GA-EP45-UD3R/UD3 Overclocking for first time

[PrTv]

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

Lsdmeasap and profJim, sorry for not giving you enough information.

Here are screenshots you requested.




And my CPU/PCIE Clock drive (and other settings) are as follows:

CPU Clock Drive 800mV
PCIE Clock Drive 900mV
CPU Clock Skew 0ps
MCH Clock Skew 0ps

If the above is still not enough, please let me know what you'd like to see more, as I have no experience with this chipset (my initial impression is that O/Cing is all about VCore and Multiplier/FSB adjustment), so I don't know what information should be made available to you guys.

I've just increased the MCH to 1.20 and other memory settings as profJim suggested, but still can't make it through Prime95.

It's kind of strange that I can survive 32MB HyperPI but failed very easily with Prime95 (within 30 sec). However my computer didn't crash or anything, but Prime95 just told me certain cores are error.

And YES! I started from Optimized Settings.

[Lsdmeasap]

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

Try CPU Termination 1.32-1.34, and MCH Core 1.24. See if that will pass Prime

Instant failure in Prime often means not enough Vcore, but I would test the above changes first

[profJim]

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

It's best to use Memset's SPD and >> tabs to show more information.
We still need a link to the full memory specifications.
If you're using 2x2GB of ram, MCH Core probably needs to be set to 1.22 - 1.26 volts.
Your VTT is within reason, but you might want to lower 1 or 2 clicks.
Your Clock Drive settings are correct, so it looks like you did load Optimized settings.

If the suggested MCH Core settings don't help, change the System Memory Multiplier from 2.00D to 2.00B and test again.

**edit** It's my nap time, so I'm going to leave you at the mercy of Lsdme's suggestions ;~))

[PrTv]

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

It's best to use Memset's SPD and >> tabs to show more information.
We still need a link to the full memory specifications.
If you're using 2x2GB of ram, MCH Core probably needs to be set to 1.22 - 1.26 volts.
Your VTT is within reason, but you might want to lower 1 or 2 clicks.
Your Clock Drive settings are correct, so it looks like you did load Optimized settings.

If the suggested MCH Core settings don't help, change the System Memory Multiplier from 2.00D to 2.00B and test again.

**edit** It's my nap time, so I'm going to leave you at the mercy of Lsdme's suggestions ;~))

Here is a link to G.Skill website with ram's specification (but not so much more than what you already know).
G.SKILL-Products

On the website you'll see the "Test_Voltage" is 1.9 ~ 2.0, but on the box it clearly states 2.0~2.1V.

Here is >> page of Memset.

-------------------------
UPDATE:

After several tries and still couldn't get pass the first 30 sec of Prime95, I was impatient and dialed it back to 3.36 Ghz (420*8), thinking that at least I should find a speed at which it's stable and I can work my way up from there.

Initially I tried my original settings (which I "thought" stable") and still couldn't pass Prime. Then I use what Lsdmeasap suggested (CPU Termination 1.30/ MCH Core 1.24). I reduced VTT quite a bit to 1.30 as I'm at the lower speed.

Now I passed first test and it's still running. Don't know how long it will survive. Maybe my CPU is not good enough for 3.5 Ghz.

I'll see how high I can go from 3.36.

[Lsdmeasap]

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

I am sure you can get 3.6 likely, just need to find the right settings is all. Did you try it again yet with MCH I suggested, and or more vcore with MCH Suggested?

[kick]

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

it goes like this

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 7
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.43Ghz


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 490Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Auto or 100

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


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 700
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<< 0
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< +50ps


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [Turbo]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Auto or disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2:00D
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 980
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................5
tRCD .........................................5
tRP'...........................................5
tRAS..........................................15

Set all Suggested below to highest Values first. Then later you can lower, one at a time, testing as you go

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................................aut o
tWTR..........................................auto
tWR............................................aut o
tRFC...........................................aut o or as low as 48
tRTP...........................................aut o
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ............................auto

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:9
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................: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.........................:9
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................: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 [ENABLED]
CPU Vcore….……….........................:1.34375V(1.31 approx under load)

CPU Termination…..... 1.34V

CPU PLL…………………....1.59V

CPU Referen.…………....0.848V


MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.38V
MCH Reference….…….0.848
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......1.03V
ICH I/O……………….....1.57V
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< Leave

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............:2.08V
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............:1.03V
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)................: [Enabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Enabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled]unavailable on Q8200

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Enabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

u got 800mem you may get it to the 1000 .you have a8xquad these settings should do you for 3.9ghz ish.

test what the memory will clock to also.

for 4ghz on the cpu u may need around what i have in my sig .. for 490 fsb,3.92ghz it would be more like the posted settings.

as allways check your max stable mem speed on a multiplier too.
below 3.9 cpu well in theory u should need much lower voltages.

7x 500=3500 8x 500=4000 thas 500mhz of a difference which is a fair amount tho it wont translate into 8 times the performance instead of 7 times.

theres no real reason my 490 fsb settings shouldnt work for u.. but u may need slightly more on something because of the higher cpu speed/

try settings on the 7 multiplier,then to get the cpu working on 8 multiplier most likely increase needed would be cpu voltage.

Id be interested to see the results anyway



Think of 480-490 cpu/fsb reference as a limit initially and see what cpu(first ) speed you can get.
Play around with mem speed after if u want
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[PrTv]

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

Well, it seems I have to crank up that VTT thing. From what I tested so far, I could get it to boot at 3.52 or even 3.6 no problem and also get it to survive HyperPI 32 Meg, but with Prime, it's different story.

With Prime it failed everytime if my VTT is lower than 1.30 even at 420 FSB (3.36Ghz), no matter how high my VCore is. When I increased it to 1.30, I got it at 3.36 stable (with Prime).

Last night I tried VTT 1.34 and MCH 1.26 with Vcore 1.3625 @ 3.52, but no success (it failed in Prime) I don't want to exceed Intel's recommended spec so I temporarily dialed it back to 3.36. Even at that speed I need at least 1.30 MCH and 1.348x Vcore to make it stable.

My question is, what's the absolute max for MCH and VTT, is it safe to put them at 1.4?

-----------------
Another thing is that so called "2 steps boot".

I asked this out of curiosity and don't mean to question profJim's knowledge or anything.

I was told that the MOBO does 2 steps boot because something's wrong somewhere in BIOS settings, and because the system is not 100% stable.

I have 2 of this EP45-UD3R (mine and my dad's), and his also does this 2 steps boot. His CPU is E7500 and I set it at 3.2Ghz (8*400 @2.00d divider giving you 800 mem speed).

Since stock speed of that CPU is 2.93, that setting only overclocks it by 270Mhz. I also adjust other setting, MCH (1.20), Vcore (manually type in what's shown on the left side), Mem Voltage (2.10) and other things based on what you guys suggested.

The CPU is (I think) 100% stable and can pass 14Hrs Prime95 torture test and some other tests. Even with the above, the mobo still does "2 boots" every time I turn it on after shutting it down.

So it's hard to believe there's something wrong with that E7500 CPU, especially the stability issue.

I did some search and found that other boards with P45 chipset also do this e.g. Asus P5Q series, and some claimed that he even e-mailed Gigabyte asking about this and was informed that it's normal as the board load up your overclocking profile (2nd boot) after the initial boot. I have know idea if this reply even makes any sense. But if it's normal I can stop messing around trying to make it to do "one step" boot.

Thanks for your reply.

[profJim]

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

Some members have reported that their "stable" systems sometimes (or often) does the dual boot sequence. While booting, the system attempts to apply bios setting that will result in a successful boot. Sometimes it takes several attempts to boot and at times it goes into an infinite boot loop process. When the system performs multiple boot attempts, sometimes it will default to safe settings with stock values, other times it will apply the current bios settings.

All of my saved stable bios profiles perform a single boot sequence 99% of the time. My current maximum stable overclock is at 492MHz. I've tested multiple unstable (Prime95) configurations up to 528MHz. Some resulted in continual boot loops, many post with a single attempt and pass extended Memtest86+ extended runs and appear to be stable in Windows where I can run any number of benchmark tests, only to quickly fail when running OCCT or Prime95.

My current setup has:
Cpu Vcore = 1.36875 (3 clicks higher than stock V.I.D.)
VTT = 1.28
PLL = 1.57
MCH Core = 1.28 (2x2GB 1066 ram)
ICH I/O = 1.57
ICH Core = 1.20
tRD = 9 (2.00D System Memory Multiplier)
Advanced Timing Controls = 1-3-3-50-1
Driving Strength = 1066

I'm not recommending these settings to anyone, they show that running an older C2D at 3.44GHz doesn't require extreme settings. Maybe I lucked out with a hardware setup that doesn't have compatibility issues with my rev 1.0 mobo.

The attached image is from the P4 Series Chipset Family Datasheet 319970, page 553.

[kick]

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

My gskill is a little different to yours .needs lower V for 800 mhz at the same timings.
It will run up to 450fsb/900 mhz 4-4-4-12 at 2.1 v
Above that it needs 5-5-5-15 from 950-980 and voltage 1.95-2.1 as speed is increased.
1000mhz needs close to 2.2V
1040mhz is about as high as it reasonably goes with 6-6-6-18 timings
and 2.3 ish V
1060mhz using a multiplier such as 2.6.

See how fast your memory will run using a multiplier.That way you should be able to keep your cpu V low while you see what it will do.

Memory Control Hub core voltage,its along time since ive tested speeds below 490 fsb but I dont think I was getting much action at all below 1.3v and for 490-500 fsb I need 1.36-1.42v ,Which isnt too different to what the cpu needs.

this may be because Im running 800mhz rated memory but then again so are you guys.

I have a seperate external read temp sensor installed on the mch/northbridge chip and temps remain close to system temps and well below cpu core temps .
Typically 32-40C depending on load /v /490 or 500 fsb ,outside temp etc.
For mch core Ive used up to 1.5v in testing BUT im not saying to try it.
Ive been running mch core voltage at 1.35-1.4 v for 10 months or so but thats me.If you can get away with a lower V than that great.

The mch and cpu ref settings I found the trickiest to get right.
You could try something like the settings I have posted above with your 8x multiplier at a reduced fsb say 470fsb.
That might be low enough to ensure stability and cover any differences in mem voltage needed and cpu multiplier.

I know the q8400 reportedly does 3.9-4ghz which is about what you would expect from a 45nm quad,ie 490-500fsb max on air cooling.

[PrTv]

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

My current setup has:
Cpu Vcore = 1.36875 (3 clicks higher than stock V.I.D.)
VTT = 1.28
PLL = 1.57
MCH Core = 1.28 (2x2GB 1066 ram)
ICH I/O = 1.57
ICH Core = 1.20
tRD = 9 (2.00D System Memory Multiplier)
Advanced Timing Controls = 1-3-3-50-1
Driving Strength = 1066

I'm not recommending these settings to anyone, they show that running an older C2D at 3.44GHz doesn't require extreme settings. Maybe I lucked out with a hardware setup that doesn't have compatibility issues with my rev 1.0 mobo.

The attached image is from the P4 Series Chipset Family Datasheet 319970, page 553.

Thanks for the info. It seems that I shouldn't set the VTT higher than 1.32 then.

Aside from that, is there any thread that I can find more detail about other settings such as, PLL, ICH I/O and, ICH Core? In your setting, I saw that PLL is increased to 1.57, but no one suggested this change in earlier replies.

Instead of troubling you asking this one by one, I think it's better if I can find any source where I can study all this myself and then ask a question (if any).

BTW, you suggested me earlier to set my DDR Driving Strength to 1066, whilst my model is 800Mhz one. I saw that you set yours 1066 too, but your modules are 1066.

Should I set it back to 800 since mine is 800 Mhz modules?

The mch and cpu ref settings I found the trickiest to get right.
You could try something like the settings I have posted above with your 8x multiplier at a reduced fsb say 470fsb.

That might be low enough to ensure stability and cover any differences in mem voltage needed and cpu multiplier.

I know the q8400 reportedly does 3.9-4ghz which is about what you would expect from a 45nm quad,ie 490-500fsb max on air cooling.

Thanks for your suggestion, but my first mission is to make it stable at 450FSB before even looking at that high FSB. ATM it still fails to survive Prime95 with this setting:

CPU 8*440
Mem 2.00D = 880
VCore 1.342x
VTT 1.32
MCH 1.26
The rest is the same as I previously posted.

As Lsdmeasap suggested, I tried increasing VCore, VTT and MCH to as high as 1.36xx, 1.38 and 1.34 respectively. I can survive Prime at 3360 but still failed at 450FSB.

I don't know if it's something to do with DDR driving strength as it's at 1066 with DDR800 module run at 880 Mhz.

I kind of understand that if Prime fails very early it mostly mean CPU doesn't get enough VCore, but what if it fails after 1st or 2nd hours? And the system "seems to be" stable. Is there any other thing I should look into? Since changing all settings at once wouldn't get me anywhere.

FYI, the system didn't lock up, but Prime just reported error in one (or more) core.

Thanks for your help.

[profJim]

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

@kimboy11
Are you still here?
We can deal with both of you at the same time!! ;~))

@PrTv
You still haven't added a detailed hardware list to your forum signature.
I'm not going to go scrolling through the list each time just to find a memory link here, or other hardware info in another post. Like the other regular contributors, I'm helping many others in different threads.

Thanks for the info. It seems that I shouldn't set the VTT higher than 1.32 then.

At the top of the Intel page in my post, they briefly state that running at out of spec voltages can lead to long term component degradation. To me, overclocking is about cautiously exceeding limits in a reasonable manner if necessary. There has been a lot of discussion in other threads about what limits are "safe", with little agreement. PLL levels above 1.61 seem to be dangerous on our P45 chipsets. I've noticed several voltages for the X58 setups that are far higher than ours. The settings I posted for my system are safe with moderately overclocked systems and a few of them would be required with extreme overclocks.
MCH Core = 1.30 or higher with 4GB of memory is seldom needed with moderate overclocks. With extreme overclocks, 1.30 and higher is often needed, usually with FSB = 500 or higher.

There's a lot of disagreement about enabling Load Line Calibration (LLC). I've researched it and determined that it's not for me. If you're determined to get the last 2 - 5% out of your system, then LLC might be good.

I'd start with Lsdme's stickies that are available at the top of the GB forum thread list. AndandTech has many technical discussions in many of their cpu/motherboard/memory reviews. Using google to search for specific topics is a good way to learn more, and you'll quickly find out which sites are excellent and which ones are blowing smoke.

You've been given some good advice in this thread, and some of it contradicts what others have said. There are many guidelines, but few hard and fast rules. Your system's instability might be related to the tRD and primary memory timings you're using. You might have better results testing with the 2.00B strap. Some have found it harder to get their systems stable with the B-strap.

Driving Strength should be tested with both 800 and 1066 settings for both memory channels. OC-1200 worked for me when I was running my memory at 1102MHz. I've found that setting Driving Strength 1 click higher than my current running memory speed works. This doesn't mean that this will work for everyone.

In post #19, you were running with 4-4-4-12 primary memory timings. This might be too tight for 880MHz speeds. Some 4GB settings can run a little over 900MHz with these tight timings, others may find that they can't use these timings in the upper 800MHz range.

You might be able to narrow down the problem by testing Prime95 small FFTs (heavy cpu usage, little memory tested) or Large FFTs that stress the memory system heavily.

Don't hesitate to post your failed bios settings and screenshots when you have problems. Posting the full info each time eliminates any guesswork on our part as to exactly which settings failed.

OK kimboy11, your turn now.

[PrTv]

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

Thanks a lot profJim, appreciate your help. I'll do some experiment based on information provided, and when I'm back with a next question, you'll see my current config in my signature.

And yeah, I'd like to hear how kimboy11's doing too.

[powergiga]

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

Hi guys,

I also have Q8400 lay around, I am currently use Pentium DC E6500 for while.

Currently my Q8400 is on sale over craiglist.

I can go 8x490 stable, did try 8x500 1:1 ratio but not stable.

Here is my setting for Q8400 (vid show 1.28750) <----- too high ? (maybe put too much A5 on it.)

Pix below for 8x400 with little tweak mild OC.







pg

[Lsdmeasap]

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

Whatzzzup! What's going on in here now?

[kick]

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

Its just the usual socket 775 45nm quad cpu will do sround 490-500 fsb stuff x7 multiplier around 3.5 ghz ,8 multiplier around 4 ghz ,8.5 multiplier around 4.25 ghz on the 45 ud3 boards.
The regular stuff.. depending on memory type and settings.
After reading thuru at least hundreds of posts by now..thats what youre gonna get .
If your 800mhz rated mem wont reach a 25 % over clock,check to find out how hi it will go ..thats mainly by increasing dram voltage/and/or mch voltage also while keeping the cpu close to standard speed and using a memory multiplier.
Some 800 mhz mem wont do a 25% overclock..some 800mhz mem may not do 900mhz/450fsb.
by that I mean if you want 450 fsb(cpu reference speed) the absolute minimum your memory needs to be stable at is 900mhz, see if it is.
Make abolutely sure the memory isnt holding you down if it wont work at 2.15 V in bios and 1.32V mch at 900mhz, not using 450 cpu ref but something lower then you cant expect the cpu to work with 450 ref(1800fsb actual)