Overclocking with GA-EP45-UD3P and Q9300

[GregsPC]

Hi all...I've just purchased this motherboard and am using the Q9300 from my old motherboard. I've purchased a bigger fan, Zalman 9500A, and am looking to overclock (I'm brand new to this process)...any help is much appreciated...if more information is needed please let me know. I also have an Antec Neopower 650W PSU in an Antec 300 Case. I'll be soon upgrading my ram to GSkill FI Black DDR2 800 PC6400. Thanks for the help!

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Overclocking with GA-EP45-UD3P and Q9300

Did you read the overclocking guide that is stickied in this section? I know it is not for P45, but would help you get familiar with overclocking in general and your BIOS at least a little bit.

What speed do you want to try to reach? Please post your full specs as well, and a link to your memory if possible, or the model #. I see you are upgrading, so if that will be soon and what you want help with please link us to it

[GregsPC]

Re: Overclocking with GA-EP45-UD3P and Q9300

Thanks for the quick reply.

What would be considered a 'safe' speed? 3.5? I understand that the multiplier is a paltry 7.5 so if I want higher than 3.5, I need to work the FSB to really high numbers (correct me if I'm wrong please).

I've read a bit of the overclocking guide and I've done some research, but the more help the better. Much appreciated.

I basically am taking an HP m9450f from someone and converting it for myself to a 'custom-built' PC. So here are the full specs as far as I know:

Intel Q9300
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P
8GB DDR2 Ram (though I have no idea what ram this computer comes with...I am going to be upgrading to

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209

NVidia 9800GT 512GB
Seagate Barracuda 750gb 7200RPM
Antec NeoPower 650W PSU
Antec 300
Windows 7 64bit

If you need any other info, please let me know. Thanks again.

[Chike]

Re: Overclocking with GA-EP45-UD3P and Q9300

For 3.5GHz you'd need 466FSB and with lowest multiplier of two that mean DDR-932, PC-6400 may or may not be capable for that speed.

[GregsPC]

Re: Overclocking with GA-EP45-UD3P and Q9300

What RAM then do you suggest I get? 3.5 is not a must, it was just a ceiling I guess...any other suggestions or help? Thanks very much.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Overclocking with GA-EP45-UD3P and Q9300

That memory will be fine at 920+, you will just have to use looser timings such as 555-12/15 or 544-12/15 or 554-12/15, ect. And possibly 1.90-2.0V, but most likely the looser timings will allow you to not have to raise the voltages

And ya, you have it correct about CPU multi and FSB you will need 460+ for 3.5+

Once you get things going let me know and I can give you some settings to work with

[GregsPC]

Re: Overclocking with GA-EP45-UD3P and Q9300

I've installed the motherboard with 4 sticks of 2gb ram (I'm unsure of what brand because it came from an HP m9450f...but I am waiting for g.skill FI black ddr2 800)...the Gigabyte 'System' utility on the CD that came with the mobo is showing that I only have 2gb of ram but when I check Windows Properties...shows I have 8gb of ram...I haven't done any overclocking or anything.

Any suggestions are much appreciated. Thank you.

Q9300
GA-EP45-UD3P
Antec NeoPower 650W
NVidia 9800GT
8gb of (crap?) RAM

[GregsPC]

Re: Overclocking with GA-EP45-UD3P and Q9300

I just ran CPU-Z for VIsta 32bit (the system would not run Windows 7 initially so I had to reinstall VIsta)...

It shows the Memory at 8gb at the following timings:
400mhz
5:6
6:6:6:18
52 clocks for tRFC
command rate is 2T

So I have no idea why the gigabyte system utility from the CD shows 2gb of ram...

Can I run Windows 7 64 bit?

Thanks very much.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Overclocking with GA-EP45-UD3P and Q9300

I suggest you test each of these old stick one by one in the first slot to be sure none are faulty. Run 5 passes on each stick
Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

Can you post a CPU-z image of the SPD tab on them?

In the memory tab, not SPD you see 8GB right? likely you were looking at the SPD Tab of Easytune, while I mention that please use the latest not what is on the CD (This also applies to your drivers)

Drivers
GIGABYTE - Support&Download - Motherboard - Driver - GA-EP45-UD3P (rev. 1.1)

Easytune
GIGABYTE - Support&Download - Motherboard - Utility

Yes you can run x64 windows 7. Be sure you set HPET in the BIOS to x64. You may need to test your x64 windows 7 install disk somewhere else to be sure it is good. What kind of error or problem did you have installing it?