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Asus Rampage Formula/ Q6600 GO --please help

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rookie_player

Registered
Joined
Nov 2, 2008
This is my very first post here. I attempted to overclock my system based on some info I got online. Unfortunately the info was not enough for me to get stable. I have searched this forum and feel members here have great knowledge. hopefully I can learn more.

@ 3.6ghz Cpu temp on my Q6600 G0 stepping was about 40 degrees celsius or less without load (approx 60 degrees when loaded). I tried twice and both times it was unstable as my system shut down after only 10 minutes in windows. I was able to run cpuz for a short while...to my newbie eyes everything looked ok but then it rebooted. I reset my Cmos and in Bios I made sure I was at default settings so now I'm back to 2.4Ghz:cry:

system details:

mobo: Asus Rampage Formula
Bios: 0410 (latest)
Cpu: Q6600 G0 stepping
Ram: G.SKILL DDR2 PC2 8500 (2x2gb)
cpu cooler: Zalman CNPS9700 LED
Video Card: Visiontek HD 4850
Audio: Onboard
Power: Antec 850W TruePower Quattro
OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit sp1
Case: Cooler Master-Cosmos 1000

Problem for me is this was my first attempt @ overclocking. I researched motherboards and decided on Rampage Formula. This board Bios can be overwhelming to such a newb like me.

Can anybody suggest how I can get stable @ 3.6ghz? I would like to try someones recipe for bios settings that would atleast give me a better starting point.


Please let me know what kind of information I can give you so you can help me.
 
yes I read that, It was lots of information to absorb. I guess I'll re-read it.

If you have other info you need from me to help me out, just ask!

Thanks so much guys
 
If you post your settings it would be easier to help. How high were your voltages? Did you enable Loadline calibration? Set CPU GTL to 0.63 and NB GTL to 0.67? Those things help a lot. What was your NB voltage?
 
Give these settings a go for 3.6 GHz, and post the VID of your chip also. The Vcore I have listed is assuming a VID of around 1.3000 - 1.3250:

Code:
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : Auto
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 8
FSB Frequency : 450
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-900
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 4
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 4
RAS# Precharge : 4
RAS# ActivateTime : 12
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 3
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 42
Write Recovery Time : 6
Read to Precharge Time : 3

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : 8
Write to Read Delay (S) : 3
Write to Read Delay (D) : 5
Read to Read Delay (S) : 4
Read to Read Delay (D) : 6
Write to Write Delay (S) : 4
Write to Write Delay (D) : 6

DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : AUTO
Transaction Booster : AUTO

CPU Voltage : 1.525
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.8v 
North Bridge Voltage : 1.65v
DRAM Voltage : 2.10 (adjust accordingly)
FSB Termination Voltage :1.40
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050
Loadline Calibration : Enabled (2)
CPU GTL Reference : Auto
North Bridge GTL Reference : Auto
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : Auto
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.6v

NB LED Selection : NB Volt
SB LED Selection : SB Volt
CPU LED Selection : CPU VOlt
Voltiminder LED : Enable

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 8
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Disabled
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled
Execute Disable Bit : Enabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled

Edit: I should have also noted that the RAM timings (including sub-timings) that I have listed above may not correspond to your particular RAM, so you may need to adjust them accordingly.
 
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rookie player,

Hey I am also new to the site and I just ordered that board as well. I will be running the exact set up as you with a Q6600 G0. I won't have everything in until Xmas but if you could post your settings for me that would be great. I have read up on things and it seems with Q6600 only 3.3-3.4ghz can only be achieved. If you can get 3.6ghz and stable could you help me out. I am new to OC so a guide would be of great help to me.

Thanks.
 
Q6600's w/ a low VID have a better chance of hitting +3.6 GHz than those w/ a higher VID, like rookie_player's chip at 1.3250v for example. High VID chips like his normally don't hit higher than around 3.4 - 3.5 GHz, considering a reasonable Vcore and core temp's. Intel spec's 1.50 Vcc as the absolute maximum voltage for a Q6600 65nm chip.
 
if redduc900s setting dont work, give this a whirl :)

Code:
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : Auto
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 8
FSB Frequency : 450
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-900
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 4
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 4
RAS# Precharge : 4
RAS# ActivateTime : 12
RAS# to RAS# Delay : Auto
Row Refresh Cycle Time : Auto
Write Recovery Time : Auto
Read to Precharge Time : Auto

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (D) : Auto

DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : Moderate
Transaction Booster : Enabled
Performance Level 8

CPU Voltage : 1.5
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.58v 
North Bridge Voltage : 1.45v
DRAM Voltage : 2.10 (adjust accordingly)
FSB Termination Voltage :1.40
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050
Loadline Calibration : Enabled (2)
CPU GTL Reference : x.67
North Bridge GTL Reference : x.67
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : Auto
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.5v

NB LED Selection : NB Volt
SB LED Selection : SB Volt
CPU LED Selection : CPU VOlt
Voltiminder LED : Enable

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 8
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Disabled
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled
Execute Disable Bit : Enabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled
 
Still having some problems keeping it stable.

I puchased another two sticks of ram for a total of 8gb. I tried the settings before and after and still have problems.

I'll try the latest recommended settings and will see how it goes.

Otherwise I'll be back:)

By the way, based on what redduc said. If I should only aim at lower overclock, what settings should I change?


New setup: (now with 8gigs of ram)

mobo: Asus Rampage Formula
Bios: 0410 (latest)
Cpu: Q6600 G0 stepping
Ram: G.SKILL DDR2 PC2 8500 (4x2gb)
cpu cooler: Zalman CNPS9700 LED
Video Card: Visiontek HD 4850
Audio: Onboard
Power: Antec 850W TruePower Quattro
OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit sp1
Case: Cooler Master-Cosmos 1000
 
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actually....

I think I remember reading something about specific settings for 8gigs of ram versus my original 4gigs.

I will wait for an experienced overclocker to respond to this.

I am very interested to hear from redduc as to elaborate on a slightly lower overclock.

Thanks guys.
 
rookie player,

Hey I am also new to the site and I just ordered that board as well. I will be running the exact set up as you with a Q6600 G0. I won't have everything in until Xmas but if you could post your settings for me that would be great. I have read up on things and it seems with Q6600 only 3.3-3.4ghz can only be achieved. If you can get 3.6ghz and stable could you help me out. I am new to OC so a guide would be of great help to me.

Thanks.

no way! im prime stable right now at 3.6 with only 1.37v and this is on a ****zy p5k. Now I am not saying that every chip can do this, but often there are little settings that need to be tweaked that people overlook...dont give up hope!

Adding two additional sticks (4 overall) adds a big strain upon the Northbridge. oftentimes it cant handle the same settings with the extra ram so a fsb drop is needed for stability. Its a hard tossup sometimes. but usually 2 sticks leads to a higher fsb OC than 4
 
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no way! im prime stable right now at 3.6 with only 1.37v and this is on a ****zy p5k. Now I am not saying that every chip can do this, but often there are little settings that need to be tweaked that people overlook...dont give up hope!

Adding two additional sticks (4 overall) adds a big strain upon the Northbridge. oftentimes it cant handle the same settings with the extra ram so a fsb drop is needed for stability. Its a hard tossup sometimes. but usually 2 sticks leads to a higher fsb OC than 4

Ok...so with all this information, I am actually more confused. I guess its also because when I google search I find lots of info but with slightly different hardware setups.

Currently I am at default bios settings with only dram changed from auto to 1066 (which is what I have). I will run prime at the stock 2.4ghz etc to make sure I don't get bsod like this. Then, hopefully i will have new recommendations.

By the way, I am considering overclocking and am suggested to slightly change settings till I get a stable system, what settings are the ones I am supposed to change....and to what (up or down). Please let me know.

Thanks so much! And Merry Christmas!
 
Did you overclock in small steps? That's the best way you know what is causing instability issues. Up your FSB by 5/10/15 each step, dont just jump to 400 or 450 (8x multiplier).
You could jump to 333 right away though, 333x9=3000MHz, should run on stock voltages. Work your way up from that.
Before you hit 400 FSB you will most likely not need to increasue your NB voltage above 1.3. And FSB term could stay stock until then.
I also have a Q6600 and a Rampage Formula my settings are:

Code:
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : Auto
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 8
FSB Frequency : 450
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 266
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1128
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : Auto
Row Refresh Cycle Time : Auto
Write Recovery Time : Auto
Read to Precharge Time : Auto

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (D) : Auto

DRAM Static Read Control: Disabled
Ai Clock Twister : Moderate
Transaction Booster : Enabled
Performance Level 8

CPU Voltage : 1.3815 (this is with 1.25 VID though, with your 1.325 VID you should probably need around 1.45V.)
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.50v 
North Bridge Voltage : 1.33v
DRAM Voltage : 2.10 (adjust accordingly)
FSB Termination Voltage :1.20
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050
Loadline Calibration : Enabled (2)
CPU GTL Reference : x.67
North Bridge GTL Reference : x.67
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : Auto
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.5v

NB LED Selection : NB Volt
SB LED Selection : SB Volt
CPU LED Selection : CPU VOlt
Voltiminder LED : Enable

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 8
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Disabled
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled
Execute Disable Bit : Enabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled
 
Thanks I'll try your settings and adjust as you recommended (if necessary).

By any chance, If I continue to see problems, could it possibly be my ram?

Oh boy, If I could get this stable, this would be a GREAT Christmas gift!!
 
I'm running a Maximus Formula w/Q6600 @ 3.6GHz (1.2375 VID). This board is very similar to yours. First thing you should do is to put everything back to stock settings in BIOS and run Memtest86+ (http://www.memtest.org/download/2.10/memtest86+-2.10.iso.zip) at least two full passes. This will let you know if you have ram issues or not. If you get no errors then start your overclocking of the CPU, leaving the memory at stock speeds for now. Once you find your best stable overclock then you can overclock the ram.

Here are my settings for 3.6 w/ram at 1066 (mushkin ram)

Extreme Tweaker
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting :9
FSB Frequency :400
FSB Strap to North Bridge :400MHz
PCI-E Frequency:100
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1066MHz
DRAM Command Rate :2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency :5
RAS# to CAS# Delay :5
RAS# Precharge :5
RAS# ActivateTime :12
RAS# to RAS# Delay :4
Row Refresh Cycle Time :55
Write Recovery Time :5
Read to Precharge Time :Auto

Read to Write Delay (S/D) :9
Write to Read Delay (S) :5
Write to Read Delay (D) :5
Read to Read Delay (S) :4
Read to Read Delay (D) :6
Write to Write Delay (S) :4
Write to Write Delay (D) :6
DRAM Static Read Control:disabled
Ai Clock Twister :Auto
Transaction Booster :disabled
Relax Level :1
CPU Voltage :1.36875
CPU PLL Voltage :1.5
North Bridge Voltage :1.39
DRAM Voltage :1.9
FSB Termination Voltage :1.34
South Bridge Voltage :1.05
Loadline Calibration :Auto
CPU GTL Reference :.063x
North Bridge GTL Reference :.067x
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage :ddr2_REF
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage :ddr2_REF
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage :Auto
SB 1.5V Voltage :Auto

NB LED Selection : NB Volt
SB LED Selection : SB Volt
CPU LED Selection : CPU VOlt
Voltiminder LED :Enabled

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting :9.0
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Enabled
Vanderpool Technology : Enabled
Execute Disable Bit : Enabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled


USB Configuration
USB Functions: Enabled
Legacy USB Support : Disabled

Good Luck with your O/C, hope this helps
 
You cannot use typical ram settings when running 6 or 8GB of ram, you must loosen/relax ram settings and work your way up to where they run with stability. I would use redduc's suggestions from post 5 only leave all ram timings on Auto. You may have to resort to 1:1 to do some initial testing. With a little work on your part you won't need anyone to tell you how to run the best on your system.
 
Start with the lowest ram speed and high latency. See how high you can OC your processor THEN raise your ram speeds/lower latency. If you do each seperately, then you can eliminate a variable when troubleshooting
 
ok, but...

heres another question...

while checking my ram, I first used vista's memory diagnostic tool. it came back with errors. I then used Memtest. I ran that for 8 passes (approx 11-12 hours) and it found no errors.

What gives? Should I be concerned or just believe Memtest?
 
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