Yet again another motherboard
This one is special though...
Great review by Anandtech:
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3508&p=12
Interesting analysis by Tom's Hardware:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...le,2094-3.html
Here is a link to the F9i bios (which I am currently running):
http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/7/...45ud3p.F9l.zip
F9i is the current beta bios release
http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/7/...45ud3p.F9l.zip
Bios release history: (excluding betas)
F9: Improve ITE8718 I/O chip compatibility
F8: Enhanced compatibilities of Dynamic Energy Saver Advanced
F7: 2009/01/13 Support ITE8718 KX
F6: 2008/11/14 Improve ET6 compatibility
F5: 2008/11/03 Update CPU microcode(Support Pentium 4/Celeron CPU)
F4: 2008/09/19 First release
Here is an excellent resource link at XS:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=205132
I won't try to re-create the amount of data but will summarize here.
The UD3R has set DDR2 Dual Channel World Record at 829.7Mhz
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=208542
Another world record 5094 Mhz with a Q9650
http://ripping.org/database.php?cpuid=851&wr=yes
One of the key things about this board is the Ultra Durable 3 designation. It is essentially a double thickness layer of copper sandwiched in between the PCB layers. Other motherboards use one ounce of copper, this board has two.
From the reviews out there, this has two practical functions:
It increases stability
It lowers the NB temps dramatically. I am testing the NB with a thermal probe and will compare to my other boards (P35, P45, X38 and X48).
I will also compare it directly against my Asus P5Q Deluxe (P45).
The board also has a dual 6 phase power design, Ferrite Core Chokes, Lower RDS Mosfets, and Solid Caps.
My board revision is 1.0. Also, it has screws rather than pushpins holding down the NB. Apparently both are available.
To prevent confusion, I have added the gigabyte chart with the 3 different models and their different feature subset.
Mine is the UD3P which is the top board of the group (and the only one to support crossfire).
Some reviews:
http://firingsquad.com/hardware/giga...5-ud3p_review/
http://techgage.com/article/gigabyte_ep45-ud3p/
http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/...ds/1829_1.html
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/162...iew/index.html
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum...rd-review.html
Couple of notes:
I removed the cooling on the mosfets and NB (to replace the TIM. I do this will all boards). the contact to the NB and mosfets is excellent. All of the chips are clearly imprinted in the thermal pad. the NB was well indented into the thermal crap they use as well. Also note, they added a foam spacer on the nb to prevent it from crushing the actual NB chip. Thoughtful and unusual to say the least. I didn't both with the SB as it rarely gets warm enough to matter.
For frame of reference, I've had a couple of Q9650 owners ask me for my settings:
F8 Bios
Advanced Bios Features:
Limit CPUID: disabled
No-Execute: disabled
C1E: disabled
C2/C2E: disabled
CPU Thermal Monitor: disabled
CPU EIST: disabled
Virtualization: Enabled (this can be disabled safely)
Initial display: PEG
Power management:
HPET: Enabled (either this or APIC can be used, its needs one or the other)
MIT
Robust Graphics: Auto
CPU Clock: 9x
CPU Host Clock: Enabled
CPU Host Mhz: 445
PCI Express Mhz: Auto
CIA2: Disabled
DRAM
Performance Enhance: Auto
XMP: Auto
GMCH Latch: Auto
System Memory Multiplier: 2.00B
DRAM Select: Auto
LLC: Disabled
CPU Vcore: 1.28 (with vdroop drops to 1.216 under load, will vary by chip)
DRAM Voltage: 2.1V (as recommended by Corsair)
Any other settings not mentioned are set to auto.
This config has been 100% stable for the last month and a half and easily passes 12+ hours of orthos, prime or OCCT.
THREAD ownership handed off to NoGuru
MOTHERBOARD VOLTAGE CONTROL
Load-Line Calibration: Disabled you will have significant vdroop/drop in vcore. Enabled will decrease vdroop/drop. This will always be scrutinized if it's safe or not. I use it up to 1.45
http://www.overclockers.com/load-line-calibration/
CPU Vcore: Voltage applied to CPU at various speeds to achieve stability.
CPU Termination: aka FSB voltage, keeps your system stable at higher FSB speeds. Higher FSB=higher FSB term
Quote:
Originally Posted by CL3P20
yeah... my 'rule of thumb' for FSB is as follows
65nm = 1.3v for 333 and +.1 for every 75-100 FSB more
ie- 450FSB = ~1.4-1.45v FSB
45nm = 1.2v for 333 and +.1 for every 75-100 FSB more
This is not a rule, but a general guideline.
CPU PLL: This helps you boot into your operating system at higher bus speeds. Typically runs between 1.50 and 1.62
CPU Reference: aka CPU GTL Ref, GTL Ref voltage is derived from the Vtt (vFSB) voltage. The GTL voltage is a certain percentage of the Vtt so to set it you use a multiplier (eg: 0.667x) which means the resulting voltage is 0.667x (66.7% of) the Vtt voltage. I will post a link http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=202292
MCH Core: aka North Bridge, This is directly related to you ram. The more ram installed the higher it will need to be. Will help stabilize when there is a FSB increase.
Here is a link to a little program for software monitoring the NB temp, thanks freakb18c1 and Papasmurf!
http://www.overclock.net/9404756-post12870.html
MCH Reference: Just like CPU ref, it will change or scale with FSB increase.
ICH: aka South Bridge, 1.1 should be fine, but the more hard drives or RAID the more volt's you need.
PizzaMan submitted this for me to add about Skews and is rather informative.
These two clock skew settings are directly related to the voltage control circuit. They control the PLL output to both the CPU and Northbridge. Again, as a differential amplifier is used, the level of offset required should never exceed 150ps (Pico seconds) of skew to either the CPU or Northbridge reference clocks. At most, PLL circuits such as these should be "good enough" to retain a jitter level of around 150-200ps (lower is better). For those wishing to experiment, adjustments in the range of 0-200ps are of interest for both of the clock skew functions. As a rule, start with the lowest voltage possible, tune either skew setting, and then monitor for effects if any.
Make sure you read the sticker on the side of your RAM and manually set the volt's and timings. Like 2.1 volt's and 5-5-5-15.
Just remember, after your CPU is stable you can go back and decrease volt's to your ram and tighten timings.
If you have USB mouse and keyboard, Enable Legacy Support in BIOS to use them.
Advanced Bios Features:
Limit CPUID: disabled
No-Execute: disabled
C1E: disabled
C2/C2E: disabled
CPU Thermal Monitor: disabled
CPU EIST: disabled
Virtualization: Enabled (this can be disabled safely)
Initial display: PEG
Here is a guide to get the BIOS in it's best shape
Do a CMOS reset and then load Optimum Defaults in this way
CLEAR CMOS
Shut down--unplug-- hold start button in for 10 sec--short the CMOS pins in lower right corner of mobo for 1 minute using a flat screwdriver--plug back in-start--
Load Optimum Defaults--Set PCIe to 100--Set ram timings-- setDRAM voltage--go to Integrated Peripherals-enable all USB settings(they are at the bottom of the page)--go to Advanced BIOS Features,init display-select PEG
Also the boot order will need attention
This will get your BIOS in it's best configuration.
Thanks dennyb, CL3P20, PizzaMan, Dilyn and Marsey99 for help on this.
Also here is an MIT template, one is for notepad, and the other Excel format. Fill it out for posting, print it out for writing on.
Thank you Meta-Prometheus for the Excel format MIT.
The Static tRead Timing In Gigabyte Motherboards
The static tRead Timing in Gigabyte motherboards is very important when overclocking! Do not leave this at Auto!
This timing, also called 'Performance Level' or 'tRD' in other motherboards is absolute crucial for stability when at higher FSB speeds. It's also important for memory bandwith.
When running FSB:Memory at 1:1, usually the Static tRead Value works optimal at a Value of '10' when at 400FSB +. When using FSB:Memory at 4:5 or 5:6, or other multipliers, Static tRead can work very well at a value of 8 or 9 when at 400FSB + speeds. Usually 8 can work if using only 4GB RAM, and 9 or 10 will work when using 4x2GB Memory.
In my Gigabyte GA-P35 DS3R motherboard there are 3 memory presets - 'Normal', 'Turbo' and 'Ultra'. The main function of these presets is to adjust the Static tRead timing. Also I suspect that they adjust some Northbridge timings.
Best is to set the preset to 'Normal' when overclocking and use the Static tRead Values I mentioned above.
Written by tirrican9
This section created my the famous dennyb
How to list system
This will be a tremendous help for both you and for everyone who helps out.
tj max
Ok here it is: (hope this sizes right for you to see it)
__________________
V-core & FSB Voltage limits
Table 3. Absolute Maximum and Minimum Ratings
Symbol Parameter Min Max Unit Notes
1, 2
V
CC Core voltage with respect to VSS -0.3 1.45 V -
V
TT
FSB termination voltage with
respect to V
SS
-0.3 1.45 V -
T
CASE Processor case temperature
See
Section 5
See
Section 5
°C -
Stress test info
Are you using large or small ffts when you are running prime?
Small ffts mainly stresses your cpu.
Large ffts puts more stress on your NB and ram.
When I stress test I use small ffts first. If you have a problem here it can normally be fixed by adding more vcore. Once you are stable with small ffts you can move on to large ffts.
If you are stable with small ffts and get a failure with large ffts then it is most likely your NB or memory that is causing the problem and can be fixed with adjusting those settings. If your memory is set at all stock values then more mchv or vtt normally does the trick.
Once stable with small and large ffts I usually run blend test for a while just to be sure.
The reason it is important to fully stress test with small and large ffts is because a stable cpu doesn't mean a stable computer. When you play games it puts huge stresses on your NB and memory. If you don't make sure that your cpu, NB and memory are stable then you are wasting your time. This is probably the reason why it seems stable in prime and then fails when you play games.
I don't usually mess with large FFT -I go straight to blend after sm fft
__________________
Max and Min Q6xxx
QX6000 and Q6000Max vcore 1.55v
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__________________
MAX and Min E7xxx/E8xxx
e7000 and e8000 max vcore 1.45v e8000 72.4c e7000 74.1c
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Absolute Max and MIn/Q9xxx-Q8xxx
QX9000, Q9000 and Q8000 vcore max 1.45v 71.4c or 76.3c
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Straps and multi's
BIOS Flashing With Qflash
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Please DO NOT USE @BIOS!!
This cannot be stressed enough. I cannot recommend using it AT ALL with all other available options
I have seen many Boards killed (IE: Bricked, that is your motherboard is now a brick and you will have to RMA your board) by using @BIOS. I would guess that more then 90% of RMA's due to a bad flash, were because of @BIOS alone.
Yes it may work for you once or twice but if you keep using it you will find out the hard way it is not a good idea. Windows based flashing has always been looked down on and likely will never be a accepted or recommended method to flash a BIOS
Now that the Much needed warning is out of the way, onto the subject at hand
BIOS is a Acronym for "Basic Input/Output System"
Here is Nice BIOS FAQ, by BIOSMAN. Not particularly related to Gigabyte BIOS's but I thought it may answer some simpler questions someone may have someday.
Gigabyte's Information Page for Flashing Motherboard BIOS
You have 4 available Options when flashing the BIOS with Qflash.
1. Floppy Disk Drive
2. USB flash drive
3. FAT32/16/12 Partition on your disk (FAT32 Is best)
4. A Bootable FAT32/16/12 USB Flash drive (Only needed if you have issues with a normal USB/Qflash Method)
A bootable USB Drive is Useful if you have issues with a normal USB type Qflash flash, or are trying to recover from a bad flash.........otherwise making a Bootable one is not necessary. However you may still make and use it if you find it easier for you.
For this Guide Extracted BIOS files will be represented by .Fxx
The actual BIOS file itself is 1MB and has a File extension that follows the format as described below >>>
Board_Name_Example.F10, with the .F10 being the BIOS file extension in question, thus .Fxx will be used to discuss BIOS files below.
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First thing you MUST be sure to do is manually download the correct BIOS for your board model and board revision from Gigabyte Web Site.
Be SURE to choose the correct Model and Board Revision #. The board Revision is printed on the bottom of the board in the corner under the PCI Slots if you are not sure of your boards Revision #. Here is a page with a example of this.
Getting the actual BIOS file
The BIOS file you download is a SFX.EXE which is a Self Extracting EXE made to extract the BIOS files (Autoexec.bat File, a Flash895.exe/FlashSPI.exe file, and a Bios.Fxx File) to the folder of your choice to be used to flash from DOS
You will need to Extract the BIOS file you need, the .Fxx file, from the Downloaded .exe (SFX.EXE) file to be used in Qflash.
The below method is for users who already have Winrar, or do not mind installing a trial program. Linux users will also need to use the .Rar extraction program "Unrar", or whatever program you know that will extract a Rar file
As for the rest of the Gigabyte users, I have recently noticed that the actual files from gigabyte can be extracted from windows with no additional programs needed. Simply click "Install" (Which Means Extract) and the files will be extracted to the folder you have the exe in. Or you may also use the "Browse" Button and choose where to extract the files.
You can get the BIOS .Fxx file Extracted out of this .exe file to flash with Qflash by using Winrar to extract the files as well if you like. Or may now simply double click and extract the BIOS files without Winrar. Linux users and those who have Winrar or 7Zip installed, may use the method below using Winrar to extract if you like
Download Winrar Trial here
Download 7-Zip here
Put the .Fxx file onto a FAT32/16/12 USB drive, or in your FAT32/16/12 partition and enter Qflash.
You may also make a new 1GB FAT32 partition on your disk if you like and keep BIOS files there as well.
You may also make a USB Bootable drive, covered below, if you have issues with your board seeing your formatted USB stick.
Flashing With Qflash
Posted by Marset99
To Get into Qflash Select "END" at bootup, or F8 Within the BIOS to enter Qflash.
To use USB in Qflash you need "Legacy USB Storage Detect" Enabled in the Integrated Peripherals Page of the BIOS. You also need to leave the USB drive plugged in when you reboot to Qflash.
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Once inside Qflash you will be presented with Floppy, or Drives/Disks, or HDD's options depending on what you have available, look thru each until you find your BIOS file and then flash it.
During the process it will tell you the progress on screen in the bar going, Erasing...Copying...Erasing...Copying...Verfying then once its finished the flash you want to select the reset and clear cmos option.
*NOTE*
Once you have flashed and rebooted back into the BIOS choose Load Optimized defaults and save and apply. This is a required step for the flash process to complete, and for the new BIOS to be properly loaded into the chip.
Then reboot Back into the BIOS again before you go into windows. You will need to set your hard drive settings again in the Advanced BIOS page. MOST IMPORTANTLY do not try to load Windows if you are using a RAID setup without setting these disk settings again or you will corrupt your RAID Array.
Please do not skip the above steps and try to load windows, this is for anyone who is reading this who is using RAID, which alot of us do.
These are the steps needed using the Intel Controller to assure your Array will not be lost post flash.
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Making a Bootable USB Flash Drive
FlashSPI mentioned above as being included on the USB stick is only necessary when flashing via DOS. It is not needed when using Qflash
*NOTE*
Your USB drive will be formatted During this process, all Data on it will be lost!!
So copy or Move any Data on your USB stick you need to keep for now, you may add it back later if you like
1. Make a USB bootable drive using this USB Bootable USB Creation Program HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool - v2.1.8 alt link
Also Available here and here as a Installable File.
2. Next download the boot files and extract them to your desktop.
3. Run the HPUSBFW program.
Select the correct USB device from the drop-down menu, set file system to FAT32/16/12 and check Create a DOS startup disk.
4. Then browse for the extracted boot files (now in the folder on your desktop from above extraction) and press start to begin formating it.
5. Once the device is done, download the BIOS file from the Gigabyte website for your board model and revision as well as the DOS based BIOS flashing tool which is included inside downloaded BIOS .exe files from Gigabyte.
6. You will need Winrar to extract these files from the downloaded .exe file
7. Three files will be extracted, Autoexec.bat, Flash895.exe, and a .Fxx Bios File. You will need the Flash895.exe and the BIOS.Fxx File only
8. Place Flash895.exe and the BIOS .Fxx file onto the USB stick
9. Plug in your USB drive and reboot to enter bios.
10. Load Optimized Defaults, set the ram voltage to the specified Voltage for your ram
11. Go into the Hard Disk Boot Priority Option In Advanced BIOS Features Page and select your USB drive as the first bootable drive.
12. Reboot.
13. Once it boots to the USB, you will see a Windows 98 screen, and then the DOS prompt.
14. Run flash utility by typing "flash895 p35ds4.fxx" without the quotes at the DOS prompt
*NOTE*
You will need to change the ^^ p35ds4.fxx ^^ in the above command to the exact name of the BIOS file you have.
Flashing with a Floppy Disk from DOS
You will need 2 blank floppy disks to flash using this method. Using Qflash is advised if you do have a Floppy Installed, and you will need only one floppy disk with Qflash.
If you do not wish to use Qflash with a floppy or otherwise, please continue to follow the below directions for flashing in DOS with a floppy
1. Format a Floppy disk, and choose "Create MS-DOS Startup disk as shown below. (Must be Windows XP SP 1 or greater to use this method
2. Remove the MS-DOS bootable Floppy disk you just created from the floppy disk drive.
3. Insert a new floppy disk, and format it in the normal manner.
4. Copy the 3 extracted (.Fxx, Autoexec.bat, and Flash895.exe/flashSPI.exe) BIOS files onto this second floppy
5. Reboot to the BIOS
6. Load Optimized Defaults, set the ram voltage to the specified Voltage for your ram
7. Go into the Hard Disk Boot Priority Option In Advanced BIOS Features Page and select your Floppy drive as the first bootable device.
8. Save and Apply (F10)
9. Reboot the system with the MS-DOS boot disk inserted in the floppy drive
10. Once it boots to the Floppy, you will see a Windows 98 screen, and then the DOS prompt.
11. Remove the MS-DOS floppy disk and Insert the BIOS floppy disk you created in step 4
12. Run flash utility by typing "flash895 p35ds4.fxx" without the quotes at the DOS prompt
*NOTE*
You will need to change the ^^ p35ds4.fxx ^^ in the above command to the exact name of the BIOS file you have.
originally writen by lsdmeasap (thank you) of tweaktown and slightly modified by me.
http://www.overclock.net/t/666710/setting-up-and-voltage-terms-for-ep45-ud3
This one is special though...
Great review by Anandtech:
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3508&p=12
Interesting analysis by Tom's Hardware:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...le,2094-3.html
Here is a link to the F9i bios (which I am currently running):
http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/7/...45ud3p.F9l.zip
F9i is the current beta bios release
http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/7/...45ud3p.F9l.zip
Bios release history: (excluding betas)
F9: Improve ITE8718 I/O chip compatibility
F8: Enhanced compatibilities of Dynamic Energy Saver Advanced
F7: 2009/01/13 Support ITE8718 KX
F6: 2008/11/14 Improve ET6 compatibility
F5: 2008/11/03 Update CPU microcode(Support Pentium 4/Celeron CPU)
F4: 2008/09/19 First release
Here is an excellent resource link at XS:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=205132
I won't try to re-create the amount of data but will summarize here.
The UD3R has set DDR2 Dual Channel World Record at 829.7Mhz
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=208542
Another world record 5094 Mhz with a Q9650
http://ripping.org/database.php?cpuid=851&wr=yes
One of the key things about this board is the Ultra Durable 3 designation. It is essentially a double thickness layer of copper sandwiched in between the PCB layers. Other motherboards use one ounce of copper, this board has two.
From the reviews out there, this has two practical functions:
It increases stability
It lowers the NB temps dramatically. I am testing the NB with a thermal probe and will compare to my other boards (P35, P45, X38 and X48).
I will also compare it directly against my Asus P5Q Deluxe (P45).
The board also has a dual 6 phase power design, Ferrite Core Chokes, Lower RDS Mosfets, and Solid Caps.
My board revision is 1.0. Also, it has screws rather than pushpins holding down the NB. Apparently both are available.
To prevent confusion, I have added the gigabyte chart with the 3 different models and their different feature subset.
Mine is the UD3P which is the top board of the group (and the only one to support crossfire).
Some reviews:
http://firingsquad.com/hardware/giga...5-ud3p_review/
http://techgage.com/article/gigabyte_ep45-ud3p/
http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/...ds/1829_1.html
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/162...iew/index.html
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum...rd-review.html
Couple of notes:
I removed the cooling on the mosfets and NB (to replace the TIM. I do this will all boards). the contact to the NB and mosfets is excellent. All of the chips are clearly imprinted in the thermal pad. the NB was well indented into the thermal crap they use as well. Also note, they added a foam spacer on the nb to prevent it from crushing the actual NB chip. Thoughtful and unusual to say the least. I didn't both with the SB as it rarely gets warm enough to matter.
For frame of reference, I've had a couple of Q9650 owners ask me for my settings:
F8 Bios
Advanced Bios Features:
Limit CPUID: disabled
No-Execute: disabled
C1E: disabled
C2/C2E: disabled
CPU Thermal Monitor: disabled
CPU EIST: disabled
Virtualization: Enabled (this can be disabled safely)
Initial display: PEG
Power management:
HPET: Enabled (either this or APIC can be used, its needs one or the other)
MIT
Robust Graphics: Auto
CPU Clock: 9x
CPU Host Clock: Enabled
CPU Host Mhz: 445
PCI Express Mhz: Auto
CIA2: Disabled
DRAM
Performance Enhance: Auto
XMP: Auto
GMCH Latch: Auto
System Memory Multiplier: 2.00B
DRAM Select: Auto
LLC: Disabled
CPU Vcore: 1.28 (with vdroop drops to 1.216 under load, will vary by chip)
DRAM Voltage: 2.1V (as recommended by Corsair)
Any other settings not mentioned are set to auto.
This config has been 100% stable for the last month and a half and easily passes 12+ hours of orthos, prime or OCCT.
THREAD ownership handed off to NoGuru
MOTHERBOARD VOLTAGE CONTROL
Load-Line Calibration: Disabled you will have significant vdroop/drop in vcore. Enabled will decrease vdroop/drop. This will always be scrutinized if it's safe or not. I use it up to 1.45
http://www.overclockers.com/load-line-calibration/
CPU Vcore: Voltage applied to CPU at various speeds to achieve stability.
CPU Termination: aka FSB voltage, keeps your system stable at higher FSB speeds. Higher FSB=higher FSB term
Quote:
Originally Posted by CL3P20
yeah... my 'rule of thumb' for FSB is as follows
65nm = 1.3v for 333 and +.1 for every 75-100 FSB more
ie- 450FSB = ~1.4-1.45v FSB
45nm = 1.2v for 333 and +.1 for every 75-100 FSB more
This is not a rule, but a general guideline.
CPU PLL: This helps you boot into your operating system at higher bus speeds. Typically runs between 1.50 and 1.62
CPU Reference: aka CPU GTL Ref, GTL Ref voltage is derived from the Vtt (vFSB) voltage. The GTL voltage is a certain percentage of the Vtt so to set it you use a multiplier (eg: 0.667x) which means the resulting voltage is 0.667x (66.7% of) the Vtt voltage. I will post a link http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=202292
MCH Core: aka North Bridge, This is directly related to you ram. The more ram installed the higher it will need to be. Will help stabilize when there is a FSB increase.
Here is a link to a little program for software monitoring the NB temp, thanks freakb18c1 and Papasmurf!
http://www.overclock.net/9404756-post12870.html
MCH Reference: Just like CPU ref, it will change or scale with FSB increase.
ICH: aka South Bridge, 1.1 should be fine, but the more hard drives or RAID the more volt's you need.
PizzaMan submitted this for me to add about Skews and is rather informative.
These two clock skew settings are directly related to the voltage control circuit. They control the PLL output to both the CPU and Northbridge. Again, as a differential amplifier is used, the level of offset required should never exceed 150ps (Pico seconds) of skew to either the CPU or Northbridge reference clocks. At most, PLL circuits such as these should be "good enough" to retain a jitter level of around 150-200ps (lower is better). For those wishing to experiment, adjustments in the range of 0-200ps are of interest for both of the clock skew functions. As a rule, start with the lowest voltage possible, tune either skew setting, and then monitor for effects if any.
Make sure you read the sticker on the side of your RAM and manually set the volt's and timings. Like 2.1 volt's and 5-5-5-15.
Just remember, after your CPU is stable you can go back and decrease volt's to your ram and tighten timings.
If you have USB mouse and keyboard, Enable Legacy Support in BIOS to use them.
Advanced Bios Features:
Limit CPUID: disabled
No-Execute: disabled
C1E: disabled
C2/C2E: disabled
CPU Thermal Monitor: disabled
CPU EIST: disabled
Virtualization: Enabled (this can be disabled safely)
Initial display: PEG
Here is a guide to get the BIOS in it's best shape
Do a CMOS reset and then load Optimum Defaults in this way
CLEAR CMOS
Shut down--unplug-- hold start button in for 10 sec--short the CMOS pins in lower right corner of mobo for 1 minute using a flat screwdriver--plug back in-start--
Load Optimum Defaults--Set PCIe to 100--Set ram timings-- setDRAM voltage--go to Integrated Peripherals-enable all USB settings(they are at the bottom of the page)--go to Advanced BIOS Features,init display-select PEG
Also the boot order will need attention
This will get your BIOS in it's best configuration.
Thanks dennyb, CL3P20, PizzaMan, Dilyn and Marsey99 for help on this.
Also here is an MIT template, one is for notepad, and the other Excel format. Fill it out for posting, print it out for writing on.
Thank you Meta-Prometheus for the Excel format MIT.
The Static tRead Timing In Gigabyte Motherboards
The static tRead Timing in Gigabyte motherboards is very important when overclocking! Do not leave this at Auto!
This timing, also called 'Performance Level' or 'tRD' in other motherboards is absolute crucial for stability when at higher FSB speeds. It's also important for memory bandwith.
When running FSB:Memory at 1:1, usually the Static tRead Value works optimal at a Value of '10' when at 400FSB +. When using FSB:Memory at 4:5 or 5:6, or other multipliers, Static tRead can work very well at a value of 8 or 9 when at 400FSB + speeds. Usually 8 can work if using only 4GB RAM, and 9 or 10 will work when using 4x2GB Memory.
In my Gigabyte GA-P35 DS3R motherboard there are 3 memory presets - 'Normal', 'Turbo' and 'Ultra'. The main function of these presets is to adjust the Static tRead timing. Also I suspect that they adjust some Northbridge timings.
Best is to set the preset to 'Normal' when overclocking and use the Static tRead Values I mentioned above.
Written by tirrican9
This section created my the famous dennyb
- Click on User CP on the black bar above.
- Click Edit System on the left.
- When you're finished, click Save Changes.
- It will now automatically appear in your signature for both future posts and posts that you have already made.
This will be a tremendous help for both you and for everyone who helps out.
Ok here it is: (hope this sizes right for you to see it)
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Table 3. Absolute Maximum and Minimum Ratings
Symbol Parameter Min Max Unit Notes
1, 2
V
CC Core voltage with respect to VSS -0.3 1.45 V -
V
TT
FSB termination voltage with
respect to V
SS
-0.3 1.45 V -
T
CASE Processor case temperature
See
Section 5
See
Section 5
°C -
Are you using large or small ffts when you are running prime?
Small ffts mainly stresses your cpu.
Large ffts puts more stress on your NB and ram.
When I stress test I use small ffts first. If you have a problem here it can normally be fixed by adding more vcore. Once you are stable with small ffts you can move on to large ffts.
If you are stable with small ffts and get a failure with large ffts then it is most likely your NB or memory that is causing the problem and can be fixed with adjusting those settings. If your memory is set at all stock values then more mchv or vtt normally does the trick.
Once stable with small and large ffts I usually run blend test for a while just to be sure.
The reason it is important to fully stress test with small and large ffts is because a stable cpu doesn't mean a stable computer. When you play games it puts huge stresses on your NB and memory. If you don't make sure that your cpu, NB and memory are stable then you are wasting your time. This is probably the reason why it seems stable in prime and then fails when you play games.
I don't usually mess with large FFT -I go straight to blend after sm fft
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QX6000 and Q6000Max vcore 1.55v
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e7000 and e8000 max vcore 1.45v e8000 72.4c e7000 74.1c
QX9000, Q9000 and Q8000 vcore max 1.45v 71.4c or 76.3c
BIOS Flashing With Qflash
Please DO NOT USE @BIOS!!
This cannot be stressed enough. I cannot recommend using it AT ALL with all other available options
I have seen many Boards killed (IE: Bricked, that is your motherboard is now a brick and you will have to RMA your board) by using @BIOS. I would guess that more then 90% of RMA's due to a bad flash, were because of @BIOS alone.
Yes it may work for you once or twice but if you keep using it you will find out the hard way it is not a good idea. Windows based flashing has always been looked down on and likely will never be a accepted or recommended method to flash a BIOS
Now that the Much needed warning is out of the way, onto the subject at hand
BIOS is a Acronym for "Basic Input/Output System"
Here is Nice BIOS FAQ, by BIOSMAN. Not particularly related to Gigabyte BIOS's but I thought it may answer some simpler questions someone may have someday.
Gigabyte's Information Page for Flashing Motherboard BIOS
You have 4 available Options when flashing the BIOS with Qflash.
1. Floppy Disk Drive
2. USB flash drive
3. FAT32/16/12 Partition on your disk (FAT32 Is best)
4. A Bootable FAT32/16/12 USB Flash drive (Only needed if you have issues with a normal USB/Qflash Method)
A bootable USB Drive is Useful if you have issues with a normal USB type Qflash flash, or are trying to recover from a bad flash.........otherwise making a Bootable one is not necessary. However you may still make and use it if you find it easier for you.
For this Guide Extracted BIOS files will be represented by .Fxx
The actual BIOS file itself is 1MB and has a File extension that follows the format as described below >>>
Board_Name_Example.F10, with the .F10 being the BIOS file extension in question, thus .Fxx will be used to discuss BIOS files below.
First thing you MUST be sure to do is manually download the correct BIOS for your board model and board revision from Gigabyte Web Site.
Be SURE to choose the correct Model and Board Revision #. The board Revision is printed on the bottom of the board in the corner under the PCI Slots if you are not sure of your boards Revision #. Here is a page with a example of this.
Getting the actual BIOS file
The BIOS file you download is a SFX.EXE which is a Self Extracting EXE made to extract the BIOS files (Autoexec.bat File, a Flash895.exe/FlashSPI.exe file, and a Bios.Fxx File) to the folder of your choice to be used to flash from DOS
You will need to Extract the BIOS file you need, the .Fxx file, from the Downloaded .exe (SFX.EXE) file to be used in Qflash.
The below method is for users who already have Winrar, or do not mind installing a trial program. Linux users will also need to use the .Rar extraction program "Unrar", or whatever program you know that will extract a Rar file
As for the rest of the Gigabyte users, I have recently noticed that the actual files from gigabyte can be extracted from windows with no additional programs needed. Simply click "Install" (Which Means Extract) and the files will be extracted to the folder you have the exe in. Or you may also use the "Browse" Button and choose where to extract the files.
You can get the BIOS .Fxx file Extracted out of this .exe file to flash with Qflash by using Winrar to extract the files as well if you like. Or may now simply double click and extract the BIOS files without Winrar. Linux users and those who have Winrar or 7Zip installed, may use the method below using Winrar to extract if you like
Download Winrar Trial here
Download 7-Zip here
Put the .Fxx file onto a FAT32/16/12 USB drive, or in your FAT32/16/12 partition and enter Qflash.
You may also make a new 1GB FAT32 partition on your disk if you like and keep BIOS files there as well.
You may also make a USB Bootable drive, covered below, if you have issues with your board seeing your formatted USB stick.
Flashing With Qflash
Posted by Marset99
To Get into Qflash Select "END" at bootup, or F8 Within the BIOS to enter Qflash.
To use USB in Qflash you need "Legacy USB Storage Detect" Enabled in the Integrated Peripherals Page of the BIOS. You also need to leave the USB drive plugged in when you reboot to Qflash.
Once inside Qflash you will be presented with Floppy, or Drives/Disks, or HDD's options depending on what you have available, look thru each until you find your BIOS file and then flash it.
During the process it will tell you the progress on screen in the bar going, Erasing...Copying...Erasing...Copying...Verfying then once its finished the flash you want to select the reset and clear cmos option.
*NOTE*
Once you have flashed and rebooted back into the BIOS choose Load Optimized defaults and save and apply. This is a required step for the flash process to complete, and for the new BIOS to be properly loaded into the chip.
Then reboot Back into the BIOS again before you go into windows. You will need to set your hard drive settings again in the Advanced BIOS page. MOST IMPORTANTLY do not try to load Windows if you are using a RAID setup without setting these disk settings again or you will corrupt your RAID Array.
Please do not skip the above steps and try to load windows, this is for anyone who is reading this who is using RAID, which alot of us do.
These are the steps needed using the Intel Controller to assure your Array will not be lost post flash.
Making a Bootable USB Flash Drive
FlashSPI mentioned above as being included on the USB stick is only necessary when flashing via DOS. It is not needed when using Qflash
*NOTE*
Your USB drive will be formatted During this process, all Data on it will be lost!!
So copy or Move any Data on your USB stick you need to keep for now, you may add it back later if you like
1. Make a USB bootable drive using this USB Bootable USB Creation Program HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool - v2.1.8 alt link
Also Available here and here as a Installable File.
2. Next download the boot files and extract them to your desktop.
3. Run the HPUSBFW program.
Select the correct USB device from the drop-down menu, set file system to FAT32/16/12 and check Create a DOS startup disk.
4. Then browse for the extracted boot files (now in the folder on your desktop from above extraction) and press start to begin formating it.
5. Once the device is done, download the BIOS file from the Gigabyte website for your board model and revision as well as the DOS based BIOS flashing tool which is included inside downloaded BIOS .exe files from Gigabyte.
6. You will need Winrar to extract these files from the downloaded .exe file
7. Three files will be extracted, Autoexec.bat, Flash895.exe, and a .Fxx Bios File. You will need the Flash895.exe and the BIOS.Fxx File only
8. Place Flash895.exe and the BIOS .Fxx file onto the USB stick
9. Plug in your USB drive and reboot to enter bios.
10. Load Optimized Defaults, set the ram voltage to the specified Voltage for your ram
11. Go into the Hard Disk Boot Priority Option In Advanced BIOS Features Page and select your USB drive as the first bootable drive.
12. Reboot.
13. Once it boots to the USB, you will see a Windows 98 screen, and then the DOS prompt.
14. Run flash utility by typing "flash895 p35ds4.fxx" without the quotes at the DOS prompt
*NOTE*
You will need to change the ^^ p35ds4.fxx ^^ in the above command to the exact name of the BIOS file you have.
Flashing with a Floppy Disk from DOS
You will need 2 blank floppy disks to flash using this method. Using Qflash is advised if you do have a Floppy Installed, and you will need only one floppy disk with Qflash.
If you do not wish to use Qflash with a floppy or otherwise, please continue to follow the below directions for flashing in DOS with a floppy
1. Format a Floppy disk, and choose "Create MS-DOS Startup disk as shown below. (Must be Windows XP SP 1 or greater to use this method
2. Remove the MS-DOS bootable Floppy disk you just created from the floppy disk drive.
3. Insert a new floppy disk, and format it in the normal manner.
4. Copy the 3 extracted (.Fxx, Autoexec.bat, and Flash895.exe/flashSPI.exe) BIOS files onto this second floppy
5. Reboot to the BIOS
6. Load Optimized Defaults, set the ram voltage to the specified Voltage for your ram
7. Go into the Hard Disk Boot Priority Option In Advanced BIOS Features Page and select your Floppy drive as the first bootable device.
8. Save and Apply (F10)
9. Reboot the system with the MS-DOS boot disk inserted in the floppy drive
10. Once it boots to the Floppy, you will see a Windows 98 screen, and then the DOS prompt.
11. Remove the MS-DOS floppy disk and Insert the BIOS floppy disk you created in step 4
12. Run flash utility by typing "flash895 p35ds4.fxx" without the quotes at the DOS prompt
*NOTE*
You will need to change the ^^ p35ds4.fxx ^^ in the above command to the exact name of the BIOS file you have.
originally writen by lsdmeasap (thank you) of tweaktown and slightly modified by me.
http://www.overclock.net/t/666710/setting-up-and-voltage-terms-for-ep45-ud3