Is it possible to selectively disable a core?

RYB

RYB

RYB

Associate
Joined
28 Jul 2008
Posts
135
Hi everybody,

I have a Q6600 and would like to disable a particular core.

I can disable cores using msconfig (Windows Vista 64bit):

msconfig > boot > advanced options > # processors

but it won't allow me to choose which core I want to disable.

Prime95:

Thread #1 ---------- Core #0
Thread #2 ---------- Core #1
Thread #3 ---------- Core #2 <------ troublesome core
Thread #4 ---------- Core #3

Assuming the threads in Prime95 correspond to the indicated cores above, I'd like to disable core #2.

3Ghz is my goal, but thread #3 (core #2?) keeps reporting errors.

The lowest vcore that achieves 3Ghz stable is 1.4125v in BIOS which is too high for my liking (temps reach 67 degrees using stock cooler).

Windows reports 1.376v idle but this drops to as low as 1.272v during load.

Is this level of vdroop normal? I've enabled voltage damper in my P5K BIOS, but I've read reports that suggest it doesn't work.

I was previously 2.9Ghz stable with 1.3500v in BIOS, so it was quite a big jump to 1.4125v to reach 3Ghz stable.

I've tried slackening RAM timings and disabling power saving features etc but nothing helps.

Therefore, if I can disable the troublesome core, I'm hoping to overclock much higher with less heat/voltage.

I make it sound as if I would have been happier with a dual core instead, but I chose a quad since I don't plan to upgrade this new build for at least 5-8 years :p

Thanks for any suggestions.
 
Welcome and Claimed. :p

I would not disable the Core, either work on it or accept that's the limit of your Sample.

Try raising the VTT or other Voltages (there are a few on some Mobo's) instead of CPU Voltage as your trying to OC the FSB.

EDIT :

I just noticed part about "stock cooler" :eek:, get of that A.S.A.P if your trying to OC esp to 3+GHZ.

I would not use anything bar a good 120mm Cooler and Fan for my own use, and 90mm for my Customers non OC'd rigs).

The Q6600 is a one Hot MOFO and more so when you get to 3-3.6GHZ (as most seem to be able to do).

I would bet if you fit a good 120mm Cooler and fan, the Core issue will go away. ;)
 
Last edited:
Depending on what board you have you can disable the core. (780i I know can)

I would advise against it as with the voltage damper.

Try raising fsb/gtl/northbridge or raising the strap on the nothbridge.

From what I read, your using the stock cooler. A Freezer 7 would be an inexpensive but well worth upgrade to the stock cooler.
 
i can disable cores on my 680i.

If i want that extra perfomance in games, i'll disable cores 2 and 3, leaving me to clock cores 0 and 1 much further that i can on all 4 cores.

A 4ghz dual is faster than a 3.6ghz quad in most games out there =)
 
V|per said:
i can disable cores on my 680i.

If i want that extra perfomance in games, i'll disable cores 2 and 3, leaving me to clock cores 0 and 1 much further that i can on all 4 cores.

A 4ghz dual is faster than a 3.6ghz quad in most games out there =)
Click to expand...

any link to benches where they actually overclock several CPU's?

its a very little performance increase
 
Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm convinced that vdroop is the main reason why I need high vcore to get 3Ghz stable on my P5k vanilla:

1.4125v BIOS
1.376v idle
1.272v load

I will attempt a pencil mod tonight and report back.

I have an ordinary HB pencil, will this do?
 
dsiable the core sin the bios if you really need to, maybe HSF isnt sitting staright so one core getting hotter than all others causing problemos
 
The pencil mod worked :cool:

No vdrop/vdroop in sight!

SpeedFan readings:

1.25v BIOS
1.25v idle
1.25v load

Before the mod I needed 1.40v BIOS just to boot into Windows at 3Ghz, now I can do it with 1.25 and lower if I keep going :p

helmutcheese/lazyboy, you're both right I will benefit from an aftermarket cooler; temps reach mid 60s after only 5mins of priming!

I'll go for the Tuniq Tower 120-LFB unless there's something else that offers better value for money for similar performance.

PS. Pneumonic excellent guide m8, very well written, helped me out a lot.
 
platinum87 said:
any link to benches where they actually overclock several CPU's?

its a very little performance increase
Click to expand...

It's actually quite a considerable performance increase for me, as my system is cpu limited. The higher clocks allow me to get more out of my gfx cards. I also play a lot of RTS games, cpu power is needed a lot more in these games than GFX power is.

But generally speaking, in terms of FPS games, and not being too cpu limited, then yes, cpu's at thaose speeds are going to show very little performance increase.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom