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overclocking an i7-x

2DividedbyZero

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Guys

My question which really needs an answer is this, overclocking an i7 980x is better when;
A) overclocking the unlocked multiplier @ 30x133 ~ 4.0GHz HT, or
B) overclocking when setting the multi to 20 and bclk to 200x20 = 4.0GHz HT?
either way CPU = 1.225v, remainder on default.


I ask this because various sites give various answers, BUT from my own testing I have found that overclocking using either method A or B above give exactly the same results whilst game benchmarking, for eg 3DMark Vantage result is ~P33500 with the same GPU and CPU scores either way.

So which is the better method?

Does overclocking via the bclk help people in other ways or is this just because they don't have unlocked multipliers?

Cheers
 

OSWiz

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BCLK is tied to memory freq (QPI) even in unlocked CPUs. So, to pop off a great CPU-Z OC, just use the CPU multi and a little BCLK. However, for benchmarking, when memory speed is important (like PiFast, SuperPI, etc), use high BCLK and stock CPU multi. Discovered this using my i5 875K and a little google research. Try it yourself, you'll see.
 
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wolf

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overclocking via BCLK gives a faster communication to the system RAM, and considering at 200 BLCK you can usually set all the most popular ram speeds anyway (1066-1333-1600-2000) I'd do that.
 

2DividedbyZero

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BCLK is tied to memory freq (QPI) even in unlocked CPUs. So, to pop off a great CPU-Z OC, just use the CPU multi and a little BCLK. However, for benchmarking, when memory speed is important (like PiFast, SuperPI, etc), use high BCLK and stock CPU multi. Discovered this using my i5 875K and a little google research. Try it yourself, you'll see.

Ahh you just rung that bell in my head...

As I o/c myself just for game performance, using method A is adequate, I now see why people use method B because they up the bclk to give them their higher rated memory. cheers.
 

2DividedbyZero

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overclocking via BCLK gives a faster communication to the system RAM.

i checked via everest that my memory performance at 1600MHz 6-6-6-18-1T at either 133 or 200 bclk was the same?
 
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OSWiz

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i checked via everest that my memory performance at 1600MHz 6-6-6-18-1T at either 133 or 200 bclk was the same?
To see the difference you must be using a memory intensive app or benchmark. If you have Everest, use the memory benchmarks provided. Or, SiSoft Sandra has a couple decent memory benches.
 

2DividedbyZero

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To see the difference you must be using a memory intensive app or benchmark. If you have Everest, use the memory benchmarks provided. Or, SiSoft Sandra has a couple decent memory benches.

wait.. wait... gimme a sec here... i think I got my head screwed on wrong...

I checked using everest my memory performance at bclk 133 or 200 (1600MHz) was the same, then you tell me to check using everest .....

i checked via everest that my memory performance at 1600MHz 6-6-6-18-1T at either 133 or 200 bclk was the same?

how do you think I checked using everest?
 

OSWiz

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wait.. wait... gimme a sec here... i think I got my head screwed on wrong...

I checked using everest my memory performance at bclk 133 or 200 (1600MHz) was the same, then you tell me to check using everest .....



how do you think I checked using everest?
wait.. wait... gimme a sec here... i think I got my head screwed on wrong...

Geez, my bad! :banghead: I'll replicate my testing later (didn't save my results) and get back to you. In the meantime, if you wish, give PiFast, WPrime, and SuperPI some runs. It may have been those benches that showed the difference.
 

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hmm odd that memory performance was the same at 133 or 200 BCLK.. I'd have guessed it would be better at 200BLCK...
 

newtekie1

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Basically, you aren't going to notice the difference in real-world use. The only place you are going to notice the difference is a select few synthetic benchmarks.

The memory performance is going to be virtually identical if you change the BLCK to 200, but leave the memory at the same 1600MHz.
 

2DividedbyZero

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The memory performance is going to be virtually identical if you change the BLCK to 200, but leave the memory at the same 1600MHz.

yes my man thats exactly what I found out for myself through testing.


I now realise people overclock via bclk simply because they have have higher rated memory and wish to run at those speeds.

I o/c to 4GHz using the multi and keep my mem at 1600, so cool, my original answer is cleared up, thanks all.

Guys
Does overclocking via the bclk help people in other ways or is this just because they don't have unlocked multipliers?

A: yes, to gain a higher memory o/c for those which have memory rated higher than 1600 or if you want to o/c your memory beyond the rated speed.


^ about right?
 

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I think most overclock via BCLK because most Intel processor have locked multipliers and they have to overclock via BCLK. In fact a lot of time they are lowing the memory multiplier to prevent their memory from going too high.
 

sneekypeet

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Can you link us to the memory you are using here? I mean if you can run a 200 bclk, can you raise the memory mulltiplyer and run 1800 or 2000mhz on them?
 

2DividedbyZero

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Can you link us to the memory you are using here? I mean if you can run a 200 bclk, can you raise the memory mulltiplyer and run 1800 or 2000mhz on them?

hey m8, Corsair do not list this memory but it is the following:- Dominator GT 1600MHz 6-6-6-20-41-2T, currently running at XMP-1600-6-6-6-18-48-1T



 
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