OK so I just re-read the post about the "bad" Q820A670 and realised it turned out good (4Ghz on stock volts on the stock hsf).... Looks like I'm building then
Yes, that's my CPU. I don't know what happened, but my thoughts are that it was the motherboard restricting the CPU a little at first. I originally got 4GHz on 1.325V set in BIOS. I then updated the BIOS to a modified version of the latest Asus P5Q-E BIOS, 1306. I tweaked again and hit 4GHz at 1.28V set in BIOS. With the voltage drop this turns out to be 1.248V at idle and 1.256V under load. I used CPU-Z for the voltage reading in Windows.
Bearing in mind:
1: I have not exceeded the CPU's max recommended voltage of 1.26V (this is printed on the box)
2: I'm still using the awful stock Intel cooler
I think I actually have a pretty decent chip here!
I know it isn't the best, but it's nowhere near being the POS I thought it might be, just going on original OC results.
I've ordered a Thermalright Ultima 90 cooler along with a Scythe fan, both of which should be here on Friday. I also ordered some MX-2 thermal paste (my favourite). I will post back with my results after I've fitted it and done a few tests.
I don't mind if this CPU doesn't hit 4.5GHz, I'll be happy with 4.2 or 4.3. For a 24/7 overclock, I don't believe anyone needs any more speed than this. The chip is already lightning fast at 4GHz, so any further speed boost and temp drop will be the icing on the cake for me, I'm not greedy or wanting to be boastful about a ridiculous overclock. I'm happy with my "bad" batch CPU! I might form a
Week 20 Club now.
We are the black sheep. We are the underdogs. We shall bite them on the features!