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Stable OC on AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black, can't break 4k

8K views 49 replies 14 participants last post by  RaFDX 
#1 ·
Hey all!!

Attempting to OC my Phenom II X4 965 Black to temporarily quench my desire to buy a new 8 core AMD processor.

Here is the CPU Z Validator
http://valid.x86.fr/i0tj5r

CPU cooler is Cooler Master V8 (2009 version) (Might upgrade to Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO if the community thinks it's a superior cooler)

I think 3.990GHz is pretty good for an OC, wish I could just break the 4k barrier. Any thoughts?
 
#3 ·
Try first without OC'ing the Bus (200MHz) and for Phenom II try HT Link 2000MHz but CPU-NB at 2400-2600MHz, about 1.2-1.3V (máx 1.35V).

For such kind of OC I think your VCore is a bit high, maybe with 1.4-1.45V for 4GHz could be enough.

Set your RAM at the default values for latencies and voltage.

PS: if more of 1.45V is needed for 4GHz, maybe is more interesting 3.8-3.9GHz with less voltage, difference in performance is very short for such kind of voltage (and the temperatures it suppose, try to keep your processor under 55ºC because over that temperature is difficult for stability)
 
#4 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RaFDX View Post

Hey all!!

Attempting to OC my Phenom II X4 965 Black to temporarily quench my desire to buy a new 8 core AMD processor.

Here is the CPU Z Validator
http://valid.x86.fr/i0tj5r

CPU cooler is Cooler Master V8 (2009 version) (Might upgrade to Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO if the community thinks it's a superior cooler)

I think 3.990GHz is pretty good for an OC, wish I could just break the 4k barrier. Any thoughts?
Im able to get 4.2 on my 955 at around 1.52v. I think at 4.2 you hit a wall no matter how good your cooling is.
 
#5 ·
I had a hard time staying stable above 4Ghz while I was using air because I couldn't push the voltage high enough without exceeding the thermal limit.

I have an H110 now and I can go over 1.5v without breaking a sweat.

What are your core temps after 20 minutes of Prime95?
 
#6 ·
The Cooler Master V8 isn't a very good cooler it looks kool but its not very good at cooling. I would look for a better cooling option. My 965 did 4.2ghz at 1.5v with my Noctua NH-D14
 
#7 ·
I've been using OCCT to stress test the computer. I have memory at 90% with "64 bits" and "AVX Capable Linpack" selected in the "CPU: Linpack" tab. I turned down the voltage cause it would hit 65°C and I felt the need to stop the test.

I tried to bump (up) the NB to 2500 and I couldn't do anything. When you said "but CPU-NB at 2400-2600MHz, about 1.2-1.3V (máx 1.35V)." was the "1.2-1.3V (máx 1.35V)." the cpu voltage or NB voltage?

I agree, I think it's time for a new cooler. Size isn't really an issue, since i've had a V8 for 6years. Just want to move (lots) heat cause my house gets hot (no AC). I have a Cougar Challenger case.

Currently I am at:
3.99GHz
1.43V
210 CPU Freq
Multiplier 19
RAM back to Auto
 
#8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RaFDX View Post

I've been using OCCT to stress test the computer. I have memory at 90% with "64 bits" and "AVX Capable Linpack" selected in the "CPU: Linpack" tab. I turned down the voltage cause it would hit 65°C and I felt the need to stop the test.

I tried to bump (up) the NB to 2500 and I couldn't do anything. When you said "but CPU-NB at 2400-2600MHz, about 1.2-1.3V (máx 1.35V)." was the "1.2-1.3V (máx 1.35V)." the cpu voltage or NB voltage?

I agree, I think it's time for a new cooler. Size isn't really an issue, since i've had a V8 for 6years. Just want to move (lots) heat cause my house gets hot (no AC). I have a Cougar Challenger case.

Currently I am at:
3.99GHz
1.43V
210 CPU Freq
Multiplier 19
RAM back to Auto
Get a window A/C unit for the room your PC is in. That would probably be the first thing I would do, lol.
 
#11 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RaFDX View Post

I've been using OCCT to stress test the computer. I have memory at 90% with "64 bits" and "AVX Capable Linpack" selected in the "CPU: Linpack" tab. I turned down the voltage cause it would hit 65°C and I felt the need to stop the test.

I tried to bump (up) the NB to 2500 and I couldn't do anything. When you said "but CPU-NB at 2400-2600MHz, about 1.2-1.3V (máx 1.35V)." was the "1.2-1.3V (máx 1.35V)." the cpu voltage or NB voltage?

I agree, I think it's time for a new cooler. Size isn't really an issue, since i've had a V8 for 6years. Just want to move (lots) heat cause my house gets hot (no AC). I have a Cougar Challenger case.

Currently I am at:
3.99GHz
1.43V
210 CPU Freq
Multiplier 19
RAM back to Auto
1.43v? It says you are at 1.5V in your CPU Z screenshot.

If you are already at 1.5V I don't really think upping the voltage further is worth 11MHz.. there isn't going to be any performance gains just more heat output.

I would stop worrying about those last 11MHz and start trying to overclock your NB to 2600-2800.
 
#12 ·
I tried to lower the voltage to 1.43, but it failed to stay running, so I am back up to 1.45. I am also to the realization that the last 11hz aren't worth it and OC'd the NB to 2520MHz.

I also took jacqlittle's advice and bumped the CPU NB voltage up, from 1.125 to 1.200

Here is a shot of my current settings

BIOS
http://imgur.com/zkaYee9

Windows 10
http://i.imgur.com/QcHKuRM.jpg

RAM
http://i.imgur.com/QgTTjlz.png

so far so good
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RaFDX View Post

I tried to lower the voltage to 1.43, but it failed to stay running, so I am back up to 1.45. I am also to the realization that the last 11hz aren't worth it and OC'd the NB to 2520MHz.

I also took jacqlittle's advice and bumped the CPU NB voltage up, from 1.125 to 1.200

Here is a shot of my current settings

BIOS
http://imgur.com/zkaYee9

Windows 10
http://i.imgur.com/QcHKuRM.jpg

RAM
http://i.imgur.com/QgTTjlz.png

so far so good
If you have any trouble with random instability, try turning down the HT speed. 2100 is right at the point where it causes problems, and there is very minimal gain from going over 2000.

Also, your ram is 1333 but running at 840? I bet you could push that over 1333 a bit, or run timings at 5-5-5-14
thumb.gif
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by schmotty View Post

If you have any trouble with random instability, try turning down the HT speed. 2100 is right at the point where it causes problems, and there is very minimal gain from going over 2000.

Also, your ram is 1333 but running at 840? I bet you could push that over 1333 a bit, or run timings at 5-5-5-14
thumb.gif
So I OC'd the RAM to run 1333. I also lowered the CPU freq back down to 200 and i raised the multiplier to 20 (this way i would avoid the 2100 instability you mentioned). I was then able to stably hit and run at 4.0 GHz!!

Then my new CPU cooler, Cooler Master Hyper Evo 212, came in. I installed it and added the V8's fan to the other side of the Evo 212. I sadly feel that the cpu runs hotter now than before.

Thoughts on this?

EDIT:: I noticed that my CPU NB Volt was very high for some reason, so I knocked it back down to 1.2V. My temps, in my very very warm house are idle at 42°C. However, when I open any program (chrome, GW2, Eve, Bliz launcher) the temps spike 6-10° but then stable out. normal i assume, but never noticed it because i just let the fans do their things.

This is normal yeah?
 
#15 ·
It is normal. All CPU's do this to a certain degree.

4GHz is basically the maximum for PII's. What's left now is to stabilise the OC and tweak it. The Hyper 212 is a hugely overrated cooler and I think most people simply refuse to admit it's mediocre at best or they live in a very, very cold climate. You would be better of to get a Phanteks TC-14PE, Silver Arrow Extreme or NH-D14.
 
#16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Liranan View Post

It is normal. All CPU's do this to a certain degree.

4GHz is basically the maximum for PII's. What's left now is to stabilise the OC and tweak it. The Hyper 212 is a hugely overrated cooler and I think most people simply refuse to admit it's mediocre at best or they live in a very, very cold climate. You would be better of to get a Phanteks TC-14PE, Silver Arrow Extreme or NH-D14.
Yea, a 30 dollar cooler wont top the 75+ coolers you listed that cost over double. I see the Hyper 212 as the bridge between the stock cooler and the nice high end coolers like noctua nh d15 and all in ones. And for 30 bucks, it does quite a good job. A hyper 212 allowed me drive my phenom 955 to 4.2ghz which is basically the limit I can get out of this chip. If I put a nh d15 on the 955, I wouldnt be able to go to 4.3 or higher, just lower temps. If your chip's limitation comes via temperature, then yes, better coolers would be better, but if you got the most out of your chip, then a better cooler wont change that, just lower temps. The hyper 212 IS the best bang for buck cooler in the history of coolers period.
thumb.gif
 
#17 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Liranan View Post

It is normal. All CPU's do this to a certain degree.

4GHz is basically the maximum for PII's. What's left now is to stabilise the OC and tweak it. The Hyper 212 is a hugely overrated cooler and I think most people simply refuse to admit it's mediocre at best or they live in a very, very cold climate. You would be better of to get a Phanteks TC-14PE, Silver Arrow Extreme or NH-D14.
But at those prices, wouldn't an H90+ be better?
 
#18 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by schmotty View Post

But at those prices, wouldn't an H90+ be better?
No. High end air is a much better bang/buck than any of the AIO coolers are. Even the top end AIO coolers only beat the high end air by a few C and can cost 30-50% more.

Of course, IMO when you buy an AIO you are paying for the aesthetics as well since not everyone wants a big chunk of metal blocking you from seeing half of the PC.
 
#19 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by iinversion View Post

No. High end air is a much better bang/buck than any of the AIO coolers are. Even the top end AIO coolers only beat the high end air by a few C and can cost 30-50% more.

Of course, IMO when you buy an AIO you are paying for the aesthetics as well since not everyone wants a big chunk of metal blocking you from seeing half of the PC.
Not to mention closed loop coolers do nothing to move air around the chipsets or mosfets.
 
#21 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisjames61 View Post

Not to mention closed loop coolers do nothing to move air around the chipsets or mosfets.
Are there any custom water blocks that move air across the motherboard? I have not seen any, but I haven't looked much since I have a closed loop. I see that as a bonus feature for a HS.
 
#22 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlawleZ View Post

Man did someone tell you the 212 was better than the V8? The V8 is old and no Noctua, but it's still better than a 212. Put the V8 back on for now.
Yes, and I swapped it for it. My temps seem warmer with the 212, even with the V8's fan (dual fan setup). That's why I was concerned/confused. But I also have the ambient temperature issue in my house (hits mid 80s) and was not able to keep a stable 4k setup with the voltage at 1.45. I dropped the voltage to 1.43 and I still break 50C. Looking at the web site, the v8 moves 68 cfm, the 212 moves 24-82 cfm.

Should I reinstall the v8 with the 212's fan or keep the v8 stock? Or buy a different 120mm fan all together and put that in?
 
#23 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RaFDX View Post

Yes, and I swapped it for it. My temps seem warmer with the 212, even with the V8's fan (dual fan setup). That's why I was concerned/confused. But I also have the ambient temperature issue in my house (hits mid 80s) and was not able to keep a stable 4k setup with the voltage at 1.45. I dropped the voltage to 1.43 and I still break 50C. Looking at the web site, the v8 moves 68 cfm, the 212 moves 24-82 cfm.

Should I reinstall the v8 with the 212's fan or keep the v8 stock? Or buy a different 120mm fan all together and put that in?
Honestly, with hitting mid 80s ( fahrenheit I hope
wink.gif
) it will be difficult to stay below 60C. A 10 degree drop in ambient would make a huge difference. If you are staying below 55C after 30min of load, you should be good as long as you don't have a heat wave. Get some fans for yhour room though.
 
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