Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

[artox_rzx]

[morph]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

What strap are you using for your memory? Be sure it's not A or C.
Also, try using 9x multi for CPU and 425 FSB. With you current settings that should get you to 3.825GHz without any problems. And try decreasing the Vtt, maybe try 1.1V, that worked for some of us.

[artox_rzx]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

I'm using a B strap - 2.40B to be exact.
And I can't start windows up even by using a 1,3625 vcore and 1,34 termination (and these are bios settings, not cpuz), so 425 fsb and 3,82ghz are off the table. Besides I explained that I have to use a 1,35 vcore to get it to run stable after a restart or shutdown, so it's kind of unlikely that 1,35would be enough for 3,82ghz regardless of the FSB.
But thanks anyway. Obviously I have a cpu from the bad-unclockable batch.

[morph]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

I thought the same thing about the CPU until this morning. No matter what i did, i couldn't get it to run stable at higher than 3.6GHz, which verry odd, I could do without any voltage adjustments (just increasing FSB to 400MHz and setting everything else to Normal). I thought it could be the CPU's fault or the MB not going higher on the FSB (i've read a couple reviews about my MB and people complaining they can't go over 395-400 FSB). Than, someone over here posted that his OC is far more stable when using 1.1V CPU Termination. So i said, why not, let's give it a try. So i adjusted that in BIOS, and now I'm runing 3.825GHz with 1.325VCore. Even though the PC would POST and get into Windows and games at 1.300V, because of large Vdroop it's not too stable under Prime or Orthos.
So, just for the fun, try lowering Vtt to 1.1V and use a D multi strap, for me it seemed far more stable than B strap. Everything else you have there seems pretty much OK for me. And why would you say 425MHz FSB is off reach? You're using 430 right now. So, up the multi to 9, lower FSB to 425MHz and give it a try. Oh, and change Robust Graphic Booster to Fast, and make sure USB Legacy is Deactivated.
And I think you should lower that VRAM. My A-DATA 800+ does 1066MHz with 1.94V and 5-5-5-15 (but it seems it has D9 chips).

[artox_rzx]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

1. Tried 1.10 Vtt, as well as 1.14 , 1.16 , 1,20 and all others up to 1,34 , and it doesn' t matter, I ain't getting in windows @ 3,82ghz.
2. I don't know how familiar you are with the straps on the DS4, but using a D would mean I get stuck at 2.00D or 2.66D, which means 850hz for the memory or well above 1066+ and the limits that I can reach.
3. My a-data can't even boot under 2,20v if running @1066, so it is pointless to try lower voltages, especially at these timings.
4. I don't care about getting above 3,6ghz as long as I get to clock my mobo and ram, 3,6 is enough for me, at least for now and that is why i would prefer an even higher fsb than 425 compared to a bigger multiplier.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

D strap has more then 2.00 and 2.66, also 3.33 >>>



*EDIT*

Ohh, sorry I see you knew that, just meant your ram would not use more then those two.

Can you please post me again your exact BIOS settings, and a link to your ram and I will advise.

So you do want 3.6 only? Just checking to be sure before I advise back, or if you want I can advise 3.6 and 4Ghz as you can easily do either

[artox_rzx]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

This is my ram
4GB DDR2-1066 Ram Kit (2 x 2GB. PC2 8500. 5-5-5-15)
the specs are at the bottom, however the operating voltage is between 2.1 and 2.3.

EDITED

Here are the specs I have currently, and they were stable for more than an hour of prime x64 and a memtest. But as soon as I shutdown and got back into windows in a matter of seconds after I started prime I got a BSOD.
I don't mind getting 4ghz if it's safe, I do have a Xigmatek 1284 and a well- ventilated case, so my temps are good. But most of all I want settings that aren't going to make the system crash after a shutdown or restart. So both 3,6ghz and 4ghz if it's possible, so I can try them.
As I said I have tested successfully on much lower voltages and gotten more than 8hrs but as soon as I res the sys crashes if I start testing again.
Also I have tested after setting each of the advanced memory timings with memtest, so I'm not sure that increasing them will help, given that I don't get errors with the current settings.
Not too sure about the 435fsb and the 3,69ghz, but @ 430 and 3,65 the system has been stable for weeks of 24/7 use...til I eventually have to restart :)

Here are my bios settings at the moment

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: auto
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 8
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: 0.5
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.69ghz

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 435Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: 100

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


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<< 0
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< 0


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [Turbo but with tweaks for higher value of tRead, auto@turbo is 6]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [333]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.40B
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1044
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................: 5
tRCD .........................................: 5
tRP'...........................................: 5
tRAS..........................................: 15

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................................:3
tWTR..........................................:3
tWR............................................:4
tRFC...........................................:52
tRTP...........................................:4
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:8
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

Driving strength profile ......................1066

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................:8

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

Driving strength profile .......................1066

Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.………... Manual

CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................: 1.35

CPU Termination….............: 1.34
CPU PLL…………………...........:1.5
CPU Referen.…………...........:0.813 <<< .61% Of Vtt (Termination above)
CPU Reference2………..........:0.880 <<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above)


MCH/ICH
MCH Core……………...............: 1.2
MCH Reference….……............:auto
MCH/DRAM Ref.….................:auto
ICH I/O………………................:1.50
ICH Core…………...…............:1.1

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……...............: 2.22

EIST and C1 are turned off.

PS.:
I don't know if it's relevant but I have a flash drive plugged as a readyboost drive and my cpus serial no starts with q815a.
Thanks for the help in advance :)

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

I would remove the readyboot drive until you are stable, that way you know it has nothing to do with your issues.

Did you ever test these sticks at stock manually set timings/voltages one by one to be sure you did not get sent a faulty stick

You may be giving your ram too much voltage, 2.3 is only the warrantied amount not what is needed to run stable. You may have better luck with 2.1V as 2.2V and above is VERY Hot and I only advise using that if you have a fan directly over the ram. But then again, yes it may need at least 2.2V as it could be made with cheaper chips that need the full 2.2 to run at stock spec

Performance Enhance Turbo could be your issue, Vtt (Temrination) voltage could be the issue, could be not enough MCH Voltage.

Or it could be that you are using the B strap above 400 FSB, not all ram will run stable like that and A-DATA is a cheaper brand and you have high rated voltage for those specs so it could be cheaper Chips in there as well. So maybe try D multi's and see if things progress any easier for you

Here is what I would advise for 3.6 and 4Ghz

3.6

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: auto or fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: 0.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 3.6

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 401Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: 100

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


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
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 ..............: 2.66D
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1066
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................: 5
tRCD .........................................: 5
tRP'...........................................: 5
tRAS..........................................: 15/18

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................................:3
tWTR..........................................:3-4
tWR............................................:4-6
tRFC...........................................:52-62
tRTP...........................................:3-4
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:8/9-10
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

Driving strength profile ......................1066

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................:8/9-10

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

Driving strength profile .......................1066

Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.………... Manual

CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................: 1.35 More possibly, some need more than others and this is less in windows at idle and even less then that at load. Maybe 1.35-1.425

CPU Termination….............: 1.34 << May be to much, you should not need above 1.32 until after 500+ FSB. I would say 1.26-1.32 lower of course for 3.6

CPU PLL…………………...........:1.5-1.58
CPU Referen.…………...........:0.813 <<< .61% Of Vtt (Termination above) AUTO
CPU Reference2………..........:0.880 <<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above) AUTO

MCH/ICH
MCH Core……………...............: 1.2-1.3 (1.22-1.24 likely good)
MCH Reference….……............:auto
MCH/DRAM Ref.….................:auto
ICH I/O………………................:1.50-1.55
ICH Core…………...…............:1.14-1.2

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……...............: 2.22-2.3 (I would still test out 2.1 myself, but maybe later you can do that).

4Ghz to follow

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

4Ghz

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: auto or fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: 9
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................: 0.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: 4.05

Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 450Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........: 100

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


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
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 ~ (If no luck you may need to use 2.00B or 2.00D for 900Mhz, or change up CPU multi for lower or higher FSB such as 8x500 using 2.00B/D multi or 8.5x470 using 2.00B/D )
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1080 + See above comment
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................: 5
tRCD .........................................: 5
tRP'...........................................: 5
tRAS..........................................: 15/18

Advanced Timing Control
tRRD...........................................:3
tWTR..........................................:3-4
tWR............................................:4-6
tRFC...........................................:52-62
tRTP...........................................:3-4
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:9-10
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

Driving strength profile ......................1066

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................:9-10

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

Driving strength profile .......................1066

Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.………... Manual

CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................: 1.375-1.425

CPU Termination….............: 1.28-1.32
CPU PLL…………………...........:1.5-1.58
CPU Referen.…………...........:0.813 <<< .61% Of Vtt (Termination above) AUTO
CPU Reference2………..........:0.880 <<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above) AUTO

MCH/ICH
MCH Core……………...............: 1.2-1.3 (1.22-1.24 likely good)
MCH Reference….……............:auto
MCH/DRAM Ref.….................:auto
ICH I/O………………................:1.50-1.55
ICH Core…………...…............:1.14-1.2

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……...............: 2.2-2.3

[artox_rzx]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

First of, let me say thanks for the suggestions.

Second - I found out that my cpu is unable to get anywhere near 4ghz, be it even 3,93ghz, at least with this PPL and vcore settings that you've suggested. (3,93ghz @ 1,40 - no good, and 3,99/4,05 @ 1,42 - the same)

The chipset can't start windows at 450, 470 or 500 fsb with a northbridge voltage of 1,24 and the ICH - I/O and Core from the suggested settings. So I've decided to abandon a higher fsb than 435, because I don't want to pour too much voltage on the chipset.

The good news is that the ram, using a PL of 8, instead of the predefined extreme profile of 6 doesn't need that much juice and works fine at 2,1v.
However that still doesn't mean it can go as far as 1080 or above, maybe if I lower the PL it could, but I haven't tested.

The most testing I've done has been on my own settings. I increased the vcore with one step to 1,356 v and decreased the the termination to 1,26. What I've noticed is that decreasing the termination and leaving the vcore at 1,3500 results in a loop after a restart and resets bios settings to default, but when the vcore is 1,356v there are no problems.

So, to sum it up I' currently running with same setting as before, apart from the vcore, dimm voltage, temination and the ICH core, which I increased from 1,1 to 1,14 as you suggested.

I have a few more questions if you don't mind, if my system stays stable, that is :)

1. )Are there any downsides to running a B strap above a FSB of 400 except a possible instability?

2.) Aren't my settings better for 3,6ghz, meaning a FSB more that 401 for a full system overclock being better than only increasing the multiplier to get more out of the CPU.

3.) Why do timings in bios and in memset differ so much and is it possible to set lower timings in the bios that the ones suggested or do I use memset, or leave them altogether?

4.) I know that running the energy saving features in bios and the software leads to an unstable system when OC-ed, but why, given that after an overclock it only regulates the mosfets? Some people think that it's useless, but when running 24/7 every bit saved counts, right ;)?

Thanks :)

[Sunburn74]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

its it an e0 chip or a c0 chip?

two, there is no performance benefit between running ram at a 1066 as opposed to 800 or 900. i suggest you go with a 333latch and 2.00 b multiplier and put the timings on auto.

if its a co chip, you probably need about 1.45 to run at around 4ghz. That really isn't a lot as the real reading will be 1.42 on idle and 1.4 on load. Still don't assume it can run at 4ghz. It'll be close to 4ghz at least though .

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

My c0 Xeon only needs 1.34 actual to run 4Ghz, and I think that it is a volt hog. So 1.42-1.45 should not really be needed unless it is a SUPER Volt hog

Your cpu can do FSB above 550+ For sure, and for sure 450-500 without issues or excessive voltages. You just have to find the right combination of settings and not just trying to pour on the voltages as sometimes that hurts stability more then anything

1. Running a B strap above 400 FSB is fine, long as you have it stable

2. I am not sure what you mean, can you reword that. No though 3.6 is not better then 4Ghz no matter how you look at it, but again I am not sure what you are asking here so that may not be my answer to your question

3. See the sticky h >> ereMemory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

Memset can be used for testing, but do not use save only apply. But you want to do all your final settings in the BIOS of course

4. Because.... HAHAHA It just does, due to the low power phases when the system transitions between states power supply does not meet CPU demand. You can get it to work when overclocking, but in the end you will actually be using MORE power because you will need things much higher to gain stability than you would if you leave them disabled. Overclocking by definition means DRAIN POWER, so no point in you trying to save and drain at the same time now is there?

[artox_rzx]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

Thanks for the replies, didn't notice them til now.
The revision is C0.

I can't agree that running the memory @ 1066 vs 900 mhz with default timings isn't beneficial at all even if not clearly visible, there is speed in transfer to be gained - you can run the memory tests in aida and see the difference pretty quickly (of course these are only benchmarks, not the real thing).

As for my second question what I meant to ask was - isn't a higher fsb and a slightly lower cpu clock better than a high multiplier cpu clock with a lower fsb. In general I'm asking about your opinion on FSB vs multiplier overclocking.

Currently I am happy, with my settings, so I guess I'll leave them for now.
1,33 in idle and 1,31 in load isn't all that bad for 3,7ghz I guess.

Thanks for the help lsd.

[artox_rzx]

Re: Gigabyte ep45 ds4 and e8400 overclocking problems

My pc did it again, after more than a week of 24/7 non stop work it crashed after I restarted. The interesting thing is, that it crashed after I restarted a second time, but when I went into the bios and saved my settings it doesn't crash. Maybe some of my bios settings get reset after a restart? I can't explain it, anyone have an idea?