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**Lsdmeasap** · 04-04-2010, 01:34 AM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

NO FE BIOS? Why not?

tRD is loose, can likely use 8 or 9 for sure. Drive strength profile can be set to 1066

Other than that your settings look ok to me. If you have decent temps you shouldn't have many issues trying to get at 4Ghz, did you try at all yet?

**RoscoP** · 04-04-2010, 02:19 PM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

I noticed that there is an FE BIOS available for the GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - It says it fixes memory compatibility. I really wish Gigabyte would post full release notes on changes in their BIOS. I've had no problems with FD BIOS so I'm kinda hesitant to flash. I'll try the FE BIOS once I found out how far I can OC with this current BIOS, and then see if the FE BIOS helps any.

Thanks for the input.

**Lsdmeasap** · 04-04-2010, 02:28 PM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

You can always go back to FD if you do not like FE. Use @BIOS to make a backup of your current FD BIOS, it will save all your settings and profiles. Then if you don't like FE you can go back.

**RoscoP** · 04-04-2010, 06:58 PM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

I just got 471 x 8.5 = 4004 Mhz @ 1.33750v (1.296v in CPU-Z)

I need to start testing for stability. Will post back soon with template and results. Stoked!

**RoscoP** · 04-05-2010, 02:16 AM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

It turns out 4 Ghz is going to take much more work than 3.8 Ghz. I've currently reverted back to 3.8 Ghz for now because I can't get 4 Ghz stable. I am completely stable at 3.8 Ghz - CPU vcore 1.33750v, MCH voltage 1.2v. In order to get Prime95 to not crash immediately at 4 Ghz I need to raise CPU vcore to 1.3625v and MCH voltage to 1.26v ....

Here were the max settings I tried at 4 Ghz and still couldn't be stable in Prime95 for more than a few minutes on Small FFT.

Code:

  MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto] 
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [8]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.5] <-- ignore if not available
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 4004 <-- this is set by your bios

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [471]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100] <--- Set to 100, never leave this on Auto

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

Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : [800]
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : [900]
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : [???]
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : [???]

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard] <--- set to STANDARD when overclocking
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled] <--- Leave this Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [400]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [2.00D] <-- this is the setting that you are using
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [942]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual] <-- set to MANUAL for overclocking

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] <--- Auto or 0 is OK

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength --------- : 1066 Mhz

Channel A
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [10]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to 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 --------------------- : [10]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to 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 ----------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore --------------- ?.????? ---- : [1.36250v] 

CPU Termination --------- ?.???V* ----- : [1.26v] 
CPU PLL ----------------- ?.???V* ----- : [1.61v] 

CPU Reference ----------- ?.???V* ----- : [Auto] 
CPU Reference2 ---------- ?.???V* ----- : [Auto] 

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- ?.???V ------- : [1.26v] 
MCH Reference ----------- ?.???V ------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ ?.???V ------ : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- ?.???V ------- : [Auto] 
ICH Core ---------------- ?.???V ------- : [Auto] 
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ ?.???V ------- : [2.1v] 
DRAM Termination -------- ?.???V ------- : [Auto]
Channel A Reference ----- ?.???V ------- : [Auto]
Channel B Reference ----- ?.???V ------- : [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 -------------- : [Enabled] 

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ------------- : [Enabled]

3.8 Ghz is an awesome OC for this setup. I can even enable CPU ESIT, C1E & C2E power saving features with no problems at 3.8 Ghz. I'm going to lower my tRD from 10 to 8 and see if I am stable overnight in Prime 95 blend. I'll post back with results.

**Lsdmeasap** · 04-05-2010, 12:30 PM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

3.8 to 4Ghz is not much of a gain either, and the resulting voltages needed may not be worth it really. Some quads just can't do 4Ghz as easy as others, same with 3.6Ghz on Q6600's some do it easy and others not so much.

At 4Ghz settings above the .5 CPU multi may be the problem, of course using 8 and 500 FSB may be even harder so not sure what I am thinking here I just know .5 multi's can be troublesome.

Only thing I can see that may help with the above is this
CPU Vcore --------------- ?.????? ---- : [1.36250v] << may need 1.4-1.425 or so

CPU Termination --------- ?.???V* ----- : [1.26v] << May need 1.3-1.34
CPU PLL ----------------- ?.???V* ----- : [1.61v] << Try keeping 1.55-1.6

MCH and CPU ref voltages also play a key part in high overclocks. Have you tried adjusting yout MCH ref at all, or CPU Ref's? I'd try MCH Ref first, see link in my signature, try .70-.84 and see if any of those help with a higher Vtt of course as I think 1.26 is not enough at all.

**RoscoP** · 04-05-2010, 03:13 PM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

I havn't tried adjusting MCH or CPU ref voltages. I have been leaving them at AUTO. I will look into the article you did on how to setup MCH GTL ref voltages.

Last night I tried my 3.8 Ghz OC with a tRD of 8, and it will not POST. This is with MCH voltage at 1.2v - It will POST and show stability at 3.8 Ghz with a tRD of 9 and MCH voltage at 1.2v

Is it really worth increasing MCH voltage just to lower tRD?

Here is my current 3.8 Ghz OC profile

Code:

  MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto] 
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [8]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.5] <-- ignore if not available
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 3808 <-- this is set by your bios

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [448]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100] <--- Set to 100, never leave this on Auto

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

Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : [800]
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : [900]
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : [???]
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : [???]

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard] <--- set to STANDARD when overclocking
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled] <--- Leave this Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [400]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [2.00D] <-- this is the setting that you are using
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [896]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual] <-- set to MANUAL for overclocking

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] <--- Auto or 0 is OK

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength --------- : 1066 Mhz

Channel A
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [9]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to 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 --------------------- : [9]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to 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 ----------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore --------------- ?.????? ---- : [1.33750v] 

CPU Termination --------- ?.???V* ----- : [1.22v] 
CPU PLL ----------------- ?.???V* ----- : [1.57v] 

CPU Reference ----------- ?.???V* ----- : [Auto] 
CPU Reference2 ---------- ?.???V* ----- : [Auto] 

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- ?.???V ------- : [1.2v] 
MCH Reference ----------- ?.???V ------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ ?.???V ------ : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- ?.???V ------- : [Auto] 
ICH Core ---------------- ?.???V ------- : [Auto] 
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ ?.???V ------- : [1.94v] 
DRAM Termination -------- ?.???V ------- : [Auto]
Channel A Reference ----- ?.???V ------- : [Auto]
Channel B Reference ----- ?.???V ------- : [Auto]

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

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ------------- : [Enabled]

What do Driving Strength Profiles do? I went ahead and set both to 1066 Mhz.

I'm kind of nervous about putting more than 1.3625v into this Q9550 because beyond that exceeds Intel's VID voltage range. However, is this 1.3625v maximum with or without v droop? As long as the vcore with v droop doesn't exceed ~1.3625v then it is not breaking Intel's threshold?

I understand I probably shouldn't be nervous about this but I don't want to kill my Q9550. I've heard anything above 1.4v on a 45nm CPU can fry it.

Also, with FSB @ 448 and MCH voltage at 1.2v, do you recommend rigging a fan up on this UD3P northbridge heatsink?

**Lsdmeasap** · 04-05-2010, 11:51 PM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

Well you may not need to until you are done really, but sometimes you might have to just to get going. Adjusting Ref voltages I mean.

The driving strength profiles set a pre-defined set of timings to all the settings within those pages.

tRD you can use all depends on voltages used, FSB, MCH Voltage, and the memory strap/multi you are using. And of course your memory itself. Using the D strap often will not allow tRD of 7-8 but B strap will, depending on voltages and your memory you may or may not be able to use B strap with 400+ FSB

For full stability anyway at high clocks with 4GB of memory you are likely going to need 1.24+ MCH anyway

Intel's VID Range is only the amount they will ship a CPU out of the building with runing stock speeds at that VID/voltage. VID and MAX Vcore are two very different things.

The VID you mention is not even close to the MAX Vcore they recommend as MAX, that is 1.45V for your CPU, see here

Table 2-2 Page 19

http://download.intel.com/design/processor/datashts/318726.pdf

Whatever you hear about above 1.4V Vcore on 45nm is rubbish, you can use 1.5+ if you want and have proper cooling. 1.4V Vtt though you do not want to use, keep that below 1.4V. As you can see though, Intel even says 1.45V Vtt is fine too.

NB fan would always help if you have one and do not mind adding it on there, removing the blue plate when you do so will also help.

**RoscoP** · 04-06-2010, 01:24 AM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

Does removing the blue label plates from the UD3P void your warranty?

Attached Files

UD3P-without-logo.jpg (0, 555 views)

**Lsdmeasap** · 04-06-2010, 01:36 AM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

Probably if you break something or mess it up so you could not put it back on, but I doubt it as it is not hurting functionality.

If you are worried about your warranty though, you may want to leave it as I am not sure, or ask them directly.

**RoscoP** · 04-07-2010, 04:26 PM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

I don't currently have the time to take my UD3P out of my case and properly remove it and the blue plates. I'm a college student and am going to be starting a part time PHP programming job, plus I'm getting ready to take Network+ exam, so I don't have a lot of time right now. Next time I tear my rig down I'll remove the blue plates and put some good thermal paste on the P45 northbridge. I guess you could always put the blue plates back on before sending in for RMA... lol.

I did go ahead and rig a fan on the northbridge from one of my old stock socket A heatsinks using zip ties (kept all them damn Socket A fans - I knew I'd use them someday

). I think the blue plates is what is holding my fan on... sorta.

I'm glad that I got a UD3P that has the northbridge heatsink secured by Phillips screws. I've heard some of them used push pins, which don't mount securely and are sucky. My UD3P is a 1.6 - do all 1.6 have the northbridge screws or is it luck of the draw? My old P45-UD3L used push pins and whenever I mounted a similar fan on the northbridge it actually lifted off of the P45 chip! I used too much tension with the zip ties on the P45-UD3L and one of my good friends saw it when we were changing out the CPU - phew.

Anyways, here are the photos -

I know it's not the best method but I'm limited on time right now. I have noticed lower CPU temps at idle and my GTX 260 core temp has dropped at idle. I havn't put this system under full stress yet, but I'm anxious to see if there are temp differences.

I'm going to start pushing this Q9550 further later this week. I'm really glad there is expert advice available here. I'll post back with results and more questions fo sho.

**Lsdmeasap** · 04-07-2010, 11:57 PM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

Yeap, you could always glue it back on I doubt they would know or even look if you had to RMA. It is just glued on there.

I agree, I really like the NB Screws on the nicer boards! They should make this default on all the boards, all around the mosfet/SB heatpipes and heatsinks too. X58 higher end boards also have this on the NB and SB.

I am not sure which all boards have them, I know the higher end ones always do now, but not sure about this model in particular if revision matters or not.

Love your LOL @ AMD! Those Socket A fans are nice, I have a few that move quite a bit of air and are quiet, also surprisingly still alive :)

Hey, would that fit between the memory slot and heatsink, pointing to the rear? Just so air would move through the actual fins and not be mostly directed around by the plate? Just a though, that way or even the other way with it mounted sideways/vertical on the left side of the NB pointing to the memory.

P45 does not have MCH temp readout, but you should have Motherboard, which is located in the PCB directly by the NB. If you remember your old temps you could compare them with your new temps. Everest Ultimate will show this temp.

Good luck pushing things! Post back anytime

**ViPPeR_666** · 04-14-2010, 06:45 PM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

Hi there Lsdmeasap,

I've been googling a bit and found this relatively recent topic.

I currently owns a GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 too but only with FE bios, an Intel E8400 C0 and Mushkins 2x2gb PC8500 (Newegg.com - Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996599). Our systems are pretty close despiting the quad vs duo CPUs and that my Mushkins have increased voltages (2.0-2.1) and lower timings (5-5-5-15) over his OCZs.

However, I've tried all Rosco's previous stable setups as well as your suggestions and I couldn't get anything stable at all. As a matter of fact I couldn't even get a stable Orthos stress using those "default" profiles on Gigabyte's QuickBoost.

What would you recomend me?

Kind regards.

PS: I've just moved from a Foxconn G31MXP-K because I couldn't get stable over 3.6ghz, and back then I've used generic memory modules. I'm afraid that hardware isn't a problem now since I got the P45-UD3P and those Mushkin monsters.

**Chike** · 04-14-2010, 07:30 PM

Re: Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

@ViPPeR_666
It would be better if you create your own thread and post your failed settings.
Forget QuickBoost it's no good.
Please follow steps 1-4 in this post for some additional information that may help us assist you.

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Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

Q9550 E0 + GA-EP45-UD3P 1.6 - Help me optimize my OC

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