TPU's Core i7 Overclocking and Feedback

[Chicken Patty]

Are you guys keeping hyperthreading on when going over 4 GHz? If I have to turn it off, what kinds of performance losses am I looking at?

I keep it on whether its my daily settings of 4ghz, or my benching settings of 4.35ghz. I think performance all around is better. Some apps dont take advantage of it as well as some benchmarks like Super PI. Disabling HT while running super pi will make your runs a few tenths quicker!

 

[dcf-joe]

I asked, because I cannot seem to get my 920 stable at 4 GHz. I have even tried 1.5 V at straight 4000 MHz, and it is not stable. I thought maybe HT was holding me back.

 

[Chicken Patty]

I asked, because I cannot seem to get my 920 stable at 4 GHz. I have even tried 1.5 V at straight 4000 MHz, and it is not stable. I thought maybe HT was holding me back.

you can always disable it and see if you can get it stable at 4ghz.

Just try HT on at the max stable settings, and then try the max stable settings with HT off. See whats better for you. Lower block HT on, or higher clock HT off.

 

[Binge]

I asked, because I cannot seem to get my 920 stable at 4 GHz. I have even tried 1.5 V at straight 4000 MHz, and it is not stable. I thought maybe HT was holding me back.

Seriously? Sounds like one bad chip

 

[Binge]

my timings are really bad? do you have any tips for me?

your tREF and RTL (round trip latency) are much higher than what other motherboards would sense. Depending on how you tighten them the Gigabyte motherboard will adjust the other subtimings tighter as well. Like I said above the motherboard seems to respond to those two, and especially the tREF.

 

[dcf-joe]

Yes, seriously. I have tried 1.5V at vCore, 1.7 V at DRAM, 2 V at PLL, some high voltage at QPI, and it was still not stable.

 

[Binge]

Yes, seriously. I have tried 1.5V at vCore, 1.7 V at DRAM, 2 V at PLL, some high voltage at QPI, and it was still not stable.

PLL will rarely do anything but harm your chip further. Mind if you post your bios template? I've worked with that ASUS bios before and I think I can spot a setting or two that could help your stability.

 

[dcf-joe]

How do I post a BIOS template?

 

[Binge]

You write down all of your bios settings and then fill in your own settings where the stock settings would be. You can google "ASUS P6T Bios template" and see if anyone's posted one before. For example this is the DFI bios template.

Genie BIOS Setting

CPU Feature
Set VR Current Limit Max: Disabled
Thermal Management Control: Disabled
EIST Function: Disabled
CxE Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
Virtualization Technology: Disabled
TDC Enable: Disabled
x TDC Limit: 0
TDP Enable: Disabled
x TDP Limit: 0

***** Logical Processor Setting *****
Intel HT Technology: Enabled
Active Processor Cores: All

DRAM Timing
Memory Control Setting: AUTO
Memory LowGap: 1536M

DRAM Command Rate: AUTO/1N/2N etc
CAS Latency Time (tCL): 9
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD): 9
RAS# Precharge (tRP): 9
Precharge Delay (tRAS): 24
REF to ACT Delay (tRFC): AUTO
Write to PRE Delay (tWR): AUTO
Rank Write to Read (tWTR): AUTO
ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD): AUTO
Row Cycle Time (tRC): AUTO
Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP): AUTO
Four ACT WIN Time (tFAW): AUTO

Voltage Setting
O.C. Shut Down Free: Enable O.C.S.D.F
CPU VID Control: AUTO
CPU VID Special Add Limit: Enabled
CPU VID Special Add: Auto
Vcore Droop Control: Enabled
DRAM Bus Voltage: 1.605v
DRAM PWM Switch Frequency: Nominal
DRAM PWM Phase Control: 2 Phase Operation
CPU VTT Special Add: AUTO
CPU VTT Voltage: 1.21v
VTT PWM Switch Frequency: Nominal
VTT PWM Phase Control: 2 Phase Operation
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.80v
IOH/ICH 1.1V Voltage: 1.11v
IOH Analog Voltage: 1.10v
ICH 1.5 Voltage: 1.5v
ICH 1.05V Voltage: 1.05v
DIMM 1/2 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF: -00.0%
DIMM 3/4 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF: -00.0%
DIMM 5/6 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF: -00.0%
ADDR/CMD VREF Control: Disabled
x DIMM 1/2 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF: 110
x DIMM 3/4 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF: 110
x DIMM 5/6 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF: 110
CPU QPI Drive Strength: Normal
IOH QPI Drive Strength: Normal

Exit Setup Shut down: Mode 2
O.C. Fail Retry Counter: Enabled
O.C. Fail CMOS Reload: Disabled

PPM Function: Enabled
Turbo Mode Function: Disabled
1 core Max Turbo Ratio: 22x
2 core Max Turbo Ratio: 21x
3 core Max Turbo Ratio: 21x
4 core Max Turbo Ratio: 21x
CPU Non-Turbo Clock Ratio: 20x

* BCLK/UCLK/QPI Controller Settings *
QPI Control Settings: Enabled
QPI Link Fast Mode: Enabled
QPI Frequency: AUTO/4.8GT/s/5.866GT/s/6.4GT/s
CPU Base Clock (BCLK): 133 Mhz
Boot Up CPU Base Clock: AUTO
PCIE Clock: 100 Mhz
DRAM Frequency: AUTO/800Mhz/1067Mhz/1333Mhz/1600Mhz/1866Mhz/2133Mhz (ratio referenced to default 133 bclk - so 1333Mhz /133Mhz = 10x DRAM multiplier)
UnCore Frequency: AUTO/1600/2133/2400/2666/2933/3200/3466/3733/4000/4266 (optimal to keep Uncore at 2x DRAM Frequency)

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

 

[dcf-joe]

Okay, I will do this, and will post one later.

 

[Chicken Patty]

yeah Binge, I remember he posted this a while back and we all scratched our heads at why it wouldn't hit 4ghz. I have yet to see an i7 that will not do that, some with more voltage, some with less, but they all do it. I'm sure the smallest most overlooked setting in the BIOS is messing him up.

 

[Fitseries3]

HINTS:

keeping vtt close to vcore will help find stability alot faster.

dram voltage between 1.65 and 1.8 will prevent ram from causing BSOD while trying to find better cpu OCs. you can lower it later when you find your cpu clock.

pll DONT TOUCH. it does nothing noticeable. 1.8v or whatever stock is , leave it there.

IOH(NB) is best kept between 1.26-1.31 depending on bclk

with only those tips in mind, i can take my D0 920 to 4.45ghz with HT on with my ECS x58.

 

[Binge]

I don't agree with the vtt to vcore. If I get mine above 1.18V then the system won't post. This is known as a low vtt chip. All i7s are different.

 

[n-ster]

Funny both of you have the same batch and OC completely differently

I hope I can get your chip Binge If so, I'll try to compete with Fits with who can do best with their ud5 and A916

 

[Fitseries3]

mine doesnt like to boot under 1.26v vtt...

 

[n-ster]

can a high vtt like that damage (by that I mean lessen life) your i7 or not at all?

 

[Fitseries3]

some ppl need upwards of 1.6v vtt when running elpida hypers

 

[Thrackan]

I asked, because I cannot seem to get my 920 stable at 4 GHz. I have even tried 1.5 V at straight 4000 MHz, and it is not stable. I thought maybe HT was holding me back.

What's your batch? This sounds like my chip, so I'll keep an eye on your results...
Mine's a 3838A374.

Oh and I can get it CPU-Z stable at 4Ghz, but no benchies. Best settings I've had benched for 3 hours before BSODing on me at 4Ghz. That's without HT and without Turbo because I was doing air back then and my temps went crazy.

To reminisce, I went up to 1.5/1.55 vCore but results actually got worse on higher vCores. Balancing QPI vs vCore got me to those 3 hours. Can't remember the exact settings though, somewhere around 1.4 vCore and 1.28 QPI I believe, with RAM at 1.65.

@Binge: didn't hear people not POSTing with high QPI voltages before, I'll keep that in mind, thanks.

I'll be away for a few days taking a course, but I feel like I need to give this another go soon. Been a while since I tried pushing this baby.

 

[mudkip]

seems pretty stable @ stock voltage 1.1315v

 

[mudkip]

hehe , rock on

 

[dcf-joe]

Here is my long awaited BIOS Template. The only thing not listed is the RAM stuff, and my timings are at 8-8-8-24. Anyways, here goes:

A.I. Overclock Tuner: Manual
CPU Ratio Setting: Auto
Intel Speedstep Tech: Disabled
BCLK Frequency: 200
PCIE Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR3-1604 MHz
UCLK Frequency: Auto
QPI Link Data Rate: Auto

CPU Voltage: 1.48
CPU PLL Voltage: Auto
QPI/DRAM Bus Voltage: Auto
IOH Voltage: Auto
IOH PCIE Voltage: Auto
ICH Voltage: Auto
ICH PCIE Voltage: Auto
DRAM Bus Voltage: 1.7
DRAM Data Ref Voltage on CHA: Auto
DRAM CTRL Ref Voltage on CHA: Auto
DRAM Data Ref Voltage on CHB: Auto
DRAM CTRL Ref Voltage on CHB: Auto
DRAM Data Ref Voltage on CHC: Auto
DRAM CTRL Ref Voltage on CHC: Auto

Load-Line Calibration: Auto
CPU Differential Amplitude: 1000 mV
CPU Clock Skew: Auto
CPU Spread Spectrum: Auto
IOH Clock Skew: Auto
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Auto

C1E Support: Enabled
Hardware Prefetcher: Enabled
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch: Enabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Enabled
CPU TM Function: Enabled
Execute Disable Bit: Enabled
Intel HT Tech: Enabled
Active Processor Cores: All
A20M: Disabled
Intel C-State Tech: Disabled

 

[Binge]

Here is my long awaited BIOS Template. The only thing not listed is the RAM stuff, and my timings are at 8-8-8-24. Anyways, here goes:

A.I. Overclock Tuner: Manual
CPU Ratio Setting: Auto
Intel Speedstep Tech: Disabled
BCLK Frequency: 200
PCIE Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR3-1604 MHz
UCLK Frequency: Auto
QPI Link Data Rate: Auto

CPU Voltage: 1.48
CPU PLL Voltage: Auto
QPI/DRAM Bus Voltage: Auto
IOH Voltage: Auto
IOH PCIE Voltage: Auto
ICH Voltage: Auto
ICH PCIE Voltage: Auto
DRAM Bus Voltage: 1.7
DRAM Data Ref Voltage on CHA: Auto
DRAM CTRL Ref Voltage on CHA: Auto
DRAM Data Ref Voltage on CHB: Auto
DRAM CTRL Ref Voltage on CHB: Auto
DRAM Data Ref Voltage on CHC: Auto
DRAM CTRL Ref Voltage on CHC: Auto

Load-Line Calibration: Auto
CPU Differential Amplitude: 1000 mV
CPU Clock Skew: Auto
CPU Spread Spectrum: Auto
IOH Clock Skew: Auto
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Auto

C1E Support: Enabled
Hardware Prefetcher: Enabled
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch: Enabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Enabled
CPU TM Function: Enabled
Execute Disable Bit: Enabled
Intel HT Tech: Enabled
Active Processor Cores: All
A20M: Disabled
Intel C-State Tech: Disabled

Everything I highlighted is a problem for ASUS motherboards.

-CPU voltage/QPI voltage/DRAM voltage must not be on auto and based on the balance between the three can make or break an overclock. There is no way you should have your ram beyond 1.65V if you have your QPI voltage on auto because if your QPI and DRAM voltage go beyond .5V in difference you will hurt something.

-Unless you're using turbo please specify your cpu ratio. You're confusing your bios by doing things like setting that to auto, enabling C1E states, HT Tech, and Virtualization Technology. Most of those CPU options will give you stability issues with ASUS boards. Figure out which ones you can enable AFTER disabling everything you don't need.

-There is no reason to have differential amplitude or skewing on anything but "normal" or "disabled" you do NOT want skewing especially since it's for compensating for EMI... if you have no EMI then skewing will destroy the stability of your system. As for load line calibration do either enable or disable it. Don't leave it up to your motherboard to choose especially since you've changed the settings from the default.

I'm sure some of the guys who've used a Gene or RIIE can back me up on this, but all I hope is that it helps.

 

[dcf-joe]

Okay, I will print what you said out, and try it out.

 

[Chicken Patty]

Everything I highlighted is a problem for ASUS motherboards.

-CPU voltage/QPI voltage/DRAM voltage must not be on auto and based on the balance between the three can make or break an overclock. There is no way you should have your ram beyond 1.65V if you have your QPI voltage on auto because if your QPI and DRAM voltage go beyond .5V in difference you will hurt something.

-Unless you're using turbo please specify your cpu ratio. You're confusing your bios by doing things like setting that to auto, enabling C1E states, HT Tech, and Virtualization Technology. Most of those CPU options will give you stability issues with ASUS boards. Figure out which ones you can enable AFTER disabling everything you don't need.

-There is no reason to have differential amplitude or skewing on anything but "normal" or "disabled" you do NOT want skewing especially since it's for compensating for EMI... if you have no EMI then skewing will destroy the stability of your system. As for load line calibration do either enable or disable it. Don't leave it up to your motherboard to choose especially since you've changed the settings from the default.

I'm sure some of the guys who've used a Gene or RIIE can back me up on this, but all I hope is that it helps.

very good info Binge, I havent used any other x58 board other than my EVGA and for like 10 minutes a UD4. I wish I can back you up bro

 

[4x4n]

Thanks for the 24/7 clocks guys

I've got 4ghz stable, but I don't know if it's worth it. I can run 3.8 at 1.23v and temps stay 55-62 or so. 3.9 takes 1.29v with temps in the 60's, but 4.0 takes 1.34v and temps are in the 70's.

Here's a shot with full crunching and folding