Q9400 Overclock EP45T DS3R Help

[hanleyc]

HI All,

I posted way back in 2009 about overclocking, but gave up and couldnt get a stable setting. Ive changed some hardware since then, but I still would like to squeeze a bit more from my aging system.

I hope someone can help me with this. I know its a dated system but some help would be appreciated.

Specs are now.


EP45T-DS3R
Intel Q9400 running Stock...
2x1gb G-Skill PC3-10666 1333Mhz CAS 9 9 9 24
2x2gb Kingston PC3 DDR3 10667 1333 CAS 9 9 9 24
Nvidia GForce GTX285 1gb graphics
Samsung 750gb Sata Hard Drive
650wt Thermaltake Power supply
Arctic Freezer 13 Cooler


Link to Ram G Skill
DDR3

and Kingston

http://www.kingston.com/dataSheets/K...3S8N9K2_4G.pdf


Bios Settings

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: AUTO
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8 X
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 2.66


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz
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 (ps)....................: 0<<<
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: 0<<<


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: Standard
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: AUTO
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1333
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [auto]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................ 9
tRCD .........................................9
tRP'...........................................9
tRAS..........................................24

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................................Aut o
tWTR..........................................Auto
tWR............................................Aut o
tRFC...........................................Aut o
tRTP...........................................
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:Auto

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ............................

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:Auto
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.........................:Auto
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
Voltage Type.………... Manual
CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................: 1.2125
CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......:
CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......:AUTO

CPU Referen.…………....0.760V*.......:


MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........:
MCH Reference….……. 0.760V...........;
DRAM Ref.…..............0.750V...........:
ICH I/O……………….......1.500V............
ICH Core…………...……..1.100V............:

DRAM
DRAM Voltage …….... 1.500............:
DRAM Termination .…0.750............:
Channel A Reference 0.750V............:
Channel B Reference 0.750V............:

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]
Vmware/Virtual PC

So this is where I am at. I tried several settings from my previous post, but cant get the pc to boot into windows. (gigabyte splash screen then nothing). Someone maybe able to give me some ideas please.


Regards
Craig

[profJim]

Remove the 2x1Gb memory modules while overclocking.
Mixing memory brands can make it more difficult to get a stable overclock.
Once you've reached your o/c goal, you can try tweaking for stability with 6GB of memory.

Let us know what specific altered bios settings won't let your system boot.
Before booting into windows, boot using a bootable Memtest86+ usb or optical drive.
Even with good memory, Memtest86+ can often generate errors when some bios settings aren't quite right.
With an unstable o/c, you run the risk of possibly corrupting your o/s boot drive.

We can best help you after you create a detailed hardware list in the PC Specs portion of your
forum profile http://forums.tweaktown.com/profile.php?do=editprofile at the bottom of the
profile page or in your forum signature http://forums.tweaktown.com/profile....=editsignature.
Be sure to include brand names and model numbers.

note: I changed your thread title from Q0400 to Q9400.

[hanleyc]

Remove the 2x1Gb memory modules while overclocking.
Mixing memory brands can make it more difficult to get a stable overclock.
Once you've reached your o/c goal, you can try tweaking for stability with 6GB of memory.

Let us know what specific altered bios settings won't let your system boot.
Before booting into windows, boot using a bootable Memtest86+ usb or optical drive.
Even with good memory, Memtest86+ can often generate errors when some bios settings aren't quite right.
With an unstable o/c, you run the risk of possibly corrupting your o/s boot drive.

We can best help you after you create a detailed hardware list in the PC Specs portion of your
forum profile http://forums.tweaktown.com/profile.php?do=editprofile at the bottom of the
profile page or in your forum signature http://forums.tweaktown.com/profile....=editsignature.
Be sure to include brand names and model numbers.

note: I changed your thread title from Q0400 to Q9400.

Thanks Prof Jim for changing the title...a bit dyslexic I think.

I will take the 2x1gb sticks out and try again. The message I get in the bios is the big red one that says the settings and voltages have changed due to overclocking and the settings here may not be correct. So I guess it could be anything in the bios related to voltages or overclocking. Sorry I cant be any more specific than that. The pc is running with optimised defaults now, with the exception of the CIE settings being disabled. Everything is at stock speeds/voltages.
Details have been updated in my system specs as you mentioned. I would be looking for a modest overclock to 3 or 3.2ghz.

Regards

Craig

[profJim]

You're welcome.
Check out EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting, post #5 for some basic recommended bios settings.
The AUTO setting for MCH Core is probably the biggest problem right now; try 1.20 - 1.26 volts with your DDR3 memory.
Once you've passed several Memtest86+ full test loops (tests #1 - #8) see if you can boot into windows.
You can save up to 8 different bios profiles in the bios and this will make it easier to load saved stable or test settings.
Your motherboard user manual has information for saving and loading saved bios profiles.

Once you can boot into windows, follow step #4 in the linked to post to create a single screen-shot that will provide useful information.
It's important to report accurate bios settings and a detailed description of any errors that occur while stress testing.

Nicely done with your PC Specs hardware list, but there's a typo in the motherboard model name.

[hanleyc]

Thanks Jim.

Let me go away now, and read all the information, experiment with a few settings,run a few tests, and then get back to you . sound ok?....oh and thanks for your help.

edit - fixed the pc specs list in profile.

[profJim]

Sounds good.
Use the forum advanced search tool and enter q9400 ep45t in keywords section and select search titles only to get an idea of the general range of settings that have worked with similar systems.
Happy reading ;)

[hanleyc]

First round after trying and even with the speed increased to 340 (2.72ghz) the pc wont boot into windows. I get the splash screen then it disappears and reboots.
Ive had a browse around the forums and I didnt want to change much other settings as yet.

Any form of adjustment in the bios seems to render it unstable. (I am running only with the 2x2gb kingstom ram atm)

EDIT: Increased my voltage on the ram to 1.6, and I booted into windows @2.72ghz. I'll keep experimenting, and post back soon.

[hanleyc]

This is where I'm at now....



I want to go slightly higher if possible, but when i got to 3.2ghz, I got the BSOD, and a reboot.There is the result of the intel burn test on high as well.

[profJim]

Post a cpu-z screen-shot of the cpu-z Memory and SPD tabs.
I think that I know what the problem is.
Also post a link to the Kingston website that links to the PDF file for your exact memory kit.
Click on the Kingston HyperX memory link in my signature and it will take you to the PDF file for my memory; we need the same information for your memory kit.

It will speed up troubleshooting if you post your bios settings where you manually fill in the settings that you are using. If you've left settings on AUTO, put that in the template that you post as a TXT file. Also accurately fill in all the settings that you've changed since your previous settings.

Are all these details necessary? ABSOLUTELY!!!!
Any errors or omissions will slow everything down.

[hanleyc]

Motherboard: Model: Rev1: GA EP45T DS3R
Bios Version:f3
Cpu: Model Q9400
Ram: Brand, Kingston DDR1333 2x2gb
Model/Part#, http://www.kingston.com/dataSheets/K...3S8N9K2_4G.pdf
Power Supply Unit: Thermaltake 1O163 Toughpower QF-FAN 650wt (this has a lifetime warranty which is one of the reasons why I bought it )

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [8]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.0] <-- ignore if not available
CPU Frequency ---------------------: 3.04 <-- this is set by your bios

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [380]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100] <--- Set to 100, never leave this on Auto

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

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard] <--- set to STANDARD when overclocking
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled] <--- Leave this Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [3.20B] <-- this is the setting that you are using
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [1216]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual] <-- set to MANUAL for overclocking

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- 9 ---------- : [Auto]
tRCD ------------------- 9 ---------- : [Auto]
tRP --------------------- 9 ---------- : [Auto]
tRAS ------------------- 24?? ---------- : [Auto]

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


Channel A
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to 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]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to 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

CPU Vcore --------------- 1.225

CPU Termination --------- 1.22
CPU PLL ----------------- 1.50----- : [1.50]

CPU Reference ----------- 0.76V* ----- : [Auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- 1.22V ------- : [1.22]
MCH Reference ----------- 0.76 ------- : [0.76]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ 0.75V ------ : [0.76]
ICH I/O ----------------- 1.50V ------- : [1.50]
ICH Core ---------------- ?.???V ------- : [
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.60V ------- : [1.60]
DRAM Termination -------- 1.22V ------- : [1.22]
Channel A Reference ----- 0.75V ------- : [0.75]
Channel B Reference ----- 0.75V ------- : [0.75]

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 ------------- : [Disabled]