Help tweaking OC. GA-EP45-UD3R & E8400@4.0Ghz

[BlackRoth]

Hello everyone!

This is my first post here in this community, although I've been around a lot lately, as this forum has been of great help in my first steps in OCing my rig.

After following many suggestions given here by helpful and experienced OCers to other members that have similar hardware to what I have, and after a couple of weeks of trial, error and stress testing, I managed to OC my E8400 up to 4.0Ghz (445x9) and passed a 24h Prime95 blend test. But now, I'd like to see if I could reduce some voltages (mainly the Vcore, as I think is set relatively high), improve RAM settings or BIOS settings in general. In that regard, I'd appreciate your advice.

Here's the screenshot I just took after finally completing the 24h blend test.



And now the BIOS settings:

*************************************
*************************************
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R (Rev. 1.1) - F11
*************************************
*************************************
******************************
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
******************************
Robust Graphics Booster ..............: [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ......................: [9X]
x Fine CPU Clock Ratio................: +0.0
CPU Frequency ........................: 4.00GHz( 445x9)

********** Clock Chip Control ********
>>>>>  Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control................: [Enabled]
x CPU Host Frequency(Mhz).............: [445]
PCI Express Frequency(Mhz)............: [100]
C.I.A.2...............................: [Disabled]

>>>>> Advanced Clock Control..........: [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive.......................: [800mV]
PCI Express Clock Drive...............: [900mV]
CPU Clock Skew........................: [  0ps]
MCH Clock Skew........................: [  0ps]

******** DRAM Performance Control ********
Performance Enhance...................: [Standard]
Extreme Memory Profile(X.M.P.)........: [Disabled]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch................: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)........: [2.00D]
Memory Frequency(Mhz).....800.........: 890
DRAM Timing Selectable (SPD)..........: [Manual]

>>>>> Standard Timing Control
x CAS Latency Time................5...: [ 5]
x tRCD ...........................5...: [ 5]
x tRP.............................5...: [ 5]
x tRAS...........................15...: [15]

>>>>> Advanced Timing Control.........: [Press Enter]
x tRRD............................3...: [ Auto]
x tWTR............................3...: [ Auto]
x tWR.............................6...: [ Auto]
x tRFC...........................52...: [ Auto]
x tRTP............................3...: [ Auto]
x Command Rate (CMD) .............0...: [ Auto]

>>>>> Channel A Timing Settings.......: [Press Enter]
x Static tRead Value.............11...: [10]
x tRD Phase0 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase1 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase2 Adjustment ..........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase3 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x Trd2rd(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2wr(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2rd(Different Rank)..........5...: Auto
x Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..........8...: Auto
x DIMM1 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DIMM2 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DDR Write Training..................: Auto

>>>>> Channel A Driving Settings......: [Press Enter]
x Driving Strength Profile............: [Auto]
x Data Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Up level...........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Up Level...........: Auto
x Data Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Down level.........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Down Level.........: Auto

>>>>> Channel B Timing Settings.......: [Press Enter]
x Static tRead Value.............11...: [10]
x tRD Phase0 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase1 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase2 Adjustment ..........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase3 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x Trd2rd(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2wr(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2rd(Different Rank)..........5...: Auto
x Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..........8...: Auto
x DIMM1 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DIMM2 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DDR Write Training..................: Auto

>>>>> Channel B Driving Settings......: [Press Enter]
x Driving Strength Profile............: [Auto]
x Data Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Up level...........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Up Level...........: Auto
x Data Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Down level.........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Down Level.........: Auto

****** Motherboard Voltage Control ******
Voltage Types..........Normal...........Current
-----------------------------------------------
>>> CPU
Load-Line Calibration.................: [Enabled]
CPU Vcore..............1.23750V.......: [1.39375V]
CPU Termination........1.200V.........: [1.240V]
CPU PLL................1.500V.........: [1.500V]
CPU Reference..........0.760V.........: [Auto]
>>> MCH/ICH
MCH Core...............1.100V.........: [1.240V]
MCH Reference..........0.760V.........: [0.785v]
MCH/DRAM Reference.....0.900V.........: [0.900v]
ICH I/O................1.500V.........: [1.500V]
ICH Core...............1.100V.........: [1.200V]
>>> DRAM
DRAM Voltage...........1.800V.........: [1.900V]
DRAM Termination.......0.900V.........: [Auto]
Channel A Reference....0.900V.........: [Auto]
Channel B Reference....0.900V.........: [Auto]

******** Advanced BIOS Features ********
Hard Disk Boot Priority...............: [Press Enter]
First Boot Device.....................: [Hard Disk]
Second Boot Device....................: [Disabled]
Third Boot Device.....................: [Disabled]
Password Check........................: [Setup]
HDD S.M.A.R.T. Capability.............: [Enabled]
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]
Delay For HDD (Secs)..................: [ 0]
Full Screen LOGO Show.................: [Disabled]
Init Display First....................: [PEG]

******** Integrated Peripherals ********
USB Keyboard Function.................: [Enabled]
USB Mouse Function....................: [Enabled]
USB Storage Function..................: [Disabled]

Another question I have has to do with the Vcore, which varies due to Vdrop and Vdroop:

In the Vcore setting I set it to 1.39375v
In BIOS (PC Health Status) Vcore is 1.364v
In CPU-Z and other software alike Vcore is 1.360v (idle) and 1.344v (full load).

With that in mind, I'd like to know what Vcore should I take in to account, in order to know for real at what voltage is the CPU working. Because being close to 1.4v concerns me a bit.

Now, about temps, while running Prime95, the cores remained between 56ºc-59ºc and a coupled of times reached 60ºc. On idle the temps are 35ºc-36ºc. Are these in good shape?

That would be it for now. Please forgive me if I'm asking too many things at once, but I kept many of my doubts for this first post.

Thanks again!

[Chike]

There's seem to be inconsustency between screen capture and settings posted for MCH Reference and MCH/DRAM Reference.

Not much can be done about ram settings. You can try 2.0B multiplier and Static tRead Value 9 if it lets you do it. Run a momory benchmark for comparison.

[BoombasticSloth]

Here are a couple of things that comes to mind. Changes in red.
I am certain you will be able to lower your vcore down from 1.39375v.
Get your desired vcore before tightening your timing. Then lower vdimm last.

Originally Posted by BlackRoth

But now, I'd like to see if I could reduce some voltages (mainly the Vcore, as I think is set relatively high), improve RAM settings or BIOS settings in general. In that regard, I'd appreciate your advice.

*************************************
*************************************
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R (Rev. 1.1) - F11
*************************************
*************************************
******************************
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
******************************
Robust Graphics Booster ..............: [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ......................: [9X]
x Fine CPU Clock Ratio................: +0.0
CPU Frequency ........................: 4.00GHz( 445x9)

********** Clock Chip Control ********
>>>>>  Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control................: [Enabled]
x CPU Host Frequency(Mhz).............: [445]
PCI Express Frequency(Mhz)............: [100]
C.I.A.2...............................: [Disabled]

>>>>> Advanced Clock Control..........: [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive.......................: [800mV]
PCI Express Clock Drive...............: [900mV]
CPU Clock Skew........................: [  0ps]
MCH Clock Skew........................: [  0ps]

******** DRAM Performance Control ********
Performance Enhance...................: [Standard]
Extreme Memory Profile(X.M.P.)........: [Disabled]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch................: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)........: [2.00D]can try 2.00B as chike mentioned but after finding your lowest vcore
Memory Frequency(Mhz).....800.........: 890
DRAM Timing Selectable (SPD)..........: [Manual]

>>>>> Standard Timing Control
x CAS Latency Time................5...: [ 5]
x tRCD ...........................5...: [ 5]
x tRP.............................5...: [ 5]
x tRAS...........................15...: [15]

>>>>> Advanced Timing Control.........: [Press Enter]
x tRRD............................3...: [ Auto]
x tWTR............................3...: [ Auto]
x tWR.............................6...: [ Auto]
x tRFC...........................52...: [ Auto]
x tRTP............................3...: [ Auto]
x Command Rate (CMD) .............0...: [ Auto]

>>>>> Channel A Timing Settings.......: [Press Enter]
x Static tRead Value.............11...: [10]
x tRD Phase0 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase1 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase2 Adjustment ..........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase3 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x Trd2rd(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2wr(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2rd(Different Rank)..........5...: Auto
x Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..........8...: Auto
x DIMM1 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DIMM2 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DDR Write Training..................: Auto

>>>>> Channel A Driving Settings......: [Press Enter]
x Driving Strength Profile............: [1066]
x Data Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Up level...........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Up Level...........: Auto
x Data Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Down level.........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Down Level.........: Auto

>>>>> Channel B Timing Settings.......: [Press Enter]
x Static tRead Value.............11...: [10]
x tRD Phase0 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase1 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase2 Adjustment ..........0...: Auto
x tRD Phase3 Adjustment...........0...: Auto
x Trd2rd(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2wr(Different Rank)..........6...: Auto
x Twr2rd(Different Rank)..........5...: Auto
x Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..........8...: Auto
x DIMM1 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DIMM2 Clock Skew Control (ps).......: Auto
x DDR Write Training..................: Auto

>>>>> Channel B Driving Settings......: [Press Enter]
x Driving Strength Profile............: [1066]
x Data Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Up level...........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Up Level..........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Up Level...........: Auto
x Data Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Cmd Driving Pull-Down level.........: Auto
x Ctrl Driving Pull-Down Level........: Auto
x Clk Driving Pull-Down Level.........: Auto

****** Motherboard Voltage Control ******
Voltage Types..........Normal...........Current
-----------------------------------------------
>>> CPU
Load-Line Calibration.................: [Enabled]
CPU Vcore..............1.23750V.......: [drop it one notch at a time till about 1.31+-v] might be able to get lower.
CPU Termination........1.200V.........: [1.240V]
CPU PLL................1.500V.........: [1.570V]
CPU Reference..........0.760V.........: [0.770v]
>>> MCH/ICH
MCH Core...............1.100V.........: [1.240V] can try later to 1.20-1.22v
MCH Reference..........0.760V.........: [0.765v]
MCH/DRAM Reference.....0.900V.........: [0.98]for now. tweak lower to 0.95v +- later.
ICH I/O................1.500V.........: [1.570V] can try to lower back to 1.50v later.
ICH Core...............1.100V.........: [1.200V]
>>> DRAM
DRAM Voltage...........1.800V.........: [1.960V]for now. tweak down to 1.90v+- later.
DRAM Termination.......0.900V.........: [0.98]for now. tweak lower to 0.95v+- later.
Channel A Reference....0.900V.........: [0.98]for now. tweak lower to 0.95v+- later.
 Channel B Reference....0.900V.........: [0.98]for now. tweak lower to 0.95v +- later.
 
******** Advanced BIOS Features ********
Hard Disk Boot Priority...............: [Press Enter]
First Boot Device.....................: [Hard Disk]
Second Boot Device....................: [Disabled]
Third Boot Device.....................: [Disabled]
Password Check........................: [Setup]
HDD S.M.A.R.T. Capability.............: [Enabled]
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]
Delay For HDD (Secs)..................: [ 0]
Full Screen LOGO Show.................: [Disabled]
Init Display First....................: [PEG]

******** Integrated Peripherals ********
USB Keyboard Function.................: [Enabled]
USB Mouse Function....................: [Enabled]
USB Storage Function..................: [Disabled]

[BlackRoth]

Originally Posted by Chike

There's seem to be inconsustency between screen capture and settings posted for MCH Reference and MCH/DRAM Reference.

Not much can be done about ram settings. You can try 2.0B multiplier and Static tRead Value 9 if it lets you do it. Run a momory benchmark for comparison.

Thank you Chike for your suggestions! About MCH Reference and MCH/DRAM Reference, I think Easy Tune always shows the same default values for those two settings, no matter what I put in the BIOS. I'll give it a try to the 2.00B multiplier and Static tRead value. This latter I though of doing it before, but I waited until getting a fully stable OC. Now that you have reminded me, I'll do it.

Boombastic, thank you for the very detailed list of suggestions, greatly appreciated as well! About voltages, the procedure I followed in order to get up to 1.39v in the Vcore was notch by notch, but I tried raising some other values and still I kept getting errors in Prime95 (although some values you suggested, mostly ref voltages., I never changed them, so that would be a mistake I made). The only way I could manage to have this 24h blend test was by raising Vcore. One notch back and I would get an error at 7h-9h of stressing.

I'm still trying to understand how exactly voltages work, because I don't know for sure what I should raise or decrease in order to be able to reduce Vcore. That's why I'd like you to advice me what kind of order of voltage changing I could follow, as it seems there are plenty of changes to be made. Or whether I should try your template of changes as a starting point before beginning lowering Vcore.

Thanks a lot for your kind replies.

[Chike]

Originally Posted by BlackRoth

About MCH Reference and MCH/DRAM Reference, I think Easy Tune always shows the same default values for those two settings, no matter what I put in the BIOS.

Yeah my math was a bit off
EasyTune shows the MCH/CPU Ref values for default CPU Termination and DRAM/MCH Ref for default DRAM Voltage(not completely sure about the DRAM).

[marsey99]

on that fsb/cas you should be able to run a pl of 7 (maybe even 6 with some more volts)
i would also try
trfc 52 (if it or 1 of these bellow crashes it try 55)
write to precharge 12
write to read delay 10
tref as high as you can without crashing

that should gain a bit of mem bandwidth, everest is good for testing this as is sandra.

[BoombasticSloth]

Originally Posted by BlackRoth

That's why I'd like you to advice me what kind of order of voltage changing I could follow, as it seems there are plenty of changes to be made. Or whether I should try your template of changes as a starting point before beginning lowering Vcore.

Thanks a lot for your kind replies.

Do everything that I had suggested in the [brackets] for now as a starting point. They work in tandem with each other. Then lower your vcore 1 step at a time. The comments to the right of the brackets are for later. If lowering your vcore is not working out with the suggested changes, increase your vtt a notch or two may help. Just don't go higher than vcore. As you lower your vcore, you may find that you may need to reduce your vtt back a step or two to 1.24v as you currently have it. Remember changing your vtt, will result in changes in your gtl refs as well. So you may have to find new combinations of gtl refs. That is why it is important to make a spreadsheet of your bios settings so that you can be systematic and methodical about your bios settings changes. Every cpu is different and some settings may not work with some cpu while they may work nicely with others. YMMV. Good luck.

[BlackRoth]

Originally Posted by marsey99

on that fsb/cas you should be able to run a pl of 7 (maybe even 6 with some more volts)
i would also try
trfc 52 (if it or 1 of these bellow crashes it try 55)
write to precharge 12
write to read delay 10
tref as high as you can without crashing.

Thank you for your suggestions, Marsey. I'll try to work on those timings once I reach the minimum Vcore possible.

And thatnks Boombastic for your clarification. I've used your settings but after decreasing Vcore one notch, Prime95 crashed in the first couple of minutes, after that I increased the VTT up to 1.280v along with a reduction of Vcore and now the Prime test lasted 45 minutes before it crashed. I'd have to go further with VTT, right?

I'll continue testing and posting any new progress.

[BoombasticSloth]

With everything the same as my original suggestions, drop your vcore down one notch from 1.39375v, and change your mch ref to 0.72v @ vtt=1.20v. I think mch ref will be 0.745v. Then try one more lower. Then try it 1 higher than 0.765v, I think it will be 0.785v. Then try one more higher again. I think it is 0.810v.

If those don't work change your cpu ref from 0.77v to 0.785v, and try the range of mch ref's. Then go 1 step higher on cpu ref, and try the range of mch refs. Then go cpu ref 0.755v, and try the range of mch refs.

If those don't work move your vtt up one step from 1.24v to 1.26v, and then try the whole shabang of cpu and mch refs. If still no go try it with vtt=1.28v, and go through the whole shabang of cpu and mch refs.

The idea is to find the sweet spot for your cpu ref, mch ref, and vtt.

I know, there are a lot of combinations. Make note of the results from each of the bios setting changes in a spreadsheet so that you can see a pattern of improvements or non-improvements. Also it will eliminate redundancy.

good luck.