Overclocking Help

[Mluktisch]

I am trying to OC my rig but I can only get to 343 any thing past that and it wont boot. I can change the voltage and all but it wont let me go higher. I have read that this processor can go to at least 500. any help will be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!

BIOS settings
P45/P43
(Also includes G45/G43 Variants)


Simplified Template For users who may not be sure of anything in the MIT Section

Motherboard: Model: Rev#: Bios Version:2.1 GA G41MT-S2PT
Cpu: Model Intel #8400
Ram: Brand, Model/Part#, Link to your ram's specs= PNY, Model#MD8192KD3-1333, pny.com
Power Supply Unit: Brand, Model#, Wattage= A-Power, AGS550, 550 watts total power

note: replace all ?? with the value displayed in your bios.
----> Replace "Auto" with manually set values.

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [9]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.5] <-- ignore if not available
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 3.25GHz [343] <-- this is set by your bios

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [343]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100] <--- Set to 100, never leave this on Auto

C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [xxx] N/A

Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]Can not get into
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : [xxx] N/A
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : [xxx] N/A
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : [xxx] N/A
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : [xxx] N/A

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard] <--- set to STANDARD when overclocking
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [xxx] N/A <--- Leave this Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [333]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [Manual] <-- this is the setting that you are using
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [Auto] 1333 1098
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual] <-- set to MANUAL for overclocking

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- 9 ---------- : [9]
tRCD ------------------- 9 ---------- : [9]
tRP --------------------- 9 ---------- : [9]
tRAS ------------------- 24 ---------- : [24]

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

Channel A Timing Settings
Channel A Driving Settings
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
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
DDR Write Leveling ----------------------: [AUTO]
DDR Write Training ----------------------: [Auto}

Channel B Timing Settings
Channel B Driving Settings
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
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 ----------------- : [xxx] N/A
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.08750v ---- : [Auto]

CPU Termination --------- 1.200v ----- : [xxx] N/A
CPU PLL ----------------- ?.???V* ----- : [xxx] N/A

CPU Reference ----------- ?.???V* ----- : [xxx] N/A
CPU Reference2 ---------- ?.???V* ----- : [xxx] N/A

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- ?.???V ------- : [xxx] N/A
MCH Reference ----------- ?.???V ------- : [xxx] N/A
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ ?.???V ------ : [xxx] N/A
ICH I/O ----------------- ?.???V ------- : [xxx] N/A
ICH Core ---------------- ?.???V ------- : [xxx] N/A
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.500V ------- : [Auto]
DRAM Termination -------- ?.???V ------- : [xxx] N/A
Channel A Reference ----- ?.???V ------- : [xxx] N/A
Channel B Reference ----- ?.???V ------- : [xxx] N/A

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 ----------------- : [xxx] N/A
CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) ------------ : [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function --------------------- : [Enabled]
Virtualization Technology -------------- : [Enabled]

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ------------- : [xxx] N/A
USB Storage Function ------------------: [Enabled]

[profJim]

Re: Overclocking Help

Your motherboard will probably only overclock to about 420MHz maximum FSB (aka CPU Host Frequency).
It sounds like your motherboard's revision number is 2.1.
It looks like F2 is the only bios version for the rev: 2.1 motherboard.
The EP45-xxxx motherboards could sometimes go up to 500MHz or higher.

Go to http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...tml#post312016, post #3 and copy the bios template into Notepad or any plain text editor.
Press CTRL + F1 at the main bios screen before you go to the M.I.T. section.
Ignore any bios settings in the bios template.

Fill in your current bios settings in the template with the displayed values in the brackets.
If the bios setting says AUTO, put AUTO in the brackets for that setting.
If a setting does not appear in your bios, type N/A to the right of the brackets.
Save your completed template and paste a copy of the template in your next post.
Once you've posted your bios settings, I'll provide a link for some optimal bios settings for a stock setup and then we will see how much higher you can overclock.

Include a link to the memory's specifications at the manufacturer's web site.

A quick web search shows that your power supply is a $28 (list price) unit that sells for $17.98 with a one year warranty.
A-Power AGS550 550 Watt ATX Power Supply with Dual +12V Rail | $17.98
This is an old psu design that has no place in any system, let alone a system with an E8400 cpu.
Most of these POS gutless wonders can fry your system when they fail and some can't deliver even half of their "rated power".
Most el cheapo power supplies provide dirty electrical power that exceeds the allowable limits for voltage regulation and ripple (aka electrical noise).

If you're not willing to spend at least $50 or more for a 500+ watt quality psu, you're putting your system at risk!!

With onboard video only, a good quality 450 watt power supply will meet your current needs.
Check out psu reviews for decent power supplies that are highly rated by JonnyGuru, HardOCP, HardwareSecrets, PCPER, or TechPowerUp. Most other psu review review sites are a bad joke.

Check out JonnyGURU - Death of a Gutless Wonder IV: Aces Low to see an example of a very poor psu. Recommended power supplies from JonnyGuru have a final score of 9.0 or higher.

[profJim]

Re: Overclocking Help

The first thing we need to do is ensure that your system is stable with stock settings.
Page 21 in the mobo user manual explains how you can save up to 8 different bios profiles.
Save your current settings if you want to and give each profile name a meaningful name.

Every time you go into the bios, first press CTRL + F1 at the same time to unhide some hidden settings.

Go into the bios and Load Optimized Default settings once.
You will need to re-enter some bios settings that you were previously using.

Use the settings below that I've set for the starting point.
If you have any problems booting or running stress testing programs, provide a detailed description of the problem.
Saying that your system froze doesn't tell us anything useful.

Boot into windows and follow step 4 in http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...tml#post295784, post #5. You will need to post a tightly cropped screen-shot of these programs. Don't post a screen-shot of your complete desktop or we won't be able to read the results. Don't install or run EasyTune6 on your system as it won't provide the information we need to see with EP45 overclocked systems.

http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...ot-450fsb.html is a very long E8400 overclocking thread.
Dan did an excellent job posting useful screen-shots and information about his results. Take a look at some of his thread to see the type of information and detail we will need.

Prime95 will be the main stress test that you will need to run many different times.
If you have trouble booting, you will need to run a bootable floppy, usb, or CD with Memtest86+.
http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft.htm
Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool <-- downloads are in the middle of the page

http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...ity-tools.html has links to many excellent programs.

Any questions?

Motherboard Model: GA G41MT-S2PT Rev#: 2.1 Bios Version: 2?
Cpu: Model: Intel E8400
Ram Brand/Model/Part#: PNY, MD8192KD3-1333 [B][B][U]http://www3.pny.com/8GB-Kit-2x4GB-PC3-10666-1333MHz-DDR3-Desktop-DIMMs-P2945C368.aspx[/U][/B][/B]
Power Supply Unit: Brand/Model#/Wattage: A-Power, AGS550, 550 watts total power

note: replace all ?? with the value displayed in your bios.
----> Replace "Auto" with manually set values.

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [9]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.0] <-- ignore if not available
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 3.00GHz [333] <-- this is set by your bios

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [333]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [101] <--- Set to 100, never leave this on Auto

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard] <--- set to STANDARD when overclocking
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [xxx] N/A <--- Leave this Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [333]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [3.20] <-- this is the setting that you set
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ----- 1333 ----- 1066 <-- these are set by the bios
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [AUTO] <-- set to MANUAL for overclocking

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- 9 ---------- : [9] <-- fill in the values set by the bios for these settings (x4)
tRCD -------------------- 9 ---------- : [9]
tRP --------------------- 9 ---------- : [9]
tRAS ------------------- 24 ---------- : [24]

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

Channel A Timing Settings
Channel A Driving Settings
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
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
DDR Write Leveling ----------------------: [AUTO]
DDR Write Training ----------------------: [Auto}

Channel B Timing Settings
Channel B Driving Settings
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
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 -----
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.08750v ---- : [Auto]

CPU Termination --------- 1.200v ----- : [xxx] N/A <-- this should be visible

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.500V ------- : [Auto] <-- 1.60 or slightly higher might be needed

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 ----------------- : [xxx] N/A
CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) ------------ : [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function --------------------- : [Enabled]
Virtualization Technology -------------- : [Disabled] <-- set to Disabled unless you are running VMware

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ------------- : [xxx] N/A
USB Storage Function ------------------: [Enabled]