I Need Help From The Masters!

[shadowake]

OK I've got my Q9550 up to 3.723MHz 100% (8 hours prime) stable.

My voltage however is at 1.4000v which I've been told is high and my absolute max temp at full load is 70degC.

I'm convinced I can get this chip to 3.8MHz or higher and hopefully drop the CPU core voltage a little, but lack the skills to take it from here!

I would very much apreciate any advice on what to try. My current clock is set up as follows:

CPU Core = 1.4000v (although max in CPU-Z under load is 1.330v)
DDR2 = 2.2v (voltage recomended for my ram by crucial)
CPU VTT = 1.16v
MCH = 1.37v
ICH = 1.12v
ICHIO = 1.60v
DDR2 Ref Voltage = 0%
CPU GTLREF 0&2 = 67%
CPU GTLREF 1&3 = 67%

RAM is set to 1:1.20 (1051MHz) 5,5,5,18 (2T) it's 1066MHz RAM.

Now I really don't understand many of those numbers (some I'll admit I just uped a bit randomly to try and get a few extra FSB).

EDIT: Oh and incase it helps my mobo is an Abit IP35Pro and cooler is a noctua with 2xP12 fans.

 

[shadowake]

Well your Vcore is 1.33v not 1.4v. You have headroom yet. Also you can raise your VTT alittle to help stability. Your temps may limit you though as you dont wanna be going much over 70c.

Yeah 70 is absolute max recorded in core temp, average is more like 68, I'll try upping the VVT see if that gets me any further, if not I'll up the vcore a tad and jeep check on my temps, I'll turn my case fans up a bit see if that helps any.

 

[shadowake]

Drop your ram down alittle while u clock your cpu just so you know its not that causing any instability.

Will do, turned the case fans up to full (cant really notice the difference anyway) that shave 2degC off! Not bad, running prime with 2 extra FSB with the VTT upped a bit, will see how it goes, 15mins so far stable.

 

[shadowake]

Try go up in 5mhz jumps. LinX is a better test for a quick burst before pushing on higher.

For some reason my board only goes up in even numbers so min 2MHz a time (4,6,8, etc). Although I did download the latest BIOS the other day so it might have fixed the issue.

will check out LinX now (not heard of it before)

By the way what's the highest I should take the VTT? And what can I use to monitor the temp on the northbridge?

 

[shadowake]

Thanks guys currently up to 3774MHz (nearing that 3.8 target slowly but surely!)

I've upped the VTT to 1.23 and the vcore to 1.4100 (1.340 after vdroop)

I'll have to leave it for the night but can hopefully get a bit more tomorrow.

PS what temp is acceptable for the PWM? Currently @67-71degC.

 

[shadowake]

Cheers guys, well been running prime since I got home, I've managed my 3.8GHz target (3.81MHz actually)!

Stable 1.5hours so far with these settings:

vcore 1.4400 (1.36-1.37 in CPU-Z after vdroop)
VTT 1.23
MCH 1.37

Max temp is 71degC in core temp, but average is more like 68degC

Think I'm nearing the limit both temp/voltage wise without having to go to water but might be able to squeeze a few more FSB out of her if im lucky.

Very happy, especially as the guy I bought it from who is an experienced overclocker only got it to 3.6 Thanks for the help guys!!! Couldn't have got past 3.5 without you