Ultimate OC for Gigabyte - Ga-Ep45t ud3lr + Q6600 - Help

[Valleck]

Well, this is my Problem guys, i recently have bought new hardware to my 2 years old Core 2 Quad - Q6600 (I know mi cpu is old), so the point is "how to get the most of my Rig" and play games decently, I have read some simililar tutos on internet and i am not very confident because of my limited knowledge, that's why i asking you for help please

My RIG

Processor - Core 2 Quad Q6600 Rev.Go @ 2.40GHz
Mainboard - Gigabyte EP45T-UD3LR Rev 1.0 / Bios F12e
Memory - Corsair Vengeance DRR3 8gb 1600 MHz 2x4GB RED/ Part Number : CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
Video Card - Nvidia Asus Gtx 570 Direct CUII
PSU - Antec Earthwatts 750 Watts Green Version
Cooler - Antec Kulher H2o 620
Plataform - Windows 7 Ultimate 64bits Service Pack 1


My problem now is my ram, i still don't stabilize in memtest, it continues displaying errors acording what i read, one should first stabilize the memory then the cpu...

Well, i don't know exactly how much voltage is correct, i have read that 8 GB of memory needs more power in the northbridge

Motherboard Voltage Control (EP45T-UD3LR Rev 1.0 / Bios F12e - This is my bios settings)

Load-Line Calibration .........................[Disabled]
CPU Vcore...............[1.20000]..........[Auto] -->i still don't oc my Q6600
CPU Termination.......[1.200]..............[1.200]
CPU PLL .................[1.550]..............[1.550]
CPU Reference.........[0.805]..............[Auto]

MCH Core................[1.100]............[XXX] --> i tried to change this one to 1.18- 1.20 - 1.24 ... 1.32 and errors continues
MCH Reference.........[0.760]............[Auto] |
ICH I/O...................[1.550]............[1.550] | --> what about these voltages, should i try or too dangerous
ICH Core.................[1.100]............[1.100] |

DRAM Voltage..........[1.500]..............[1.500]
DRAM Termination.....[0.750].............[Auto]

I was testing the memos with Memtest86+-4.20 usb then select test 5 and show me errors also i have tried with 1 stick of ram and the same, dont know what happen to my ram which is new and in desktop seems to works well or maybe is the bios, motherboard please i need your help

[profJim]

DDR3 memory with your P45T motherboard can be tricky.
Try underclocking your memory speed to 1066 - 1100MHz at first.
Once the memory is stable, you can try increasing the memory speed and see if it's still stable.
As I recall, most DDR3 memory with the P45 systems usually required Dram voltage closer to 1.80 volts.
The Corsair memory configurator recommends CMP8GX3M4A1333C9 memory for the EP45T and is rated at 1333MHz.

Use the forum's Advanced Search feature and search for EP45T or EP45C in the thread title to get an idea what settings worked well for other members.
If you need more help, post your bios settings using the bios template from Gigabyte BIOS Templates (To Give Us Your Settings), post #3.
The recommended basic settings in EP43-UD3L with Q9400 wont post, keeps rebooting, post #5 should help.
You will probably need to set MCH Core to 1.24 - 1.28
MCH Core that is too high or too low will often lead to boot loops.

[Valleck]

Thank you for your help Prof. Jim, I uploaded Pics of my Bios. Could you check it pls

PC BIOS Gigabyte ga-ep45t-ud3lr Photos by valleck | Photobucket20

[profJim]

We are going to start with only one memory module installed in memory slot #1, closest to the cpu.
Whenever you add or remove any hardware, always:

1. turn your system off
2. turn your power supply off using the on/off rocker switch at the back of the power supply
3. disconnect the A.C. power cord from the back of the psu or the wall outlet
4. press and hold the front panel on/off switch for 10 - 15 seconds to discharge residual stored power from your system

Right now your system is not using Optimized bios defaults because your system had boot problems and the bios was automatically set to "fail safe" settings.
Boot into the bios and load optimized settings from the bios main menu screen, then press F10 to save settings and exit.
Boot back into the bios and make the following additional changes:

note: always press CTRL + F1 at the main bios screen so that you have access to all hidden bios settings.

Advanced Bios Features
First Boot Device ----------------- : [Your Choice] <--- set Second and Third devices as you wish
Virtualization Technology --------- : [Disabled]
Delay for HDD (Secs) ---------------: [7]
Full Screen Logo Show ------------- : [Disabled

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------- : [Auto] <-- FAST is OK
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------- : [9]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------- : [0.0] <-- ignore if not available
CPU Frequency -------------- : 2.40GHz

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------- : [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ------- : [266]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---- : [101] 
C.I.A.2 ------------------------ : [Disabled]

Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------- : ??? <-- show the values displayed in your bios for these four settings
PCI Express Clock Drive -------- : ??? <-- do NOT change these values manually
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------ : ???
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------ : ???

DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------ : [Standard] 
Extreme Memory Profile - (XMP) - : [Disabled] 
(G)MCH Frequency Latch --------- : [Manual]
System Memory Multiplier ------- : [4.00A]
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ------ 1064 MHz
DRAM Timing Selectable --------- : [Manual] 
Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time ------- ?? ---- : [9]
tRCD  ------------------ ?? ---- : [9]
tRP -------------------- ?? ---- : [9]
tRAS  ------------------ ?? ---- : [24]

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

Channel A Timing Settings -- {Press Enter to change settings)
Static tRead Value ------------- : [6]
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 Timing Settings {Press Enter to change settings)
Static tRead Value ------------- : [6]
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 A and B Driving Settings ------ {Press Enter to change settings)
Driving Strength Profile ------- : [1066] <-- setting for channel A
Driving Strength Profile ------- : [1066] <-- setting for channel B

Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types--------- Normal ----- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ---------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore ----------- 1.????? -- : [1.26250] <-- set this to the value displayed to the left in the bios
CPU Termination ----- 1.200V* -- : [1.200] <-- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking)
CPU PLL ------------- 1.500V* -- : [1.50] <-- set to the value to the left (Auto over-volts this too much when overclocking)
CPU Reference ------- 0.755V* -- : [Auto] <-- Auto Will set this correctly
CPU Reference2 ------ 0.800V* -- : [Auto] <-- Auto Will set this correctly

MCH/ICH
MCH Core ------------- 1.100V -- : [1.20] <-- set to 1.20 for 2x2GB ram (1.24 - 1.26, or 1.05 might be needed)
MCH Reference -------- 0.800V -- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref --------- 0.900V -- : [Auto]
ICH I/O -------------- 1.500V -- : [1.50] <-- set to the value to the left
ICH Core ------------- 1.100V -- : [1.10] <-- set to the value to the left
DRAM
DRAM Voltage --------- 1.500V -- : [1.60] <-- for DDR3 memory, up to 1.80 volts might be needed
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] <-- Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

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

These will be your basic default settings.
Go back to the bios main menu and save these settings using one of the eight available saved bios profiles.
This will make it much easier to reload these settings without having to manually set each setting.
The name of each bios profile can be up to 15 or 16 characters, give it a meaningful name.
Read the bios profile section in the user manual and ask if you have any questions.

When you are done making changes and have saved your settings, press F10 at the main bios screen to save settings and exit.
Run your tests and report any errors or problems in detail.

corrections:
set Static tRead Value = 6 for memory channels A & B ( this will be increased later when overclocking)
In the Power Management Setup window, set HPET Mode = 64 bit (it is currently set to 32 bit and you are using a 64-bit operating system)

note: if your system goes through more than two boot loops, your bios settings were probably reset.
Boot into the bios MIT section and if a red warning box appears, you will need to reset or reload the desired bios settings.
This is why it's good to have several different saved bios profiles, some of which might be stable and others can be saved "temporary" settings.

[profJim]

If there are any questions, ask away.
You are using modern DDR3 memory in an older system. This might cause problems.
Once we get the DRAM and MCH settings correct, you'll repeat the tests with the other memory module and finally with both modules.

You've got an excellent cpu cooler so 3.40 - 3.60GHz should be doable.
CPU speed speed has a huge impact on overall performance.
Higher memory speeds (i.e. greater than 1333MHz) will be a waste of time with your system.
Memory benchmark scores could be higher, but you won't see any improvement in game play with maximum memory settings.

Some of the P35 and P45 DDR3 setups had to underclock their rated memory speed somewhat.

[profJim]

There are several important corrections and notes added to the end of post #4.

[Valleck]

We are going to start with only one memory module installed in memory slot #1, closest to the cpu.
Whenever you add or remove any hardware, always:

1. turn your system off
2. turn your power supply off using the on/off rocker switch at the back of the power supply
3. disconnect the A.C. power cord from the back of the psu or the wall outlet
4. press and hold the front panel on/off switch for 10 - 15 seconds to discharge residual stored power from your system

Right now your system is not using Optimized bios defaults because your system had boot problems and the bios was automatically set to "fail safe" settings.
Boot into the bios and load optimized settings from the bios main menu screen, then press F10 to save settings and exit.

Thank you for your support Prof. Jim i have a problem.

I removed one memory module (following your steps), then i booted into the bios, loaded Optimized Settings and save (F10), my pc restarts again, then it remains in the gigabyte logo and doesn't boot. This problem happened to me when i changed my old memory (2GB ddr3) with this new one (2x4Gb), i don't remember what i had done to enter windows again...

[Brimac]

Prof. Jim is right, when using the newer 1.5 volt ddr3 memory on P45t mobos use only 800-1200 mhz speed.
You should still be able to link and sync memory at 1333 mhz speed.
Try upping your Dram voltage to next step above 1.5 , like 1.52-1.55 volt. in bios.
I have a P45t-usb3p with C2Q9650 linked and synced at 1600mhz speed ,and has been as high as 1750 L&S.

[Valleck]

Guys, i was testing one memory module (4gb) with memtest and look what happened ¡

This one is stable, more than 2 hours and no errors



The other memory module (4gb) with memtest is unstable, Lot of errors in about 23 minutes



Both memories was tested in the same slot (closest to the cpu), I think one of my memories is bad or what do you think?

[profJim]

Using 4GB memory modules with your EP45T might be the problem.
Try using DRAM Voltage = 1.60 and MCH Core = 1.20 or 1.26.
I think that using 4GB DDR3 modules is going to be difficult to get stable, unless you can find a memory kit that a manufacturer that has tested with your motherboard. It's very common for Memtest86+ to generate errors when bios settings are too far away from the correct settings.
When bios settings are way off the mark, you can get thousands of errors very quickly.

The results in your second test indicate that the bios settings are close but not close enough.
Using Corsair's memory finder for the EP45T-DS3R, for 8GB of memory they recommend 4 x 2GB kits:

• XMS3 — 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit for AMD Platforms (CMX8GX3M4B1333C9) or
• Dominator® with DHX Pro Connector — 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMP8GX3M4A1333C9)

With my P35-DS3L I'm using 4 x 2GB of Kingston DDR2 1066 memory with 4-4-4-10 timings at 876MHz.
I can run with speeds close to 1066MHz with 5-5-5-15 timings, but there is no real world benefit with the higher speeds.
Two 2 x 2GB DDR2 kits will cost about $150 in the U.S.