E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

[Faustous]

OK, finally am ready to tag someone else in :)

I have tried every config found on this board as a starting point. (From Grishka's E8400 builds to D-an-W's huge discussion thread)

My goal is to get above 4ghz for daily (gaming) usage. 4.04 would be fine.

My current stable settings Overclocked at 3.6:

Motherboard: Model: EP45-UD3P Rev#: 1.1 Bios Version: F9
Cpu: Intel E8400 C0 step
Ram: Dominator Series Twin2X2048-8500C5D (http://www.corsair.com/_datasheets/TWIN2X2048-8500C5D.pdf)
Power Supply Unit: Thermaltake 750w

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : 9x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : 0
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 3.600

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [400]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100]

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

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

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

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRCD  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRP --------------------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRAS  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [15]

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tRTP  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) -------------------- : [Auto]

Channel A
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
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

Channel B
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
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

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal -------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ----------------- : [Enables]
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.?????  ---- : [1.306]

CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ----- : [Auto]
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ----- : [Auto]

CPU Reference ----------- 0.755V* ----- : [Auto]
CPU Reference2 ---------- 0.800V* ----- : [Auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.2]
MCH Reference ----------- 0.800V ------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V  ------ : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V ------- : [Auto]
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto]
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [2.100]
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]

D-an-W's initial posted settings were the first I could use to get into Windows, but I had to set all of my memory settings to AUTO to get there. It was NOT stable running Orthos for longer than 5 seconds :)

I am just not sure where to go... HELP!

[Nickel020]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

Which cooler are you using and how are your temps?

You may try a little more Vcore, and set the system memory multiplier to 2.0D while your trying to get a higher CPU speed stable.

[Faustous]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

I am using a Tuniq Tower 120.

Current temps: [email protected]: 28c Max: 46c

I will start again with D-an-W's specs, with more vcore... but that would be setting vcore to 1.4...

Will advise

[Psycho101]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

Take the following settings off auto and set them manually ASAP. Not doing so can seriously damage your PC if the board goes mad and drastically over volts these settings: PLL, CPU Termination. Never, ever have these on auto while overclocking.

If the CPU were mine, I would initially try the following for 3.6GHz, taking note of any advice written next to each setting, and build up from there:

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : 9x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : 0
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 3.600

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [400]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100]

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

Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : Auto <--Should show 800, if not, don't change manually, load optimized defaults from the main menu, then save and exit.
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : Auto <-- Should be 900, see above
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : 0
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : 0

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard]
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [2.66d] <-- usually the best strap for 400 FSB.
Any odd non booting problems, try 2.66C. Its intended for use on a 266 FSB but
I'm using it on a 411 FSb as its the only one that's stable and lets me use tRead = 7.
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [1066]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRCD ------------------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRP --------------------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRAS ------------------- ?? ---------- : [15]

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD ------------------- ?? ---------- : [4] <These 6 options can be left on auto if you wish,
but the suggested settings are nice and loose
tWTR ------------------- ?? ---------- : [4]
tWR --------------------- ?? ---------- : [8]
tRFC ------------------- ?? ---------- : [68]
tRTP ------------------- ?? ---------- : [4]
Command Rate (CMD) -------------------- : [2]

Channel A and B
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [9] < When fully stable, lower this.
8 or maybe 7 could be stable and it boosts RAM performance a lot.
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
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


Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal -------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ----------------- : [Enables]
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.????? ---- : [1.35V] <-- more or less may be needed. With a 0 you
will need more than most E0 chips need, but how much is individual to your CPU. Set this to 1.200V
when setting reference volts for the CPU and MCH, then set back up when done.

CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ----- : [1.30V] < --If this is unsuccessful, try from 1.24-1.34V,
Never go above 1.4v.
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ----- : [1.500V]<-- Up to 1.61V may be needed, no higher.

CPU Reference ----------- 0.755V* ----- : [Auto] < Auto will be ok at this clock speed.
CPU Reference2 ---------- 0.800V* ----- : [Auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.2]
MCH Reference ----------- 0.800V ------- : [Auto] <--Set to 0.740V when CPU Term is at 1.200V.
See note in CPU Term section.
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V ------ : [Auto] <Auto is fine
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V ------- : [1.500V]
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.100V]
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [2.100] <--Set to the maximum rated voltage of your RAM.
DRAM Termination -------- 0.900V ------- : [Auto] <--These three are fine on 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]

[Faustous]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

Doing it now!

Will report back in a minute.

[Faustous]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

Done!

Settings are as above.... system seems a bit quicker in response, but that could be psuedo...

Motherboard: Model: EP45-UD3P Rev#: 1.1 Bios Version: F9
Cpu: Intel E8400 C0 step
Ram: Dominator Series Twin2X2048-8500C5D (http://www.corsair.com/_datasheets/TWIN2X2048-8500C5D.pdf)
Power Supply Unit: Thermaltake 750w

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : 9x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : 0
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 3.600

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [400]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100]

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

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

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

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRCD  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRP --------------------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRAS  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [15]

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [4]
tWTR  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tRTP  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) -------------------- : [Auto]

Channel A
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
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

Channel B
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
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

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal -------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ----------------- : [Enables]
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.?????  ---- : [1.35V]

CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ----- : [1.300V]
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ----- : [1.500V]

CPU Reference ----------- 0.755V* ----- : [Auto]
CPU Reference2 ---------- 0.800V* ----- : [Auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.20V]
MCH Reference ----------- 0.800V ------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V  ------ : [Auto] - Couldn't set this to 2.1V, as mem requires, left at AUTO
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V ------- : [Auto]
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto]
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [2.100V]
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]

I am able to boot into Vista and START running Orthos (though it bombs in about 1 min) with the following settings:

Motherboard: Model: EP45-UD3P Rev#: 1.1 Bios Version: F9
Cpu: Intel E8400 C0 step
Ram: Dominator Series Twin2X2048-8500C5D (http://www.corsair.com/_datasheets/TWIN2X2048-8500C5D.pdf)
Power Supply Unit: Thermaltake 750w


MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) 
Robust Graphics Booster ..............: [Fast]
CPU Clock Ratio ......................: [9X]
x Fine CPU Clock Ratio................: +0.0
CPU Frequency ........................: 4.00GHz( 445x9)

********** Clock Chip Control ********
>>>>>  Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control................: [Enabled]
x CPU Host Frequency(Mhz).............: [445]
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........................: [  0ps]
MCH Clock Skew........................: [  0ps]

******** DRAM Performance Control ********
Performance Enhance...................: [Standard]
Extreme Memory Profile(X.M.P.)........: [Disabled]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch................: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)........: [2.00D]
Memory Frequency(Mhz).....800.........: 890
DRAM Timing Selectable (SPD)..........: [Auto]

>>>>> Standard Timing Control
x CAS Latency Time................5...: [Auto]
x tRCD ...........................5...: [Auto]
x tRP.............................5...: [Auto]
x tRAS...........................18...: [Auto]

>>>>> Advanced Timing Control.........: [Press Enter] 
x tRRD............................3...: [Auto]
x tWTR............................3...: [Auto]
x tWR.............................6...: [Auto]
x tRFC...........................52...: [Auto]
x tRTP............................3...: [Auto]
x Command Rate (CMD) .............0...: [Auto]

>>>>> Channel A Timing Settings.......: [Press Enter] 
x Static tRead Value.............10...: [Auto]
x tRD Phase0 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase1 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase2 Adjustment ..........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase3 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x Trd2rd(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2wr(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2rd(Different Rank)..........5...: Auto
x Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..........8...: Auto
x DIMM1 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DIMM2 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DDR Write Training..................: Auto

>>>>> Channel A Driving Settings......: [Press Enter] 
x Driving Strength Profile............: [1066MHz]
x Data Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Up level...........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Up Level...........: Auto
x Data Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Down level.........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Down Level.........: Auto

>>>>> Channel B Timing Settings.......: [Press Enter] 
x Static tRead Value.............10...: [Auto]
x tRD Phase0 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase1 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase2 Adjustment ..........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase3 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x Trd2rd(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2wr(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2rd(Different Rank)..........5...: Auto
x Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..........8...: Auto
x DIMM1 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DIMM2 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DDR Write Training..................: Auto

>>>>> Channel B Driving Settings......: [Press Enter] 
x Driving Strength Profile............: [1066MHz]
x Data Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Up level...........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Up Level...........: Auto
x Data Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Down level.........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Down Level.........: Auto

****** Motherboard Voltage Control ******
Voltage Types..........Normal...........Current
-----------------------------------------------
>>> CPU
Load-Line Calibration.................: [Enabled]
CPU Vcore..............1.27500V.......: [1.400V]
CPU Termination........1.200V.........: [1.300V]
CPU PLL................1.500V.........: [1.570V]
CPU Reference..........0.760V.........: [Auto]
>>> MCH/ICH
MCH Core...............1.100V.........: [1.240V]
MCH Reference..........0.760V.........: [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Reference.....0.900V.........: [Auto]
ICH I/O................1.500V.........: [1.570V]
ICH Core...............1.100V.........: [1.200V]
>>> DRAM
DRAM Voltage...........1.800V.........: [2.100V]
DRAM Termination.......0.900V.........: [Auto]
Channel A Reference....0.900V.........: [Auto]
Channel B Reference....0.900V.........: [Auto]

Ideas on where to go, to get the above stable, would be awesome :)

[Psycho101]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

Make sure you have set all the options as per my template. It's vital that you set MCH ref to 0.740V when CPU termination is 1.2V. When you set CPU term back to the setting it was previously, you'll notice MCH ref increases, this is normal. MCH ref is a "make or break" setting. For example with MCH ref at stock on my current overclock, Prime/Orthos fails instantly. At 0.740V it's stable for about 15 minutes and at 0.720V I'm 24 hour stable.

4GHz isn't a walk in the park for a C0 stepping E8xxx. It may be possible, but increasing from 3.6GHz (when Orthos stable) to 3.8GHz, then maybe 3.9GHz before trying for 4GHz will give you a better feel for what needs adjusting. I progressed nice and carefully from 3.6GHz to my current 3.9GHz. Doing this meant that I don't have to completely re-think settings for 3.9GHz, it was a natural progression.


It seems that, yet again, the forum has decided to not show some of the settings I listed while usiong the [CODE] tags. Please re-read the template. I've removed the tags so you can see exactly what I intended you to see. This forum bug's happened a few times now, to both me and Conners. Sorry for the confusion.
Have another look at the template, and enter exactly what's contained in it down to the letter.

Once you get 3.6GHz stable in orthos (I recommend 12 hours Large Data Set), move up to 3.8GHz, increasing Vcore and CPU termination as you go. If you can't get 3.8GHz stable at less than 1.4V with LLC on, or you get almost instant fails in Orthos, set CPU term to 1.2V then knock MCH ref down another step to 0.720V, then increase CPU term back up.

[Chike]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

Forget orthos for a moment, you said you want 4GHz for gaming, do you see any improvement with 4GHz, do 3.6GHz show better performance than 3.4GHz, if not than 4GHz are probably not going to either?

cpu 400 X 9 for 3.6, memory at 1333 = 36fps
cpu 500 X 7.5 for 3.74, memory at 1331 = 50fps
cpu 500 X 7 for 3.5, memory at 1331 = 50fps

Guess what, 2T354 has GTX275. Do some benchmarks, compare your frame rates, who says 4GHz is betther for you that 3.5GHz?
Consider the alternatives.

[Psycho101]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

he hasn't even verified 3.6GHz as completely stable yet, no doubt. And those FPS figures really aren't something you should be quoting as a general guide to how CPU speed effects gaming. GTA is very demanding on CPU and GPU. The load on the system is not typical or representative of the typical video game. Also, no offence to 2T354 intended, but there were details missing from the tests. A useful bit of info to help with his specific system maybe, but not for anything else. For example, was the RAM being used on the relevant divider at 400FSB or was the 2.00 divider being used? Are those frame rates averages, minimums or maximums? There wasn't enough detail to make a 100% assertion about the findings. Certainly not enough to use it as an example to guide others.

As Faustous isn't going to be able to run an SLI config without swapping his 275 for a 295 (twin GPU's on a single card), 4GHz probably isn't essential. It depends on the games he plays. CPU dependant games will suck up all the MHz you can give them. World of Warcraft continues to show improvement and scaling with CPU speed for me, even going from 3.8GHz to 3.9GHz gave a measurable (not higher ofc) increase in performance.

I don't see the problem with aiming for as high an overclock as possible. It might not be needed, but that's what overclocking is all about, at least for me. Running the CPU as fast as possible certainly isn't going to hurt. As long as voltages remain reasonable, and temperature readings are roughly in the ball park of acceptable, there's no risk of harm. 4GHz may not even be possible on Faustous's chip.

Go for as fast a CPU speed as you can IMO, as for every program you run that won't take advantage of the speed, there'll be another that does. Windows in general will probably feel smoother. This is subjective, but it's what I've found. Compressing/decompressing files benefits greatly from CPU speed, as does video encoding. Due to the multitude of tasks required of a PC, the extra speed will be put to use somewhere.

[Chike]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

farcry2 also shows 12 to 14 frame improvement.

I did not say anything definate. I suggested experiment to find the best alternative, even before a complete stability is achived
Claming GTA has an unusually high load on the CPU suppoerts the possibility that no more CPU power is needed. A less demanding games surely don't need it

[Faustous]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

Psycho101: Thanks for the help on this. Your write-up in response to Chike (who's info is also something to think about) shed alot of light on things.

As far as the [auto] setting for the References, that was a mistake on my part... I DID set the values to .74 and let them boost themselves (currently at .80v).

As far as being 3.6 stable, I have been running [email protected](400x9) for almost 4 months now, with 3 diff motherboards and 2 diff OS's. BUT... I am going to kick off a full LARGE Orthos run and see what comes up.

I was wondering about the settings on a C0 chip, as everyone has an E0. So... maybe I can/maybe I can't get to 4ghz... but I sure want to try.

As far as for gaming or not... I state for gaming, as this is my primary gaming system ( I have others for development and graphics editing/conversion.

I will try these new settings, and see where it takes me!

[Psycho101]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

Claming GTA has an unusually high load on the CPU suppoerts the possibility that no more CPU power is needed.

Huh? No, it means the exact opposite. Search around and you'll see a Q6600 at stock almost keeping up with a E8xxx at 3.8GHz. More CPU speed certainly does widen the gap between dual core and quad.

Again, quoting a test where all the information wasn't laid out is useless. To say less demanding games won't use more speed is vague at best. Define a less demanding game.

Don't make this another thread bogged down with unnecessary theorising using limited information sources. The guy wants to get his CPU up to as fast a speed as possible, not hear the relative advantages and disadvantages of doing so. He can overclock, then do his own testing to find out the effects on the games he currently plays. More CPU speed certainly isn't going to hurt performance, and who knows what the next game he plays will like in terms of PC specs.

I certainly wouldn't bother benching until I had some stable configs to play with. Ideally something like a 3.4GHz, 3.6GHz 3.8GHz and possibly 4GHz profile set. The only way to truely judge performance is on a stable PC. Stability issues don't just manifest in blue screens and freezes. Juddering, micro-stuttering and other issues can occur.

Edit: The primary thing holding you back with a C0 is that they tend to be more thirsty when it comes to Vcore. You'll find that most (not all) C0's will need a higher Vcore for a certain speed compared to an E0. this means that the comfortable zone for max temperatures will be surpassed sooner for a C0, meaning you just can't push them as hard without extremely good cooling. if running water cooling this is less of an issue, and you could almost certainly get 4GHz, all be it with a high ish Vcore.

@Faustous: Apologies for going off topic. After overclocking, conduct your own tests using a games built in benchmark utility if available and using FRAPS in game. 3DMark Vantage can be useful, but remember that the GFX intensive sections are scripted, so no AI procesing is going on behind the scenes. Also consider a GPU overclock to possibly increase performance in GPU limited games.

Let us know how you get on with 3.6GHz, and whether or not it's stable. Over night is OK (8 hours) if you want to limit down time. When you're stable move on from there. If you try experimenting with the values discussed (Vcore, CPU Termination, MCH ref while @ 1.2 CPU term and possibly MCH Core, post another template in a new post with your current settings.

[Faustous]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

16+ hours stable with Large FTEs.

I am going to attempt to bump to 3.8 and see what happens.

[grishkafool]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

Seems like you have this well in hand, Psycho... here is this if it's helpful.

On a side note, I lose around 25 FPS in LotRo when running at stock vs. 3.6GHz, however, I see only a 5 FPS gain from 3.6GHz to 4GHz...

[Psycho101]

Re: E8400 (C0) and EP45-UD3P -- No greater than 3.6 stable

Yes, definitely have a read of the thread grishkafool has linked. It contains settings for many different FSB speeds. Be aware that components vary, and as with my suggestions use them as a good starting point to tune your own values as needed.

You've highlighted something which I think alot of people with a decent GFX card see when overclocking. An initial huge rise in frame rate as you reach a point where you're adiquately processing AI calculations at the speed they're needed, an can provide the card with the information it requires. From 2.33GHz on my Q8200 to 3.2GHz, my Far Cry 2 minimum frame rate was replaced by the same figure as my 2.33GHz average frame rate, average frame rate was close to the 2.33GHz's max frames and 3.2GHz max frame rate was huge in comparison to the non overclocked figure. Going to 3.4Ghz resulted in gains but only in the single digits (7-9 FPS) for the all important minimum FPS figure.