UD3P BIOS won't load overclocked settings...

[profJim]

Using the bios Optimized settings, change the primary memory timings to 5-6-6-18. Don't change any other bios settings. Save settings and exit, letting your system boot in windows.
Verify which memory timings are set from the Memset main screen, they should be 5-6-6-18.
In ET6, compare and note the voltages displayed with the values from your first screen-shot.
Exit windows and power off your system.
Wait 30 minutes (or longer), turn on your system and go into windows. Any reboot loops?
Check the memory timings and voltages again. Any changes?

If everything is fine, repeat the above steps, but this time make the following additional changes:
CPU Host Frequency = 366MHz (times 8.5 = 3.11GHz).
System Memory Multiplier = 2.40B (memory speed will now be 878MHz).
Any problems: Boot loops? Memory timings reset? Higher cpu speed didn't take?

With your voltages set to AUTO, some will probably be slighted over-volted but still within safe limits with this 10% overclock.
If everything is OK, we'll continue with manually setting the voltages and making sure that there aren't any problems. Then you'll be able to overclock further.

Be sure to save these interim bios changes as a saved bios profile.

[heydre]

Set the memory timings to 5-6-6-18 and f10ed. Ended up in reboot loop and had to "start Windows normally". At desktop went into MemSet and timings were still the old 5-7-7-24 and the voltages were the same in EasyTune.

This seems to be the norm after changing any BIOS settings from optimized/stock. I get into a reboot loop just after changing the settings and the new settings won't stick.

Next?

[profJim]

Your memory won't run at its rated 5-6-6-18 speed with no overclock.
Most 2x2GB of 1066 memory requires MCH Core set to about 1.20 volts. Some (very few) will only run with this set to 1.05 volts.
1) You can test further by only changing MCH Core with no other bios changes.
2) You can underclock your memory to 800MHz using the 2.40B memory multiplier and use tighter memory timings that will give performance similar to running at 1066 speeds. If this approach works, as you increase cpu speed (FSB) you can probably increase memory speeds to 900MHz or somewhat higher. MCH Core will probably need to be changed too.

Many people get hung up with "higher memory speeds are the only way to go." I'm leery of memory that doesn't use "standard" rated memory timings, such as the better 1066 memory is rated at 5-5-5-15 timings. What this means is that you'll have additional work to do to find the settings that will work with your memory.

The "best" approach is to try to get your memory settings working at 800MHz speeds with the proper MCH Core voltage and then start overclocking your cpu and memory.

I suggest using 5-5-5-15 primary memory timings at 800MHz. MCH Core = 1.10 volts or slightly lower/higher might work. A quick & dirty (but still useful) stress test is to run Intel BurnTest (IBT) for the standard 5 loops using the default settings. If there are no errors, this is a good sign, but it still doesn't mean that your system is fully stable. To really test your system, Prime95 or OCCT needs to be run for at least 8 - 12 hours or longer. A 3 hour Prime95 or OCCT test is the minimum time for an idea that your system is possibly stable. For all we know, your system might not be stable right now with the stock settings and your memory set to 5-7-7-24.

One other option would be if you can borrow some good memory to test with. Value ram is often OK at stock settings, but can be very difficult when you want to overclock.

Questions? Ask away.

[Chike]

Try the same 5-6-6-18 but with Performance Enhance standard, then set voltages manually as in post #11 if boots ok.

Before attempting OC, run a few passes of memtest86+ to verify memory settings.

Never boot windows after a boot loop. Either change settings untill the computer boots ok or return to known working settings.
If the computer is stuck in endless loop, turn the PSU off, wait ~20 seconds, turn it back on, and power on. Re-enter BIOS (the red message will come up) and make changes.

[profJim]

^^^^ +++++
Do what the "bad cop" says to do.

[heydre]

OK...bear with me . I think the problem has evolved (or devolved).

After entering my umpteenth millionth reboot, I was frustrated and let it sit after rebooting without video. In doing so, I happened to hear the familiar Windows loading chime.

In retrospect, it turns out that after all those "unsuccessful" settings changes and reboots without video that they may NOT have been such failures.

It's possible that I was fooled by the lack of video and the weird "pulsing reboot" each time I changed the settings. Also explains why, every once in a while, I was getting the "boot Windows normally" choice after I'd let the system sit after another pulsing reboot and then would reset the power not knowing the system had loaded Windows (but was not visible).

As a clarification, the "pulsing" reboot would happen after most settings changes. The pulsing reboot was characterized by the rising/falling speed of the CPU fan between each "pulse". After the fourth pulse, I would get a long pause followed by what I now assume was the BIOS/DMI loaded beep. The system would then load Windows but the monitor would stay in standby (orange LED).

At this point, what could it be?

1. The vidcard works fine once you load the optimized settings and reboot once or twice.
2. Changing to the other DVI port makes no difference when the system is stuck in no video output.
3. My monitor has no HDMI input so I can't try that port on the card.
4. Components work fine in Windows as I've played QuakeLive for hours and whatnot without issue (although I did get one weird system freeze/sound loop).

Long winded but what do you guys think?

Heydre

[Chike]

Try to clear CMOS(the long version) as described in the second part of this post.

[kally]

Mmm...would it matter that they made me cycle to school on a bike that was two sizes too small?

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[heydre]

I HOPE the above post is on the wrong thread...otherwise

On to the GOOD news .

Chike the nail on the head!

The looooong CMOS clear did the trick. Go here if others need to: BIOS Flashing - A "How To ~ Qflash Guide"

I've done all the steps separately and a few of them together but not ALL of them at once. I've now had 6 successful reboots in a row after changing settings S-L-O-W-L-Y.

I'd kiss you...if you were hot...and a chick...with nice *-*s. Instead I'll bow in your direction gentlemen and thank you and Prof for your patience.

Shooting for around 425FSB....what now gents?

[Chike]

Ran any stress tests on it?
PLL is a bit high, usually doesn't need to be changed at all with 400FSB.
If you wish to have to have a profile for 3.4GHz then try to set lower tRD)Static tread Value in BIOS, Performance Level in MemSet) for better memory performance. 8 or 7 should be possible. It will have to be increased again for higher FSB.