Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency & RAM Timings

[robertsmith]

Hello everyone,

I have been having some great success with Gigabyte boards lately and recently purchased a 3rd such board for a system I'm building for a friend. This time, I went with the GA-EP45-DS3L. This is paired up with an Intel Dual Core E5200 and a 2x2GB Buffalo FireStix rated at 5-5-5 and 1066MHZ.

At an Intel recommended Max VCore of 1.35625V, the maximum Prime95 stable clock I can get is 300 FSB x 11 multiplier = 3.3GHZ. This is a little less than I was expecting with this CPU at that voltage. It was not stable at 300 x 11.5 (lasted 4.5 hours on Prime95) or 280 x 12.5 (lasted 10 minutes on Prime95).

In any case, what I am having problems with are twofold:

1. MCH Latch Frequency. I want to run the memory at 1:1 with the FSB, which at the current 300MHZ BUS would result in a 1000MHZ RAM speed. However, when I select 3.33D (the 400MHZ Strap which I believe would result in a 1:1 ratio), the system fails to post. Instead, I must select 3.33C (200MHZ Strap), which runs the RAM at 1000MHZ but at a 3:5 ratio.

Similarly, I have tried 3.20B (333MHZ Strap), which results in a RAM speed of 960MHZ, but this also does not post.

I CAN run the RAM at 3.20A (266MHZ Strap) at 960MHZ which results in a 2:3 ratio.

I have tried raising the MCH voltage to 1.2V and raising the static tRead time (tRd) to 10 for each module without any success at the high frequency Straps.

So, the question I have is why cannot I run my RAM in a 1:1 ratio? In the P35 chipset boards I'm using, I simply select the RAM multiplier (I don't worry about the straps), and the board seemed to figure out the best ratio for me.

2. The stock speeds for my RAM modules are 5-5-5-18 at 1066MHZ. At its current timings of 5-5-5-18 at 1000MHZ, it runs flawlessly and passes memtest86+ without error. However, I wanted to test these modules at full stock speed, so I lowered the FSB to 266MHZ and selected the 4.00C multiplier which gave me exactly a RAM speed of 5-5-5-18. The system, however, was not stable at these settings.

Other than manually setting the 5-5-5-18-2T timings and the DDR voltage to the recommended 2.1V, I did not make any other RAM timing changes in BIOS (they have been left on AUTO). Are there some other RAM settings I should manually change to see if these RAM will indeed run at stock?

I find it hard to believe that the RAM runs ok at 1000MHZ but not 1066MHZ.

Thanks.

[robertsmith]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency & RAM Timings

Ok, now this gets more confusing.

So the system is stable with the RAM running a 3.33 x 300 MHZ = 1000MHZ.

I mentioned it is unstable and actually usually doesn't post at 4.00 x 266 MHZ = 1066MHZ.

However, I just tested it at 4.00 x 250 MHZ = 1000MHZ and I get the same problem, unstable and usually does not post.

I tried pushing the FSB to 320 MHZ, so I could try 3.33 x 320 = 1066 MHZ, but I couldn't achieve that.

Also, I played with the voltage a little bit and I can run the RAM at 3.33 x 300 MHZ at only 1.8V!

So, it seems like the RAM should have a lot of headroom. Why can't I get it to 1066 MHZ, or even at 1000 MHZ with a 4.00 multiplier?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency & RAM Timings

First of all, The max voltage you are mentioning is Actual applied voltage not what you set in the BIOS. Check your actual with CPU-z as it will be far less then what you set in the BIOS at idle, and even less at load >>>
CPUID

3.33 memory multi would be 3:5 at any MCH latch. The latch is the actual Speed/timings the Northbridge uses. Higher = faster NB and looser internal timings, lower = slower NB tighter timings. To run 1066 you would need to change the FSB for sure. I would suggest you use 333 FSB and 3.20B with 333 MCH strap

MCH voltage for 2x2GB should be 1.2-1.3 (And please do test less then stock, lately I have seen a few boards/BIOS's where the actual voltage at stock is already set higher then it appeared) but again 1.2-1.3 is recommended for 2x2or more of ram.

Trfc (Refresh to act in P35) needs to be manually set at 52-68 for 2x2 as well. Static tRead value does depend on what MCH strap you use as to how low you can run it but 10 should work at any strap so I think you are good there.

Here is what I would recommend you try to use for that setup to get your ram to b stock speed with a small CPU Overclock (Keep in mind, with any overclock you may need to adjust Vcore of course)

I will post using the 9 CPU multi for 3Ghz, but you could also use the same settings and use 8 CPU Multi for 2.6 Overclock and likely not need to adjust vcore at all

[b][u]MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)[/u][/b]
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: 
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3Ghz


[b][u]Clock Chip Control [/u][/b]
[b][u]Standard Clock Control[/u][/b]
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled] 
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz
[B]PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100[/B]

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


[b][u]Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter][/u][/b]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<< 
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< 


[b][u]DRAM Performance Control[/u][/b][u][/u]
[B]Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD][/B]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [333]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.20B or Auto above and 3.20 here
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1066
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

[b]Standard Timing Control[/b]
CAS Latency Time........................5
tRCD .........................................5
tRP'...........................................5
tRAS..........................................15-18

Set to all highest suggested below and then later lower one at a time testing with memtest86+ as you go.  If you would like to leave them all in Auto you will have to at least set trfc, and static tread.  

[b][u]Advanced Timing Control[/u][/b]
tRRD...........................................3-5
tWTR..........................................3-6 (may need 12 for initial boot thru)
tWR............................................4-6 (may need 12 for initial boot thru)
tRFC...........................................52-62 (68)
tRTP...........................................3-6
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

[u][b]Driving Strength Profiles[/b][/u][b][/b]
Driving Strength ............................1066 or 1200 (latter may be best, I find one above ram speed tends to work better)

[b]Channel A[/b]
Static tRead Value.........................:7-10 333 MCH latch (8-12 400 MCH latch)
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< 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

[b]Channel B[/b]
Static tRead Value.........................: 7-10 333 MCH latch (8-12 400 MCH latch)
 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< 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

[b][U]Motherboard Voltage Control[/U][/b][U][/U]
Voltage Type.………... Manual
[b]CPU[/b]
CPU Vcore….……….........................:
CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: <<< Leave
CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: <<< Leave << Please set to what you see for stock, Auto tends to overvolt this

CPU Referen.…………....0.755V*.......: <<< .64% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

CPU Reference2………,,0.800V*.......:<<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

[b]MCH/ICH[/b]
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: << 1.2-1.3
MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........; <<< Leave
MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: <<< Leave
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< Leave

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 2.0-2.1
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave

[b][U]Advanced Settings[/U][/b][U][/U]
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

[b][U]Integrated Peripherals[/U][/b][U][/U]
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

You can run MCH latch in Auto and then you will be able to choose a memory multiplier with or without a letter on it, just like in your P35 board but it would not be best

[robertsmith]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency & RAM Timings

Hello Lsdmeasap,

I was reading a lot of your posts before making this one and I was hoping you would reply, thanks ;)

Unfortunately, I set everything you showed me with the most relaxed values and it did not boot (see my settings below). BTW, I don't seem to have all the BIOS features you listed.

I did try up to 1.4 VCore without any success as well.

This might be a dumb question but, can the CPU and not the motherboard be the limiting factor in raising the FSB?

If so, I am wondering the the chip just can't do more than around 310 FSB. And therefore I can't test the RAM at full speed on the 200/266/333 Strap.

And based on what you said, maybe the 4.00D timings won't work for 1000 or 1066MHZ (which might explain why 3.33C x 300 is stable at 1000 MHZ but 4.00D x 266 won't post).

Otherwise, I can't make any sense of it.

Oh, and for CPU voltage, CPU-Z actually reads HIGHER voltage than BIOS. I have VCore set to 1.35625V. CPU-Z reads 1.37V idle and 1.36V under load (Prime95).


MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................:8
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: 0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 2.56


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz (also tried 320MHZ)
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100

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


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled (Don't have this setting)
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [333] (also tried 200)
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.20B (also tried 3.33C)
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1066Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

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

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................................5
tWTR..........................................12
tWR............................................12
tRFC...........................................60
tRTP...........................................6
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:10
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< 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.........................:10
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< 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
CPU Vcore [1.35625V] (tried up to 1.4V)
CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: Auto
CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: Auto (don't know how to find stock speed in documentation)
CPU Reference.…………....0.805V*.......:

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: 1.3V
MCH Reference….…….0.760V...........; Auto
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: Auto

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 2.1

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency &amp; RAM Timings

Thanks for the kind words! Ya, I do reply to all posts here, even if it is a AMD Question that I often can't help much with

Ya the CPU can be the limiting factor and the board, in your case it would be CPU as that board can do well over 500+ FSB

I am pretty sure though that chip can do 333 FSB easy as I see many users getting 3.6-4Ghz with it. And I have seen 4Ghz on Air with it at under 1.35 actual voltage

So what settings are you not seeing Drive strength profile? Some will not be available for you to set because of your board version and or CPU/BIOS, but that one should be. Do you have the latest BIOS? If so and you do not see drive strength, did you load optimized defaults after you flashed and save/apply it? You MUST.

If you have done that and do not see it, it may not be available for the budget models of P45 I am not sure. You can try the hotkey. Press Control + F1 on the MAIN page of the BIOS and the screen will flash, then go into MIT section and see if you see it

Some settings such as XMP are memory specific and or CPU Specific as well

Try this >>>

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................:9
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: 0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3Ghz


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 333Mhz (also tried 320MHZ)
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100

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


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [333] Also try Auto but 333 should be fine
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.20B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1066Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

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

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................................5
tWTR..........................................12
tWR............................................12
tRFC...........................................68
tRTP...........................................6
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:12
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< 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.........................:12
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< 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
CPU Vcore [1.35625V] (tried up to 1.4V) Try 1.325-1.35 since you drop is minimal

CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: 1.2-1.35 (Do not use more then 1.38/1.4)
CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: Set to stock, that means what you see on the left there as Auto Likely 1.5 or 1.55
CPU Reference.…………....0.805V*.......:

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: 1.2-1.3V
MCH Reference….…….0.760V...........; Auto
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: Auto

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 2.0-2.1



If that does not work try this larger overclock >>>>

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................:9
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: 0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.618Ghz


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 402Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100

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


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [400]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.66D
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1069Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

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

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................................5
tWTR..........................................12
tWR............................................12
tRFC...........................................68
tRTP...........................................6
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:12
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< 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.........................:12
tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:<<< 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
CPU Vcore [1.35625V] (tried up to 1.4V) Try 1.325-1.35 since you drop is minimal

CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: 1.2-1.35 (Do not use more then 1.38/1.4)
CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: Set to stock, that means what you see on the left there as Auto Likely 1.5 or 1.55
CPU Reference.…………....0.805V*.......:

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: 1.2-1.3V
MCH Reference….…….0.760V...........; Auto
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: Auto

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 2.0-2.1

[robertsmith]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency &amp; RAM Timings

Looks like you deserve a lot of credit for all your work here.

Unfortunately, I've still had no luck with both setups.

I did actually see the boot up screen for 0.5 seconds though with the first setup (never got into BIOS though and it automatically reset).

BIOS is the latest version (F9) and I did the Load Optimized Defaults + Control F1. It did give me some more options in many parts of the BIOS that I didn't have before, but no Driving Strength Profile :(

Can you explain to me one thing though. How can the system be stable at 333 FSB x 3.33C (200MHZ NB), but not boot at 266 FSB x 4.00X (even 4.00C and 4.00A don't work) with all other settings not changing. It won't even boot at 250FSB x 4.00X (C and A). That's the same 1000MHZ for the RAM and lower OC on the CPU AND motherboard?!?

Also, when the system fails to post at 250FSB x 4.00C, it makes numerous beeping sounds before restarting which doesn't happen with the other failed boot ups. Not sure if this meant anything. (250FSB x 4.00A will not make a beeping noise, it just will restart).

Oh, one other unrelated question. I can't get Dynamic Energy Saver Advanced to run with the OC. Should I just delete it (thought it was supposed to work with OCs)?

There would be no need to reflash the F9 Bios would there?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency &amp; RAM Timings

Sounds like the first setup was almost there for you, shouldn't have gave up. Try again and add some more vcore

The lower the NB strap the tighter and less stable the NB will be is why that is, but ya I do see what you mean! It should for sure be able to boot with the A strap over the C one, have you added any Vtt or MCH voltage yet?

Numerous beeps like a bunch in a row means too tight of ram timings most often, lossen them up and try again when you hear that. Raise the subtiming until it will boot, then lower them one at time till you find the one holding you back

Do you have the latest DES? If so, then you will be able to, but not until you are stable

Ya, you could reflash and reload optimizes, sometimes it does help

[robertsmith]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency &amp; RAM Timings

I've tried the Vtt and MCH to the maximum voltages of the ranges you gave.

Funny thing, I actually get the beeps even when I set the RAM timings to the most relaxed of the ones you mentioned.

As for DES, I have the latest version. And I'm pretty sure the system is stable at 300 x 11 = 3.3 GHZ. Ran Prime95 for 12 hours without error on it.

I reflashed, didn't change anything.

But I did find the Drive Strength Profile, was in the Advanced Timing Section (was always there, just never looked in the right spot). Unfortunately, I tried all the previous settings with 1066 and 1200 and it didnt seem to matter.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency &amp; RAM Timings

May just be your Chip then? If you want, post me the full settings you tried and I will have a look

[robertsmith]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency &amp; RAM Timings

Well, I'd love to post something Lsdmeasap, but I've tried so many different setups. If you could read through this and offer me your input, that would be much appreciated.

All things being the same, this is what I can't understand. This OC is stable:

FSB 300 x 11 = 3.3GHZ, RAM 300 x 3.33C = 1000MHZ

The following, with the rest of the settings the same will not post:

FSB 250 x (any multiplier), RAM 250 x 4.00(A, B & C, tried each of them) = 1000MHZ

Maybe if I can make sense of that, I can figure something out.


Edit: Ok, I think I might be making some progress. It has something to do with the MCH Frequency Latch and System Memory Multiplier.

If I set everything to stock speeds, CPU is at FSB 200 x 12.5. If I keep MCH Frequency Latch to AUTO, and select System Memory Multiplier 4.00A, 4.00B or 4.00C (4.00D doesn't exist), the system will NOT post on any of the Latches. If I select AUTO instead for the System Memory Multiplier, the system posts. The speed of the RAM at all times is 800MHZ.

This must mean manually selecting the multiplier is selecting a memory setting which is preventing the system from posting, at least on the 4.00x multiplier.


Edit 2: Ok, more progress. I can post on the 4.00C Latch at stock FSB of 200 IF I set the Static tRead Value to both channels to 5. If it goes to 3 or higher than about 10, the system does NOT post. Leaving the channels set to AUTO will result in no POST. Unfortunately, none of the other Latches work despite the Static tRead Value.

In this case, I can up the FSB to about 230 and it will still post. RAM speed is 920 at this point. FSB of 250 still does NOT post.

Keep in mind that BOTH MCH Frequency Latch and Memory Multiplier are still AUTO. I noticed that on Channel B Timing settings, the tRD Phase 1 Adjustment is now 1 (AUTO setting) where as before it was 0. Channel A is still 0 for this value.

Also in Channel B, the Static tRead Value is now 4 if left to AUTO, but I have it manually set to 5. In Channel A, the AUTO value is still 3.


Edit 3: Found this post here and people seem to be having the same problems as me:

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/ram/5604-buffalo-firestix-fsx1066d2c-k2g-2.html

Do you know what the equivalent BIOS setting on this board is to the "Channel 1&2 CLK Fine Delay?"

BTW, I did get to 315 x 11.5 CPU and 315 x 3.33C = 1050 RAM

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency &amp; RAM Timings

Hmmmmmm............

Fine clock delay is the phase adjustments

So from your last comment, you are making progress with 315 FSB and 3.33C?

[robertsmith]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency &amp; RAM Timings

Yes, I setup the system for 315FSB x 3.33C = 1050MHZ

At DRAM voltage of only 1.8V, the memory passed Memtest86+ without any errors.

However, if I push the system to 317FSB x 3.33C it won't even post even if I up the VCore and DRAM voltage to 1.4V and 2.2V respectively. It goes from booting up fine to just no post in 2 MHZ?!?

So, this suggests the memory is not defective as it can easily do 1050MHZ at just 1.8V, only 16MHZ off its rated speed.

Under no cirumstance have I been able to get the x.xxD or x.xxB straps to work, so I suspect a timing issue.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency &amp; RAM Timings

Please post what you fail with at 317 and I will see what I can suggest

[robertsmith]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency &amp; RAM Timings

Sure thing.

Bear in mind that although 315MHZ FSB posts, it is NOT stable, probably due to the CPU as the memory passes memtest86+ without error.

But, I think when it suddenly doesn't post, its a memory issue, as the CPU should still allow post into BIOS with just a 2MHZ FSB increase.

So here is my settings at 317 FSB:

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................:11
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: 0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.487 GHZ


Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 317Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:100

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


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
MCH Frequency Latch...............: [AUTO]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.33C
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1056 MHZ
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

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

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD..........................................[Auto] (Tried 6)
tWTR..........................................[Auto] (Tried 14)
tWR............................................[Auto] (Tried 14)
tRFC...........................................60 (Tried 68)
tRTP...........................................[Auto] (Tried 6)
Command Rate (CMD) .................2

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength .........................1066 (tried 800, 1200 & 1600)

Channel A&B
Static tRead Value......................... 5
5tRD 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
CPU Vcore................................1.35000V (tried 1.4V)
CPU Termination….....................1.300V
CPU PLL…………………...................1.550V
CPU Reference.…………................[Auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core……………......................1.2V
MCH Reference….……..................[Auto]
ICH I/O……………….......................[Auto]

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....................: 1.8V (Tried 2.2V)<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Help With OC of GA-EP45-DS3L - Latch Frequency &amp; RAM Timings

I think it is more a CPU or Voltage issue not ram. Since you are memtest Stable at xx settings at 315 but 317 fails to boot that means most likely your unstabele 315 settings were right on the edge of failure voltage wise

Static Tread you have WAY to low for now, even it if it memtest stable raise that to 8-9 until you get things figured out

Try this >>>>
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: [Auto]
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................:11
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: 0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.487 GHZ


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]


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
MCH Frequency Latch...............: [AUTO]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 3.20B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1066 MHZ
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

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

Set to highest you have noted below
Advanced Timing Control
tRRD..........................................[Auto] (Tried 6)
tWTR..........................................[Auto] (Tried 14)
tWR............................................[Auto] (Tried 14)
tRFC...........................................60 (Tried 68)
tRTP...........................................[Auto] (Tried 6)
Command Rate (CMD) .................2

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength .........................1066 - 1200

Channel A&B
Static tRead Value.........................8-12
5tRD 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
CPU Vcore................................1.35000V (tried 1.4V)
CPU Termination….....................1.340V
CPU PLL…………………...................1.550V
CPU Reference.…………................[Auto]

MCH/ICH
MCH Core……………......................1.26V
MCH Reference….……..................[Auto]
ICH I/O……………….......................[Auto]

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....................: 2.1