Q6600 G0 questions

[MichaelD]

Can a Q6600 do an 8x multi?
What is the stock multi?

I'm looking at a nice, even, doable 3.20GHz (8x400) assuming it can do an 8 multi. I don't want to mess with weird FSB #s; I like things nice and in-sync. I.E. 1:1.

Thanks much.

 

[isandu]

It's stock multiplier is 9x.

9 x 266 = 2394MHz

I want to buy this processor too. I never had a Core 2 processor, but from all I've read I don't see why you couldn't set the multiplier to 8x.

 

[stevty2889]

As already mentioned the stock multiplier is 9x. Due to speedstep, the multiplier can be changed to 6x, 7x, 8x, or 9x. Some motherboards can be finicky(mine for example), so motherboard choice is somewhat important if you want to adjust the multiplier. My motherboard(Asus P5W-DH deluxe) won't boot with 8x multiplier, but works fine with 6x or 7x.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks guys.

Isandu: Some processors (usually Intel) have the multiplier locked and you can't change it at all.

Stevty2889: You say that due to Speedstep, the multi can be changed. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Speedstep where the processor is automatically throttled down during periods of inactivity? So can I manually change it? I.E. hard set it to 8x?

I'm going to guess that 3.60GHz (9x400) isn't doable on air...with any stability, anyway.

I have a Gigabyte DS3 Rev1.0 w/the latest BIOS; it has supported QuadCore since three BIOS revisions past. Thanks much.

 

[Markfw]

3.6 IS doable on air for a revision G0, but hard to do with that motherboard. I have mine on a DQ6, and it does 3.6 OK and stable, but not F@H stable (a lot of EEU's). I had a B3 revision on a DS3, and it died after 2 months. Its now on an S3. Its VERY easy to get 8x400 BTW.

And its good to hear from you, been a while ! Last time I talked to you I was setting up my new dual 248's (that are now for sale)

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Markfw900
3.6 IS doable on air for a revision G0, but hard to do with that motherboard. I have mine on a DQ6, and it does 3.6 OK and stable, but not F@H stable (a lot of EEU's). I had a B3 revision on a DS3, and it died after 2 months. Its now on an S3. Its VERY easy to get 8x400 BTW.

And its good to hear from you, been a while ! Last time I talked to you I was setting up my new dual 248's (that are now for sale)

Good to hear from you too! :beer: It's indeed been awhile. I built this rig a year and change ago and decided to be happy with it for awhile...and awhile is up.

I've been very happy with my DS3 Rev1.0. All I did was up the CPU voltage a notch, disable Automatic "everything" and that was it. Rock solid at 3.20GHz for more than a year now.

I know that 8x400 is easy...especially with a very early edition E6400 like I have. I'm no longer into fiddling with BIOS settings for days just to get that last 100MHz out of a chip. I want stable.

If I get the Q6600 and run it at 9x333 for 3GHz, that would be nice too. The loss of 200MHz will be more than offset by the addition of two more cores. With new games being multithreaded, the time has come, methinks.

But, if I am at 9x333, my memory won't be in sync...or will it? 333 is a normal divider, no? I'd just be running my DDR2-400 RAM at DDR2-333 speeds, right?

ps
Can you tell I've been out of the loop for awhile?

 

[Markfw]

Yes, at 333, it will just be running slower. I recommend 8x400 ! I have a B3 at that now, hoping to have my other one up there, once I dump this crap P5K motherboard. My G0 is running 3420, and I have only had one EEU at that. At 3.5 it gets a few EEU's, so not worth the extra 100 mhz. And last (and least) is my X3210, running 2800 and hotter then he$$.

 

[jmmtn4aj]

Originally posted by: Markfw900
3.6 IS doable on air for a revision G0, but hard to do with that motherboard. I have mine on a DQ6, and it does 3.6 OK and stable, but not F@H stable (a lot of EEU's). I had a B3 revision on a DS3, and it died after 2 months. Its now on an S3. Its VERY easy to get 8x400 BTW.

And its good to hear from you, been a while ! Last time I talked to you I was setting up my new dual 248's (that are now for sale)

Which motherboard? I have a P35-DS3 and am hoping to get an Ultra-120 or Big Typhoon soon so I can OC to 3.6. Just turning up the multiplier from 8 to 9. The current 3.2 doesn't feel worthwhile IMO, since I had to bump up voltage to 1.29v, up from stock 1.275, which was enough for 3.0GHz. If I want to run in sync and have to up the voltage, I'd like to at least do it at a higher clockspeed..

 

[MichaelD]

OK, so from what I'm reading, Mark and jmmtn4aj, you CAN hard-set the multiplier to 8x. I know my P965-DS3 supports that feature on dual-core b/c I'm doing that right now.

Wow...now the decision to buy the stuff and have to mess with setting an overclock again.

 

[BoboKatt]

If you want to ensure and lock your CPU to 8X just set it to 8X, then the FSB to 400 and then disable all power saving features. This will inherently prevent the speedstep and other features from reducing your multiplier to 6x.

In regards to the 8x400 to reach 3200mhz, in my case I simply kept it at its stock multi of 9 and upped the FSB to 333 so I am getting a stable 3Ghz. I am running my q6600 G0 on my Asus p5K-e/wifi at that speed and it's STILL below the stock voltage of 1.275 or something like that. It's rock stable and stays relatively cool but I need to pull out my Ninja Rev B and better situate the clips.

Anyhow is it my understanding that by lowering your multi and increasing the FSB to 400 to get 3200 you would need to increase the volts probably more than if you kept it at 9 and only had to bump the FSB to 350 or so. I mean you would probably need, for some boards more juice to get that higher FSB on the chipset and even CPU and probably have higher temps.. Just my thought really? as I have not compared as of yet so really just shooting off my mouth.

In regards to keeping the RAM at an even 1:1 I understand that can be a pain. I was spoiled forever... using my eVGA 680i board which practically allows you to set your RAM at whatever speeds you want. The P5K-e was really worrying me but it allows you to set your speed to 333, 400 quite easily and allows you to mess with the strap as well. My system runs just fine at 3.0Ghz with the 9 multi and my RAM at its rated DDR2PC6400 of 4-4-4-12 800 2T. In fact it was essentially the easiest OC I have ever done considering I knew nothing of this BIOS compared to my other 680i.

 

[zsdersw]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
Some processors (usually Intel) have the multiplier locked

Usually AMD, too.

 

[n7]

I know on P965, running a lower multiplier usually increases the northbridge core clock speed, which in turn puts more stress on the motherboard.

IOW, it's not ideal per say.

Anyone know what happens on P35/X38 with regards to that?


And MichaelD, with decent RAM, you could run 9x356 4:5, which would put your RAM at DDR2-890 speeds, which would slightly outperform 8x400 1:1 (DDR2-800)

 

[BoboKatt]

Good question N7. I guess I should have stated that putting extra stress on the motherboad with higher FSB and lower multi was the case with chipsets we are familiar with but in regards to P35 x38 I have no idea.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks N7 & BoboKatt. I know that the higher you push the FSB, the more stress you put on the NB. Accordingly, you have to add more voltage...which pushes up temps. And you go round and round until it explodes. :Q Er...until it BSODs. :laugh:

But, my MB has been running 400FSB at stock voltage for 14-15 months now. I know that no two CPUs are alike, but if the NB is "used to it", then isn't the ability for my MB to run 400FSB pretty much guaranteed?

I'd be very happy with 8x400 for the same 3.20GHz I have now, but with two more cores. I'm just curious how doable 3.20GHz is with the G0...and/or the B3 for that matter.

 

[Markfw]

I have my B3 on an S3 @ 400x8 for 2 months, no problems. It was on a DS3 for 1 month before that, perfectly stable until the DS3 died. I don't know why it died.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks, Mark.

So, what's the word on steppings these days? Are the bigger etailers like Newegg all sold out of B3 and are shipping B0? I know ClubIT/Tankguys guarantee a B0 steppings but if I can just stick w/Newegg I'd be a bit more comfortable.

Then again, if B3 can hit 3.2GHz pretty easily, I'd be happy with that too.

Regardless of which stepping I get, I'm getting a Tuniq Tower to cool it.

 

[kenrippy]

the G0 will do easily over 3.4 on air. i have mine at 3.51 (390x9)
they need some juice to get up in the higher clocks though. i have mine at 1.4275 in the bios (before vdroop) to get it prime95 stable.

Q6600 "G0" @ 3.51ghz (390x9)
tuniq tower 120
abit IP35 Pro v1.1 bios 14
4x1gb ballistix ddr800 4-4-4-12 1:1
Thermaltake W0128RU 650w
2x74gb raptors raid0 (xp pro sp2)
2x200gb SATA (storage)
2xIDE dvdrw
6600gt

 

[wittangamo]

There's an advantage to running at the stock 9X multiplier. You can still enable C1E and EIST so that your cpu won't be running full-bore when you don't need it. Intel indended Speedstep to extend the life of the processor by lowering the voltage and multiplier when the chip is idling. When you need the horsepower for gaming, video rendering (or showing off with benchmarks,) it ramps up quickly and effortlessly.

My Q6600 GO took a little coaxing and 1.42 volts (after vdroop, 1.47 in bios) to get to 3.6 ghz, 9x400. But it doesn't run at that speed all the time. With C1E and EIST enabled in the bios, it idles at 6x400=2.4ghz (the cpu's original rated speed) at just 1.31 volts, which is also the original rated Vcore.

I don't have to worry about temps, it idles in the high 30s and tops out in the mid 60s priming on all four cores.

You can't enable those cpu-saving settings reliably at a lower multiplier. At 8X you'll be running your full OC at all times, throwing out more heat and stressing the cpu even when you're doing low-intensity tasks like surfing and e-mail.

If it were me, I'd rather run 9x356 than 8x400. You get the same 3.2ghz overclock either way. If your memory isn't the greatest you can underclock it slightly at 2x356=712 mhz and maybe run tighter timings. If you have the good stuff, you might overclock the ram too with the divider at 1:1.20 (or 5/6) so the memory is running at DDR 854.

You'll get the speed you need when you need it, and when you don't the system will run cooler and longer with less strain on the cpu and mobo chipset.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

The Abit IP35 boards work well with C1E and EIST enabled. Asus board will stay locked at the BIOS setting if you overclock the MB by a small amount.

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: wittangamo
There's an advantage to running at the stock 9X multiplier. You can still enable C1E and EIST so that your cpu won't be running full-bore when you don't need it. Intel indended Speedstep to extend the life of the processor by lowering the voltage and multiplier when the chip is idling. When you need the horsepower for gaming, video rendering (or showing off with benchmarks,) it ramps up quickly and effortlessly.

My Q6600 GO took a little coaxing and 1.42 volts (after vdroop, 1.47 in bios) to get to 3.6 ghz, 9x400. But it doesn't run at that speed all the time. With C1E and EIST enabled in the bios, it idles at 6x400=2.4ghz (the cpu's original rated speed) at just 1.31 volts, which is also the original rated Vcore.

I don't have to worry about temps, it idles in the high 30s and tops out in the mid 60s priming on all four cores.

You can't enable those cpu-saving settings reliably at a lower multiplier. At 8X you'll be running your full OC at all times, throwing out more heat and stressing the cpu even when you're doing low-intensity tasks like surfing and e-mail.

If it were me, I'd rather run 9x356 than 8x400. You get the same 3.2ghz overclock either way. If your memory isn't the greatest you can underclock it slightly at 2x356=712 mhz and maybe run tighter timings. If you have the good stuff, you might overclock the ram too with the divider at 1:1.20 (or 5/6) so the memory is running at DDR 854.

You'll get the speed you need when you need it, and when you don't the system will run cooler and longer with less strain on the cpu and mobo chipset.

Well, I can say for a fact that my system will run F@H units a little faster at a higher FSB for the same overall speed.

And with the DQ6, there is no vdroop ! I can do 3.5 easy also, but as I said F@H will produce several EEU's configures that way.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
Thanks N7 & BoboKatt. I know that the higher you push the FSB, the more stress you put on the NB. Accordingly, you have to add more voltage...which pushes up temps. And you go round and round until it explodes. :Q Er...until it BSODs. :laugh:

But, my MB has been running 400FSB at stock voltage for 14-15 months now. I know that no two CPUs are alike, but if the NB is "used to it", then isn't the ability for my MB to run 400FSB pretty much guaranteed?

I'd be very happy with 8x400 for the same 3.20GHz I have now, but with two more cores. I'm just curious how doable 3.20GHz is with the G0...and/or the B3 for that matter.

The 965P-DS3 does not like overclocking quads. The power delivery system just plain sucks for quads. 333x9 might be reasonable if you add cooling to the PWMs as that is the part of the motherboard that tends to give.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
Thanks, Mark.

So, what's the word on steppings these days? Are the bigger etailers like Newegg all sold out of B3 and are shipping B0? I know ClubIT/Tankguys guarantee a B0 steppings but if I can just stick w/Newegg I'd be a bit more comfortable.

Then again, if B3 can hit 3.2GHz pretty easily, I'd be happy with that too.

Regardless of which stepping I get, I'm getting a Tuniq Tower to cool it.

B3s dont do 3.2 easily.

If youre shooting for 8x multi anyway, save some cash and garunteed G0 Xeon X3210 from clubit. Their resellerrating is right up there with newegg.

 

[Markfw]

Yes, I got my G0 from clubit, first time outside newegg in ages, and they came through, shipped on the weekend even ! Got it fedex in 2 days. And I have one B3 doing 3.2, the other is fighting me, but once I get my second DQ6, we will see ! I am dumping my P5K.

And did you read that my B3 killed my DS3 ? I don't know why, but it could have been that I didn;t heat sink the PWM's like Acanthus suggested.

Whats funny (and I don't understand) is that I have TWO quads on S3's and they have lasted longer than the DS3, why is that ?

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: Markfw900
Yes, I got my G0 from clubit, first time outside newegg in ages, and they came through, shipped on the weekend even ! Got it fedex in 2 days. And I have one B3 doing 3.2, the other is fighting me, but once I get my second DQ6, we will see ! I am dumping my P5K.

And did you read that my B3 killed my DS3 ? I don't know why, but it could have been that I didn;t heat sink the PWM's like Acanthus suggested.

Whats funny (and I don't understand) is that I have TWO quads on S3's and they have lasted longer than the DS3, why is that ?

Maybe you just had a bum board... It happens. I am not sure there is a way to tell if your B3 causes the boards demise or not. It was one board only... Not enough data to make a conclusion.

 

[Markfw]

I realize one board dying doesn't make them bad, but as many have pointed out, a quad@3.2@100 % load 24/7 is very hard on a motherboard, and many aren't designed to take it. Hence my going to DQ6's.