Theoretical build good for overclocking? [Xeon X5460]

[profJim]

Re: Theoretical build good for overclocking? [Xeon X5460]

You need to understand the math along with the terminology.

Using my attached screen-shot:

• My FSB:DRAM ratio is 2:3 in Cpu-z and Memset
• Looking at it in a different way, my DRAM:FSB ratio is 3:2 (i.e. 1.5 x) and this means that my memory multiplier is 3.0 where 2 x 1.5 =3.0
• My FSB is 350MHz and my memory speed is 350 x 3.0 = 1050MHz, where FSB x Memory Multiplier = memory speed

Q. Where did the reported 525MHz frequency come from?
A. 350MHz x 1.5 = 525MHz and 525MHz is exactly half of the 1050MHz effective double data rate speed.

My cpu speed is 350MHz x 8 = 2800MHz.

With your FSB = 200MHz and 1:2 FSB:DRAM ratio, your system is using the 4.0x memory multiplier, where your DRAM:FSB ratio is 2:1, your memory multiplier is 4.0 x and
your memory speed is 200MHz x 4.0 = 800MHz.

[profJim]

Re: Theoretical build good for overclocking? [Xeon X5460]

[snip]
According to CPU-Z my Dram / FSB ratio is 1:2 when I'm sure I'vew read it should be 1:1? It also seems to be undervolted so I'm sure that's causing issues. However I can't seem to find either of my mice so until I can pick up a cheap one I don't reall have the patience to install/screenshot benchmarking programs.

Wrong o' misguided one.

Your E2160 would need an FSB =400MHz with a 1:1 FSB:DRAM ratio to run your memory at 800MHz.

DRAM:FSB ratio in this case would be 2:1 and 400MHz x 2.0 = 800MHz effective double data rate memory speed.

The lowest memory multiplier that can be used is 2.00 and the highest memory multiplier is 4.00.

Depending on which memory strap that is used, other usable multipliers might include 2.40, 2.50, 2.66, 3.00, 3.20, or 3.33

The memory strap depends on which FSB you are using.

Your reported cpu's under volted results are probably due to EIST and/or C-states lowering the voltage when your system is idle or with low loads and you will probably see that your cpu speed is lower along with the cpu multiplier. With moderate or higher loads your cpu speed and voltage will be higher. The lowest cpu multiplier that you will see with low loads is 6x.

[LivingNexus]

Re: Theoretical build good for overclocking? [Xeon X5460]

Just so you guys don't think I'm ignoring you, I am in the process of making a new thread for this discussion since it's moved onto my specific current build. However, stuff came up today and I didn't have time to finish the tests/benchmarks I was planning to do. I also need to set up another table in my "office" at home to have more space to work. I may not be able to post again until after the weekend.

As per profJim's advice I'm going to take out two of my 2GB RAM sticks for now, and change a few settings in BIOS so that my CPU's multiplier doesn't change. That should hopefully make it easier to judge performance. I also downloaded some of the programs he linked to me, though if there are any others I should be looking at that I don't already have, please let me know so I can download them before I begin testing. So far I have:

CPU-Z, GPU-Z, EVGA Precision X, HWiNFO, HWMonitor, Intel XTU, LinX, MaxxMem, MemSet, MSI Afterburner, OCCT, Prime95, RealTemp, SuperPi, GPUPI 32B, PC Mark 8, Unigine Heaven.

[profJim]

Re: Theoretical build good for overclocking? [Xeon X5460]

Minor correction: MaxxMem2 is the name of the memory benchmark program.

Unigine Heaven is good, I used it heavily years ago. I now prefer the newer Unigine Valley benchmark/stress test.

With your stock Intel cpu cooler, don't let cpu core temperatures go higher than 75^o - 80^o (C) with LinX, Intel XTU or OCCT stress tests.

You will find that some of programs in your list offer nearly identical functionality and it will simplify things if you avoid programs that do the same thing.

Have fun!

[LivingNexus]

Re: Theoretical build good for overclocking? [Xeon X5460]

I posted a new thread about my current build here. Once I figure out my issues with my wireless card I will be ready to start overclocking again, and I could use all the help you guys are willing to give.