GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

[Chike]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

Okay so to add on that, changes for your settings:

System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [3..00A] <<< if no go keep 2.66] 

tRP ---------------------7 --------- : [5] 
 tRAS ------------------- 24 --------- : [15] 
 
Advanced Timing Control 
 tRRD ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto] 
 tWTR ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto] 
 tWR ---------------------8 ---------- : [Auto] 
 tRFC ------------------- 68 --------- : [Auto] 
 tRTP ------------------- 4 ---------- : [Auto] 
 Command Rate (CMD) ------------------ : [Auto] 


Channel [B]A & B[/B] 
Static tRead Value --------10------------- : [7] <<< if works try 7 
 

MCH Core ---------------- 1.10V ------- : [1.16-1.2] << try the lower go higher if needed only 
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.80V ------- : [2.0-2.1] << try the lower go higher if needed only

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

Max,
I'm confused.
You posted a CPU-Z screen shot showing a Q8200, but your full bios posting says: Core2 Quad E8200.
Post #7 shows only two cores in the HWMonitor screen shot.
You don't have your cpu model listed for your signature for the EP45-DS3R.

If one memory module is defective, your least expensive solution is to RMA your memory.
I suggest that you test your memory at stock settings, using Memtest86+ v4.20. Run at least one full test loop (8 tests) and if there are no errors, run test #5 for 10 - 15 loops by pressing: c 1 3 5 enter 0 (zero) after your full loop test has completed. If you are testing with two memory modules @ 1066MHz, set MCH Core = 1.22 or 1.24 with your Mushkin 996599 memory. If the Memtest86+ tests run without errors, boot into windows run:

• 10 loops of LinX or IBT using 1535 or 1792MB of memory.
• Run Prime95 Large FFT test overnight.
• Run Prime95 Blend test overnight.

If any of these tests have errors, post a screen shot of the error and don't continue testing.

I suggest that you first load OPTIMIZED bios defaults and then apply the settings in http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...tml#post295784, post #5. I recommend that you use the manual settings suggested in the post with stock settings.

How old is your Antec TP3-650 power supply?
note: Your system will have excellent performance running your 4GB memory from 800 - 875MHz using 4-4-4-12 memory timings.
Don't get hung up on needing to run much higher memory speeds for maximum performance.
Using the stock Intel cpu heatsink will severely limit how high you can overclock your system.

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

I just found your BSOD post in the BSOD Error Codes thread.
I've moved your post here, and it is now post #22 in this thread.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

Just so you know Max, Mushkin still has Blackline memory, you may need to buy at other online shops or ebay though as I'm not sure if they still sell DDR2 directly.

But, keep in mind, Mushkin offers lifetime warranty!! So you can RMA your set with them and they will exchange it for you for another DDR2 set, you may need to pick a different model # though, but I'm sure they'll still be able to offer you a similarly timed model, heatsink type really doesn't matter as long as it's the same timings. They'll probably offer you 996760 if you RMA your current set, since it's CAS 5 timings.

[MadMax2911]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

Max,
I'm confused.
You posted a CPU-Z screen shot showing a Q8200, but your full bios posting says: Core2 Quad E8200.
Post #7 shows only two cores in the HWMonitor screen shot.
You don't have your cpu model listed for your signature for the EP45-DS3R.

If one memory module is defective, your least expensive solution is to RMA your memory.
I suggest that you test your memory at stock settings, using Memtest86+ v4.20. Run at least one full test loop (8 tests) and if there are no errors, run test #5 for 10 - 15 loops by pressing: c 1 3 5 enter 0 (zero) after your full loop test has completed. If you are testing with two memory modules @ 1066MHz, set MCH Core = 1.22 or 1.24 with your Mushkin 996599 memory. If the Memtest86+ tests run without errors, boot into windows run:

• 10 loops of LinX or IBT using 1535 or 1792MB of memory.
• Run Prime95 Large FFT test overnight.
• Run Prime95 Blend test overnight.

If any of these tests have errors, post a screen shot of the error and don't continue testing.

I suggest that you first load OPTIMIZED bios defaults and then apply the settings in http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...tml#post295784, post #5. I recommend that you use the manual settings suggested in the post with stock settings.

How old is your Antec TP3-650 power supply?
note: Your system will have excellent performance running your 4GB memory from 800 - 875MHz using 4-4-4-12 memory timings.
Don't get hung up on needing to run much higher memory speeds for maximum performance.
Using the stock Intel cpu heatsink will severely limit how high you can overclock your system.

Hi ProfJim I changed most of the mistakes that you mentioned except for deleting the picture of two cores temp(from my other rig and was repling to another poster-will try to stay on track now). The CPU model is yorkfield date on release is March 2008 As far as the Power supply it may be several years old exactly how many I cannot say for sure. I guess that something I shoud keep track of for my own records an to know when its time to replace. I am getting a new screenshot set up for temperatures now.
Update I am running some of the first tests now.......First reloading optimised defaults and resetting to conservative values that were reccomended.
Max

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

Most current Antec power supplies are very good or excellent.
I'm not sure about some of their older models, such as the TP3 models.
Their were some problems with psu capacitors several years ago from various power supply manufacturers.

[MadMax2911]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

Most current Antec power supplies are very good or excellent.
I'm not sure about some of their older models, such as the TP3 models.
Their were some problems with psu capacitors several years ago from various power supply manufacturers.

yeah thanks for the info ProJim i can google search my PS for any other related posts. BTW while testing RAM should I try the slot that the other RAM stick when bad in next? Just a thought about general RAM testing in different slots

[Chike]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

Whie fixing your E8400 OC you managed to delete the board model.
How the settings work for you?
And why not puush the E8400 to at least 3.6GHz?

[MadMax2911]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

Whie fixing your E8400 OC you managed to delete the board model.
How the settings work for you?
And why not puush the E8400 to at least 3.6GHz?

Wow Ubuntu browser loaded this page a lot quicker than Win XP's IE8 I was advised to return to stock settings while testing with memtest. Also test in windows with other stress tests for Pro Jim. Will try your settings soon as I finish testing. Ya I just saw that I deleted one board model too oops As far as pushing the CPU that will be done when I put the CPU cooler on. Last attempt, I could not remove the main power connector from the board(sometimes a fine screw driver will help to pry a litte here or there but I could not find it). Also noted that I may need to do a little cleaning of the intake screen as well. thanks thermaltake for the intake screen helps a lot.
UPDATE:
Woops you are talking about the UD3LR board and CPU sorry The power sockets are being checked in the back room right now so its not hooked up. First test passed in memtest for one loop and now trying the second test (memtest)
max

[Chike]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

Yes the E8400. It's easy to OC and 3.6GHz with Mugen 2 is not realy much for it.
The memory may be limiting, but you may get to 3.7-3.8GHz with it.
I believe the E8400 can do 3.3GHz or even more with stock(normal) vcore, and cooler.
Is it E0 or C0 stepping?

[MadMax2911]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

OK To ProfJim: regarding the memtest86+ tests...I put the other stick(which I thought was bad) in for testing.
Surprisingly the memory passed the default test in memtest. Now, I am scratching my head a bit if the memory is not bad then what is bad? I still have the second custom test to do now which should not take long. Then I will try to test in the second dual slot with the known good stick first, then then questionable stick next. Also, will I have to test with memory in all slots? or just the first two main slots? (designated in the manual as the dual channel slots yellow in color). One other possible problem is the Beta BIOS update to F11i which I hope is not a problem. I can Flash back to F11e if needed, when advised.
To Chike: I am not sure what the specs are on that CPU right now. I recall doing a little research on the differences between the two CPUs and the E8400 can OC quite nicely.

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

The CPU-Z the main panel will show the Revision number and it should be C0 or E0; this is the stepping number.

I would test with both modules install in slots 1 & 3. If there are Memtest86+ errors, then you should test each module individually, first in slot #1 and then repeat this test using slot #3. A bad mobo memory slot is rare, but it can happen. It's up to you if you also want to test slots 2 & 4.

It's possible that one or more of your BSODs were caused by bad bios settings.

Don't use the "D" memory strap when the cpu host frequency is set lower than 400MHz.
With the "B" memory strap, you have 4 options: 2.00, 2.40, 3.20, and 4.00.

It would help if you posted your most recent bios settings so that we know what worked.

note: MCH Core = 1.1 is fine with only one memory module installed.
Use MCH Core = 1.22 or 1.24 with both modules installed and with stock cpu settings.

[Chike]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

Don't rush to push MCH Core try all the range from 1.16 to 1.24v. My board does perfectly stable with 1.18v at 450MHz FSB and DDR-1080. The less you can use the better.
Test the module in the slot it's going to be installed in.
Are you testing DDR-800 or DDR-1066? DDR1066 must pass.
After one pass of memtest86+ run a few passes of test #5 (press c, 1, 3, 5, enter, and 0).
If no errors then it;s Prime95 time, you can customize the blen test and set 128k min FFT, and run it few hours (>= 6)

EDIT I mean test the one module that you have thought to be bad in the slot it will be used, then both of them with memtest86+ and only then Prime95.

[MadMax2911]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

The CPU-Z the main panel will show the Revision number and it should be C0 or E0; this is the stepping number.
I would test with both modules install in slots 1 & 3. If there are Memtest86+ errors, then you should test each module individually, first in slot #1 and then repeat this test using slot #3. A bad mobo memory slot is rare, but it can happen. It's up to you if you also want to test slots 2 & 4.
It's possible that one or more of your BSODs were caused by bad bios settings.

Don't use the "D" memory strap when the cpu host frequency is set lower than 400MHz.
With the "B" memory strap, you have 4 options: 2.00, 2.40, 3.20, and 4.00.

It would help if you posted your most recent bios settings so that we know what worked.

note: MCH Core = 1.1 is fine with only one memory module installed.
Use MCH Core = 1.22 or 1.24 with both modules installed and with stock cpu settings.

Motherboard:GB Model:GA-EP45-DS3R Rev#:1.0 Bios Version:F11i
Cpu:Intel Model:Core2 Quad Q8200
Ram: Brand:Mushkin Model/Part#:Blackline/996599 Link-->996599 - 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 PC2-8500 5-5-5-15 Blackline (Dual Kit)
Power Supply Unit: Brand:Antec Model#:TP3-650 Wattage:650watts

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [7x]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [xx]
CPU Frequency -------------------------: 2.33GHz
Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [333]

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) ------------------ : [0]
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : [0]
DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard]
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto] ***I did set this to 400 before my latest problems****

System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [2.66B] [and3.20B] testing wth both now
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [800] to start will try 1033 as well
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [manual] <-- set to MANUAL for overclocking

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time --------5 ---------- : [5]
tRCD ------------------- 5 ---------- : [5]
tRP ---------------------7 --------- : [5] recommended
tRAS ------------------- 24 --------- : [15]recommended

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD ------------------- 4 ---------- : [auto]auto was recommended for all these
tWTR ------------------- 4 ---------- : [auto]
tWR ---------------------8 ---------- : [auto]
tRFC ------------------- 68 --------- : [auto]
tRTP ------------------- 4 ---------- : [auto]
Command Rate (CMD) -------------- : [auto] <--- Auto or 0 is OK

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

Channel A
Static tRead Value -------was 10 now 7-- : [Auto]7 recomended
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 -------was 10 now7-- : [Auto]7 reccomended
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 ----------------- : Not available
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.250v ---- : [1.25]

CPU Termination --------- 1.20V ------ : [1.2]
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.50V ------ : [1.5]

CPU Reference ----------- .76V* ------ : [auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.10V ------- : [1.2] using 1.2 now can use 1.22
MCH Reference ----------- 0.76V ------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V ------ : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.50V ------- : [1.50]

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.80V ------- : [2.0]
DRAM Termination -------- 0.90V ------- : [Auto]
Channel A Reference ----- 0.90V ------- : [Auto]
Channel B Reference ----- 0.90V ------- : [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 -------------- : [not avail]

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ------------ : [not avail]
USB Storage Function --------------------:[disable]

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [2.66B and 3.20B]

Correction: 2.66C and 2.66D are available options, as is 2.40B.
2.66B is NOT an option.

Keep your DRAM Voltage @ 2.00 - 2.02. Your Mushkin 996599 runs best with ~ 2.00 volts. Its 2.10 max voltage setting is seldom needed unless you are trying for higher than 1100MHz, don't bother, it's not worth it ;)

What are the minimum MCH Core voltage increments for your motherboard? +0.02? +0.10? +0.25?

Chikes MCH Core recommendation is generally correct, but....
....your 2x2GB 996599 memory usually needs MCH Core that is at least 1.22 volts or higher with 4-4-4-12 timings below ~875MHz and 1.24 - 1.28 volts with higher memory speeds using 5-x-x-x timings. This is based on my personal experience and from stable settings from the Tweaktown and Mushkin forums. These are ballpark guidelines for P35/P45 motherboards. There are no hard and fast rules, as there will be some variations with each motherboard and/or memory kit. With some memory brands/models, MCH Core voltage can be set significantly lower, and in a few cases less than 1.00 volts.
MCH Core voltage that is too high or too low will often cause boot loop problems and/or instability, including BSODs.

Your system might be more stable with Static tRead Value (aka tRD) manually set to 7 for both memory channels with your current settings. Using the AUTO tRD setting hurts overall performance and sometimes leads to instability.

It will help us if you provide a screen shot that includes:

• 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)]
• CoreTemp or RealTemp to display maximum and minimum temperatures when running Prime95 or IBT/LinX stress tests.

Including a single screen shot of these programs let's us easily verify some of your posted bios settings.
Your screen shot will be more readable if the image width is 800 - 900 pixels wide.
If you place all the program screens close together, you can create a smaller image by cropping and eliminating the unused portions of the screen.
When you post a screen shot, please include a brief update such as: Currently running XXXXX with # memory modules installed.