Penryn PC?

[alsheron]

Don't raise the voltage if the system is stable, extra voltage just adds heat and increases deterioration. What the RAM is rated for and what it actually can do or needs are usually different numbers.

Thanks for the info.... I'm going to leave it set to AUTO...... All seems fine so far! :D

[+PeterUK MVC]

...or do i only need that if i'm trying to run at 1066mhz?

Yep only when running at 1066MHz.

See if disableing Quick Boot allow you to run the RAM @1066MHz.

[sesdave]

The 0504 BIOS is not listed as beta?

http://support.asus.com/download/download....Premium/WiFi-AP

What BIOS do you have alsheron?

My mistake - got my betas mixed up. I didnt bother with 0504 cos early reports were mixed results and decided to wait a bit cos I had no real need to upgrade.

Personally I would start with putting the RAM to its recommended volts e.g 2.2/2.3v for running at its rated settings until you get your system running at the speed and timings you want. Then decide if you want to clock it higher/lower tighten timings etc and play with the volts. Giving it recommend volts will give it that extra stability - it may run with less but get your system setup the way you want it before you try. Yes it will give of a bit more heat but thats what it guaranteed and covered by warranty to run at. You arent overclocking it yet.

Edited January 29, 2008 by sesdave

[alsheron]

Yep only when running at 1066MHz.

See if disableing Quick Boot allow you to run the RAM @1066MHz.

I've tried that..... :) This is the exact problem I have with this whole 1066MHz thing: The motherboard will boot and run seemingly fine when i set the memory to 1066MHz. The problems start intermittently when I actually power off the computer and turn it back on. Sometimes it powers on and all the settings are the same,everything seems fine, and then sometimes it powers on and says "Overclock failed" prompting me to re-set the BIOS settings to 667MHz along with all of the other default BIOS values including my RAID0 set up. I now know that I can press F1 to enter the BIOS and re-apply the existing RAID0 settings although for a while I chose F2 mistakenly thinking that resetting all BIOS values to their default settings was the best choice not realising it would wipe out my RAID0 volume! Acronis saved my life about 4 times while learning that lesson!

If there was a clear reason and solution as to why setting the memory at anything other than the system defaults caused an intermittently ocurring fault, i'd be happy. For now though, i'm happy just using AUTO for everything and will maybe try again when a new BIOS update becomes available.

In my inexperienced opinion, I think there is clearly a conflict/incompatibility with the motherboard and this memory that I bought. I would even say that I blame Asus for not making the board more "compatible", although that may come with time... Everything seems to point to that. I don't think it's a fault as such, but I think next time I'll simply avoid anything but the motherboard manufacturers verified RAM. Incidentally, this problem is also known to occur with some Gigabyte P35 boards, so it's not just an Asus problem. I'm actually fortunate I can boot at all. Some unlucky souls aren't even able to boot with their RAM because of this problem. :wacko:

[sesdave]

I've tried that..... :) This is the exact problem I have with this whole 1066MHz thing: The motherboard will boot and run seemingly fine when i set the memory to 1066MHz. The problems start intermittently when I actually power off the computer and turn it back on. Sometimes it powers on and all the settings are the same,everything seems fine, and then sometimes it powers on and says "Overclock failed" prompting me to re-set the BIOS settings to 667MHz along with all of the other default BIOS values including my RAID0 set up. I now know that I can press F1 to enter the BIOS and re-apply the existing RAID0 settings although for a while I chose F2 mistakenly thinking that resetting all BIOS values to their default settings was the best choice not realising it would wipe out my RAID0 volume! Acronis saved my life about 4 times while learning that lesson!

If there was a clear reason and solution as to why setting the memory at anything other than the system defaults caused an intermittently ocurring fault, i'd be happy. For now though, i'm happy just using AUTO for everything and will maybe try again when a new BIOS update becomes available.

In my inexperienced opinion, I think there is clearly a conflict/incompatibility with the motherboard and this memory that I bought. I would even say that I blame Asus for not making the board more "compatible", although that may come with time... Everything seems to point to that. I don't think it's a fault as such, but I think next time I'll simply avoid anything but the motherboard manufacturers verified RAM. Incidentally, this problem is also known to occur with some Gigabyte P35 boards, so it's not just an Asus problem. I'm actually fortunate I can boot at all. Some unlucky souls aren't even able to boot with their RAM because of this problem. :wacko:

Overclocking failed is a safety feature of the board as you havent got the settings that your componets are happy to boot with. I suspect that this is a combination of volts /timings etc. rather than memory compatability and undervolting it wont be helping. I am not familiar with the E8400 but it cant be that much different from e6850,q6600 regarding what it will need tuned in the BIOS - FSB,Vcore ,PLL etc. Will post some suggestions once I have a look at what the E8400 and your memory like. What PSU have you got? has it a 8 pin or 4 pin 12v connector.

[alsheron]

Overclocking failed is a safety feature of the board as you havent got the settings that your componets are happy to boot with. I suspect that this is a combination of volts /timings etc. rather than memory compatability and undervolting it wont be helping. I am not familiar with the E8400 but it cant be that much different from e6850,q6600 regarding what it will need tuned in the BIOS - FSB,Vcore ,PLL etc. Will post some suggestions once I have a look at what the E8400 and your memory like. What PSU have you got? has it a 8 pin or 4 pin 12v connector.

Sounds interesting..... I don't think i'm undervolting, but then I simply don't know.... I'm using a Thermaltake TR2 470W power supply. Not sure as to the pin count.... It's here though...

Thanks :)

[sesdave]

Sounds interesting..... I don't think i'm undervolting, but then I simply don't know.... I'm using a Thermaltake TR2 470W power supply. Not sure as to the pin count.... It's here though...

Thanks :)

I asked cos there is an 8pin 12v connection on the MB. A single 4 pin will suffice - I take it you have connected the 4 Pin to it cos if you havent that wont be helping. The MB really wants a good 600w plus PSU to get the best out of it if you are going to overclock.

Try these and see how you get on

AI Overclocking: Manual

CPU Ratio Control: Manual

- Ratio CMOS Setting: 9

FSB Frequency: 333

PCI-E Frequency: 100

DRAM Frequency: 1066

DRAM Command Rate: 2T

DRAM Timing Control: Manual

CAS# Latency: 5

RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5

RAS# Precharge: 5

RAS# Activate to Precharge:15

TWR: auto

TRFC: auto

TWTR: auto

TRRD: auto

TRTP: auto

DRAM Static Read Control: AUTO

Transaction Booster: AUTO

Clock Over-Charging Mode: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled

PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Voltage: auto or stock volts --- to start with

CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO

CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled

CPU PLL Voltage: 1.50

DRAM Voltage: 2.3

FSB Termination Voltage: 1.30

North Bridge Voltage: 1.40

North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO

South Bridge Voltage: AUTO

Advance CPU Settings

CPU Ratio Control: Manual

- Ratio CMOS Setting: 9

C1E Suppport: disabaled

Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled

Vanderpool Technology: Disabled

CPU TM Function: Disabled

Execute Disable Bit: Disabled

PECI: Disabled

USB Configuration

USB Functions: Enabled

Legacy USB Support: Enabled

Edited January 29, 2008 by sesdave

[alsheron]

I asked cos there is an 8pin 12v connection on the MB. A single 4 pin will suffice - I take it you have connected the 4 Pin to it cos if you havent that wont be helping. The MB really wants a good 600w plus PSU to get the best out of it if you are going to overclock.

Try these and see how you get on

AI Overclocking: Manual

CPU Ratio Control: Manual

- Ratio CMOS Setting: 9

FSB Frequency: 333

PCI-E Frequency: 100

DRAM Frequency: 1066

DRAM Command Rate: 2T

DRAM Timing Control: Manual

CAS# Latency: 5

RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5

RAS# Precharge: 5

RAS# Activate to Precharge:15

TWR: auto

TRFC: autoTWTR: auto

TRRD: auto

TRTP: auto

DRAM Static Read Control: AUTO

Transaction Booster: AUTO

Clock Over-Charging Mode: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled

PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Voltage: auto or stock volts --- to start with

CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO

CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled

CPU PLL Voltage: 1.50

DRAM Voltage: 2.3

FSB Termination Voltage: 1.30

North Bridge Voltage: 1.40

North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO

South Bridge Voltage: AUTO

Advance CPU Settings

CPU Ratio Control: Manual

- Ratio CMOS Setting: 9

C1E Suppport: disabaled

Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabaled

Vanderpool Technology: Disabaled

CPU TM Function: Disabled

Execute Disable Bit: Disabled

PECI: Disabled

USB Configuration

USB Functions: Enabled

Legacy USB Support: Enabled

I'll give these a try and let you know how i get on..... Thanks... I do use Vanderpool Technology quite a lot though....

[sesdave]

thats a first for me - Leave it on then-lol! From what I have had a quick read on the E8400 people are getting about 3.6 on stock volts. Lots of potential then if you have a good one.

Edited January 29, 2008 by sesdave

[alsheron]

thats a first for me - Leave it on then-lol! From what I have had a quick read on the E8400 people are getting about 3.6 on stock volts. Lots of potential then if you have a good one.

Is the memory speed tied to the CPU speed strictly? Stability is my goal because I use it for my work: web design/photoshop etc. Inadvertently I may have bought parts that lend themselves well to overclocking and that's probably because i'm relatively interested in it and computing in general, read a LOT of motherboard/chipset/cpu reviews and always like to hear people getting silly speeds like 4ghz out of their processor. Penryn parts can go very fast very easily (like you say) according to some reviews i've read.

I don't play games at all (except Chess Titans) because the only game i'm interested in playing is Crysis and the GFX cards at the mo can't play in at High Quality even in SLI according to what i've read. Even if some setups come close, i'm actually waiting for a GFX card that will be able to handle Crysis extremely well and won't cost me about ?500, so i'm guessing i'll be waiting about a year for that....

I've got a solid, stable system at the mo (i hope the non-posting errors don't happen to me - they seemed to rear their ugly head after about 6 months according to some reports) and just want it to be the fastest it can be without making it unstable in any way above the norm. I got burnt with buying such high rated memory and not doing to proper research, but if it can work at 1066, then great. I'm getting the vibe that to get it up to that stably, i'll have to overclock the CPU to acheive it?

Interestingly, you disable ALL the advanced CPU settings. Why is that? Also, does Speedstep actually cause slowdowns in any way? I assumed it adjusted so quickly that it wasn't noticeable?

I'm at work at the mo, so i'm wondering, what kind of speed difference will applying your settings make and how will the jump from the AUTO setting of 1.8v (according to cpu-z) to 2.3v (specified by OCZ) make on the life of the memory/stability? I've got PLENTY of airflow in my case. Probably more than necessary....

EDIT: A thought: Can i just set the multiplier to 10 to get a nice speed boost? (I don't say thiscompletely >naively, as I read a review of the E8400 that said this can be done - as to what other settings need to be set and how stable it would be, i have no idea)

600W PSU!! My eclectricity bill would go through the roof!?

Edited January 30, 2008 by alsheron

[sesdave]

Is the memory speed tied to the CPU speed strictly? Stability is my goal because I use it for my work: web design/photoshop etc. Inadvertently I may have bought parts that lend themselves well to overclocking and that's probably because i'm relatively interested in it and computing in general, read a LOT of motherboard/chipset/cpu reviews and always like to hear people getting silly speeds like 4ghz out of their processor. Penryn parts can go very fast very easily (like you say) according to some reviews i've read.

600W PSU!! My eclectricity bill would go through the roof!?

If you are going to overclock you first really need to read a basic overclocking guide like this to understand how it all fits together and what you are doing. http://www.clunk.org.uk/forums/overclockin...-beginners.html the previous one I posted was an add on to this as I thought you had more of an understanding - no critisism intended -lol!.

You get full stability overclocking otherwise we wouldn't be doing it - it may reduce lifespan of components but we are talking in terms of years on the CPU unless its extreme. Memory can die with higher volts than manufacture specified but warranties are good. In your case it would probably be simplest to take your CPU to its highest capable stable speed using increases in FSB with stock vcore and run your memory at the best ratio e.g 1:1 or 4:5 within its rated speed band of 800-1066 on the tightest timings it is stable at. I recommend 2.3v as that will keep it stable between these bands - you can reduce once its setup but its rated for it. You are not operating outside of any warranties. Disabling the settings I have recommended are standard for providing best stability when overclocking on this MB - they are explained within the overclocking guides. I also disable all Q fan control as I want to keep cool when overclocking. Unless I am mistaken the multiplier is locked upwards at 9 for the E8400 - you can go down only. Whats the benefit of that you ask - well you can run with higher FSB and lower multiplier but with the benefit of a higher bandwith - Read the guide.

Try the settings I have posted for starters - that will only have it running at stock speed for both CPU and memory. Check stablity with Prime 95 http://www.softpedia.com/get/Others/Home-E...n/Prime95.shtml (a tool to stress check the CPU/memory) once stable you can start increasing upto a speed you are happy with e.g 3.6 (FSb=400 mult=9,DRAM=1000) which should be achievable on stock volts or a very slight increase to vcore. This will keep temps low and not strech your system whilst giving you a free speed/performance boost with stability - what HSF have you got ?. A good quality 600w plus PSU is required to provide clean supply to the MB and components especially when overclocking - yours is borderline or less for this MB. Please also tell me if the 4 pin 12v ATX is connected to the MB - between CPU and backpanel

[alsheron]

If you are going to overclock you first really need to read a basic overclocking guide like this to understand how it all fits together and what you are doing. http://www.clunk.org.uk/forums/overclockin...-beginners.html the previous one I posted was an add on to this as I thought you had more of an understanding - no critisism intended -lol!.

You get full stability overclocking otherwise we wouldn't be doing it - it may reduce lifespan of components but we are talking in terms of years on the CPU unless its extreme. Memory can die with higher volts than manufacture specified but warranties are good. In your case it would probably be simplest to take your CPU to its highest capable stable speed using increases in FSB with stock vcore and run your memory at the best ratio e.g 1:1 or 4:5 within its rated speed band of 800-1066 on the tightest timings it is stable at. I recommend 2.3v as that will keep it stable between these bands - you can reduce once its setup but its rated for it. You are not operating outside of any warranties. Disabling the settings I have recommended are standard for providing best stability on this MB - they are explained within the overclocking guides. Unless I am mistaken the multiplier is locked upwards at 9 for the E8400 - you can go down only. Whats the benefit of that you ask - well you can run with higher FSB and lower multiplier but with the benefit of a higher bandwith - Read the guide.

Try the settings I have posted for starters - that will only have it running at stock speed for both CPU and memory. Check stablity with Prime 95 http://www.softpedia.com/get/Others/Home-E...n/Prime95.shtml (a tool to stress check the CPU/memory) once stable you can start increasing upto a speed you are happy with e.g 3.6 (FSb=400 mult=9,DRAM=1000) which should be achievable on stock volts or a very slight increase to vcore. This will keep temps low and not strech your system whilst giving you a free speed/performance boost with stability - what HSF have you got ?. A good quality 600w plus PSU is required to provide clean supply to the MB and components especially when overclocking - yours is borderline or less for this MB. Please also tell me if the 4 pin 12v ATX is connected to the MB - between CPU and backpanel

Thanks again for all the info! It looks like i'll need to invest in a high quality PSU to get this crackalacking.... It will have to wait for now though, as i've used up all my budget on the parts i bought! :(

The OC guide looks great, exactly what I needed! :D

Once i get the PSU, i'll give your settings a try and post back here..... As far as I know i have got the 4 pin ATX connector connected to the motherboard (if i'm guessing correctly what you mean. It comes from the PSU? ) I thought the comp wouldn't work (power on) without that connected, so I made sure it was....

[sesdave]

Thanks again for all the info! It looks like i'll need to invest in a high quality PSU to get this crackalacking.... It will have to wait for now though, as i've used up all my budget on the parts i bought! :(

The OC guide looks great, exactly what I needed! :D

Once i get the PSU, i'll give your settings a try and post back here..... As far as I know i have got the 4 pin ATX connector connected to the motherboard (if i'm guessing correctly what you mean. It comes from the PSU? ) I thought the comp wouldn't work (power on) without that connected, so I made sure it was....

Yes the 4 pin 12v is from the PSU. The settings I have posted should be fine with your current PSU just to run your PC at CPU stock speed 3.0 (333x9) and memory at rated speed - 1066. They will help stability where you may have set some to auto.

[alsheron]

Woah! It's been a little while, but FINALLY, my new comp is up and running, stable and working like a charm - a lot more than can be said for my last computer!

I've applied your settings sesdave and they seem to have worked very well. I haven't had an "Overclock Failed" message yet, so hopefully it will stay that way. Thanks again :D

I'm also including the following pics/info as requested about the BIOS....

I updated immediately at the first boot, but as you can (just) see from the screenshot, the version I had originally was 0404 and I updated to 0504. Interestingly, or not, When I powered on with 0404, I got the message saying "New CPU detected!", so i'm guessing from that that the 0404 BIOS works just fine with the new chips from Intel.

The CPU-z screenshots are for before-after comparison after I did the "overclock"......

Next step.... Overclock the CPU.... 5GHz? :woot:

[sesdave]

Woah! It's been a little while, but FINALLY, my new comp is up and running, stable and working like a charm - a lot more than can be said for my last computer!

I've applied your settings sesdave and they seem to have worked very well. I haven't had an "Overclock Failed" message yet, so hopefully it will stay that way. Thanks again :D

Next step.... Overclock the CPU.... 5GHz? :woot:

Glad to hear your off to a good start - read the guides and then go for it. See what you can get max on stock volts then start to increase vcore as you raise FSb. Your flashy memory should be good for anything upto 1200. 4.0 GHz might be a more realistic first target -lol"l