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TPU's Core i7 Overclocking and Feedback

If ya have a DFi board here is a good 4.0ghz template

I based it off a 940 bios template and altered it to a I7 920


Tom’s BIOS Setting

Main BIOS Page
Exit Setup Shut down:............Mode 2
O.C. Fail Retry Counter:.........Enabled
O.C. Fail CMOS Reload:...........Disabled

PPM Function:....................Enabled
Turbo Mode Function:............. Enabled
x 1 core Max Turbo Ratio:.........22x
x 2 core Max Turbo Ratio:.........21x
x 3 core Max Turbo Ratio:.........21x
x 4 core Max Turbo Ratio:.........21x
CPU Non-Turbo Clock Ratio:.......20x

* BCLK/UCLK/QPI Controller Settings *
QPI Control Settings:............Enabled
QPI Link Fast Mode:..............Enabled
QPI Frequency:...................Auto
CPU Base Clock(BCLK):............191 Mhz
Boot Up CPU Base Clock:..........AUTO
PCIE Clock:......................100 Mhz
DRAM Frequency:..................BCLK*08 Mhz
UnCore Frequency:................BCLK*16 Mhz

CPU Spread Spectrum:.............Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum:............Disabled

CPU Feature
Set VR Current Limit Max:........Disabled
Thermal Management Control:......Enabled
EIST Function:...................Enabled
CxE Function:....................Auto
Execute Disable Bit:.............Enabled
Virtualization Technology:.......Enabled

***** Logical Processor Setting *****
Intel HT Technology:.............Enabled
Active Processor Cores:..........All

DRAM Timing
Memory Control Setting:..........AUTO
Channel Interleave Setting:......AUTO
Rank Interleave Setting:.........AUTO
Memory LowGap:...................1536M

DRAM Command Rate:...............2N
CAS Latency Time (tCL):..........9
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD):.......9
Precharge Delay (tRP):...........9
RAS# Precharge (tRAS):...........24
REF to ACT Delay (tRFC):.........AUTO
Write to PRE Delay (tWR):........AUTO
Rank Write to Read (tWTR):.......AUTO
ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD):.........AUTO
Row Cycle Time (tRC):............31
Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP):......AUTO
Four ACT WIN Time (tFAW):........AUTO

Voltage Setting
O.C. Shut Down Free:.............Enable O.C.S.D.F
CPU VID Control:.................AUTO
CPU VID Special Add Limit:.......Disabled
CPU VID Special Add:.............111.10%
Vcore Droop Control:.............Enabled
DRAM Bus Voltage:................1.650v
DRAM PWM Switch Frequency:.......Nominal Frequency
DRAM PWM Phase Control:..........2 Phase Operation
CPU VTT Special Add:.............AUTO
CPU VTT Voltage:.................1.34v
VTT PWM Switch Frequency:........Nominal Frequency
VTT PWM Phase Control:...........2 Phase Operation
CPU PLL Voltage:.................1.80v
IOH/ICH 1.1V Voltage:............1.11v
IOH Analog Voltage:..............1.10v
ICH 1.5 Voltage:.................1.5v
ICH 1.05V Voltage:...............1.05v
DIMM 1/2 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF:......+03.0%
DIMM 3/4 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF:......+03.0%
DIMM 5/6 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF:......+03.0%
ADDR/CMD VREF Control:...........Disabled
x DIMM 1/2 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF:.....110
x DIMM 3/4 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF:.....110
x DIMM 5/6 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF:.....110
CPU QPI Drive Strength:..........Normal
IOH QPI Drive Strength:..........Normal
 
Last edited:
I don't recommend anyone use templates for x58 overclocking. Each chip is too different from one another to go in on settings so recklessly. If it failed then unless someone had prior experience overclocking the i7 then they would be lost. What part of the template failed? Then overclocking becomes harder and you can make a ton of errors while trying to get a stable clock. There's been a few times I've had to tell people to back off of the VTT because it probably wasn't creating their prior instability (result ended up in a .25V reduction in VTT)... and that's just one example of the kinds of mistakes people make copying from a template.

Another problem with posting a template for the DFI is that each board reacts differently (within a reasonable extent) to VTT and DRAM voltage. These slight changes in the board means you have to tune your own PWMs which a template will not have the correct settings.
 
I totally agree, I think most boards are very similar but the chips are the biggest variables, and you need to start yourself from no OC and then start growing your OC and getting a feel for your chip and board.
 
Binge said:
I don't recommend anyone use templates for x58 overclocking. Each chip is too different from one another to go in on settings so recklessly. If it failed then unless someone had prior experience overclocking the i7 then they would be lost. What part of the template failed? Then overclocking becomes harder and you can make a ton of errors while trying to get a stable clock. There's been a few times I've had to tell people to back off of the VTT because it probably wasn't creating their prior instability (result ended up in a .25V reduction in VTT)... and that's just one example of the kinds of mistakes people make copying from a template.

Another problem with posting a template for the DFI is that each board reacts differently (within a reasonable extent) to VTT and DRAM voltage. These slight changes in the board means you have to tune your own PWMs which a template will not have the correct settings.
Click to expand...


It a starting point binge that you can work from and it very well may work . We all know each chip is different but I know what your saying. I don't agree at all. The boards and chips are more similar than different. Also since DFI gives zero explanation of the bios setting and several named different than in a standard bios, this gives you something to work from.
 
Do YOU use those settings to hit 4.0GHz? I really doubt anyone could get stable 4.0 a UT and so many CPU functions turned on.
 
Binge said:
Do YOU use those settings to hit 4.0GHz? I really doubt anyone could get stable 4.0 a UT and so many CPU functions turned on.
Click to expand...

In coming
 
In coming?
 
Binge said:
In coming?
Click to expand...

dfi 4.0.jpg
 
aren't these the intel speedstep settings ON? then it would keep clocking up and down

CPU Feature
Set VR Current Limit Max:........Disabled
Thermal Management Control:......Enabled
EIST Function:...................Enabled
CxE Function:....................Auto
Execute Disable Bit:.............Enabled
Virtualization Technology:.......Enabled
 
SystemViper said:
aren't these the intel speedstep settings ON? then it would keep clocking up and down

CPU Feature
Set VR Current Limit Max:........Disabled
Thermal Management Control:......Enabled
EIST Function:...................Enabled
CxE Function:....................Auto
Execute Disable Bit:.............Enabled
Virtualization Technology:.......Enabled
Click to expand...

yes

just a few mhz it hangs right at or around 4.0ghz
 
So you used those exact settings and it worked. I'm "impressed" but at the same time... here's a challenge. See if you can go higher by expanding on those settings.
 
Templates are good for beginners to use to get started. I think its also good to know what each setting does in the BIOS for a more conceptual understanding.

Hell I dont know every memory timing but I know what changes will improve preformance :D
 
mlee49 said:
Templates are good for beginners to use to get started. I think its also good to know what each setting does in the BIOS for a more conceptual understanding.

Hell I dont know every memory timing but I know what changes will improve preformance :D
Click to expand...

Alright, take a look at my bios and then tell me that the template above would work on my processor.

Genie BIOS Setting

CPU Feature
Set VR Current Limit Max: Enabled
Thermal Management Control: Disabled
EIST Function: Enabled
CxE Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
Virtualization Technology: Disabled
TDC Enable: Disabled
x TDC Limit: 0
TDP Enable: Disabled
x TDP Limit: 0

***** Logical Processor Setting *****
Intel HT Technology: Enabled
Active Processor Cores: All

DRAM Timing
Memory Control Setting: AUTO
Memory LowGap: 1536M

DRAM Command Rate: 1N
CAS Latency Time (tCL): 6
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD): 7
RAS# Precharge (tRP): 6
Precharge Delay (tRAS): 16
REF to ACT Delay (tRFC): AUTO
Write to PRE Delay (tWR): AUTO
Rank Write to Read (tWTR): AUTO
ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD): AUTO
Row Cycle Time (tRC): AUTO
Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP): AUTO
Four ACT WIN Time (tFAW): AUTO

Voltage Setting
O.C. Shut Down Free: Enable O.C.S.D.F
CPU VID Control: 1.400V
CPU VID Special Add Limit: Disabled
CPU VID Special Add: Auto
Vcore Droop Control: Disabled
DRAM Bus Voltage: 1.65v
DRAM PWM Switch Frequency: Decrease 15%
DRAM PWM Phase Control: 2 Phase Operation
CPU VTT Special Add: AUTO
CPU VTT Voltage: 1.37v
VTT PWM Switch Frequency: Increase 15%
VTT PWM Phase Control: 2 Phase Operation
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.80v
IOH/ICH 1.1V Voltage: 1.21v
IOH Analog Voltage: 1.15v
ICH 1.5 Voltage: 1.7v
ICH 1.05V Voltage: 1.05v
DIMM 1/2 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF: -00.0%
DIMM 3/4 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF: -00.0%
DIMM 5/6 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF: -00.0%
ADDR/CMD VREF Control: Enabled
x DIMM 1/2 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF: 95
x DIMM 3/4 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF: 94
x DIMM 5/6 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF: 95
CPU QPI Drive Strength: Normal
IOH QPI Drive Strength: Normal

Exit Setup Shut down: Mode 2
O.C. Fail Retry Counter: Enabled
O.C. Fail CMOS Reload: Disabled

PPM Function: Enabled
Turbo Mode Function: Enabled
1 core Max Turbo Ratio: 22x
2 core Max Turbo Ratio: 21x
3 core Max Turbo Ratio: 21x
4 core Max Turbo Ratio: 21x
CPU Non-Turbo Clock Ratio: 20x

* BCLK/UCLK/QPI Controller Settings *
QPI Control Settings: Enabled
QPI Link Fast Mode: Enabled
QPI Frequency: AUTO
CPU Base Clock (BCLK): 200 Mhz
Boot Up CPU Base Clock: AUTO
PCIE Clock: 100 Mhz
DRAM Frequency: 1600MHz
UnCore Frequency: 3466MHz

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
 
What's that bottom setting, lowball, huh?

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

*low·ball Pronunciation Enabled
 
trt740 said:
I based it off a 940 bios template and altered it to a I7 920


Tom’s BIOS Setting

Main BIOS Page
Exit Setup Shut down:............Mode 2
O.C. Fail Retry Counter:.........Enabled
O.C. Fail CMOS Reload:...........Disabled

PPM Function:....................Enabled
Turbo Mode Function:............. Enabled
x 1 core Max Turbo Ratio:.........22x
x 2 core Max Turbo Ratio:.........21x
x 3 core Max Turbo Ratio:.........21x
x 4 core Max Turbo Ratio:.........21x
CPU Non-Turbo Clock Ratio:.......20x

* BCLK/UCLK/QPI Controller Settings *
QPI Control Settings:............Enabled
QPI Link Fast Mode:..............Enabled
QPI Frequency:...................Auto
CPU Base Clock(BCLK):............191 Mhz
Boot Up CPU Base Clock:..........AUTO
PCIE Clock:......................100 Mhz
DRAM Frequency:..................BCLK*08 Mhz
UnCore Frequency:................BCLK*16 Mhz

CPU Spread Spectrum:.............Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum:............Disabled

CPU Feature
Set VR Current Limit Max:........Disabled
Thermal Management Control:......Enabled
EIST Function:...................Enabled
CxE Function:....................Auto
Execute Disable Bit:.............Enabled
Virtualization Technology:.......Enabled

***** Logical Processor Setting *****
Intel HT Technology:.............Enabled
Active Processor Cores:..........All

DRAM Timing
Memory Control Setting:..........AUTO
Channel Interleave Setting:......AUTO
Rank Interleave Setting:.........AUTO
Memory LowGap:...................1536M

DRAM Command Rate:...............2N
CAS Latency Time (tCL):..........9
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD):.......9
Precharge Delay (tRP):...........9
RAS# Precharge (tRAS):...........24
REF to ACT Delay (tRFC):.........AUTO
Write to PRE Delay (tWR):........AUTO
Rank Write to Read (tWTR):.......AUTO
ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD):.........AUTO
Row Cycle Time (tRC):............31
Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP):......AUTO
Four ACT WIN Time (tFAW):........AUTO

Voltage Setting
O.C. Shut Down Free:.............Enable O.C.S.D.F
CPU VID Control:.................AUTO
CPU VID Special Add Limit:.......Disabled
CPU VID Special Add:.............111.10%
Vcore Droop Control:.............Enabled
DRAM Bus Voltage:................1.650v
DRAM PWM Switch Frequency:.......Nominal Frequency
DRAM PWM Phase Control:..........2 Phase Operation
CPU VTT Special Add:.............AUTO
CPU VTT Voltage:.................1.34v
VTT PWM Switch Frequency:........Nominal Frequency
VTT PWM Phase Control:...........2 Phase Operation
CPU PLL Voltage:.................1.80v
IOH/ICH 1.1V Voltage:............1.11v
IOH Analog Voltage:..............1.10v
ICH 1.5 Voltage:.................1.5v
ICH 1.05V Voltage:...............1.05v
DIMM 1/2 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF:......+03.0%
DIMM 3/4 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF:......+03.0%
DIMM 5/6 DQ/DQSTB Bus VREF:......+03.0%
ADDR/CMD VREF Control:...........Disabled
x DIMM 1/2 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF:.....110
x DIMM 3/4 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF:.....110
x DIMM 5/6 ADDR/CMD Bus VREF:.....110
CPU QPI Drive Strength:..........Normal
IOH QPI Drive Strength:..........Normal
Click to expand...


made a few corrections
 
mlee49 said:
Templates are good for beginners to use to get started. I think its also good to know what each setting does in the BIOS for a more conceptual understanding.

Hell I dont know every memory timing but I know what changes will improve preformance :D
Click to expand...

That would be nice and EVGA does tell you, DFI doesn't. Atleast not in the manual, still very good board. I don't like that you cannot lock the 21 multiplier on my old EVGA you could.
 
as far as templates. I used the one on the EVGA forums, in the o/c guide for x58's and it worked like a charm for 4.2 GHz. I just adjusted voltages my way. that went well. But then I further tweaked it and got a much better running overclock :D
 
Binge said:
Alright, take a look at my bios and then tell me that the template above would work on my processor.
Click to expand...

Point well taken. I dont have an x58 board yet and until I get one and become familiar with it I'm absolutely lost on trying to do what your asking. I can see what options my bios will have and how others get their overclock. Much like how I learned to overclock my 775 setup, practice and patience. There are a few that have overclocking down to a science and they have been doing it for years, I've just put together my first build less than a year ago.
 
I think there is something to be said for a "basic" template, as CP posted. Certainly, no one template will work for everyone, but it can be helpful to have a starting point. It's useful for members to post what works for them, with a caveat for the noobs that these exact settings will NOT work for everyone. Sharing information and what works for each of us is part of what makes these forums great.
 
Paulieg said:
I think there is something to be said for a "basic" template, as CP posted. Certainly, no one template will work for everyone, but it can be helpful to have a starting point. It's useful for members to post what works for them, with a caveat for the noobs that these exact settings will NOT work for everyone.
Click to expand...

even better said than my post. I had no idea what anything meant in my BIOS., Thanks to that I was able to get started. Then I slowly learned and tweaked the settings. and look now, I think I have had some really good success for a person who is scared to really push its system :laugh:
 
Say hello to GENE

Here's a quick run with my new Asus Rampage II Gene. So far, I'm very impressed with this little monster.

geneocct1.jpg
 
Last edited:
Welcome to TPU

You should take some time to read this thread and the information regarding specific batches. i7 chips seem not to much consistency b/t batches. It's pretty much a role of the dice.

FYI: Your links bring me to all of Gigabytes boards and Gskill ram. You might want to fix it.
 
edited =)
 
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