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Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

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  • Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

    Hi all, I'm new to these forums. I recently began overclocking my X3220 on a GA-EP45-UD3L. Here are my specs:
    <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td height="26" valign="top" width="25%">CPU
    Intel Xeon X3220
    </td> <td valign="top" width="25%">Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3L
    </td> <td valign="top" width="25%">Memory
    8GB PC2-8500 OCZ2G10664GK
    </td> <td valign="top" width="25%">Graphics Card
    BFG Geforce GTX 260 OC
    </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Hard Drive
    WD500GB
    </td> <td valign="top">Power Supply
    Corsair HX620
    </td> <td valign="top">Case
    Antec
    </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">CPU cooling
    Tuniq Tower 120
    </td> <td valign="top">OS
    Windows 7 x64
    </td> <td valign="top">Monitor
    Acer H233H
    </td></tr></tbody></table>
    I need help optimizing my OC.
    Here are my current settings:
    Clock Chip Control
    Standard Clock Control
    CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
    CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 356Mhz
    PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:100

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

    Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
    CPU Clock Drive...........................:800
    PCI Express Clock Drive.................:800
    CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................:0
    MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................:0

    DRAM Performance Control
    Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
    Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: [Disabled]
    (G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
    System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.00A
    Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1068
    DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

    Standard Timing Control
    CAS Latency Time........................5
    tRCD .........................................6
    tRP'...........................................6
    tRAS..........................................18

    Motherboard Voltage Control
    Voltage Type.………... Manual
    CPU
    Load line calibration......................[Disabled]
    CPU Vcore….……….........................1.4681V
    CPU Termination….........................1.300V
    CPU PLL………………….......................1.550V
    CPU Reference..............................Auto

    MCH/ICH
    MCH Core…………….........................1.200V
    MCH Reference….…….....................Auto
    MCH/DRAM Ref.…..........................Auto
    ICH I/O………………..........................1.550V
    ICH Core…………...…….....................1.100V

    DRAM
    DRAM Voltage …….........................2.1V
    DRAM Termination .….....................Auto

    Advanced Settings
    Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
    No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
    CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
    C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
    CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
    CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
    Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled]

    Integrated Peripherals
    Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled]

    I think I have reached stability. Check out the screenshot.


    Please help me optimize my system. Thanks in advance guys.
    CPU: Intel Xeon X3220
    Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3L
    Memory: 8GB PC2-8500 OCZ2G10664GK
    Graphics Card: BFG Geforce GTX 260 OC
    Hard Drive: WD500GB
    Power Supply: Corsair HX620
    Case: Antec
    CPU cooling: Tuniq Tower 120
    OS:Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Monitor: Acer H233H

  • #2
    Re: Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

    That isn't very long test at all? Why did you say you are stable, or am I misunderstanding you?

    You need to run Prime95 or Orthos, one at a time only, for 12-24 hours or so not a few minutes.

    Try these changes

    Clock Chip Control
    Standard Clock Control
    CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
    CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 356Mhz
    PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:100

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

    Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
    CPU Clock Drive...........................:800
    PCI Express Clock Drive.................:800
    CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................:0
    MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................:0

    DRAM Performance Control
    Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
    Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: [Disabled]
    (G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
    System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.00A << Set 2.40B for now, or try leaving what you have already
    Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1068
    DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

    Standard Timing Control
    CAS Latency Time........................5
    tRCD .........................................6
    tRP'...........................................6
    tRAS..........................................18

    Set all Suggested below to highest Values first. Then later you can lower, one at a time, testing as you go

    Advanced Timing Control
    tRRD........................................... 3-5
    tWTR.......................................... 3-6
    tWR............................................ 4-8
    tRFC...........................................74-80
    tRTP...........................................4-5
    Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

    Driving Strength Profiles
    Driving Strength ............................ 1066

    Channel A
    Static tRead Value.........................:6-8
    tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
    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.........................:6-8
    tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
    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
    Load line calibration......................[Disabled]
    CPU Vcore….……….........................1.4681V
    CPU Termination….........................1.3-1.42
    CPU PLL………………….......................1.550V
    CPU Reference..............................Auto

    MCH/ICH
    MCH Core…………….........................1.26-1.34
    MCH Reference….…….....................Auto
    MCH/DRAM Ref.…..........................Auto
    ICH I/O………………..........................1.550V
    ICH Core…………...…….....................1.14-1.2

    DRAM
    DRAM Voltage …….........................2.1-2.15V
    DRAM Termination .….....................Auto

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

      Originally posted by Lsdmeasap View Post
      That isn't very long test at all? Why did you say you are stable, or am I misunderstanding you?

      You need to run Prime95 or Orthos, one at a time only, for 12-24 hours or so not a few minutes.
      Ahhh I see...I was doing stability testing incorrectly this whole time. I thought having both Prime95 AND Orthos would accelerate the process but I was wrong.

      I will input your settings into bios and attempt stability testing the correct way and get back to you.

      Thanks lsd.
      CPU: Intel Xeon X3220
      Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3L
      Memory: 8GB PC2-8500 OCZ2G10664GK
      Graphics Card: BFG Geforce GTX 260 OC
      Hard Drive: WD500GB
      Power Supply: Corsair HX620
      Case: Antec
      CPU cooling: Tuniq Tower 120
      OS:Windows 7 Ultimate x64
      Monitor: Acer H233H

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

        Yes, you need to test for much longer for starters. 4-8 hours shows you are fairly stable, 10-16 shows you are very close, and 24-x shows you are for sure stable.

        Quicker is not going to tell you anything, and running two similar test like that at once is actually slowing things down and could cause errors in itself.

        If you want quick testing, and you have a good cooler, try LinX for 10-20 passes with All/Max memory chosen

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

          I managed to get Prime95 to run stable for 4 hours with the following settings. Load temperatures hover around the 65C mark for the hottest core in CoreTemp. I am looking to further optimize my system if possible.


          Current Settings @ 3.4GHz:
          Clock Chip Control
          Standard Clock Control
          CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
          CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 378Mhz
          PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:100

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

          Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
          CPU Clock Drive...........................:800
          PCI Express Clock Drive.................:800
          CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................:0
          MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................:0

          DRAM Performance Control
          Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
          Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: [Disabled]
          (G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
          System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.40B
          Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 907
          DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

          Standard Timing Control
          CAS Latency Time........................5
          tRCD .........................................6
          tRP'...........................................6
          tRAS..........................................18

          Advanced Timing Control
          tRRD..........................................Auto (3)
          tWTR.........................................Auto (3)
          tWR...........................................Auto (6)
          tRFC..........................................Auto (54)
          tRTP..........................................Auto (4)
          Command Rate (CMD) ...................Auto (says 0, is that ok?)

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

          Channel A
          Static tRead Value.........................Auto (7)
          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
          Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto

          Channel B
          Static tRead Value.........................Auto (7)
          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
          Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto


          Motherboard Voltage Control
          Voltage Type.………... Manual
          CPU
          Load line calibration......................[Disabled]
          CPU Vcore….……….........................1.55V (CPU-Z Readings: Idle: 1.492V, Load: 1.44V)
          CPU Termination….........................1.3V
          CPU PLL………………….......................1.550V
          CPU Reference..............................Auto

          MCH/ICH
          MCH Core…………….........................1.2V (you recommended 1.26V minimum, should I change?)
          MCH Reference….…….....................Auto
          MCH/DRAM Ref.…..........................Auto
          ICH I/O………………..........................1.550V
          ICH Core…………...…….....................1.1V (you recommended 1.14V minimum, should I change?)

          DRAM
          DRAM Voltage …….........................2.1V
          DRAM Termination .….....................Auto


          Thanks again for your help LSD. Please let me know.
          CPU: Intel Xeon X3220
          Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3L
          Memory: 8GB PC2-8500 OCZ2G10664GK
          Graphics Card: BFG Geforce GTX 260 OC
          Hard Drive: WD500GB
          Power Supply: Corsair HX620
          Case: Antec
          CPU cooling: Tuniq Tower 120
          OS:Windows 7 Ultimate x64
          Monitor: Acer H233H

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

            Nice, so it ran 4 hours then you stopped it right, it didn't crash out?

            You want to stay there then right, then just optimize? If so try the following changes

            Current Settings @ 3.4GHz:
            Clock Chip Control
            Standard Clock Control
            CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
            CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 378Mhz
            PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:100

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

            Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
            CPU Clock Drive...........................:800
            PCI Express Clock Drive.................:800
            CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................:0
            MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................:0

            DRAM Performance Control
            Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
            Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: [Disabled]
            (G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
            System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.40B
            Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 907
            DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

            Standard Timing Control
            CAS Latency Time........................5
            tRCD .........................................6
            tRP'...........................................6
            tRAS..........................................18

            Advanced Timing Control
            tRRD..........................................3
            tWTR.........................................3
            tWR...........................................4-6
            tRFC..........................................52-58 (May need 62+ for 8GB to reach full stability, but you may be fine)
            tRTP..........................................304
            Command Rate (CMD) ...................Auto (says 0, is that ok?) << Set 2T

            Driving Strength Profiles
            Driving Strength ............................Auto << Set 1066

            Channel A
            Static tRead Value.........................Auto (7) << Set 7-8 manually, try 6 later if you want but it may fail
            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
            Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto

            Channel B
            Static tRead Value.........................Auto (7) << Set 7-8 manually, try 6 later if you want but it may fail
            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
            Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto


            Motherboard Voltage Control
            Voltage Type.………... Manual
            CPU
            Load line calibration......................[Disabled] << Enabled
            CPU Vcore….……….........................1.55V (CPU-Z Readings: Idle: 1.492V, Load: 1.44V) << With LLC enabled above you can lower this a bit, then your load voltage wont drop so much
            CPU Termination….........................1.3V << 1.3-1.45
            CPU PLL………………….......................1.550V
            CPU Reference..............................Auto

            MCH/ICH
            MCH Core…………….........................1.2V (you recommended 1.26V minimum, should I change?) << If this is fine and stable you are good to go, if you start crashing you should raise it some. I just said what I did because that is the norm people end up having to use with 8GB to be stable
            MCH Reference….…….....................Auto
            MCH/DRAM Ref.…..........................Auto
            ICH I/O………………..........................1.550V
            ICH Core…………...…….....................1.1V (you recommended 1.14V minimum, should I change?) << That is fine

            DRAM
            DRAM Voltage …….........................2.1V
            DRAM Termination .….....................Auto

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

              LSD:

              Your settings were spot on for my system. Just ran 6 hours in Prime95 before I stopped it. Here are the settings I am currently using:

              Current Settings @ 3.4GHz:
              Clock Chip Control
              Standard Clock Control
              CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
              CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 378Mhz
              PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:100

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

              Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
              CPU Clock Drive...........................:800
              PCI Express Clock Drive.................:800
              CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................:0
              MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................:0

              DRAM Performance Control
              Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
              Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: [Disabled]
              (G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
              System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.40B
              Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 907
              DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

              Standard Timing Control
              CAS Latency Time........................5
              tRCD .........................................6
              tRP'...........................................6
              tRAS..........................................18

              Advanced Timing Control
              tRRD..........................................3
              tWTR.........................................3
              tWR...........................................6
              tRFC..........................................54
              tRTP..........................................3
              Command Rate (CMD) ...................2

              Driving Strength Profiles
              Driving Strength ............................1066

              Channel A
              Static tRead Value.........................7
              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
              Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto

              Channel B
              Static tRead Value.........................7
              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
              Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto

              Motherboard Voltage Control
              Voltage Type.………... Manual
              CPU
              Load line calibration......................Disabled (I am apprehensive about using Load Line Calibration after extensive research, can it shorten CPU life?)
              CPU Vcore….……….........................1.55V (CPU-Z Readings: Idle: 1.492V, Load: 1.44V)
              CPU Termination….........................1.4V
              CPU PLL………………….......................1.550V
              CPU Reference..............................Auto

              MCH/ICH
              MCH Core…………….........................1.26V
              MCH Reference….…….....................Auto
              MCH/DRAM Ref.…..........................Auto
              ICH I/O………………..........................1.550V
              ICH Core…………...…….....................1.1V

              DRAM
              DRAM Voltage …….........................2.1V
              DRAM Termination .….....................Auto

              As far as LLC is concerned, it appears the Q6600 series can handle it fine. However I am still a little paranoid about it shortening my CPU life. Do you think it would be better for me to turn LLC on and reduce voltage or keep it off and use an elevated voltage? BTW my processer is G0 stepping.

              Thanks again for your expertise.
              CPU: Intel Xeon X3220
              Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3L
              Memory: 8GB PC2-8500 OCZ2G10664GK
              Graphics Card: BFG Geforce GTX 260 OC
              Hard Drive: WD500GB
              Power Supply: Corsair HX620
              Case: Antec
              CPU cooling: Tuniq Tower 120
              OS:Windows 7 Ultimate x64
              Monitor: Acer H233H

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

                Great to hear man!!

                LLC is only scary because of a few reported CPU's dying a long time ago, which were never proven to be caused by LLC directly.

                I suggest using it, then you will be able to use less Vcore at Idle. See how you are stable now for 6 hours at 1.44 Vcore under load? All you need to do is enable LLC, then adjust your BIOS Vcore until again under load you get 1.44V, which will be much less at idle then you are using now.

                It is safe, I have always used it myself and never have any problems on any systems. It is up to you of course, but I'd use it so you can use less vcore overall

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

                  Following your advice I made the following changes:
                  Load line calibration......................[Enabled]
                  CPU Vcore….……….........................1.48V

                  Computer was again stable for 6 hours in Prime95 before I stopped it. I will continue trying to optimize the voltages as I go. One thing that bothered me is that under load the temperatures could approach 68-70C. Is that ok for my processor?
                  CPU: Intel Xeon X3220
                  Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3L
                  Memory: 8GB PC2-8500 OCZ2G10664GK
                  Graphics Card: BFG Geforce GTX 260 OC
                  Hard Drive: WD500GB
                  Power Supply: Corsair HX620
                  Case: Antec
                  CPU cooling: Tuniq Tower 120
                  OS:Windows 7 Ultimate x64
                  Monitor: Acer H233H

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

                    Ya that is ok temps, and actually not that bad.

                    Keep in mind you never will load your computer like Prime95 does, only when using prime95 :)

                    Keep testing, you may be able to lower the Vcore more still, and maybe Vtt a little too

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

                      Further optimizations:

                      Vtt: 1.3V
                      MCH Core: 1.2V

                      Was able to run Prime95 for 12 hours before I stopped it.
                      I was wondering, do you think I may be able to increase my memory frequency to what its rated at, 1066 MHz, or would that introduce too much instability? What would be a good System Memory Multiplier to begin testing at?
                      CPU: Intel Xeon X3220
                      Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3L
                      Memory: 8GB PC2-8500 OCZ2G10664GK
                      Graphics Card: BFG Geforce GTX 260 OC
                      Hard Drive: WD500GB
                      Power Supply: Corsair HX620
                      Case: Antec
                      CPU cooling: Tuniq Tower 120
                      OS:Windows 7 Ultimate x64
                      Monitor: Acer H233H

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Need help optimizing X3220 (Q6600) OC on GA-EP45-UD3L

                        Nice to see you were able to lower thing a bit, surprised to see MCH Core come down that low with 8GB.

                        You may be able to get more out of your memory, but not sure with 8GB. I do know you would need to loosen things up and raise voltages again though before trying, and then you might only get 50-100 or so more Mhz, so it might not be worth all the hassles it would take to try but it's up to you.

                        I'd either try more FSB using the same memory multi, or try using 2.66D from the FSB you are on now, that would give you 1005Mhz. You will need to loosen up the timings though for sure, especially tRD, MCH Core will need to be raised again, and you may need a tad more tRFC

                        Comment

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