Overclocking on Asus P5Q

[SpetsnazAntiVIP]

Hi I was wondering if you guys would be so kind as to lend me some assistance with OC'ing this Q6600. Its been a while...

I read thru graysky's guide, but I guess I am not 1337 enough.

I got my processor up to 3ghz (9x333) and it appeared to be stable, but the FSB was getting OC'd to 1333 mhz as well. I was thinking it would be better to keep it at the 1066 mhz the proc is rated at.

I took some screenshots of the BIOS screens because I wasnt exactly sure what to set the various settings to.

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/1402/dsc00051dx4.jpg
http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/4494/dsc00047ww4.jpg
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/5199/dsc00048xi4.jpg
http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/307/dsc00050bz4.jpg

I read about the fsb:dram ratio but I cant find any setting for this in the BIOS.

If somebody could help me out with this, I would really really appreciate it.

 

[n7]

All system specs please.

Originally posted by: SpetsnazAntiVIP
I got my processor up to 3ghz (9x333) and it appeared to be stable, but the FSB was getting OC'd to 1333 mhz as well. I was thinking it would be better to keep it at the 1066 mhz the proc is rated at.

Not possible unless you have an unlocked multiplier (an Extreme Edition CPU).

I don't recommend leaving voltages at auto, as it will automatically increase them as you overclock, often way higher than they should be.

When you say P5Q, you mean just the P5Q, not the P5Q-E/Pro/Deluxe, right?
I'm not sure if it's the same as the Deluxe, but people measuring voltage with the Deluxe have found a number of the voltages set to lowest actually overvolt majorly, so i'd suggest setting everything to one notch higher than the lowest settings.
For RAM, set accordingly, or 0.08-0.1v lower, as that was one thing found to overvolt on the Deluxe.

For CPU, i'd suggest loadline calibration set to enabled, as that will prevent vdroop (& also vdrop it seems).
Then you could try something nice & easy like 1.35v, & see how far that gets you.
I'd say 1.4-1.45v is fine as long as you keep temps in check.

As for RAM, post what you have, & i'll recommend accordingly.

For now you can run 1:1 though...find the speed that's double the FSB (so at 266 MHz FSB, that's DDR2-533).

Work on RAM after the CPU for overclocking...

 

[SpetsnazAntiVIP]

Thanks for the reply! I really appreciate the info.

Yeah, its the P5Q Vanilla.

Here's a link to My Anandtech page: http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.aspx?rigid=24056

This is the memory I have : http://www.ocztechnology.com/p...reaper_cl4_4gb_edition

Apparently its 4-4-4-15 2T DDR2-800.

So if I run a 333 mhz FSB, I should set it to DDR2-667?

So going off the first screenshot...

Ai Overclock Tuner: Manual
CPU Ratio Setting: Auto
FSB Freq: 333
PCIE: 100
FSB Strap to NB: Auto
Dram Freq: DDR2-667 (or should I do DDR2-800?)

DRAM Timing Control: Manual
4-4-4-15
Which value is for the 2T?

2nd screenshot...

CPU Voltage: 1.35v
CPU PLL Voltage: ?
FSB Term Voltage: ?
DRAM Voltage: 2.00 (On newegg, OCZ replied to a user review saying the ram needs to be between 2 to 2.1v, so I am going by that)
NB Voltage: ?
SB Voltage: ?
PCIE SATA Voltage: ?

Load-Line Calibration: Enabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: ?
PCIE Spread Spectrum: ?

3rd screenshot...
CPU Ratio Setting: Auto or 9?
C1E Support: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: ?
CPU TM Function: ?
Execute Disable Bit: ?
Intel Speedstep Tech: Disabled

4th screenshot...

Memory Remap Feature: ?
Memory Hole: ?





Thanks again!

 

[n7]

Ai Overclock Tuner: Manual
CPU Ratio Setting: 9x for now
FSB Freq: 333+
PCIE: 101
FSB Strap to NB: Auto
Dram Freq: 667 for now, higher later

DRAM Timing Control: Manual
5-5-5-15 for now
Which value is for the 2T? No such thing on Intel chipsets, only 1N, which isn't on your mobo anyway.

CPU Voltage: 1.35v
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.82v
FSB Term Voltage: 1.22v
DRAM Voltage: 2.00v
NB Voltage: 1.24-1.3v, lower when done with CPU/RAM tweaking
SB Voltage: 1.12v
PCIE SATA Voltage: 1.52v

Load-Line Calibration: Enabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Ratio Setting: 9x
C1E Support: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Doesn't matter, enabled if you run virtual OSes
CPU TM Function: Enabled IMO; research if you want
Execute Disable Bit: Enabled
Intel Speedstep Tech: Disabled

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: SpetsnazAntiVIP
So if I run a 333 mhz FSB, I should set it to DDR2-667?


Dram Freq: DDR2-667 (or should I do DDR2-800?)

If you're planning on overclocking higher, then you should set the RAM speed to DDR2-533, which is 1:1, making your RAM's speed match your FSB speed. But, if 3.0 Ghz is where you plan on staying, then setting it to 667 will run your RAM @ DDR2-800, with your FSB @ 333.

 

[n7]

SpetsnazAntiVIP, here are the exact settings i'm running now.
http://n7.slayernine.com/files/bios/IMG_2666.JPG
http://n7.slayernine.com/files/bios/IMG_2667.JPG
http://n7.slayernine.com/files/bios/IMG_2668.JPG
http://n7.slayernine.com/files/bios/IMG_2669.JPG

I'm still fine tuning my 8 GB, so don't pay attention to the RAM timings or NB voltage too much.
But the other stuff you can definitely follow quite closely if you want (start at a lower FSB then work up).

I found memory performance @
8x438 (3.5 GHz) 5:6 (DDR2-1051) with tRD (aka "Performance Level") 8
is slightly faster than
10x350 (3.5 GHz) 2:3 (DDR2-1050) with tRD (aka "Performance Level") 6

That's why i'm running 8x instead of 10x like i could be.

Once you get your CPU overclock determined (use Prime95 25.6/OCCT for stability), post that & i'll help you with the fine details for your RAM.

You should be able to run around DDR2-1000 to DDR2-1100 5-5-5 depending on your luck, maybe more.

You should be able to clock it similarly to mine actually...you can always try my RAM settings too, but most importantly, make sure Row Refresh Cycle Time is set loose, 60 initially.
And leave everything else RAM timing related on auto until you're feeling adventurous...

 

[zzglenn]

Originally posted by: n7
SpetsnazAntiVIP, here are the exact settings i'm running now.
http://n7.slayernine.com/files/bios/IMG_2666.JPG
http://n7.slayernine.com/files/bios/IMG_2667.JPG
http://n7.slayernine.com/files/bios/IMG_2668.JPG
http://n7.slayernine.com/files/bios/IMG_2669.JPG

I'm still fine tuning my 8 GB, so don't pay attention to the RAM timings or NB voltage too much.
But the other stuff you can definitely follow quite closely if you want (start at a lower FSB then work up).

I found memory performance @
8x438 (3.5 GHz) 5:6 (DDR2-1051) with tRD (aka "Performance Level") 8
is slightly faster than
10x350 (3.5 GHz) 2:3 (DDR2-1050) with tRD (aka "Performance Level") 6

That's why i'm running 8x instead of 10x like i could be.

Once you get your CPU overclock determined (use Prime95 25.6/OCCT for stability), post that & i'll help you with the fine details for your RAM.

You should be able to run around DDR2-1000 to DDR2-1100 5-5-5 depending on your luck, maybe more.

You should be able to clock it similarly to mine actually...you can always try my RAM settings too, but most importantly, make sure Row Refresh Cycle Time is set loose, 60 initially.
And leave everything else RAM timing related on auto until you're feeling adventurous...

Hi n7 and SpetsnazAntiVIP,

Forgive me for jumping in your conversation.

Would the settings you provided above work with this hardware.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
ASUS P5Q Pro (bios 0506)
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000)
CORSAIR 550VX 550W
ATI ASUS 4850 512MB
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 750GB
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit

I would like like to hit between 3.2ghz and 3.6ghz rock stable.

I have been looking for bios setting for this board. They are hard to find and can be confusing especially to a first time overclocker.

 

[zzglenn]

double post

 

[SpetsnazAntiVIP]

Right on, got your settings in the bios and running stable in windows. Prime95 tests starting...Will report back tomorrow and let you know if its stable.

Thank you so much for your help!!!

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: zzglenn
Hi n7 and SpetsnazAntiVIP,

Forgive me for jumping in your conversation.

Would the settings you provided above work with this hardware.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
ASUS P5Q Pro (bios 0506)
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000)
CORSAIR 550VX 550W
ATI ASUS 4850 512MB
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 750GB
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit

I would like like to hit between 3.2ghz and 3.6ghz rock stable.

I have been looking for bios setting for this board. They are hard to find and can be confusing especially to a first time overclocker.

Basically, yes.

Your board will be missing some of the options the Deluxe has, but the main settings still apply.

Start lower than mine...then up the FSB.

Most G0 Q6600/Q6700s should do around 3300+ MHz pretty easily on the P5Qs as long as you have a solid cooler.

I love the board...so easy to overclock, yes has so many advanced options for more tweaking.

 

[SpetsnazAntiVIP]

Ok, ran prime95 for 24 hours no errors. Looks like we are stable. With all 4 cores loaded, looks like I'm running at about 56-57 deg on 2 cores and 50-51 on the other 2.

Should I start tweaking voltages or should I just leave good enough alone?

 

[plion]

grats spetsnaz. Btw how important is the performance level setting? I leave it on auto on my p5q pro, but I'm a newbie = (

 

[graysky]

Originally posted by: SpetsnazAntiVIP
Ok, ran prime95 for 24 hours no errors. Looks like we are stable. With all 4 cores loaded, looks like I'm running at about 56-57 deg on 2 cores and 50-51 on the other 2.

Should I start tweaking voltages or should I just leave good enough alone?

It's up to you. Those are good temps. Start backing off on the vcores and priming. What are your current settings?

9x333?
CPU Vcc = ?
VTT = ?
NB = ?

 

[chizow]

I've finally been able to get my Q6600 stable at 3.6GHz, but it requires much higher Vcore than the incremental steps lower, like 3.4-3.5GHz. I'm running Vcore at 1.3750 now, but be warned this results in a huge temperature delta compared to lower voltages and speeds. The other settings didn't have nearly as much impact (I did raise many of them) except for AI Transaction Booster, which needed to be hard-set off Auto to a Common Performance Level of 10-12. Anything lower usually resulted in a BSOD.

 

[SpetsnazAntiVIP]

Originally posted by: graysky
It's up to you. Those are good temps. Start backing off on the vcores and priming. What are your current settings?

9x333?
CPU Vcc = ?
VTT = ?
NB = ?

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1065/dsc00053kh6.jpg
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/1433/dsc00055yx0.jpg

I timed the memory to 4-4-4-15.