EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

[HyperEX]

Managed to get 3.4GHz booting, and then modified it slightly to get system booting at 4.21GHz!

Beginning of STRESS TEST results below.

I will post some of the values I have thus far, if you have any advice about how to improve stability or tweaks for improvements please let me know.

Current test running: Prime95 - BLEND - 2 THREADS

Motherboard: GA-EP45-UD3R v1.1 BIOS F12
Cpu: E8500 Wolfdale
Ram: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (x2) - http://tinyurl.com/ygxftcx
Power Supply Unit: BFG GX 550W - http://www.bfgtech.com/bfgr550wgxpsu.aspx


MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [9 X]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.5] 
CPU Frequency -------------------------: 4.21GHz (444x9.5) 

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [444]
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]
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [2.40B]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [1066]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- 5 --------- : [5]
tRCD -------------------  7 ---------- : [5]
tRP --------------------- 7 ---------- : [5]
tRAS ------------------- 20 ----- ---- : [15]

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR ------------------ 4 ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------8 ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC ---------- --------68 ---------- : [Auto]
tRTP ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) ------0------------: [Auto]

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength --------- : Press Enter <--- press ENTER to modify memory sub-timings when overclocking

Channel A
Static tRead Value ------------8--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ---------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) --------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) --------7--------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) -------9--------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]

Channel B
Static tRead Value ------------8--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ---------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) --------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) --------7--------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) -------9--------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal --------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration -------------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.25000V ----- : [1.36250V]

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

CPU Reference ----------- 0.760V* ------ : [Auto]
CPU Reference2 ---------- ?.???V* ------ : [Auto] <- N/A

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.320V]
MCH Reference ----------- 0.760V -------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V ------- : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V -------- : [1.610V]
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]

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]

Prime95 Blend (2 Threads)

1. 1.36250V - FAILED -> 7 MIN
2. 1.36875V - FAILED -> 50 MIN
3. 1.37500V - FAILED -> 50 MIN ?!
4. DRAM Voltage to 2.12V, to see if fault happens around same time period, 2.12 = 2.10-2.11 in Windows - FAILED -> 8 MIN (Guess RAM doesn't like 2.12V :o)
5. DRAM Voltage back to 2.1 - FAILED -> 1 HOUR, 16 MIN (2.1 = 2.06-2.08 in Windows, seem to have found the stable limit, CPU VCORE needs to be upped)
6. 1.38125V(1.31-1.34~ Windows) - FAILED -> 5 HOURS, 11 MIN (Now we're getting somewhere!)
7. 1.38750V(1.31-1.34~ Windows) - IN PROGRESS

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

High FSB vs. High Multi? Pros and cons?

With high FSB w/ lower multi - memory and rest of system runs faster, correct? However, for higher FSB = Higher VCORE/MCH/ETC? As well as losing stability, more stress on components, and having higher temps?

High Multi w/ Lower FSB - Lower memory & system speed, but you have lower voltage, lower temps, higher stability.

Anyone care to add their .02?



When I get this stable, next thing I'm going to try is hitting 533x8 or 533x7.5 to run 1:1, then compare performance.

So far since last voltage change, Prime 95 Blend @ 2 Threads has been running without errors for about 4 hours.

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

Adding the brand and model/part numbers in your signature helps us out and helps eliminate errors.
I don't recall which memory you're using.

Sometimes lower memory volts helps. 8GB of memory is always tricky.

With 8GB, set tRFC looser for now, 75 - 80 might be needed.
Memory timings can be tightened once you've reach your "final" stable o/c.

Increasing Cpu Termination (VTT) often helps stability, you might want to try 1.32 or 1.34 volts. Cpu Vcore might need to be increased too. Don't worry about vcore settings in the upper 1.3x volt range. Your cpu core temperatures are fine right now.

The only change I'd make to your general statements is that it's harder to reach stable settings when you push your system with more aggressive settings. It boils down to which combination of cpu and memory speeds best meets your needs for the applications you're running. Some will have several different saved bios profiles for their specific needs, such as 24/7 use, gaming, encoding, etc.

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

Adding the brand and model/part numbers in your signature helps us out and helps eliminate errors.
I don't recall which memory you're using.

Sometimes lower memory volts helps. 8GB of memory is always tricky.

With 8GB, set tRFC looser for now, 75 - 80 might be needed.
Memory timings can be tightened once you've reach your "final" stable o/c.

Increasing Cpu Termination (VTT) often helps stability, you might want to try 1.32 or 1.34 volts. Cpu Vcore might need to be increased too. Don't worry about vcore settings in the upper 1.3x volt range. Your cpu core temperatures are fine right now.

The only change I'd make to your general statements is that it's harder to reach stable settings when you push your system with more aggressive settings. It boils down to which combination of cpu and memory speeds best meets your needs for the applications you're running. Some will have several different saved bios profiles for their specific needs, such as 24/7 use, gaming, encoding, etc.

Think I'm making some headway, Prime95 failed again, but this time at 5 hours, 11 min. Bumped up VCORE 1 notch, I think I'm getting close.

This board and CPU <b>CAN</b> reach 533FSB, correct? I may just have to run something like a 4GHz OC using slightly lower multi?

The higher FSB seems to be the king as long as you can keep temps within reason, I do not want to push this CPUs VCORE past 1.4v as many reports tell me 1.4v (With LLC disabled, maybe 1.45-1.47 max) is the max you want to reach for E8500.

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

In general, your best balance of performance versus higher temperatures and voltages will be in the 3.8 - 3.9GHz range. Using the 2.00B or 2.00D memory multiplier, your memory speeds will be in the 900+ MHz range, and you should be able to use somewhat tighter primary memory timings.

Synthetic benchmark scores won't be as high, but the bottom line for me is which settings give the best overall real world application performance without using extreme settings.

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

Would 533MHz FSB be safe? Now, that's my question. Also, if I ran 533MHz, I could run 1:1 ratio with RAM. Which I've read gives some performance increase with Intel chipsets (at least 5%?)

If 533MHz isn't safe for FSB, I'll definitely follow your advice for 3.8-3.9GHz and try to run tighter memory timings for possibly equal or better performance.

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

Safe is a relative term. It all depends on using "reasonable" voltages where temperatures are not excessive.

My ep45-ud3p, with my E6550 could boot using 7x529 (unstable) and run stress tests, where temps and volts were reasonable.

Case cooling and ambient room temperatures have a major effect on temperatures, where each 1 degree (C) increase raises cpu core temps about 1 (C). It helps to have top tier air or water cooling hardware with very high FSB settings. With the proper hardware, FSB speeds in the mid to upper 500MHz range are doable with the ep45-ud3p.

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

FSB stresses the MCH mainly, correct? Only thing is, I don't have a temp monitor to know what the temp would be at high clock speeds, and even if I knew the temp, I don't know what the maximum safe temp would be.

Seems like a bit of a paradox.

If system runs at 533MHz, great. But causing permanent MB damage over time due to stress, not so great.

I'd like to think my case has good cooling, in my Antec 900, all fans set to high. Also, my CPU cooler is set to always 100%.

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

The "system" temperature displayed in many monitoring programs is a good approximation of the north bridge (MCH) temperature, as it is often located near (but not on) the NB. Placing a fan so that it blows air directly on the NB heat-sink will lower NB temperatures several degrees. An 80mm fan is usually sufficient, but using a larger fan can often lower temperatures on the NB and your memory at the same time. This can be especially beneficial when you are using four memory modules.

FSB stresses the MCH mainly, correct?

Mainly, yes, but....
With much higher FSB settings, you usually have to increase several voltage settings including:
Cpu Vcore
Cpu Terminination
Cpu PLL
and sometimes:
ICH I/O
ICH Core

I assume that increases in termination and reference volt settings puts added stress on other components.

With higher voltages and additional heat, you're putting additional stress on the various voltage regulating circuits, and all components in your computer case.

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

Tried booting with 533FSB, couldn't get it to work on 1.4MCH, tried a handful of safe VCOREs too, no luck. However, I also tried 500FSB (which should be possible), was trying to run 4.0GHz (8x500MHz), with ram at 1000MHz, 1:1. Tried MCH ranges from 1.32-1.40V, no luck. Also tried VCORE from 1.36250-1.4V, also no luck. I believe I tried using 400MHz strap w/ 2.00D. (can't recall offhand) What other settings must be changed?

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

With 2x2GB setups using your memory, many have found that their systems are only stable with MCH Core = 1.05 when most other 8500 memory setups need 1.20 - 1.24. This might mean that your memory might work best with MCH Core lower than 1.28.

The G.Skill memory forum has a thread that deals with the EP45-UD3P/ R mobos. Their advice seems to be that you need 1.40 volts with 8GB of memory, nothing more, nothing less.

Going from 500 to 533MHz is a 6.6% increase. Realistically, you would only see a real world performance increase of about 2 - 3%.

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

Haha, funny you mention that thread, I just found that recently while doing research.

F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK + GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P / R BIOS settings - GSKILL TECH FORUM

You've helped me so much thus far, I've went from zero OC'ing knowledge to at least having an idea over just a few days. :o

I agree with you about the 533FSB, I was just testing to see if system could run it for testing purposes.

The jump from 500 -> 533 seems to not be worth it considering how much the components are being stressed, and how much additional voltage is needed.

Could I burden you for a template for 4.00GHz, 500FSB (8x500MHz)? Running my RAM at 1000MHz is what I'm looking for, and may leave some room for tightening timings.

The 4.00GHz OC seems more viable performance wise, and clock wise. Like you mentioned before, and as a few articles have also agreed with you, clockrate beyond a certain area meets diminishing returns. Lowering my clock ~210MHz, while raising FSB by 66MHz seems like a better trade off.

Thank you again for your time. Here , I owe you one!

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

Glad to help out.

I'm not always wrong and sometimes I'm right ;)

[profJim]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

Could I burden you for a template for 4.00GHz, 500FSB (8x500MHz)? Running my RAM at 1000MHz is what I'm looking for, and may leave some room for tightening timings.

Sorry, I overlooked this in your post.

There is no magical formula for 8x500MHz setups, especially with 8GB of memory.

Suggested settings for a 490x8 (3.92GHz) setup. Sometimes the "last" 100MHz can be a real PITA.
Feel lucky?

==================================
Motherboard: GA-EP45-UD3R v1.1 BIOS F12
Cpu: E8500 Wolfdale
Ram: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (x2) - http://tinyurl.com/ygxftcx
Power Supply Unit: BFG GX 550W - http://www.bfgtech.com/bfgr550wgxpsu.aspx
==================================

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]8[/B][/COLOR]X]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]0.0[/B][/COLOR]] 
CPU Frequency -------------------------: [B]3.92[/B]GHz ([B]490x8.0[/B]) 

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [[COLOR=Red][B]490[/B][/COLOR]]
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]  [B]<--- Turbo might be stable, try LAST[/B]
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]2,00D[/B][/COLOR]]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [[B]980[/B]]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- 5 --------- : [5]
tRCD -------------------  7 ---------- : [5]
tRP --------------------- 7 ---------- : [5] <--- 4 might be stable, try later
tRAS ------------------- 20 ----- ---- : [15] <--- 12 might be stable, try later

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR ------------------ 4 ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------8 ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC ---------- --------68 ---------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]74[/B][/COLOR]]
tRTP ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) ------0------------: [Auto]

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength --------- : Press Enter <--- press ENTER to modify memory sub-timings when overclocking
Channel A
Driving Strength ------------------------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]1066[/B][/COLOR]]
Channel B
Driving Strength ------------------------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]1066[/B][/COLOR]]

Channel A
Static tRead Value ------------8--------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]10[/B][/COLOR]]<--- 9 might be stable, try later
tRD Phase0 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ---------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) --------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) --------7--------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) -------9--------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]

Channel B
Static tRead Value ------------8--------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]10[/B][/COLOR]] <--- 9 might be stable, try later
tRD Phase0 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase1 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment --------0--------- : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ---------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) --------8--------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) --------7--------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) -------9--------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal --------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration -------------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.25000V ----- : [1.38750V] <--- adjust as necessary
CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ------ : [1.300V] <--- up to 1.34 if necessary
with Cpu Vcore ~ 1.390, lower is better
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ------ : [1.500V] <--- 1.57
CPU Reference ----------- 0.760V* ------ : [Auto]
CPU Reference2 ---------- ?.???V* ------ : [Auto] <- N/A
MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.320V] <--- 1.34 might be needed
MCH Reference ----------- 0.760V -------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V ------- : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V -------- : [1.610V]  <--- 1.57 is usually fine
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]

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]

[HyperEX]

Re: EP45-UD3R E8500 overclocking

Managed to get system posting at 4.00GHz, 8x500.

However, something worries me a bit, VTT in relation to VCORE. Am running MCH at 1.4V per request http://www.gskill.us/forum/showthread.php?t=1169

I got system to post on 1.36 CPU Termination, however it seemed unstable due to the fact that when I attempted to post once again at 1.36, it failed and reverted to safe clocks.

On 1.38 VTT, it seemed to be stable, I rebooted 4 times to check it would post consistently, and that seemed to work.

I currently have Load Line Calibration Enabled, and am running VCORE at 1.4V (BIOS health screen shows about 1.396), I'm almost positive I don't need 1.4V VCORE to run stable at this clockspeed.

My question, is it alright to run VTT very close to VCORE, or in some cases with VTT above VCORE?

Seems sort of like in my case I may end up needing to stick with 1.38V VTT while being able to lower VCORE below VTT's value.

Since I was worried about having VTT so close to my VCORE value, I did not boot to Windows, I only let system post a few times...