New to overclocking - Few Voltage questions?

UKMEDIASTORE · 8 Dec 2011 at 00:17

Just like to check if these voltages seem normal for a standard non oc set-up.

DRAM Voltage: 1.590v. My memory is rated at 1.65v, so should I change the voltage in the bios to 1.65v? Or should I wait until I start my overclocking process?
Vcore Voltage: 1.068v-1.114v. This seems very low from what I have read about. again should I change it to anything or should I start from here when I start my overclocking?
What is GT Frequency? Mine says 1100MHZ.

I have noted I should disable Spread Spectrum on my Asrock M/B when I start my overclocking, is this correct?

Plec · 8 Dec 2011 at 00:29

Set you memory to 1.5V and test for stability.

SB setups like memory to run under 1.58V - 1.5V ideally - and Kingston memory has a proven track record of running sub 1.58V, and usually at 1.5V.

If it's not stable at 1.5V bump it up to 1.55V.

You vCore will be on auto and is fine - when its idle it will drop to as low as ~0.98V.

When you decide to clock you should disable spread spectrum and turbo and depending on what clock your after depends largely on what you do with the votages.

What clock are you aiming for?

Vespasian777 · 8 Dec 2011 at 00:33

I always advise people to read this. Even if your board is not covered it may be of some use. http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2011/01/07/how-to-overclock-the-intel-core-i5-2500k/1

Plec · 8 Dec 2011 at 00:43

Vespasian777 said:
I always advise people to read this. Even if your board is not covered it may be of some use. http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2011/01/07/how-to-overclock-the-intel-core-i5-2500k/1

Yep, i link to it that guide myself as the core principles are the same for the z68 MBs as they are for P67.

The vCore adjustment on some/most z68 boards will be slightly different though.

But if the OP is after a relatively minor clock he could leave the voltages on auto.

UKMEDIASTORE · 8 Dec 2011 at 00:47

Plec said:
Set you memory to 1.5V and test for stability.

SB setups like memory to run under 1.58V - 1.5V ideally - and Kingston memory has a proven track record of running sub 1.58V, and usually at 1.5V.

If it's not stable at 1.5V bump it up to 1.55V.

You vCore will be on auto and is fine - when its idle it will drop to as low as ~0.98V.

When you decide to clock you should disable spread spectrum and turbo and depending on what clock your after depends largely on what you do with the votages.

What clock are you aiming for?

I have 2 lots of these installed. Bought 1 lot in August & another last week for under £17 delivered.
Kingston HyperX Blu 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit

I was going to memtest prior to o'cing, never used it before, hopefully I will have time to do it later today. Need to download/burn disc ect 1st.

Not set a clock to aim for yet but I guess around 4.4/4.6, will set a target when I start my overclocking.

UKMEDIASTORE · 8 Dec 2011 at 00:50

Thanks for the link, will give that a read later today before I change the VRAM to 1.5V & memtest.

Plec · 8 Dec 2011 at 00:56

I'm more familiar with the Hyper Greys - but the Blu should still run sub 1.58V. Perhaps start at 1.55V and lower once proved stable. But starting at 1.5V isn't a probelm...

As for your overclock i would try 4GHz/4.2GHz first on auto voltages and stress test with prime95 and monitor your voltages with CPUz and temps with real temp. This will give you an idea of the vCore that the MB thinks is required and will give you a ball park figure to start trying for 4.4GHz and above.

UKMEDIASTORE · 8 Dec 2011 at 01:01

Plec said:
I'm more familiar with the Hyper Greys - but the Blu should still run sub 1.58V. Perhaps start at 1.55V and lower once proved stable. But starting at 1.5V isn't a probelm...

As for your overclock i would try 4GHz/4.2GHz first on auto voltages and stress test with prime95 and monitor your voltages with CPUz and temps with real temp. This will give you an idea of the vCore that the MB thinks is required and will give you a ball park figure to start trying for 4.4GHz and above.

Starting at 1.55v & going lower sounds good to get in practice/used to the various progs for overclocking the cpu.

UKMEDIASTORE · 8 Dec 2011 at 01:06

I currently use Core Temp, is real temp any better?

Plec · 8 Dec 2011 at 01:14

UKMEDIASTORE said:
I currently use Core Temp, is real temp any better?

Either is fine as long as you have the latest release.

I stopped using core temp because of the advertising attached to the d/l - it used to be my main choice.

They also had a problem with reading SB CPUs a while ago. One core would read 100 degrees briefly but this must have been rectified as it was few months ago...

UKMEDIASTORE · 8 Dec 2011 at 14:08

Great read from the guide, very good info.
DRAM now set to 1.5V & passed memtest every time with no errors.
ocuk goodies just arrived, just awaiting the trim & I am good to go.

UKMEDIASTORE · 15 Dec 2011 at 12:35

All upgraded/installed now.
PSU is quiet & cpu cooler was very easy to install.

This is going to be the 1st overclock I have ever done.
Target 100% stable is 4Ghz 1st.

Thanks for the help & advice plec.