Since oneluvballer21 isn't around quite a lot, some of us decided to create a new thread on the same topic. To make sure the first page with the OC-list is updated quite frequently.
The old thread will be merged with this one, so not all information will be lost.
This thread will be dedicated to making a list of all the Phenom II steppings and the max stable overclocks OCN users have attained with those steppings. I don't want to argue about what "stable" is, so we have to set a standard to verify each OC. This will be done by either posting a ss of Prime95 or OCCT. This doesn't mean you have to run a 10-12hr stress test, it just means that your system isn't crashing at full load at a time you think which fits (either 30min or 12hrs whatever you like).
To submit a listing, please submit a post containing the following:
Note that we need exact voltages and no "stock", "default" or "+0.125".
If I'm forgetting a pertinent line of info, please let me know!
I'll be updating this as often as possible, but don't use CAPS if I take a couple days to catch up!
And please feel free to re-submit updated OC's, just resubmit it and post all info again.
Stable OC's
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=rDEMzcpoLoeoDjdF6I2no7w&w=120&h=800 Google Spreadsheet
cpu-z validation only:
You can add you cpu-z link HERE
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=rW4Jio6kNqj8SXvT5eXE0kg&w=120&h=400 Google Spreadsheet
What we think we've learned (so far):
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The old thread will be merged with this one, so not all information will be lost.
This thread will be dedicated to making a list of all the Phenom II steppings and the max stable overclocks OCN users have attained with those steppings. I don't want to argue about what "stable" is, so we have to set a standard to verify each OC. This will be done by either posting a ss of Prime95 or OCCT. This doesn't mean you have to run a 10-12hr stress test, it just means that your system isn't crashing at full load at a time you think which fits (either 30min or 12hrs whatever you like).
To submit a listing, please submit a post containing the following:
- Phenom II type (940, 920, 720, 955, 810, etc)
- CPU stepping (printed on the CPU IHS) and manufacturing date (i.e. MCBBF 0109MPM, or whatever you have)
- Revision (check CPU-Z)
- max CPU clock speed, reference clock and multiplier
- CPU voltage
- CPU-NB voltage
- Northbridge clock (check CPU-Z) and voltage
- HTT link speed and voltage
- motherboard used
- motherboard BIOS revision
- type of cooling
- OS
- a OCCT / Prime95 Stable screenshot
Note that we need exact voltages and no "stock", "default" or "+0.125".
If I'm forgetting a pertinent line of info, please let me know!
I'll be updating this as often as possible, but don't use CAPS if I take a couple days to catch up!
And please feel free to re-submit updated OC's, just resubmit it and post all info again.
Stable OC's
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=rDEMzcpoLoeoDjdF6I2no7w&w=120&h=800 Google Spreadsheet
cpu-z validation only:
You can add you cpu-z link HERE
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=rW4Jio6kNqj8SXvT5eXE0kg&w=120&h=400 Google Spreadsheet
What we think we've learned (so far):
- -the Phenom II's like cold better than voltage when it comes to OCing, and for your max OC's you will need both. But NCspec getting ~4.2GHz on stock voltage with phase cooling shows that cold is better than voltage.
- -it seems apparent that it requires less voltage at the same CPU clock speed if you get there through a higher reference clock, which in theory should give you more headroom via more voltage to play with. This is not 100% confirmed, but trends are leaning this way.
- -HT-link clock does not seem to hold back any OC's, so 1800MHz (stock) should be fine.
- -NB clock, on the other hand, has shown performance improvements in benchmarks, but is not worth a sacrifice in a significantly higher CPU clock. Go for your max CPU clock primarily, then work on your max NB clock. We've seen CPU OC's more stable with lower NB clocks, but MHz-for-MHz you can get more performance from a NB OC than a CPU OC; just don't sacrifice 400MHz on the CPU for and extra 100MHz on the NB. Test with benchmarking programs as you OC if you are looking for max performance, versus max OC.
- -we've had little response in terms of CPU-NB voltage helping or hurting an OC, so the verdict is still out on this one.
- -as for the steppings, at this point everyone has had the same stepping (CACVC) with some different production dates (all '08 so far, and weeks 48/49/50/51), and none have shown to be good or bad when OCing.
- -as for 940 versus 920, you have more flexibility for max OC's with the 940, hands down. But the 920 is a very capable overclocker, provided you have RAM that can OC well, and a good cooler. Good OCing RAM is less necessary with a 940 because of its unlocked multiplier, however good cooling is obviously necessary for both.
- -for future buyers, please understand that all the work so far has been done mostly with "standard" motherboard BIOS's... the manufacturers should optimize their respective BIOS's for the Phenom II given some time. Likewise, the OS's we're working with are in the same boat, and its possible that there could be a future patch that would help stabilize higher OC's or return better benchmark results (remember AMD dual-core optimizer...?).
