UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

[heydre]

I am currently running as follows:

Corsair 650TX PSU
Q9450
2x2gb Corsair DDR2 1066 (Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5C G - Desktop Memory)
XFX 5750 1GB GPU
Xigmatek Rifle
Windows Vista SP2

Temps are fine...fans running at speed...with latest FDa BIOS (no failed BIOS flashes). Any attempt at saving settings for overclocking leads to a cycle of 3 soft reboots and then a fourth with a slightly distorted long beep followed by what seems like a boot but with NO video.

After multiple power resets and a PSU switch off I can enter the BIOS where a warning message states that visible settings may not match actual settings. So the settings appear to be overclocked but at POST and boot into Windows everything is at stock.

I've followed the MANY posts regarding settings for MCH/CPU/DRAM and tried most of them but end up with the same symptoms above. I seem to remember when first built having the system up and running at 4.0ghz before I installed Windows. Now I can only boot to Windows on stock settings even if i try the old saved settings.

UD3Ps seem to be VERY picky about voltages/memory/settings. Much more so than the many Asus/Epox boards I've owned.

Any ideas?

[profJim]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

The bios settings in this post should help get you started AFTER you've first loaded Optimized bios settings from the main bios screen. After you've loaded optimized settings, save settings and exit (F10), then re-enter your bios and make the suggested bios changes for non-overclocked settings. Run Prime95 Blend test for at least 8 - 10 hours to ensure that your system is stable. Once you know that your system is stable, you can start to overclock your system.
Keep in mind that stable bios settings with an older bios version usually need tweaking when you update your bios to a newer version.

Follow steps 1 - 4 in the post to provide us with information we need to best help you.
Use the generic bios template from this post to accurately list your "failed" bios settings.

[heydre]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

Thanks Prof....turns out those were the settings I used on my successful overclock with the BIOS FDa that now, with the same version BIOS doesn't work.

But I'll do exactly as you've said and hope it turns out differently (like I discovered something stupid that I'd forgotten that I'd done )

Heydre

[heydre]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

Prof,

I set the BIOS to optimized settings and F10ed. System soft rebooted 4 times and then stalled with no video. Did a power reset and got into BIOS but was met with the warning message about settings that are displayed may not match the actual ones.

Basically, the same message I've been getting every time I try to change the settings from stock.

Should I continue?

Heydre

[Chike]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

Did you followed the suggested settings in the post prof provided?
Note: MCH Core settings are usually essential to get more than 2x1GB memory configutation stable.

[profJim]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

Post your current bios settings using the bios template.
Verify that the primary memory timings are set to the rated 5-6-6-18 settings and that DRAM Voltage is set to 2.10 volts.
MCH Core voltage probably needs to be set to 1.20 to 1.24 volts.

You'll make it much easier for us to help you if your forum signature contains a detailed list of your hardware setup.

[heydre]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

Prof,
Signature updated and memory timings/MCH/DRAM volts verified as below but continue getting the "The system has experienced boot failures......" Usually takes 2 cycles of the 4 pulsing reboots before I can get back into the BIOS with the above message every time. Only settings that don't get that message after F10 is the default optimized settings.


PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) --------------- : 100
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard]
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled]

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.????? ------ : 1.26
CPU Termination ---------- 1.200V* ----- : 1.2
CPU PLL ------------------ 1.500V* ----- : 1.5

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : 1.24 (also tried 1.20/1.22/1.26)
ICH I/O ------------------ 1.500V ------- : 1.5
ICH Core ----------------- 1.100V ------- : 1.1

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : 2.16 (also tried 2.1/2.12/2.14)

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 ----------------- : [Enabled]

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


MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: .5
CPU Frequency ...........................: 333


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333 Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: 100
C.I.A.2 .................................:[Disabled]


Advanced Clock Control
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<< Auto
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< Auto


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.20B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1066
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................ 5
tRCD ......................................... 6
tRP'........................................... 6
tRAS.......................................... 18


Advanced Timing Control
tRRD........................................... 4
tWTR.......................................... 4
tWR............................................ 8
tRFC........................................... 68
tRTP........................................... 4
Command Rate (CMD) .................... 0

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ............................ Auto

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................: 8
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
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................: 8
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
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto


Thanks for your time...
Heydre

[profJim]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

What are the current bios settings for
CPU Clock Drive...........................: [???]
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: [???]

Load optimized bios settings, don't make any bios changes, and see if your system boots OK.
Provide the following screen-shot with this setup:
Memset using the SPD and ">>" tabs
cpu-z CPU and Mainboard screens (several instances can be run at the same time)
EasyTune6 --> TUNER tab --> ADVANCE tab --> VOLTAGE tab (only the Voltage tab is needed)
CoreTemp screen [for your cpu's VID (Voltage ID)]

Links for these programs are in the Latest Overclocking Programs, System Info, Benchmarking, & Stability Tools thread.

[heydre]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

Prof,

Advanced Clock Control
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<< Auto
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< Auto

Will reset to optimized, boot into Windows and screenshot those apps.


Heydre

[heydre]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

Screenshot attached:

[profJim]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

Using the bios Optimized settings, change the primary memory timings to 5-6-6-18. Don't change any other bios settings. Save settings and exit, letting your system boot in windows.
Verify which memory timings are set from the Memset main screen, they should be 5-6-6-18.
In ET6, compare and note the voltages displayed with the values from your first screen-shot.
Exit windows and power off your system.
Wait 30 minutes (or longer), turn on your system and go into windows. Any reboot loops?
Check the memory timings and voltages again. Any changes?

If everything is fine, repeat the above steps, but this time make the following additional changes:
CPU Host Frequency = 366MHz (times 8.5 = 3.11GHz).
System Memory Multiplier = 2.40B (memory speed will now be 878MHz).
Any problems: Boot loops? Memory timings reset? Higher cpu speed didn't take?

With your voltages set to AUTO, some will probably be slighted over-volted but still within safe limits with this 10% overclock.
If everything is OK, we'll continue with manually setting the voltages and making sure that there aren't any problems. Then you'll be able to overclock further.

Be sure to save these interim bios changes as a saved bios profile.

[heydre]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

Set the memory timings to 5-6-6-18 and f10ed. Ended up in reboot loop and had to "start Windows normally". At desktop went into MemSet and timings were still the old 5-7-7-24 and the voltages were the same in EasyTune.

This seems to be the norm after changing any BIOS settings from optimized/stock. I get into a reboot loop just after changing the settings and the new settings won't stick.

Next?

[profJim]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

Your memory won't run at its rated 5-6-6-18 speed with no overclock.
Most 2x2GB of 1066 memory requires MCH Core set to about 1.20 volts. Some (very few) will only run with this set to 1.05 volts.
1) You can test further by only changing MCH Core with no other bios changes.
2) You can underclock your memory to 800MHz using the 2.40B memory multiplier and use tighter memory timings that will give performance similar to running at 1066 speeds. If this approach works, as you increase cpu speed (FSB) you can probably increase memory speeds to 900MHz or somewhat higher. MCH Core will probably need to be changed too.

Many people get hung up with "higher memory speeds are the only way to go." I'm leery of memory that doesn't use "standard" rated memory timings, such as the better 1066 memory is rated at 5-5-5-15 timings. What this means is that you'll have additional work to do to find the settings that will work with your memory.

The "best" approach is to try to get your memory settings working at 800MHz speeds with the proper MCH Core voltage and then start overclocking your cpu and memory.

I suggest using 5-5-5-15 primary memory timings at 800MHz. MCH Core = 1.10 volts or slightly lower/higher might work. A quick & dirty (but still useful) stress test is to run Intel BurnTest (IBT) for the standard 5 loops using the default settings. If there are no errors, this is a good sign, but it still doesn't mean that your system is fully stable. To really test your system, Prime95 or OCCT needs to be run for at least 8 - 12 hours or longer. A 3 hour Prime95 or OCCT test is the minimum time for an idea that your system is possibly stable. For all we know, your system might not be stable right now with the stock settings and your memory set to 5-7-7-24.

One other option would be if you can borrow some good memory to test with. Value ram is often OK at stock settings, but can be very difficult when you want to overclock.

Questions? Ask away.

[Chike]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

Try the same 5-6-6-18 but with Performance Enhance standard, then set voltages manually as in post #11 if boots ok.

Before attempting OC, run a few passes of memtest86+ to verify memory settings.

Never boot windows after a boot loop. Either change settings untill the computer boots ok or return to known working settings.
If the computer is stuck in endless loop, turn the PSU off, wait ~20 seconds, turn it back on, and power on. Re-enter BIOS (the red message will come up) and make changes.

[profJim]

Re: UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

^^^^ +++++
Do what the "bad cop" says to do.