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**profJim** · 03-25-2014, 02:01 AM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

At stock settings your cpu is running at 2.66GHz (8.0 x 333MHz) and your 2 x 1GB of memory is running at 800MHz (2.40 x 333MHz).
It looks like your 2 x 2GB memory is rated for 1066MHz speeds and is using the 3.20 memory multiplier where 3.20 x 333MHz = 1066MHz.

You are not stressing your cpu when using the 2.40 or 3.20 memory multipliers.

Using a 400MHz FSB (aka Cpu Host Frequency) will give you better overall performance even if you keep the same overall cpu speed.
You could run your E6750 at 2.80GHz ( 7 x 400MHz) for a 5% overclock with your stock Intel cpu cooler.
For about $35 you can buy a decent cpu cooler that will let you overclock higher than ~ 3.20GHz and still have safe temperatures.

If your Corsair memory has a cas4 rating at 800MHz, you should be able to use 4-4-4-12 primary memory timings up to about 875 - 900MHz.
My preference is to run with cas4 settings below 900MHz instead of using cas5 (5-5-5-15) settings at 1066 - 1100MHz memory speeds.

You will need to make a few minor bios changes with your 2 x 2GB memory to ensure that your system is stable.
I've been running my P35-DS3L for 7 years with my cpu at 3.50GHz and 876MHz memory with 4-4-4-10, 876MHz with a decent mid-range cpu cooler.
I'm currently running with 8GB of HyperX T1 1066MHz memory.
4GB of memory with win7 is nice and 8GB is even nicer, but not necessary in most cases.

We can best help you if you post the model numbers of each memory kit and include a link to the manufacturer's web page for each kit.
Please follow these instructions:

We need detailed information about ALL OF THE HARDWARE in your system.

We can best help you after you create a detailed hardware list in the System Specs
portion of your forum profile at the bottom of the profile page or in your forum signature.
Be sure to include brand names and model numbers.
When you are done editing or creating your hardware list, save the settings.

**dizzolve** · 03-25-2014, 02:49 AM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

Excellent!

I can't wait to sink my teeth into some of the suggestions you made - and after I 'create my detailed hardware list' (I tried to do it when I registered but missed an entry and upon submitting it sent me back and I had to re-enter all the data again so I figured I could do it later.

Thank you very much for the reply! Coincidentally I was searching 'best air cpu coolers 2014 so that I don't do any harm.

Today I took my entire system apart cleaned it all up - reset the stock cooler with some fresh arctic silver and took my time routing my cables so that it's quite organized now!

I'll be back after I re-enter my hardware profile. Thanks again Yoda, I'm not afraid even though you might think 'you will be .......... you will be.'

**profJim** · 03-25-2014, 04:15 AM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

Air Cooling Roundup Reviews | TechPowerUp Review Database

Noctua coolers are quiet, have excellent cooling and are pricey.
Fan color? Barf you might.
Noctua.at - sound-optimised premium components "Designed in Austria"!

One of the best air coolers is the Scythe Mugen 4 for about $46.
Main drawback: It's really BIG and might interfere with some taller than normal memory heat spreaders.
Bigger is it, fit it must.

**dizzolve** · 03-25-2014, 04:50 AM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

Ahhh thx for the cool advice -no pun intended. All 4 sticks of my RAM are low profile so they shouldn't get in the way... My graphics card must be in the nearest slot to the CPU however- as I'm sure you know

I just tried the settings you suggested.

BIOS didn't appear to have any problem with the settings but windows wouldn't boot. Upon restart, I got 1 beep and the normal splash screen and then the list of hardware etc ....... then it tried to load windows but instead it wanted to run Start Up Repair.

I took a pic of my bios which I will up load in a sec but - do you think I need to raise voltage on anything for these changes? Because I did not.

Attached Files

**profJim** · 03-25-2014, 04:55 AM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

You might want to check out All in One (AIO) Cooling Systems @ Newegg
The list is sorted, lowest to highest price.
The Seidon 120XL is currently $59.99 after $25.00 rebate card with free shipping and its performance is similar to the Corsair H80i AIO cooler.
The rebate is good on purchases between 03/01/2014 and 03/31/2014.

I'm happy with my Cooler Master Seidon 120XL AIO cooler with my Q9650 (3.80GHz), P35-DS4 mobo and HAF XB computer case.
Noise levels with AIO coolers are loud at high fan speeds.

My setup:

Oops, this is my original setup with both fans exhausting air out of the case.
Cooling is slightly better with both fans drawing air into the case and for some reason the maximum fan noise is noticeably less.

**dizzolve** · 03-25-2014, 05:04 AM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

Yeah that thing is pretty compact. I saw an unboxing of it on Youtube. I think I'm going to stick with air for now though. As you can see from my hardware list - a new system isn't too far in the future -

When I build the next system - I will probably go with an AIO or even something more modular/adaptable/multiple

**profJim** · 03-25-2014, 05:33 AM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

Problem #1: Mixing memory brands or models will make overclocking MUCH harder!
Problem #2: Your G.Skill memory is cas5 at 800MHz.
Problem #3: Don't use cpu host frequency = 400, you will often do better if you use 399 or 401MHz.

You will have a much easier time if you O/C with only the 2 x 2GB Corsair memory kit for now.

Cpu Vcore might need to be one or two clicks higher for 8 x 401MHz.
You will probably need to use the following settings:

Code:

[B][COLOR="#000080"]System Voltage Control_____________[Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control___________[+0.3V] <-- this sets your memory to 1.8 volts + 0.3 volts
FSB OverVoltage Control____________[+0.1V] <-- maybe, maybe not
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control_________[+0.1V] <-- +0.2V might be needed
CPU Voltage Control________________[1.?????V] <-- 1 or 2 clicks higher than "normal"[/COLOR][/B]

Are you familiar with saving and loading up to 8 different bios profiles? If not, check it out in the BIOS section.

Did you start with loading Optimized Bios Defaults? This is a must!!

Are you familiar with preliminary stress testing with Memtest86+ and IntelBurnTest(IBT) or LinX?
Extended stress testing with Prime95?

Gotta go now, more later.

**dizzolve** · 03-25-2014, 06:47 AM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

You were right Yoda ........ you were right. This time I started from scratch and began from optimized defaults. There must have been a little setting somewhere that was throwing stuff off. Turns out I didn't need to do any voltage changes - your initial advice worked so long asI started with optimized. I really appreciate the help!~ Oh and yea I did learn about those profile save slots earlier this week - very handy indeed. I have one in there called Yoda now rofl. I also updated the bios from F7 yesterday to F9.

This is my first time tweaking these cpu settings. Back when I built this computer I just auto'd everything in the bios. I don't know if it's a performance boost yet- but those settings seem quite compatible with my hardware so far. I'm about to try my first benchmark test - by playing Crysis 2. That should tell me something.

I've been researching benchmarking tools and apps all week and have about 15 different ones downloaded right now but no - I have no experience using them. There are so many it was a little overwhelming to be honest. I did open Sandra once - but just closed it back down because I didn't have anything to test except baseline (maybe what you're calling preliminary) and opened a unigine one - Heaven I think it's called..........which I should do. I've always had CPU-z and CPUhardwaremonitor. I tried ATI tray tools a couple days ago but something went awry and I got scared of that one. I felt like I needed to reinstall my CCC ati drivers - long story that isn't pertinent really. Or maybe topic for a different thread. I understand some of these benchmark tools take hours to complete and that's just a drag. I will take a closer look at the ones you mentioned. If you have advice on a handful of useful tools I'd value and start with your opinion. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge! I will report back after I get a little sleep.

But yeah - my timings are 4-4-4-12 @ 800Mhz w/4gb and it's 1:1 (if that even matters)

I still don't understand one setting in these Gigabyte boards - ... there are 3 options under (SPD) for Strapping. What is Strapping?

~dz

**profJim** · 03-25-2014, 12:22 PM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

You were right Yoda ........ you were right.

I'm not always right, but I'm never wrong.

I'm about to try my first benchmark test - by playing Crysis 2. That should tell me something.

Hopefully it won't tell you that your boot partition got corrupted if Crysis 2 has a nasty crash.
This is always a possibility that might happen and you might need to restore your boot partition from a saved backup image or rebuild your boot partition from scratch. It usually doesn't get this bad but it can happen with any stress testing program.

A preliminary stress test means that successfully completing the test does NOT mean that your system is stable. Running Memtest86+ for 5 hours or 25 hours is a good indication that your memory doesn't have any defects and there probably aren't any major bios setting issues. Memtest86+ runs from bootable media and will not access your boot partition. IBT and LinX are demanding programs that run for a short period of time and generate very high cpu core temperatures. I only run 5 - 10 test loops using 2048MB of memory or somewhat more.

Prime95 is my "definitive" stress test I run for 8 - 12 hours. It sometimes takes 3 hours or more for a Prime95 error to occur. I've seen many cases where Prime95 fails even though IBT or LinX passed their tests. Similar programs include OCCT and Orthos. When I'm overclocking I will sometimes call things good enough for now if Prime95 runs error free for 3 - 4 hours and I'm anxious to move onto the next O/C goal, but only if I already have an overclocked bios profile that has passed extended stress tests.

Playing a demanding game for an extended period of time is a valid additional stress test, it's a tough job and someone's gotta do it.

Unigine's Heaven can be a very demanding graphics benchmark, especially with a highly overclocked video card; I know this all too well.

HWiNFO64 is my choice for monitoring and optionally logging system statistics.

I still don't understand one setting in these Gigabyte boards - ... there are 3 options under (SPD) for Strapping. What is Strapping?

Strapping is what happens when you don't compromise and do it my way.

http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...t-vs-bios.html is an excellent read and http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...ing-guide.html also has excellent information.

**profJim** · 03-25-2014, 01:12 PM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

Here are some of my scream-shots:

My maximum Q9650 O/C results that passed limited stress tests:

My O/C that required Cpu Vcore = ~ 1.39 volts for stability at 4.00GHz:

The following is from one of my recent posts in a Q9650/EP45-UD3P O/C thread:

I did some quick and dirty testing to see how high my FSB would go.
475, 470 and 465MHz wouldn't boot, even when my cpu Vcore was set to 1.45 volts.
Increasing several other voltages did not help.

My system booted with 9 x 460MHz = 4.140GHz and was able to successfully complete 5 runs of IBT using the High stress level = 2048MB.
This quickie test does not mean that my system was anywhere near stable with these settings.

My tests included:

stock settings using 3.0GHz cpu with 1066MHz memory @ 5-5-5-15, cpu vcore = 1.27500 (normal setting)
my everyday settings using 3.818GHz cpu with 848MHz memory @ 4-4-4-10, cpu vcore = 1.36250
higher O/C settings using 4.14GHz cpu with 920MHz memory @ 5-4-5-12, cpu vcore = 1.45000

The GFlops results scaled closely with the cpu speed where:

stock = 39+ GFlops
everyday = 49+ GFlops
high O/C = 53+ GFlops

I don't know if I could have overclocked higher if I only used 2x2GB of memory, using only 4GB of memory is not an option.
It's not worth it to me to use vcore = 1.45 volts instead of my relatively cool vcore = 1.36250 volts.

**dizzolve** · 03-25-2014, 03:23 PM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

After putting some hours on the config, it's not rock solid stable. But it's also not much different than before I started with regards to stability. It's ability to run the game probably did improve a tick. Even if this config doesn't work out for me, it's still a win because I'm learning. In time I'll be able to eventually find the sweet spots (that's what she said) -I'll have to have some patients and diligence with the OC game.

Thanks for sharing your screams. I've been through this bios so many times in the last couple days I'm really starting to feel more confident in what I can tinker with - albeit still with a little hesitation - especially with my stock sink n fan. Last week I could look at your BIOS screen shots and not have the first idea what you were conveying with it - but I'm getting it. Really appreciate you helping jump the first hurdle - it's the biggest one. I think I'm going to need the aftermarket cooler before I can really see what config my system wants to portray though. That will be priority #1.

Crysis is strange - I was getting some black screen pauses but it'd recover - a lot of times. And sometimes it wouldn't.

I was able to get past a certain part of Crysis 2 that my old config crashed on every time. But I found other roadblocks. I also had some more web browsing flash crashes than usual. This isn't far from the norm though either. I don't know if it's my system or what - but Shockwave Flash - and Silverlight seem to not like FireFox anymore.

FireFox used to be so nice - but as flash tech advances, it seems to me anyway - with my configs that Mozilla is losing it's value. I still like to use it because I'm so comfortable with NoScript and a few other add-ons. These browser issues have me dabbling some with Chrome though I'm not a fan of that one either. But back on topic ...

I think the next thing I'd like to do is get more voltage into my XFX Radeon HD 5770. But my drivers won't allow it. ATI Tray Tools has a toggle but I understand that software hasn't been maintained in years and I clearly had compatibility issues with the underlying video drivers and Tray Tools. MSI Afterburner's Graphics card voltage slider is disabled.

EDIT: Under settings you CAN 'unlock' voltage control and voltage monitoring options

From what I gathered from random (googles), Some 5770's (namely reference cards but others too) have a certain regulating chip or transistor - or resistor or something on it that allows the voltage boost ~and some don't. Not all 5770's are created equal that's for sure. Heck I don't even know how to tell if my card is eligible except to surmise that it isn't or else my voltage options wouldn't be disabled?

And some that don't have that special electronic on it are able to be mod'd ie:pencil mod or even resoldering. Looks sketchy to me. My card isn't that valuable not to experiment with but I'd rather not dish out a bunch of money if I don't have to - no I'm not rich. You could tell that by looking at my system hardware profile though.

Do you have any idea how I can raise the voltage of my 5770? Right now, CCC has the overdrive section of it's control center. And I can boost the gpu - the memory - and the fan speed. But not the voltage. Or do you think I'm barking up the wrong tree? I'm also considering a fresh Windows install since it's been a while. In the BIOS there is a setting for PCI-e Voltage control - but that's not going to do what I need is it?

**dizzolve** · 03-25-2014, 03:41 PM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

Originally posted by profJim View Post

....My O/C that required Cpu Vcore = ~ 1.39 volts for stability at 4.00GHz:
...

The following is from one of my recent posts in a Q9650/EP45-UD3P O/C thread:

I did some quick and dirty testing to see how high my FSB would go.
475, 470 and 465MHz wouldn't boot, even when my cpu Vcore was set to 1.45 volts.
Increasing several other voltages did not help.

My system booted with 9 x 460MHz = 4.140GHz and was able to successfully complete 5 runs of IBT using the High stress level = 2048MB.
This quickie test does not mean that my system was anywhere near stable with these settings.

My tests included:

stock settings using 3.0GHz cpu with 1066MHz memory @ 5-5-5-15, cpu vcore = 1.27500 (normal setting)
my everyday settings using 3.818GHz cpu with 848MHz memory @ 4-4-4-10, cpu vcore = 1.36250
higher O/C settings using 4.14GHz cpu with 920MHz memory @ 5-4-5-12, cpu vcore = 1.45000

The GFlops results scaled closely with the cpu speed where:

stock = 39+ GFlops
everyday = 49+ GFlops
high O/C = 53+ GFlops

I don't know if I could have overclocked higher if I only used 2x2GB of memory, using only 4GB of memory is not an option.
It's not worth it to me to use vcore = 1.45 volts instead of my relatively cool vcore = 1.36250 volts.

My default cpu voltage is 1.35 I believe. That's no OCing. the E6770 seems to idle warm but not get too hot under the loads I put on it (which probably isn't much) because I haven't found stability yet. But your's seems to perform really nice without having to jack it up that hard. I recall setting my voltages to auto for one recent config test I think the FSB was around 400 and the cpu voltage on CPU-Z was like 1.47

How do you decide what timings to try out? I know generally the lower the better but- did you just start by random and then bench test them untill you found a pattern or something? What goes into the manufacturer's decision to list the timings on the sticker? And do you ever change the other several timings that aren't listed on the sticker?

Can you say as a rule that generally the lower your timings - the higher the voltage should be? Or is the RAM voltage only varied with SPD - I'm not quite sure I completely grasp what I'm even asking lol

**profJim** · 03-25-2014, 04:18 PM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

Learning and understanding the basics of overclocking is a HUGE hurdle!!

I've got to step out for several hours so this will be brief.

Search the web for a video card review of your exact same video card model, not just any 5770 model. You might find some useful information that applies to your 5770, not a similar 5770 made by another company. It can be confusing; years ago I had an EVGA 7600GT video card, but at the time EVGA made 3 similar but different 7600GT models. From your PC Specs, I don't know who made your card.

I too have FireFox issues and I'm currently using Comodo Ice Dragon (based on FireFox) as my browser and there are no problems, check it out.
Also check out https://disconnect.me/ as an Ice Dragon add-on.

It might help to do a fresh windows install if you've been having different flaky problems.

Overclock your system OR your video card, but don't do both at the same time.

Use the following P35 template to post your settings.

Ignore the current settings in this template and fill in your settings exactly as they appear in your bios.

Use a plain text editor such as Notepad.

Code:

CPU = Model #
Motherboard = Model, Revision #
BIOS Version =
Ram = Brand, Model#, Part#, And or Link


**** MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.): ****

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ___________________[9x]
CPU Frequency _____________________[3.95GHz (439x9)]
CPU Host Clock Control_____________[Enabled] 
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [439]  
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100] 
Performance Enhance________________[Standard] 
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)_____[2.40] 
Memory Frequency(MHz)____[800]_____[1054] 
DRAM Timing Selectable___(SPD)_____[Manual] 
 
***** Standard Timing Control ***** 
CAS Latency Time________________5__[5] 
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________5__[5] 
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______5__[5] 
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________5__[15] 
***** Advanced Timing Control ***** 
ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)________ 3__[  3 ] 
Rank Write to READ Delay_______ 3__[Auto] 
Write to Precharge Delay_______ 6__[Auto] 
Refresh to ACT Delay___________52__[ 50 ] 
Read to Precharge Delay________ 3__[Auto] 
Static tRead Value_____________ 7__[  8 ] 
Static tRead Phase Adjust______25__[Auto] 
 
System Voltage Control_____________[Manual] 
DDR2 OverVoltage Control___________[+0.3V] 
FSB OverVoltage Control____________[+0.1V] 
FSB DeOverVoltage Control__________[-0.10V] 
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control_________[+0.2V] 
CPU GTREF Voltage Ratio____________[0.636] 
CPU Voltage Control________________[1.35000V] 
Normal CPU Vcore___________________[1.15000V] 

**** Advanced BIOS Features: ****

Limit CPUID Max. to 3______________[Disabled] 
No-Execute Memory Protect__________[Enabled] 
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)____________[Disabled] 
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2)_________[Enabled] 
CPU EIST Function__________________[Disabled] 
Virtualization Technology__________[Disabled] <--- (*Note* Must be enabled for VMware/Virtual PC)
 
**** Integrated Peripherals: ****

SATA AHCI Mode_____________________[Disabled] 
SATA Port0-1 Native Mode___________[Enabled] 
Legacy USB Storage Detect__________[Disabled] <-- (*Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB)

**dizzolve** · 03-25-2014, 04:30 PM

Re: FSB tweak or ...

ahh ok cool thanks. Will do

And will check out that browser too! bbs

Yeah I actually thought my card was branded ATI blah blah blah -- but in my search of my exact model I remembered it was XFX although no detecting software says that - that I've tried - that I recall. I'll update my HWprofile

Get a load of this model number or part number or whatever it is. Google doesn't want to digest it at this size. I might have to break it into pieces first.

XFX Radeon HD 5770 HD-577A-ZN HD-577A-ZNFC YE.4 HD 5770 850M 1GB DDR5 DP HDMI DUAL DVI

The decal on my card is this exact graphic

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