GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

[kimboy11]

Hi guys
I hav never overclocked a computer b4 and i've only recently built my own computer for the first time (with the help of my friend). He suggested me to overclock my computer and he said he would help but he backed out coz he didn't know how to work on my bios.

i dnt know much about computers so bare wif me.

heres my build

motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3LR P45 DDR2 PCI-E
processor: intel core 2 quad q8400 2.66ghz 4mb 1333mhz
ram: Corsair TWIN2X4096-6400C5 4GB xms2-6400 unbuffered 5-5-5-15
power supply: 750W "Antec" TruePower ATX
HD: Samsung 1TB HD103UJ 32MB Cache SATA2 7200rpm
CPU cooloer: Zalman CNPS9500
graphics card: Gigabyte GV-N26OC-896H GTX260

all my setting is on default and i would like to overclock if possible to atleast 3.60ghz

thanks in advance

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

This post will help get you started.
Follow the suggestions in the post for creating a detailed forum signature that lists your full hardware setup.
Include your mobo's revsion number, which bios version you're using and operating system used.
Include a link to your memory's full specifications.
Loading Optimized bios settings is required before you make bios changes.
Are you using your system for gaming or any intensive tasks such as encoding?

Post your current bios settings using the bios template.

[kimboy11]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

i mostly use my computer for gaming.

Motherboard: Model:GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Rev#: 1.1 Bios Version: F6
Cpu: Intel� Core�2 Quad Processor Q8400 , sSpec #: SLGT6
Ram: TWIN2X4096-6400C5, [URL]http://www.corsair.com/_datasheets/TWIN2X4096-6400C5.pdf[/URL]
Power Supply Unit: 750W "Antec" TruePower ATX 
 
 
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto] <--- FAST is OK
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [8x]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.0] < ignore if not available
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 2.66ghz (333x8)
 
Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [disabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [333Mhz]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [Auto] <--- Set to 100, never leave this on Auto
 
C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [Disabled]
 
Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : <<<0
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : <<<0
 
DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Turbo] <--- set to DISABLED when overclocking
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Auto] <--- Leave this Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [Auto]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [800]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Auto] <-- set to MANUAL for overclocking
 
Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- 5 ---------- : [Auto]
tRCD  ------------------- 5 ---------- : [Auto]
tRP --------------------- 5 ---------- : [Auto]
tRAS  ------------------- 15 ---------- : [Auto]
 
Advanced Timing Control
tRRD  ------------------- 3 ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR  ------------------- 3 ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------- 6 ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC  ------------------- 52 ---------- : [Auto]
tRTP  ------------------- 3 ---------- : [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 --------------------- :7 [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ :0 [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO
tRD Phase1 Adjustment ------------------ :0 [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ------------------ :0 [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment ------------------ :0 [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : 6[Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) ----------------- : 6[Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : 5[Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) ----------------- : 8[Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]  ps
 
Channel B
Static tRead Value --------------------- : 7[Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : 0[Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO
tRD Phase1 Adjustment ------------------ : 0[Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ------------------ : 0[Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment ------------------ : 0[Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : 6[Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) ----------------- : 6[Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : 5[Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) ----------------- : 8[Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]  ps
 
Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal -------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ----------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore --------------- 1..2875  ---- : [Auto] <--- set to the 1.????? value
 
CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ----- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ----- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking
 
CPU Reference ----------- 0.755V* ----- : [Auto] <--- Auto Will set this correctly
CPU Reference2 ---------- 0.800V* ----- : [Auto] <--- Auto Will set this correctly
 
MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to 1.20 for 2x2GB ram (1.24 - 1.26, or 1.05 might be needed)
MCH Reference ----------- 0.760V ------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V  ------ : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to the max rated ram voltage (for most memory)
DRAM Termination -------- 0.900V ------- : [Auto]
Channel A Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [Auto]
Channel B Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [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 -------------- : [Disabled] <--- Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC
 
Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect  ------------- : [Enabled] <--- set to Disabled when overclocking (this must be enabled to flash or boot from a USB drive)

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

I hate it when someone follows suggestions completely and makes it much easier for us to help them.

Before you make any bios changes, save your current settings as a saved bios profile.
From the main bios screen, press F11 to save your current settings, using a name like Default333Opt.

We'll start with a 20% overclock.
Once you've performed stability testing, we can go higher if temperatures are within safe limits.
Your cpu cooler should be OK, but it is an older model that may not offer sufficient cooling at higher overclocks.
Which brand/model is your computer case?
What fans are installed in your case?
What is the normal room temperature where your computer is set up?

See the notes at the end of this post.

The following settings will give you a 20% overclock.
Change the red settings.

Motherboard: Model:GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Rev#: 1.1 Bios Version: F6
Cpu: Intel� Core�2 Quad Processor Q8400 , sSpec #: SLGT6
Ram: TWIN2X4096-6400C5, [URL="http://www.corsair.com/_datasheets/TWIN2X4096-6400C5.pdf"]http://www.corsair.com/_datasheets/T...096-6400C5.pdf[/URL]
Power Supply Unit: 750W "Antec" TruePower ATX 
 
 
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto] <--- FAST is OK
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [8x]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.0] < ignore if not available
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 3.20ghz (401x8)
 
Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]Enabled[/B][/COLOR]]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [[COLOR=Red][B]401[/B][/COLOR]]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]100[/B][/COLOR]] <--- Set to 100, never leave this on Auto
 
C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [Disabled]
 
Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : <<<0
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : <<<0
 
DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]Standard[/B][/COLOR]] <--- set to DISABLED when overclocking
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled] <--- Leave this Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]2.00D[/B][/COLOR]]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [802]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]Manual[/B][/COLOR]] <-- set to MANUAL for overclocking
 
Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- 5 ---------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]5[/B][/COLOR]]
tRCD  ------------------- 5 ---------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]5[/B][/COLOR]]
tRP --------------------- 5 ---------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]5[/B][/COLOR]]
tRAS  ------------------- 15 ---------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]18[/B][/COLOR]]
 
Advanced Timing Control
tRRD  ------------------- 3 ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR  ------------------- 3 ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------- 6 ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC  ------------------- 52 ---------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]50[/B][/COLOR]]
tRTP  ------------------- 3 ---------- : [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 -----------7---------- :[[COLOR=Red][B]8[/B][/COLOR]]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ :0 [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO
tRD Phase1 Adjustment ------------------ :0 [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ------------------ :0 [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment ------------------ :0 [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : 6[Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) ----------------- : 6[Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : 5[Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) ----------------- : 8[Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]  ps
 
Channel B
Static tRead Value -----------7---------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]8[/B][/COLOR]]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : 0[Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO
tRD Phase1 Adjustment ------------------ : 0[Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ------------------ : 0[Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment ------------------ : 0[Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : 6[Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) ----------------- : 6[Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : 5[Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) ----------------- : 8[Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto]  ps
 
Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal -------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ----------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore --------------- 1..2875  ---- : [[COLOR=Red][B]1.32500[/B][/COLOR]] <--- might need up to 1.35000
 
CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ----- : [[COLOR=Red][B]1.20[/B][/COLOR]] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ----- : [[COLOR=Red][B]1.57[/B][/COLOR]] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking
 
CPU Reference ----------- 0.755V* ----- : [Auto] <--- Auto Will set this correctly
CPU Reference2 ---------- 0.800V* ----- : [Auto] <--- Auto Will set this correctly
 
MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]1.20[/B][/COLOR]] <--- set to 1.20 for 2x2GB ram (1.24 - 1.26, or 1.05 might be needed)
MCH Reference ----------- 0.760V ------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V  ------ : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V ------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]1.50[/B][/COLOR]] <--- set to the value to the left
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]1.10[/B][/COLOR]] <--- set to the value to the left
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]1.92[/B][/COLOR]] <--- set to the max rated ram voltage (for most memory)
DRAM Termination -------- 0.900V ------- : [Auto]
Channel A Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [Auto]
Channel B Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [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 -------------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]Disabled[/B][/COLOR]] <--- Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC
 
Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect  ------------- : [[COLOR=Red][B]Disabled[/B][/COLOR]] <--- set to Disabled when overclocking (this must be enabled to

note:
You can save multiple bios settings.
Save your modified 401MHz bios settings as a 2nd profile before you Save Settings and Exit (F10).

Stability Testing:
Run Prime95 (Blend test) for at least 8 - 12 hours (or longer) to test for system stability.
Run RealTemp to moniotr your cpu core temperatures. Up to 60 - 65 (C) is acceptable during stress testing.
HWmonitor is a good program to keep running to show voltages, temperatures and fan speeds.
Links to these programs: Latest Overclocking Programs, System Info, Benchmarking, & Stability Tools

Post your new bios setting and the results of your testing. If Prime95 generates any errors, tell us how long the test ran and which "worker threads" generated errors.

Include a screen-shot that includes:
Memset using the SPD and ">>" tabs
cpu-z CPU screen
EasyTune6 --> TUNER tab --> ADVANCE tab --> VOLTAGE tab (only the VOLTAGE tab is needed)
HWmonitor

Good luck.

[PrTv]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

Hello everyone, I've just registered to ask some questions about overclocking Q8400 too. I don't mean to jack the thread or anything, buy after seeing this thread I think it's better to post my question here as the OP and me have exact same question about the same MOBO and CPU.

ATM I'm at the office and not able to give my system information in detail, but I think the below should be enough for you guys to identify the problem.

My config: 
GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Rev#: 1.1 Bios Version: F9
C2Q 8400
G.Skill 2GB*2 800 Mhz (4-4-4-12) @rated voltage 2.0-2.1
OCZ Vendetta with Tuniq TX2

I can O/C it up to 3360 Ghz just by changing FSB to 420 without having to adjust any voltage, but I start having problem once I go beyond that.

I tried 3520 @440FSB without changing any setting, and it booted up fine but errored in Hyper IP, but computer didn't lock up and Hyper IP was still going even after the error message pop up.

To cut the long story short, this morning, I managed to pass Hyper PI 32MB with the following adjustments (to the default setting, I mean):

CPU Voltage 1.362 (or something around that figure)
CPU Termination 1.30V
CPU PLL [Normal]
CPU Reference [Normal]
CPU Reference2 [Normal]
DRAM Voltage 2.10 (rated voltage)
DRAM Timing 5-5-5-15

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance [Standard]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) [Auto]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch [400]
System Memory Multiplier [2.00D]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) [880]
DRAM Timing Selectable [Auto]

All other settings are at default.

My question is, is it dangerous to supply such voltage to this CPU? I suppose VCore should be OK since it's in Intel's rated spec but not sure about CPU Termination. I heard that CPU Termination voltage should be increased as FSB goes higher.

Apart from the above settings, is there any other setting I should look into which may help me reduce the VCore? Actually, I'm not so sure now what causes the error in HyperPI, can it be RAM, Since its rated speed is 800Mhz at 4-4-4-12 but I run it at 880 with more relaxed timing "5-5-5-15".

As of now, my idle temp is at around 41C (from core 0 which seems to be the hottest), and load is around 65C with room tempurature ~30-31. I think it's too high and wouldn't want to use it like that.

If there is no other way to make it stable at lower voltage, I may consider reducing the FSB to 420 as at that speed I don't have to increase any voltage to get a stable system.

Thanks for your help.

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

@PrTv
No problem with thread hijacking. You're using the same cpu and similar ram and mobo.
Using "Normal" settings are not recommended.
AUTO should be used when you're not manually changing many/most bios settings.
It's possible that some of your other voltages might be dangerously high.
Provide the screen-shot mentioned at the end of post #4 and we'll know if there are any voltage problems

Your Cpu Vcore is reasonable, up to 1.40 or a bit higher is OK if needed.

Kimboy11 did an excellent job providing the information we need.
Update your forum signature with your detailed hardware setup and post your current bios settings and we can help you in this thread or you can create your own thread.

Your memory is a bit better for overclocking, so you will probably get somewhat better system performance.

[edited to avoid confusion]

[PrTv]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

@PrTv
No problem with thread hijacking. You're using the same cpu and similar ram and mobo.
Using "Normal" (vs AUTO) settings are not recommended.
It's possible that some of your other voltages might be dangerously high.
Provide the screen-shot mentioned at the end of post #4 and we'll know if there are any voltage problems

Your Cpu Vcore is reasonable, up to 1.40 or a bit higher is OK if needed.

Kimboy11 did an excellent job providing the information we need.
Update your forum signature with your detailed hardware setup and post your current bios settings and we can help you in this thread or you can create your own thread.

Your memory is a bit better for overclocking, so you will probably get somewhat better system performance.

Thanks for your reply. I'll post detailed system information once I'm home (within 3-4 hours).

BTW, referring to the red text above, if Normal or Auto setting is not preferable, should I type in the "Normal" figure myself? If yes, what figure I should use?

I've read the post in your link and found that the suggested voltage for CPU Termination is 1.20. I'd like to know how far I can go with this setting, and is my understanding correct that CPU Termination voltage should be higher if FSB is increased e.g. 1.28 for 420-440 and 1.3x for 440-460.

I've got the M/B for about 3 days and still have much to learn. I come from ATI RS600 chipset (Asrock 1333 FULL-HD) and found that the Intel chipset handles things differently (MEM - FSB divider and stuff like that). By searching this forum and reading, I've learned a lot already.

Another question is, is it normal that when I press the power button the first time, the system briefly turns on for 1 sec; then off and then boot up normally. I heard that this is normal if the system is overclocked. Is there anyway to overcome this?

I asked because I'm worry about my 4 HDDs. As you know, HDDs and everything turns on with the computer when power button is pressed. IMO, the brief on-off-on like this may create power surge which may reduce the life of some components, especially HDD.

What do you think about this?

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

Sorry for the confusion.
"Normal" should NOT be used.
AUTO is OK for most stock settings.

When overclocking, some voltages will be badly over-volted.
This is the main reason why the following settings in this post should be set manually:

CPU Vcore --------------- 1.????? ------ : [Auto] <--- set to the 1.????? value displayed in your bios
CPU Termination ---------- 1.200V* ----- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking
CPU PLL ------------------ 1.500V* ----- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking
Dram Voltage is sometimes over-volted when set to AUTO.
When overclocking, some of these voltages need to be set manually to higher values.

Some systems are not stable at stock settings with some settings set to AUTO.
Many members have found that using the recommended settings in the post resulted in stable systems at stock settings.

Cpu Termination (aka VTT) varies from system to system.
The general guideline is that VTT should be set at least 0.05 - 0.10 volts lower than Cpu Vcore.
VTT can have a major effect on system stability.
I'm not aware of specific VTT recommendations at selected FSB ranges.
My system is stable @ 492MHz with Cpu Vcore = 1.36875 volts and VTT = 1.26 or 1.28 volts. YMMV.

Another question is, is it normal that when I press the power button the first time, the system briefly turns on for 1 sec; then off and then boot up normally. I heard that this is normal if the system is overclocked. Is there anyway to overcome this?

NO, this is not normal, it is a sign of instability. When your system has passed extended stability testing, your system will not do the boot "2 step" dance.

As you will quickly find out, higher voltages are not always better. For example, if you set MCH Core too high or too low, your system will have multi-boot cycles and/or system instability.

The EP45 motherboards are awesome, but it takes some dialing in when you're performing moderate to high overclocks.

[kimboy11]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

i hav set the bios as u told me but it wont boot. it just restarts every 4~5secs before the monitor can even pick up the computer

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

@kimboy11
MCH Core might be the problem.
You originally had it set to AUTO, which might work with your o/c setup.
You might have to try MCH Core = 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, or possibly 1.22 - 1.26 volts.

If AUTO works, the ET6 screen-shot will show us what setting the bios used.

[Chike]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

Turn the PSU off, push the power button for about 20 seconds, turn the PSU back on and power up again. You may need to repeat this more than once.
After 2-7 boot trials the computer should power up, enter BIOS MIT, a red warning should appear.
Then what profJim said.

[PrTv]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

OK I'm back with detailed system information.

Setup
CPU: C2 Quad 8400
MB: EP45-UD3R
Heatsink: OCZ Vendetta
HDD: 4Sata
VGA: GF9600GT
PSU: Corsair HX 520

Below is my BIOS configuration.

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [8]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.0] < ignore if not available
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 3520

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [440Mhz]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100]

C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [Disabled]

Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]-I left all settings below AUTO
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : <<< 
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : <<< 
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 ---------------- : [400]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [2.00D]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [880]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRCD  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRP --------------------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRAS  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [15]

Advanced Timing Control - I left all settings below AUTO
tRRD  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tRTP  ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) -------------------- : [Auto] 

Driving Strength Profiles - I left all settings below AUTO
Driving Strength --------- : Press Enter <--- press ENTER to modify memory sub-timings when overclocking

Channel A
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

Channel B
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

Load-Line Calibration ----------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.?????  ---- : [1.35625]

CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ----- : [1.300] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ----- : [1.500] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking

CPU Reference ----------- 0.755V* ----- : [0.755] <--- Auto Will set this correctly
CPU Reference2 ---------- 0.800V* ----- : [0.800] <--- Auto Will set this correctly

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.100] 
MCH Reference ----------- 0.800V ------- : [0.800]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V  ------ : [0.900]
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V ------- : [1.500] 
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.100] 
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [2.100]
DRAM Termination -------- 0.900V ------- : [0.900]
Channel A Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [0.900]
Channel B Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [0.900]

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 -------------- : [Disabled]

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect  ------------- : [Disabled]

Do I really need to set MCH Core to 1.20 as suggested? If so, it would be great to know what that setting does and why the default setting is not enough.

With the above settings, I still can't get it stable. Appreciated if anyone would help me figuring out what's wrong, or it's really my CPU's limit.

Here are screenshots from CPUZ.






Thanks you all for your kind assistance.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

Yes for 4GB of ram you will likely need 1.20-1.24 or so MCH Core. Default settings are for 800Mhz memory 2x1GB

Are you starting with Optimized defaults? What is your CPU/PCIE Clock drive voltages, you did not list them

Set more MCH Core and you may see your issues go away. If not you may need more vcore than you are using

Please also post an image of Memset so we can see your advanced timings that Auto is giving you

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

@PrTv
Please post the requested ET6 screen-shot for verifying applied voltages and include the Memset screenshot with SPD and >> tabs displayed.

You're making it much harder for us to help you if you don't post your full hardware specs in your forum signature along with a link to the full specs for your ram.
This is doubly important when we're helping several members in the same thread.

Set tRD (Static tRead Value) = 9 for both memory channels.
Set Driving Strength = 1066 for both memory channels.

I can't tell if you initially loaded OPTIMIZED bios settings before you started your overclock.
Please update your posted bios settings with the values displayed in:
Cpu CLock Drive = ??
PCI Express Clock Drive = ??

Looks like Lsdme beat me to the punch.

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

Check here for a not to technical definition of MCH (Memory Controller Hub).
MCH Core voltage settings are critical for normal booting and stability.