OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

[profJim]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

New bios versions include bug fixes (e.g. S3 sleep issues) and enhancements, such as "improved memory or cpu compatibility." Unfortunately, GB doesn't provide a list of fixed issues or changes. Many/most reputable software providers let us easily access their version histories that give a good indication of what has changed. Some also provide a "known issues" list.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

I do suggest the latest Beta actually, and I suggest you may need a bit more MCH and to use tRD of 9

[sharpbiohazard]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

So I should try the BIOS first? I don't know if my MCH core is set at the right value... could that be a potential problem?

I also thought that once ram gets an error, it's permanent. I guess thats not true?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

Yes, I would use the latest BIOS either way, but the voltages and suggestions I made would be for any BIOS

MCH Core of 1.20-1.24 is often best for 4GB of ram.

Na, ram errors are only right then in that second the ram is failing to provide the correct data, nothing permanent at all.

[Salty]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

I think the EO chip was only covered in the last X48 bios update, probably similar with yours. I have reflashed quite a few bios and haven't had a failure yet.

Is this another one like "Load optimised defaults before you begin overclocking."

"With a new build, reflash to the latest bios before you begin overclocking." or not ..

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

Na, just latest BIOS Suggestion before he gets going with overclocking

[sharpbiohazard]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

Ok, I just flashed to the F11 version-

In Qflash it did tell me about a checksum error (D900 I believe) but I went ahead. Loaded optimized defaults after the flash, etc etc

I did have my comp restart itself on its own last night, as I woke up to windows recovering from an unexpected shutdown (this is before the BIOS flash) and I then ran memtest- sure enough, red lit up my screen. This was on optimized defaults. :S

I'm getting the feeling I might have to RMA these chips :(

PS Windows gives me this for the unexpected shutdowns- Mini091209-01.dmp RAM problem right?

[sharpbiohazard]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

Well, all seems stable with this new BIOS. I did uninstall my oc program for my video card however at the same time- somehow I think that was causing my probs. (Rivatuner 2.24c is what I had, I'm back to version 2.24)

I tried lowering my CPU v to 1.2 with termination at 1.1, and I got a BSOD right when I entered windows, so I bumped it up to 1.225 with term at 1.2. I'm doing this voltage testing correctly right?

EDIT: I have settled on these settings-

vcore-1.25v
term-1.2v
mch-1.2v

Those numbers ok?

Also LSD, I had a question regarding performance level on the RAM. My ram seems to be faster at level 7, but has less bandwidth compared to level 9. I read on another forum that performance level 6 is for 400FSB, but my system wont boot at 6, so im going to stick with 7.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

Checksum value is always shown in Qflash, that is normal. As long as you see 4 values xxxx then you are fine to flash

How to find voltages can be done many way, I set things higher than need be, then lower, but you can do as you are trying as well

P45 and P35 are very different things. Whatever guide/post you read about tRD was likley written for pre-P45 board, tRD of 7 on P45 is the same as tRD of 6 on previous boards.

Which value you can use on what FSB all depends on many things, you ram itself, MCH Core and Ref voltages, Vtt, and what Memory multi and FSB you are using.

I have never seen 9 beat out 7, so must be your settings off or something. I did do some testing on B Vs D here for P45 >>

http://forums.tweaktown.com/f58/2-00b-vs-2-00d-399-500-fsb-simple-strap-comparision-31656/

And if you read this post in my review on DDR2 ballistix I made a comment of findings similar to what I mentioned above in regards to tRD. Post #10 >>

http://forums.tweaktown.com/f58/crucial-ballistix-memory-stability-testing-review-30086/#post283119

[sharpbiohazard]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

Stupid me, I saw on your settings LSD that you cant use 7 with a FSB of 400 (I wondered why the system was rebooting itself on restarts) Leaving it at 8. CPU at 3.6ghz- cant be too risky with your only pc ;)

Thx guys.

[profJim]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

Using the B-strap, tRD=7 usually works up to about 420 FSB with EP45 motherboards.
The D-strap usually requires tRD to be 1 step higher than the B-strap up to the mid 400MHz range.

In the upper 400MHz range, tRD is usually stable with a setting that is 1 step lower than the stable B-strap setting at the same FSB.
Some have found that using the D-strap is easier to get stable than when using the B-strap.

As you've discovered, the wrong tRD setting can cause boot issues.
As you tweak further, you'll find other incorrect bios settings can also cause boot problems and instability.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: OC E8500+EP45 Voltage Question

Stupid me, I saw on your settings LSD that you cant use 7 with a FSB of 400 (I wondered why the system was rebooting itself on restarts) Leaving it at 8. CPU at 3.6ghz- cant be too risky with your only pc ;)

Thx guys.

Glad to hear you got it resolved! Ya 3.6 should be plenty safe