QX9650 overclock suggestions!

[NZSnowman]

I would like to try to overlock my Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 3.0GHz 12MB Cache 1333MHz and my memory DDR3 2GB DRM 669.8 MHz.

I would like to bump it up to 4GHz, however, I have never overclock a CPU before. Are these the only numbers I need to change?

Core Speed: 4011.7 MHz
Multiplier: x10.0
Core Voltage: 1.392 V

Any help would be grateful.

Thanks, Simon

 

[Bo$$]

You might need to increase the FSB voltage slightly, but yes this is the general idea. you may not need so much Core voltage, Really watch your temps!!!

make sure you check stability too!

 

[Triton.se]

nmv - lol wrong cpu

 

[rangerone766]

my maximus x38 topped out my q9550@3.9
now i run a p45 gigabyte board and run 4.1 solid under water.

 

[hat]

A 4GHz Intel Quad, even if is the older C2Q architecture, is nothing to sneeze at. $200 is a fair price for that level of performance too... good deal all around.

 

[xkm1948]

Yep, im pretty happy about the performance. Cooled using a Noctua NH-C14. Quiet and mighty.

 

[NZSnowman]

Hi xkm1948

I see you are using 1.4 V I had read on a few web sites that maximum recommended voltage is listed at 1.3625 for this processor. Is this stable at 1.4 V?

That voltage are others using?

I was reading one site today and they got it stable at 4.70 GHz using at Koolance Exos 2 WC by bumping up voltage to 1.6 V. With a CPU temperature of around 63-66 °C under 100% load.

 

[John Doe]

If you want to keep it in first day condition, and have been using for a few years, yes. Around 1.35v is the most that should be used on the Penryn (Yorkfield - Wolfdale) architecture using air/AIO. The QX9650 is two E8400's combined together, so 1.25v stock, 1.35v safe limit like the rest of these chips. If you got the mobo (you do, a P5E DLX), OC'ing should be fun. Just use 10 multi with 360 FSB to hit 3.6 first, then go from there.

Oh and, yeah, these are still well capable chips that beat Phenom 2's per-clock. No need for much more CPU power at all. They have the power to drive faster GPU setups like 6970 CF.

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/charts/index.php?pid=61,76&tid=3

 

[NZSnowman]

Thanks, I will start tomorrow at 3.6 GHz

Likely have a few more questions tomorrow. A big learning curve for me on the overclocking

Does rising the core voltage, increase the core speed

 

[NZSnowman]

Q: Does the Rated FSB have to match the DRAM Frequency + FSB: DRAM?

So I have:

Rated FSB = 1337.9 HMz and DRAM Frequency = 670 MHz & FSB: DRAM = 1:2
My RAM is 1333MHz

 

[John Doe]

Volts are for faster frequencies for the chip to stabilize at. So basically, you use higher volts to do higher speeds. It doesn't affect anything else.

As for the ratio, yep. There's a mathematical balance (i.e 1:2) between each to coordinate. You have to set the RAM ratio accordingly (3:4, 5:4 and so).

 

[NZSnowman]

Q2: My RAM was initially factor overclock to 1600 MHz. To get it back to this setting, do I only need to change

Current setting:
1:2 = 333 MHz : 1,333 MHz

To

1:2 = 400 MHz : 1,600 MHz & change the Rated FSB?

 

[John Doe]

Or leave the FSB after changing DRAM, and up the multiplier from 9 to 10. For example x10 * 340 would result in 3400.

 

[NZSnowman]

First batch of testing.

I got my CPU up to 3508.16 MHz, Muilplier @ x9 & Bus Speed @ 390 HMz. Set the Core Voltage @ 1.35 V but runs at 1.312 V. Runs at +33°C & at CPU 100% +58-61°C.

Having problems with over heating at 100% CPU at higher rates A little strangely, as I am running a Alienware water cooler , maybe not some good. Also strangely as it was factor overclock to 4000 MHz, not sure if I could get there now.

Any suggects on how to keep the temperatures down?

 

[xkm1948]

1.4V is what it takes to make this thing stable for IntelBurn test and max heat Prime95. I got this CPU 2nd hand and I didnt plan to use it forever. As long as the temp is good(which is good) I have nothing to worry about. My max during Intelburn is around 55C. Idle at 14C. I dont use heater in my room. lol

Good luck OC!

 

[NZSnowman]

Now I have a new problem. I usually keep my fans cleans, to help with cooling. The water cooling fan looked clear from within the case, but I decided to take it out and have a real look. WOW, I could grow a garden in there.

Anyway I clear it all out, put it all back together. Temperatures are down heaps down from +38°C to about +30°C at idle. So I am very happy.

The problem is now core Number 2 temperatures is stick at +38°C. All the other core at reading Ok just number 2 has stop working.

What can I do to fix this.

 

[johnspack]

Start by setting both gtl refs at .630, and work up from there. Get northbridge up to at least 1.32v, enable LLC. You should be able to do 4ghz on that cpu on less than 1.4v. I was at a little over 1.3v for 3.8ghz on my q9450, which is much harder to oc due to the low multi.

 

[NZSnowman]

A update on Core #2 temperatures, if the temperatures are greater than +38°C it work Ok

Update a few hours later: Now stick at +33°C

Will continue OC tomorrow, will be very keen to know how much higher I can get with a clearer cooler system.

 

[NZSnowman]

I was wondering what programs people are using to view the core temperatures? I am using three program Piriform Speccy v1.13.276, SpeedFun v4.45 & Core Temp v1.0. I noted that both Piriform Speccy & SpeedFun will read the core temperatures about 5°C cooler then Core Temp. This this normal?

I am thinking that high core temperatures will be important part of my OC as I now believe that my Alienware’s will not let me adjust the CPU fan RPM, consequently I am limited by core temperatures. I have cleaned & increase the outflow from the CPU fan. This has given me about 8-10°C cooler core temperatures.

I am thinking about running the core temperatures a little hotter around +65°C with the Prime95 test, knowing that none of my programs will ever tax my CPU like Prime95. I test Skyrim, The Witcher 2 and CorelDraw X4 (They are my must taxing CPU programs). Skyrim was the highest CPU demanding program but it still only run the CPU no higher than 80% for more and 3-5 sec and the whole time the core temperatures never got above 48°C after 1-2 hours playing.

What do other people think about this idea of running a little hotter within Prime95, knowing that none of my programs are pushing the CPU like Prime95?

 

[xkm1948]

Use intelburn test. If it is stable then you are good to go. Otherwise bump up the voltage.

Use Coretemp to check the real time data.

 

[NZSnowman]

Does overclocking make Windows more unstable?

 

[johnspack]

No it doesn't, only if your oc attempt itself is more unstable. I run my 3ghz i7 at 4.15ghz, and I'm always stable... unless I try to clock something too high, and use wrong voltages.

 

[NZSnowman]

After a few days of testing I got 3,700 MHz @ 1.38750 V. I may be able to loader the core voltage a little more yet. Below is a table of my tests results (Green = pass, Red = fail). Can anyone suggests how I can do better, without upping the Core voltage, as I am running very hot (around +65-70°C) for some of the Pime95 test but must of the tests is between around +50-60°C.

 

[xkm1948]

Again. Use InterBurn Test V2. It is even more tougher on your CPU. If you can pass the IntelBurn test then you should be all good.

Your temps seems a little high. I am at 4G with 1.4V. Prime95 Max heat all 4 cores stay below 65. You are at 3.7 so it shouldnt be that hot.

Have you tried new thermal paste?