Latest batch of Q6600's.... really poor overclockers!

Stonedofmoo · 6 Aug 2008 at 15:03

I've just helped two people build quad core PC's based around the Q6600 chipset.
The spec is Antec 900 case, Hiper 630w PSU, Q6600, 4gig RAM (2x2gig), Asus P5Q Pro (Intel P45 chipset), Tuniq Tower 120 cooler all from OCUK.

I've got quite a bit of experience with Q6600 overclocking. My previous builds have all hit 3.6, 3.5 and 3.4 respectively, and I've never seen one do less than 3.1gig at stock volts until now.
These latest Q6600's won't do anything more than 3Gig. I tried extra voltage on CPU and mobo areas, all sorts and nothing gets them stable above 3050Mhz

Really disappointing results! It looks like the glory days of Q6600 overclocking are over unless the current stock are just bad examples

Stonedofmoo · 6 Aug 2008 at 15:58

I'm not sure, I was wondering if they're not making new ones and we're just seeing the last ones now.

I'd tell you the default voltage, but the Asus board is annoying and either sets the voltage for you on 'Auto' or manually from a list. When you choose manual, rather than choosing the default VID as a starting point, it chooses the lowest on the list and you have to select your own voltage.

Stonedofmoo · 8 Aug 2008 at 08:03

Hi there

The board we're using has been updated to the latest BIOS. In fact I used the same board and a Q6600 about 6 weeks ago in another build. That one did 3.4 out of the box with no voltage tweaks whatsoever so I know the equipment is fine.

I truely think the chips are the issue and being the Asus board sets the voltage to over 1.43 the moment you get above 3.1gig anyhow I see no point throwing more at the chips in order to try and eak a little more out of them. They only seem happy at 3gig and thats it.

Shame really, but then looking at those new 9550 chips and their price it looks like the Q6600's true successor has arrived...

Stonedofmoo · 8 Aug 2008 at 11:57

Hi guys

Just to let you know I may have written these chips off a little early. With some burn in time and a bit of tweaking we now have 3.3gig at 1.475v. That's a lot more than I would normally use but it does seem as though there is some extra performance to be unlocked if you don't mind throwing a little more voltage at them than normal.