Announcement

**yuu** · 06-07-2010, 06:57 AM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

I have been unable to run 1066 myself with more than 2.08 V, it starts to rain errors.

You should set MCH, PLL, adn Termination to 'Normal' from drop down. Dram to maximum possible, but <2.08V maintainable without errors. Too much voltage kills, the good connection between MCH and dram, MCH being 65nm, cant handle more than 2.08V.

CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.............: Normal
CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.................: Normal
MCH Core…………….....1.100V..................: Normal
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V.................: 2.06

I can run 500 FSB ith the exact same settings and 1:1 2.00D and 1.82V dram., just because one Stick requires 1.82, the others can work with 1.8.

Now that you mention the Dram Channels, the only thing that is being affected is this.

Static tRead Value........................: 10 [Auto] = 9

These values depend on the channels, the ones being closer to the cpu get more aggresive fine delay, and that is bad, and also depend on whether you set too much voltage, Termination, Dram, PLL, therefore that is why you should set the forced mode "Normal" wich keeps the defaults on the left.

these should be always the same numbers each time you boot. 9 neutral 10 0 10 0. If they deviate this is a sign to slighlty touch some of the voltages until it is stable, MCH 1.16 or 1.18... etc.

**jcrawfor74** · 06-07-2010, 09:04 AM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

Yuu

Will try the voltage on the RAM. The corsair spec however suggests 2.1 volts, but I will play around and see if I can run the RAM in channel 1 with the lower voltage.

I am pretty sure that I will get the same errors, as I have vague memories of having the same issues when I first setup the board, and I was running the stock 1.8 Volts,

I don't think the voltage can explain why they would fail in channel 1, but test perfectly in channel 2 running @ 1066Mhz with no bios changes between tests?

Note: Testing this will be slow as I can only check to see if it has made any difference generally in the mornings and evening doing a cold boot.

Thanks for the feedback

**profJim** · 06-07-2010, 11:14 AM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

You should set MCH, PLL, and Termination to 'Normal' from drop down.

"Normal" is not a voltage option with the EP45, AUTO is the default setting.
AUTO should NOT be used with some voltage settings when overclocking, CPU Termination (VTT) and CPU PLL will often be seriously overvolted when overclocking. You can confirm this with an ET6 screen-shot using the Tuner/Advance/Voltage window.

Your reported CPU Vcore idle and load results are normal, as this is a typical amount of vdroop with EP45 systems.
With 2x2GB of memory running at 1066MHz, MCH Core usually needs to be 1.22 - 1.26 volts when overclocking.

I'm not sure which memory you have, from the Corsair XMS2 website:
TWIN2X4096-8500C5 ---- PC2-8500 --- 4GB Kit 5-5-5-15
TWIN2X4096-8500C5C --- PC2-8500 --- 4GB Kit 5-6-6-15
CM2X2048-6400C5 ------- PC2-6400 --- 2GB -- 5-5-5-18

The TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF spec sheet shows:
4096 Megabytes of DDR2 memory
- Two matched CM2X2048-8500C5D modules
- Includes Airflow Fan for maximum thermal transfer
- JEDEC standard 5-5-5-18 values at 800MHz
- EPP .. standard 5-5-5-15-2T, 2.1V values

Try the following settings:
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) -------------: 401 or 402 Mhz
System Memory Multiplier --------------: 2.66D <-- you might want to test using 2.00D, 2.00B, or 2.40B
CPU Termination ------- 1.200V* ------: 1.2 <-- try 1.22 or 1.24, possibly 1.10 (if available)
CPU PLL --------------- 1.500V* ------: AUTO <-- try 1.50 or 1.57
MCH Core ------------- 1.100V --------: 1.20 < -- try 1.22 - 1.26, possibly 1.05
DRAM Voltage --------- 1.800V --------: 2.10 <-- try 2.06 - 2.12

Follow steps 1, 2 and 4 in this post to provide additional information.

**yuu** · 06-07-2010, 11:31 AM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

Excuse me, i know my motherboard, and the only thing that gets overvolted if left on auto is the CPU, PLL, Termination, MCH, and Dram. I still recommend using the "Normal" option as the only viable option to keep the dafault Termination in play, because if it gets deviated from this you are bound to have problems. The EP45-DS3 is based on A2 crystal, so the rules for the UD3 series don't exactly apply. as i said you dont touch the mch, the pll, and the vtt up to 500 FSB, the >500FSB you can adjust the MCH a little and if you run 1066 DRAM maybe too, but 1.26 is outrageus. I run upto 440FSB with 1.05V on MCH.

Actually i think 2.66D is broken. voltage or no voltage on MCH.

**profJim** · 06-07-2010, 12:48 PM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

The EP45-DS3(r) manual (rev 1004) shows that AUTO is the default setting and doesn't mention the NORMAL option.
The UD3 series doesn't have a NORMAL option for bios voltage settings.
I believe that using the NORMAL option doesn't allow the setting to auto-adjust upwards when you overclock.
The MCH Core recommendation of 1.20+ settings applies to most 4GB 8500MHz memory setups with the UD3 series.
GSkill 4GB 8500 memory often needs MCH Core = 1.05 volts or lower for stability.
I don't recall seeing sub 1.20 volt settings with 4GB of Corsair 8500 memory.

MCH Core settings that are too low or too high often cause boot problems and/or instability.
It looks like you are running 3x2GB of A-DATA 800MHz memory.
I've seen several threads where the 2.66D memory multiplier has caused problems with FSB = 400+ MHz.

Thanks for the NORMAL bios setting option information for the DS3 series.

**mm67** · 06-07-2010, 12:57 PM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

Originally posted by profJim View Post

The EP45-DS3(r) manual (rev 1004) shows that AUTO is the default setting and doesn't mention the NORMAL option.
The UD3 series doesn't have a NORMAL option for bios voltage settings.
I believe that using the NORMAL option doesn't allow the setting to auto-adjust upwards when you overclock.
The MCH Core recommendation of 1.20+ settings applies to most 4GB 8500MHz memory setups with the UD3 series.
GSkill 4GB 8500 memory often needs MCH Core = 1.05 volts or lower for stability.
I don't recall seeing sub 1.20 volt settings with 4GB of Corsair 8500 memory.

MCH Core settings that are too low or too high often cause boot problems and/or instability.
It looks like you are running 3x2GB of A-DATA 800MHz memory.
I've seen several threads where the 2.66D memory multiplier has caused problems with FSB = 400+ MHz.

Thanks for the NORMAL bios setting option information for the DS3 series.

I don't know about other UD3 series boards but my rev 1.0 UD3 has Normal option for all voltages.

**profJim** · 06-07-2010, 01:25 PM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

I'm gonna quit while I'm behind, before I have to eat any more of my words about the NORMAL bios voltage option with EP45 motherboards.

Thanks for the corrections.

**Lsdmeasap** · 06-08-2010, 01:03 AM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

So you guys getting this issue sorted out or not?

OP, you should be able to set/adjust Vtt for sure, can you at stock settings? If you are not sure please test.

That is a key voltage, and for 4Ghz I would be suggesting 1.26-1.34 normally, so I really think you should sort this out. You may need to adjust MCH ref in order to properly set this, I think a stock test will let us know, if you can adjust it at stock clocks then it is likely you need to adjust MCH ref before you will get anywhere with Vtt adjustments

As for your channel 1 fail, yes you can RMA the board based on this as the proper configuration for a dual channel setup is 1+3 channel 1 anyway. RMA takes 2 weeks or so normally, not sure how long though it is in AU.

RMA is valid for 3 years from date of manufacturer so you should still be able to RMA if you wanted to.

**jcrawfor74** · 06-08-2010, 08:36 AM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

Ok,

Bit of a progress update.

With the memory still in channel 2, because that is where it is currently stable I dropped the memory timings down to 2.00D for 800Mhz.

This enabled me to do a cold boot without issues @ 3.6Ghz overclock. So my cold boot issues are obviously related to trying to push my memory to 1066mhz.

As for the corsair memory, It is hard to find info on it but here is what CPU-Z says

hence why I am running it at 5-6-6-16 @ 1066, (I didn't just make it up ;-) )

A few questions?

Should I be scared of running the memory @ 2.1volts? Getting different opinions.
For the advanced memory timings what should the Static tRead value be.

That is a key voltage, and for 4Ghz I would be suggesting 1.26-1.34 normally, so I really think you should sort this out. You may need to adjust MCH ref in order to properly set this, I think a stock test will let us know, if you can adjust it at stock clocks then it is likely you need to adjust MCH ref before you will get anywhere with Vtt adjustments

I assume 1.26-1.34 is in relation to CPU Termination? How is this effected by MCH Reference? What would I need to adjust it too, most posts say leave.

I will continue tweaking the MCH voltages as per suggestions and see what gets it stable.

Cheers

Attached Files

memory.png (0, 365 views)

**Lsdmeasap** · 06-08-2010, 11:26 PM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

You will be fine using 2.1V, that is pretty much the normal DDR2 voltage anyway, plus it is what your kit is rated to run at.

Yes, I was saying 1.26-1.34 Vtt is what I would suggest for a 4Ghz overclock, that is why I mentioned all the rest of what I did so you can try to get things going so you can adjust this voltage.

MCH ref is based off of the Vtt voltage, a percent of it. More info on this setting and how it works is in a link in my signature.

I do suggest you leave it normally until you are trying to get stable, I only suggested you might need to adjust it now in order to allow you to be able to set a Vtt value which you said you cannot.

**jcrawfor74** · 06-09-2010, 10:49 AM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

Sorry, may have confused the issue regarding

in order to allow you to be able to set a Vtt value which you said you cannot

I read a post on this site suggesting that someone with my board could not POST when they had set these values, event to default, so I was just being cautious.

I can set all the values in the bios, its just getting the right ones that will make my board post successfully.

I have bumped the FSB to 445 for 4.0Ghz, so I can run 2.40B on the memory which gets 1068Mhz. I have tested the ram and with these speeds and it passed. I have set all the voltages to there default Auto values then tweaked Vtt and DRAM Voltage as per the link in your signature.

I have run stable Prime95 and Intel Burn test with these settings, so I will wait till tomorrow to see if I can POST successfully.

:-)

**profJim** · 06-09-2010, 03:18 PM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

Your cpuz SPD indicates that your memory is TWIN2X4096-8500C5C --- PC2-8500 --- 4GB Kit 5-6-6-15 @ 2.1 volts
Let us know the details of your IBT test:
1) How many loops were run (10 loops is sufficient)
2) Amount of memory tested
3) Threads = ??? (AUTO, 2, etc.)
note: Threads = 2 for dual core processors is the most rigorous test where cpu core temps will be hotter and the Gflops score will be higher. Using the maximum amount of memory to be tested (for your system) is a more demanding test.
4) Which Prime95 was run? Blend? Small FFT? Large FFT?
5) How long was the Prime95 test run?

Please post your most recent bios settings and a screen-shot that includes:

Memset using the SPD and ">>" tabs
cpu-z CPU and Mainboard screens (several instances can be run at the same time)
EasyTune6 --> TUNER tab --> ADVANCE tab --> VOLTAGE tab (only the Voltage tab is needed)
CoreTemp screen [for your cpu's VID (Voltage ID)]

This will let us better help your tweak your bios for improved stability and/or performance.

**jcrawfor74** · 06-10-2010, 07:16 AM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

Hi,

Firstly..

Your cpuz SPD indicates that your memory is TWIN2X4096-8500C5C --- PC2-8500 --- 4GB Kit 5-6-6-15 @ 2.1 volts

I think you will find that this memory is 2 x 4096 which is an 8 GB kit. This is not my memory.

My memory is CM2X2048-8500C5C which is a 4GB kit, 2 x 2048 and as per the screen shot it runs @ 5-6-6-16 not 15.

I have done the Intel Burn test 10 loops at maximum, auto threads when @ 4.0GB. Image to follow.

I have only Run Prime95 (2 Threads) in blend mode for 1 hour. And MemTest for 40 minutes, so I will do some longer runs once we get closer to getting it right.

All testing was done with the following settings:

Code:

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ..................: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9.0
Fine CPU Clock Ratio......................:.0
CPU Frequency ............................: 4.00Ghz


Clock Chip Control   
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control....................: [Enabled] 
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) .................: 445 Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 100

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]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)...........: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch....................: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier .................: 2.40B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ...................: 1068Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ...................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control 
CAS Latency Time..........................: 5
tRCD .....................................: 6
tRP'......................................: 6
tRAS......................................: 16

Set all Suggested below to highest Values first.  Then later you can lower, one at a time, testing as you go 

Advanced Timing Control 
tRRD......................................: 4 [Auto]
tWTR......................................: 4 [Auto]
tWR.......................................: 8
tRFC......................................: 56
tRTP......................................: 4 [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) .......................: 2

Driving Strength Profiles 
Driving Strength .........................: 1066

Channel A 
Static tRead Value........................: 11
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment....................: 0  [Auto] <<< Leave for all below as well
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  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control..................:Auto  ps

Channel B 
Static tRead Value........................: 11
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment....................: 0  [Auto] <<< Leave for all below as well
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  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control..................:Auto  ps

Motherboard Voltage Control 

CPU 
CPU Vcore….………............................: 1.375
CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.............: 1.34
CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.................: 1.5 
CPU Referene…………....0.755V*...............: 0.840

MCH/ICH 
MCH Core…………….....1.100V..................: 1.20
MCH Reference….…….0.760V..................: <<< Leave
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V................: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.500V..................: 1.570
ICH Core…………...……1.100V...................: <<< Leave

DRAM 
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V.................: 2.100
DRAM Termination .…0.900V.................: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V................: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V................: <<< Leave

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 ................: [Disabled]

Specs of machine as requested:

I will upload some images in the following posts

Attached Files

CPU-Z.PNG (0, 98 views)

**jcrawfor74** · 06-10-2010, 07:17 AM

Re: GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

Memory Settings

Attached Files

Memset.jpg (0, 97 views)

Announcement

GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

GA-EP45-DS3 E8400 Overclock cold boot issues, faulty ram channel?

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment