Overclock Suggestions: EP45-UD3P w/Q9400

[Oogy]

Any suggestions on what the best overclock settings would be for my build? Here are the specs and thanks in advance:

Motherboard: Gigabyte EP45-UD3P
CPU: Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 with Arctic Cooler Freezer 7 Pro
GPU: EVGA GTS 250
Memory: 8GB G.Skill DDR2-1066
PSU: Antec 850 Watt TruePower Quattro

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Overclock Suggestions: EP45-UD3P w/Q9400

What do you want to run? You will have a hard time running 8GB at 1066, 900-1000 will be much easier

[Oogy]

Re: Overclock Suggestions: EP45-UD3P w/Q9400

I just want to make it faster. Maybe 3.4 to 3.6 range? More if possible.

[Oogy]

Re: Overclock Suggestions: EP45-UD3P w/Q9400

Nobody has any other suggestions?

[profJim]

Re: Overclock Suggestions: EP45-UD3P w/Q9400

It looks like Lsdme is away from the forums for a few days.

I can help you with your o/c starting on Thursday or Friday night.

Check out this post for info that we'll need before we can make recommended bios settings for your o/c.

If you're not familiar with saving and loading bios PROFILES, read the first part of this post.

[Oogy]

[profJim]

Re: Overclock Suggestions: EP45-UD3P w/Q9400

To make it easier for us, please add your system components to your signature, and include your mobo rev#, bios version, cpu cooler, etc.
Add a link to your ram's full specifications.

To reach 3.6 GHz, your cpu will need to run at 450 MHz and your ram will need to be stable at DDR2-900 speeds. With 8GB of memory, memory speeds of 1000 MHz are often possible at rated memory timings.

Leave your cpu host frequency = 333 MHz for initial testing.

We need to know the limits of your memory, especially when using 8 GB.
Make the following bios changes:

Static tRead Value............8............: [Auto] <-- set to 71.201.501.281.501.10 for now

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled] <-- OK
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled] <-- OK
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Enabled] <-- set to Disabled while over-clocking
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled] <-- OK
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled] <-- OK
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled] <-- OK
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Enabled] <-- set to Disabled while over-clocking
Virtualization Technology.................: [Disabled] <-- OK

Integrated Peripherals
USB Storage Function........................[Enabled] <-- set to Disabled while over-clocking (This needs to be Enabled if you want to boot or flash from a USB device)

Save these settings and test for stability using:
Memtest86+ (4 full passes minimum)
Intel BurnTest (IBT) using 5 - 10 test-setting for 1 full test (watch your temperatures!!)
Prime95, OCCT, or Orthos for at least 6 hours (longer is better)

If any of these tests generate even 1 error, stop further testing and post the error details (program that failed, run time of error, error type, etc.). If you're into gaming include several hours of the most demanding games you have.

Post your test results and include a screen-shot that has:
Memset using the SPD and ">>" panels
cpu-z main screen
EasyTune6 --> Tuner tab --> Advance tab --> Voltage tab

Once your system is fully stable, the next setup will use the 2.66D system memory multiplier to run your memory at 888 MHz.

After these tests, we will test with higher cpu over-clocks.

Check this post if you are not familiar with saving and loading bios profiles.