GA-EP45-UD3L + Q9550 Vcore

[Conners]

Good Deal man could you post your bios settings.. I'm positive that would be within easy reach even maybe a little lower vcore...

[Chike]

Originally Posted by RoscoP

Chike, I have not tried a lower tRD and adding more voltage to the RAM. The OCZ RAM I have is rated 1066 @ 2.1v I don't need 2.1v to pass memtest @ 800 4-4-4-12.

DDR-800 at 4-4-4-12 may not be exacly equal to DDR-1066 at 5-5-5-15 but it is pretty close, and the RAM is only rated 5-6-6-18 @ DDR-1066. You would probably be able to use lower voltage with DDR-1066 with 333FSB too. To me it seems you are pushing it's limits so at least give it it's spec voltage.
Is there a reason you are using 2.00B and not 2.00D multiplier?
Memtest is not a stress program and does not even come close to the load windows may have on the memory, just look at it's reported bandwidth.
I manage DDR-800 4-4-4-12 with tRD 7 and 400FSB with 2.03v in HWMonitor, but I only have 2x1GB, and I get higher bandwidth than what I had with DDR-1066 at 333FSB. There's much more stress on the RAM with 400FSB.
Try 2.1v (what gives 2.1v or close to it in BIOS HWMonitor) and see if it helps. I' would also try 1.26v MCH if DRAM voltage alone still don't let you to lower tRD.

[RoscoP]

Thanks for the response guys, I took a photo of the nb fan I put on. I used a fan from an old AMD heatsink I had lying around. Rigged it on with some zip ties ;~} - It really dropped my temp on the nb, and even my lowered my CPU temp. Everest reports my Motherboard temp at idle of 37C right now, and it used to idle at 41C prior to the fan. Real Temp and Everest both report lower temps, so maybe I shouldn't sweat over trying 1.26v on the nb?

I will post back soon with my current settings.

From P45 Chipset (MCH) Fan

From P45 Chipset (MCH) Fan

[RoscoP]

Motherboard: Model: EP45-UD3L Rev#: 1.0 Bios Version:f5c
Cpu: Q9550 vid 1.28750v
Ram: OCZ2G10664GK http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227362&Tpk=OCZ2G10664GK
Power Supply Unit: Antec Earthwatt 430W

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto] <--- FAST is OK auto
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [##] 7
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.0] < ignore if not available 0.5
CPU Frequency ---------------------: #### 3000
Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [Mhz] 400
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [Auto] <--- Set to 100, never leave this on Auto 100

C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [Disabled]

Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : <<< 800 -700 (change to 800?)
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : <<< 900 -700 (change to 900?)
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : <<< auto
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : <<< auto

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Turbo] <--- set to DISABLED when overclocking standard
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled] <--- Leave this Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto] 333
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [Auto] 2.00B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [Auto] 800
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Auto] <-- set to MANUAL for overclocking

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]4
tRCD ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]4
tRP --------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]4
tRAS ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]12

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto] auto
tWTR ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto] auto
tWR --------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto] auto
tRFC ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto] auto
tRTP ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto] auto
Command Rate (CMD) -------------------- : [Auto] <--- Auto or 0 is OK 0

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength --------- : Press Enter <--- press ENTER to modify memory sub-timings when overclocking

Channel A
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]8
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO 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] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps

Channel B
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto] 8
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO 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] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal -------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ----------------- : [Disabled] disabled
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.????? ---- : [Auto] <--- set to the 1.????? Value 1.28750v

CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ----- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking 1.200v
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ----- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking) Auto is OK if not overclocking 1.55000v

CPU Reference ----------- 0.755V* ----- : [Auto] <--- Auto Will set this correctly auto
CPU Reference2 ---------- 0.800V* ----- : [Auto] <--- Auto Will set this correctly don’t have a cpu refernce 2

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to 1.20 for 2x2GB ram (1.24 - 1.26, or 1.05 might be needed) 1.24v
MCH Reference ----------- 0.800V ------- : [Auto] auto
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V ------ : [Auto] auto
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left 1.55000v
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to the value to the left 1.1000v
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to the max rated ram voltage (for most memory) 2.00v
DRAM Termination -------- 0.900V ------- : [Auto] auto
Channel A Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [Auto] auto
Channel B Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [Auto] auto

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3 ------------------ : [Disabled] disabled
No-Execute Memory Protect -------------- : [Enabled] enabled
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) ---------------- : [Disabled] enabled
C2/C2E State Support ------------------- : [Disabled] enabled
x C4/C4E State Support ----------------- : [Disabled] disabled
CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) ------------ : [Enabled] enabled
CPU EIST Function --------------------- : [Disabled] enabled
Virtualization Technology -------------- : [Disabled] <--- Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC enabled

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ------------- : [Enabled] <--- set to Disabled when overclocking (this must be enabled to flash or boot from a USB drive) – enabled

[Chike]

Originally Posted by RoscoP

CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : <<< 800 -700 (change to 800?)
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : <<< 900 -700 (change to 900?)

From what I've read this means you haven't started with optimized defaults. It'll be a good idea to load optimized defaults and reapply your changes.

Originally Posted by RoscoP

(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto] 333
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [Auto] 2.00B

Why use 333 latch and not 400 or auto? The 400 latch has a 2.00D and 2.66D multipliers for DDR-800 and DDR-1066, try both and use whichever gives you better results.

[Psycho101]

Stable tRead values can be strange and hard to explain at times.

At 3.6GHz, 400*9 I have to set tRead=9 for stability at DDR800 4-4-4-12 or 5-5-5-15. However with my RAM at DDR-1066 5-5-5-15 and the same settings I can happily use tRead = 7. This doesn't change, regardless of SMM, VDIMM or MCH Core voltage.

[Conners]

RoscoP Try these settings on for size and let me know how it goes.

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Fast]
 Ratio ---------------------- : [8X]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.5]
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 3230
Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [380 MHhz] 
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100] 

C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [Disabled]

Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : 800
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : 0ps
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : 0ps

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Turbo] <<< or try standard
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto] 
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [2.66D]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [1010]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual]
 
Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRCD ------------------- ?? ---------- : [5]
tRP --------------------- ?? ---------- : [6]
tRAS ------------------- ?? ---------- : [18]
What does your bios show for the below on the left hand side

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tRTP ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) -------------------- : [2] 
 
Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength --------- :1066
Channel A
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [9]
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] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps

Channel B
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [9] 
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] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal -------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ----------------- : [Disabled] 
CPU Vcore --------------- 1.????? ---- : [1.2875] 
CPU Termination --------- 1.200V* ----- : [1.200] 
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.500V* ----- : 1.500] 
CPU Reference ----------- 0.755V* ----- : [0.760] 
 
MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [1.100] 
MCH Reference ----------- 0.800V ------- : [0.760] 
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.900V ------ : [Auto] 
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.500V ------- : [Auto] 
ICH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto] 
 
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [2.100] 
DRAM Termination -------- 0.900V ------- : [Auto] 
Channel A Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [Auto]
Channel B Reference ----- 0.900V ------- : [Auto] 
 
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 -------------- : [Disabled] 
 
Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ------------- : [Enabled]

[RoscoP]

Chike, I'm using the 333 strap because I have heard it will give better performance than the 400 strap. I've heard (and read) there are certain latencies applied that affect bandwidth when changing straps. From what I understand, a lower strap (with same FSB & tRD) will give more performance than a higher one, because of the different latencies applied to the nb.

Now that we have the ability to change tRD, we really don't have to worry about straps anymore. I think the reason straps used to be important, is because certain straps have a default tRD. Since we can change tRD now, we don't have to worry about being in a certain strap to get a particular Performance Level - AKA tRD.

I'm not saying I won't see more performance in going from 2.00B to 2.00D, but the only way to find out is to try. I'll give it a shot and post back with results that Everest gives me.

Chike, I do believe I started with optimized defaults. I don't know why my clock drives were both set to 700. I didn't change them, but I did manually change them to 800 & 900 accordingly. (I have no idea what the setting does)

Connors - I'm trying to stay 1:1, so I probably won't run my RAM any higher than 800. I will tryout the profile you made me though, and let you know where it gets me.

What kind of load temps should you see for a P45 nb? The only program I have of telling nb temps is Everest. Everest reports a "Motherboard" temp for me, and I assume this is the nb. After putting my fan on the nb, I did notice the temp Everest reports went down. Can anyone clarify that the "Motherboard" temp Everest reports is the p45 nb temp?

[Psycho101]

There's no way to tell what latencies and hidden timings are applied to the NB at 333 and 400 straps, therefore no way to tell which are tighter/looser per strap.

Lsdmeasap did a strap comparison a while ago, it's in the stickies. It shows that in his tests, at 400 FSB or higher, the D (400) strap gave better performance.

As said, if your clock drives are at 700 then you are running failsafe defaults. You need to load optimised and save before re-entering your overclock. Failsafe defaults are applied automatically after a BIOS flash, and if you don't load optimised defaults, failsafes continue to be used. there are many hidden settings that are changed between the two, so manually adjusting clock drive isn't enough.

There is no NB temp sensor on your board. The sensor is nearer to the SouthBridge. The motherboard temp is that sensor, not the NB sensor. TBH at a mere 400 FSB you don't need any further cooling, but keep the fan if you like.

Now that we have the ability to change tRD, we really don't have to worry about straps anymore. I think the reason straps used to be important, is because certain straps have a default tRD. Since we can change tRD now, we don't have to worry about being in a certain strap to get a particular Performance Level - AKA tRD.

If this were true then nobody would bother programing different straps for different FSB's. Straps have no direct link to tRead. It may mean a different strap lets you select a different tRead, but that's not a direct effect, it's a side effect of differing NB latencies etc. If what you say were true, then I would be able to use 2.66D and 2.66C on my current overclock. As it goes, 2.66D simply doesn't work at all, no matter the tRead, voltages etc.

[RoscoP]

I can sleep at night a little better knowing my nb runs cooler Psycho :-P My next step in cooling will be to properly cut a blow hole in the top of my case, and put a 120mm fan up there to suck out heat.

I believe you about getting better performance on the 400 strap versus the 333 strap when using 400 fsb or higher. I havn't tried the 400 strap yet, but I will when I get home from work today.

Can you post me a link to the comparison that lsdmeasap did? I tried searching the forum board for "strap comparison" but couldn't find it. I'd really like to show my buddy that has an X48 board.

Thanks for the responses guys.