios

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ....... 1.800V............: [xxxx] <-- usually 1.80 - 2.10 volts (don't exceed max rated ram voltage)

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.................: [Enabled]

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled] <-- disabled while overclocking
<ctrl><ctrl>
</ctrl></ctrl>

[Thorhall]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

Okies,

I have updated my signature and included it all.
Here is the link to my RAM.

After I flashed the BIOS I loaded the fail safe settings not the optimised settings (I have as a result to your post loaded optimised settings). It is running stable on those as we speak, no freezes or anything like it.

I have written down the previous settings in F5 which were the ones I posted at the beginning.

My current version of BIOS is now back to the optimised defaults so everything is back to the settings below:

MB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8
CPU Frequency ...........................: 2.13 GHz (266)


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Disabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 266 Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: Auto

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


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter] - Untouched
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<<
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<<
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<<
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<<


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [Turbo]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled - Can't see this option (also not in Ctrl + F1?)
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [333]

System Memory Multiplier ..............: Auto
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 800
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Auto]

Standard Timing Control (on Auto)
CAS Latency Time........................5
tRCD .........................................5
tRP'...........................................5
tRAS..........................................18

Advanced Timing Control [Auto]

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ............................ Auto

Channel A
Channel B


Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.………... Auto
CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................: 1.325

CPU Termination…..... 1.200V.......: [Auto]

CPU PLL…………………....1.550V.......: [Auto]

CPU Referen.…………....0.805V.......: [Auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: [Auto]

MCH Reference….…….0.760V...........; [Auto]
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: [Auto]

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: [Auto]
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)................: [Enabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Enabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Enabled]

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Enabled]

[profJim]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

Lsdme's suggestions were for a different mobo. Now that you're using optimized settings there are several settings that will give you a nice o/c.

Lsdme is back from his "mini-vacation" and can help you. I'll still be watching your thread in case he gets tied up.

The ball is now in his court.

[Thorhall]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

Eeks I am slipping to page three!

[profJim]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

OK, now you'll be back on page one. Your DS3L doesn't have all the bios settings that other P45's have. On your mobo always press [CTRL] + F1 before entering the MIT bios section.

1) Change your settings to those that I listed in post #2.
1a) MCH Core .............. 1.100V .........: [1.15] <-- for 4x1GB <-- 1.10 might work, if not, try 1.15 - 1.2 (whichever is available in your bios)

2) Make the following changes:
If there is an FSB Overvoltage setting, increase this by +0.10 volts <-- +0.20 might be needed

MB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8
CPU Frequency ...........................: 2.66 GHz (333)


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Disabled] <-- ENABLED
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333 Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: 100

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


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter] - Untouched
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<<
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<<
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<<
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<<


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [Standard]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled - Can't see this option <-- ignore this
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [333]

System Memory Multiplier ..............: Auto <-- AUTO will set this to 2.40 for 800 MHz memory speed
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 800
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Auto] <-- MANUAL

Standard Timing Control (on Auto)
CAS Latency Time........................5 <-- manually set this value
tRCD .........................................5 <-- manually set this value
tRP'...........................................5 <-- manually set this value
tRAS..........................................15Manualmanually set this to the value displayed in your biosmanually set this to the value displayed in your biosmanually set this to the value displayed in your biossee note "1a)" abovemanually set this to the value displayed in your bios1.90DISABLED
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Enabled] <-- DISABLED
Virtualization Technology................: [Enabled] <-- DISABLED

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Enabled] <-- DISABLED

========
Save settings and exit (reboot)

Run Memtest86+, if there are no errors (at least 6 complete passes), continue stress testing with Prime95, OCCT, or Orthos for a least 3 - 6 hours, overnight testing is best. If there are any errors or problems, give details, don't just say XXXX failed.

Next post:
1) Iinclude the bios settings you used, don't just copy these, manually enter your settings and add [AUTO] where appropriate. Include any additional MIT bios settings from your bios to your post.

2) Include a screen shot of Memset; press the SPD and ">>" tabs to include additional memory settings.

If stable, next step is 400 MHz cpu host frequency.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

Ya, sorry page 3 was going to get you to me faster then page one. Anyway I am back now and can help anytime. Just dont worry about your place in the pages as I try o get to all new posts each night, if not the next day when I get back. If you take your post back to page one I may not see if for a while

If you want my suggestions feel free to let me know what CPU Speed you want to run and I will give you a full suggested list of settings for that speed

[Thorhall]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

Okayyyyy.
First of all thanks for the tailored response =D

So below I have all the settings that I can find in my BIOS with the values that are in there now and I have added all the lines that were missing (Ctrl + 1 doesn't change anything )

There is also supposed to be a ss of memset but I have to figure out how to attach more than one file or include it as a picture *scratcheshead...
embarrassing I know...I am more of a gamer less of a forum poster (or so my excuse for being a nub) =P

I have run memtest so far and done 6 passes with no errors whatsoever. I have also done some preliminary stability testing with orthos and nothing has frozen so far but will run another overnight test as well.

So yay!!! First hurdle taken!



MB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8
CPU Frequency ...........................: 2.66 GHz (333)

CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333 Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: 100

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


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


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [Standard]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]

System Memory Multiplier ..............: [2.40 B]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 800
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

CAS Latency Time........................5 [5]
tRCD .........................................5 [5]
tRP'...........................................5 [5]
tRAS..........................................18 [15]Manual]

[profJim]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

Before you make any new changes, use the bios PROFILES feature to save your stable 333 MHz settings.
1) F11 = save current settings.
2) Enter a name for this profile, such as 333stable.
3) Save this profile and return to the bios main menu.

Using your latest (333 MHz) bios settings, change:

CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 401 Mhz (note: 400 might cause problems)

System Memory Multiplier ..............: [2.40 B] <-- change to 2.00B

Driving Strengths Profile..................: [AUTO] <-- change to 1066 [changes for channels A and B]

CPU Vcore….………..... 1.3250.......: [1.32500V] <-- change to 1.33125 (1 setting higher)

MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: [1.100V] <-- change to 1.15 (1.20 might be needed)

DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: [1.900V] <-- change to 1.92 (1 setting higher)
After you've saved settings and exited, re-enter the bios and view the dram voltage in the PC HEALTH screen and note this setting.

Rerun Memtest86+ and extended stability tests.

Once we've reached a final stable o/c, we'll tweak the memory settings for best performance.

When you post your results, be sure to include another Memset screen shot.

Have fun!!

[Thorhall]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

Hi again,

so I saved my current settings, and adjusted to what you suggested. Which is still the stuff below:

CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 401 Mhz (note: 400 might cause problems)

System Memory Multiplier ..............: [2.40 B] <-- change to 2.00B

Driving Strengths Profile..................: [AUTO] <-- change to 1066 [changes for channels A and B1.331251.161.92


The system does not post with these settings. I get to the point of windows starting to load but then it resets. I used MCH Core of 1.16,1.18 and 1.20 as you suggested but all three failed to post. Next step would be use the above settings and up the Vcore? (I am trying to find a structure to this madness ).
Apart from that....where do you guys actually 'know' what you all have to tweak? While it is nice to have someone do all the work 'for' me...I'd like to understand it a bit more. In particular why you change voltages etc...might have to find the appropriate thread somewhere in here.

[profJim]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

I prefer to run Memtest86+ (booting from my cd/dvd) immediately after making moderate bios changes. Passing Memtest does not guarantee that the modified settings will be stable.

Your E6400 can usually overclock higher (percentage wise) than my E6550, attaining a 60% overclock. My cpu generally is good for a 45 - 50% o/c.

Practice, practice, practice. Rubbing elbows with more experienced overclockers, reading a lot about about o/c theory and practice, and hands on experience will give you a feel for what will work and what won't.

The best baseball players are hard pressed to succeed at bat better than one third of the time. Good overclockers have a much higher batting average. I thought that this setup was going to be a piece of cake. I need to look everything over and see if I missed something.

On of the great virtues of this forum is that there are a lot of good experienced people here. One of them might jump in and have the solution. I'll be back in touch with you shortly.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

Can you please tell me the the exact model # on your memory sticker, or give me a link to where you bought it? The link you provide covers three kits so I am not sure which you have or if you even have the correct page linked.

Did you read the p35 sticky? I know it was not meant for this board but it will provide you with some knowledge of some of the "how and why's" of overclocking that you are asking about

Some models just do not have all the settings that other do. As for your use of Control + F1, some boards/BIOS only have a few hidden settings (PnP PCI Page) the rest are already visible so there is no need for the hotkey. But just to be sure, in case there is, Control + F1 must be pressed on the MAIN page of the BIOS and then the screen will flash. Then you would go into a respective section to look for any hidden setting

To post more then one image you need to upload it to a photo hosting site such as Photobucket or ImageShack, I use TinyPic myself.

Then you need the Direct Link (URL) of the image, copy that here inbetween a image tag. This image shows you the direct image link (URL) at TinyPic, at Imageshack it is the top one after your upload >>>



This is an image tag, put the url into that >>>

[img]Direct URL of Image Goes Here[/img]

Then you may post up to 10 images at once

Without knowing your exact ram I cannot offer the best or full advice, but I can advise these changes for now from the info and image you posted >>>

We are starting from Optimized Defaults here correct? And not Fail Safe settings? Hope so!!

Sounds like you are moving right along, these would just be general suggested optimal settings with nothing specific in mind as I need your ram link and I need to know what you want to push to if anything. If you do not wish to go further let me know and I can help you tighten things down


MB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8
CPU Frequency ...........................: 2.66 GHz (333)

CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333 Mhz
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)...................: [0ps]


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [Standard]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]

System Memory Multiplier ..............: [2.40B]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 800
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

CAS Latency Time........................5 [5]
tRCD .........................................5 [5]
tRP'...........................................5 [5]
tRAS..........................................18 [15]

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD.........................................3-4
tWTR........................................3-6
tWR..........................................4-8
tRFC.........................................52-62 (Set high now if you are having issues, maybe 58)
tRTP.........................................3-5
Command Rate........................... 2

Driving Strength Profiles

[Thorhall]

Re: EP45-DS3L rev1.0, E6400, 4x1GB RAM, need overclock help

Alrighty first things first (and I have to do a lot of reading I think to even remotely start to understand how all this voltage stuff works. I am somewhat okay with all the fsb, multiplier and even the ram timings stuff but voltage ...no idea).

RAM: Geil 1GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL-5-5-5-15 GX22GB6400DC 1.8V

We are in fact starting from beyond optimised settings.
I flashed my bios to F10. Then I loaded optimised defaults (props to ProfJim). Then I already overclocked to 2.66GHz (also thanks to ProfJim) and ran both Memtest from CD with 6 passes no errors, and let Orthos run overnight with blend settings and coretemp, realtemp and easytunes. Temperature around 60-65 degrees (closed case, readjusted fan today).

The settings below are the ones that are currently working stable:

MB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8
CPU Frequency ...........................: 2.66 GHz (333)

CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: [333] Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: [100]

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


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


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [Standard]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]

System Memory Multiplier ..............: [2.40 B]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 800
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

CAS Latency Time........................5 [5]
tRCD .........................................5 [5]
tRP'...........................................5 [5]
tRAS..........................................18 [15]

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD.........................................3 [3]
tWTR........................................3 [3]
tWR..........................................6 [6]
tRFC.........................................52 [52]
tRTP.........................................3 [3]
Command Rate............................0 [2]

Channel A Timing Settings [Enter]

Static tRead Value........................7 [10]
tRD Phase 0 Adjustment.................0 [Auto]
tRD Phase 1 Adjustment.................0 [Auto]
tRD Phase 2 Adjustment.................0 [Auto]
tRD Phase 3 Adjustment.................0 [Auto]

Trd3rd (Different Rank)..................6 [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank)..................6 [Auto]
Twr2rd (Different Rank).................5 [Auto]
Trd2wr (Same/Different Rank).........8 [Auto]

DIMM1 Clock Skew Control..............[Auto]
DIMM2 Clock Skew Control..............[Auto]
DDR Write Training.........................[Auto]

Channel A Driving Settings [Enter]

Driving Strengths Profile.................[1066]
Data Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Cmd Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Ctrl Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Clk Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]

Data Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Cmd Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Ctrl Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Clk Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]

Channel B Timing Settings [Enter]

Static tRead Value........................7 [10]
tRD Phase 0 Adjustment.................0 [Auto]
tRD Phase 1 Adjustment.................0 [Auto]
tRD Phase 2 Adjustment.................0 [Auto]
tRD Phase 3 Adjustment.................0 [Auto]

Trd3rd (Different Rank)..................6 [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank)..................6 [Auto]
Twr2rd (Different Rank).................5 [Auto]
Trd2wr (Same/Different Rank).........8 [Auto]

DIMM1 Clock Skew Control..............[Auto]
DIMM2 Clock Skew Control..............[Auto]
DDR Write Training.........................[Auto]

Channel B Driving Settings [Enter]

Driving Strengths Profile.................[1066]
Data Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Cmd Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Ctrl Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Clk Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]

Data Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Cmd Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Ctrl Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]
Clk Driving Pull-Up Level...............[Auto]


Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.………... [Manual]
CPU
CPU Vcore….………..... 1.3250.......: [1.32500V]

CPU Termination…..... 1.200V.......: [1.200V]

CPU PLL…………………....1.550V.......: [1.550V]

CPU Referen.…………....0.85V.......: [Auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: [1.100V]
MCH Reference….…….0.760V...........: [Auto]
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: [1.550V]

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: [1.900V]

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled]

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


I will set the advanced timing controls and driving strengths profiles as per your suggestion.

Ideally, I would like to go to 3.2 GHz and beyond if possible, if my current cooling allows me to.

Thanks again for all the help :3

*edited for changes to advanced timing control static tread values and driving strenghts profiles.