Absolute VCore versus Adjusting DVID

[Ken429]

One more time - what is the advantage in using the DVID method versus just setting the VCore value? I know that my 2600K is happy at 4.5GHz with ~1.28V. So I set the VCore to 1.28V and set the LLC to Extreme (on the ASUS P8z68-V Pro MB it was Ultra High). That way the CPU gets ~1.296 - 1.284V depending on the load etc. Using CoreTemp 1.0 RC3 it looks like the watts used under load is ~116 and ~7 when idle. When I look at the watts used on the APC XS1500 it shows ~70 when the system is idle and the monitor is turned off. I suppose the difference between CoreTemp and the APC UPS is the Video card, hard drive, fans, etc. OR CoreTemp is giving misleading information? Anyway, every time I start down the DVID path I end up with wild voltage changes. I'm sure I can get to the right combination but it does not appear there are any advantages unless you consider less control over voltage fluctuations and core temperatures under load an advantage! Where am I going wrong?

[wazza300]

ive never used a fixed voltage,even from x58 days,i just find dvid far more easier on temps/power usage and voltages,you might need slightly more than a fixed voltage with dvid but overall its usually fine,your not running 100% speed all the time

[Ken429]

Yeah, that's the same response you gave me the last time I asked this question! However, It does not look like I save much juice by running with a lower voltage at idle. I've been running the Q9550 @ 1.31V for several years and it does not seem to mind. When I stress test the 2600K system using Prime95 with 8 threads there is a heck of a temperature difference between ~1.28V and ~1.32V. I have this imaginary line at 65C that I refuse to go beyond. Currently the system runs @ 4.5GHz with 1.28V VCore and max core temps of 59, 63, 63, 61C. I'm cheating a little because the ambient temperature is ~22C. But...I can't seem to get there using the DVID method. When I stress the system @ the default settings the VCore varies between 1.284, 1.272, 1.26 and 1.248V and even though it is "only" running 8 threads at 3.8GHz the Max core temperatures are 53, 55, 56, 55C. It's all downhill from there as I raise the multiplier. If someone wants to share the BIOS settings using the DVID method for a 2600K/GA-Z77X-UD5H running @ ~4.5GHz I'd like to give it a try and see where it goes.

[wazza300]

It's personal choice really,I suppose each mb and cpu play a part in how fine you can tune voltages ect,but it does take a lot of tweaking I found,esp with all the llc levels

[boondocks]

If you're happy running the same vcore all the time with no bad effects, then I think you answered your own question. Some board/cpu combos are happy with it and some aren't. I pretty much use DVID offset all the time myself. My thinking is the less current running through the cpu the better in terms of longevity, but I have no hard proof that it helps. Normally in terms of overclocking I try for less volts/some droop to keep heat down, especially with IB.

[Acebmxer]

DVID on my x58 was nice and worked. I have tried playing with DVID on z77x with 3rd Gen i7 cpu, but gave up and just stuck with fixed vcore. To many LLC options to play with and the fact that Vcore / dvid will change when cpu multi is changed.

Workign dvid on i7-2600k should be easy like x58. I would suggest using LLC set to turbo first, with fixed vcore this will give you what you set in bios at load.

[Ken429]

Acebmxer,
Amen. That is were I run into trouble with the DVID approach -the voltage changes dramatically with the multiplier. I can make it run but the voltage and temperatures under load scare me. I have tried the LLC set at Turbo a 45 multiplier and a VCore of 1.28V. The system quickly gave me a BSOD under 100% load. I tried the same settings with a VCore of 1.29V and it ran but under load but the voltage dropped to 1.26V so it would appear that at 1.28V with the LLC set to Turbo the voltage drooped a little too low under load. It was OK at a 44 multiplier. So I went back to my tried and true setting - Multiplier set at 45, VCore set at 1.28V and LLC set to Extreme. This is about the same setting I had on the ASUS P8Z68-VPro MB that was stable for many many months. Still looking for the elusive DVID settings for this system that will match what I know works.

[Conners]

IDK about your 2600K processor and the way it reacts to DVID voltage but basically methinks the more higher LLC the less vdroop. A lower vcore and higher DVID I think would cause the same as a higher v core at a lower DVID. Just my 2 cents...

Edit example... I was playing with this today and found that with a LLC set to high and a DVID of +.065 was basically the same as a LLC of Turbo and a DVID of +.045 as far as loaded core voltage goes
resulting in lower temps...