Whats my next step?

[rookie_player]

I joined team 32 a couple of days ago:)

Several months ago I was attempting to get my system overclocked to 3.6ghz. After numerous attemps I kept getting bsod's as my system was unstable. Because of that, for a while now, I have been running under stock settings. Even still I was getting bsod's:bang head. Keep in mind, this is the first pc I try to overclock. Though I built it with that in mind.

I removed my cpu and lapped my processor yesterday. Then, because I had been getting bsod's for weeks now, I reinstalled windows. Since yesterdays reinstall, under stock settings I am not getting bsod. Even after almost 11 hours running prime95 in a blend torture test. This is awesome because before the windows reinstall I could not get more than 10 seconds before bsod.

During the next several days I will reinstall the rest of my drivers. I'm particularly interested to see if my tv tuner card is causing problems. For now, i'm running the basics.

When I started folding I was using the Gpu client. After the reinstall of windows, I switched to System tray client. Was this a good choice for me to get more folding done?

Also, I would like some help again to overclock my rig. This way I can get more folding done. I'm sure my q6600 would be much better at this If I move it from 2.4ghz to 3.0ghz+.

I hope I can get more help from you guys here.

Also, wish me luck.

[dfonda]

Can't help with your OC ...but run the GPU client for maximum production.

EDIT:On reading that again did you mean you switched from one GPU client to the other?

[klear]

the console client is faster than the graphic client, so yeah good choice... There are a lot of variables with your overclock, but 3.6 is pretty high, like you said I would shoot for 3.0, 3.1, 3.2 and make positive that it is stable before trying to max it out. I am just gonna throw this out too, if you're getting bsods I have a bias in thinking that is the memory being unstable because usually prime, or other cpu stress tests will just error out if it is the cpu... make sure you aren't overclocking the memory past 400mhz while you're overclocking the cpu.

q6600 can rip about 4000ppd once you get it stable and 2xVMware set up (if you choose to go that route)

[rookie_player]

the console client is faster than the graphic client, so yeah good choice... There are a lot of variables with your overclock, but 3.6 is pretty high, like you said I would shoot for 3.0, 3.1, 3.2 and make positive that it is stable before trying to max it out. I am just gonna throw this out too, if you're getting bsods I have a bias in thinking that is the memory being unstable because usually prime, or other cpu stress tests will just error out if it is the cpu... make sure you aren't overclocking the memory past 400mhz while you're overclocking the cpu.

q6600 can rip about 4000ppd once you get it stable and 2xVMware set up (if you choose to go that route)

I'm not sure what 2xVMware is. Please explain what that is.

Also, I meant to say I was running the GPU client that I installed when I had upgraded my 4850 drivers. Then, after reinstalling windows, I only installed the system tray client.

I realize I may not be successful overclocking to 3.6ghz. Still, I would be satisfied with 3.4 or 3.2 or 3.0 etc. I know that because I built my pc with overclocking in mind, I should be able to get to at least 3.0ghz. I have considered ditching my q6600 for a more capable cpu.---But I know the q6600 is at a minimum, decent. I have considered upgrading my ram----but I know GSKILL makes decent ram. And my motherboard, many know the Rampage Formula is a good overclocking board.

I should mention. I tested all 4 sticks of 2gig ram using memtest. I tested all 8gigs together, then I tested each stick individually and all past memtest with about 8 hours test each.

[klear]

this is how you set up 2xVMware http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=586291&highlight=vmware+guide

Have you checked out the Intel CPU and Motherboard sections of the forum? Of course your components should reach 3.2ghz, you must be overlooking something simple. You don't need to upgrade your memory.

[rookie_player]

It would be nice if I could overclock my ram. With that said, you should know I would be ok If I had to keep it at stock 1066 settings.

Also, I will try to overclock my rig first before I attempt at increasing my folding otherwise.

I game on my rig. Actually, that is the primary mission for my rig. Folding is second. Should I pause my folding while I game, or is this not necessary?

[Surferseth]

try turning your FSB to 333 (QDR of 1333) that will get you to 3.0GHz. Set a ratio of 1:1 (ram set @ 333, effective 667 since its DDR2). This will also allow for lower / faster memory timings. No need to OC the RAM. You may also want to try with 2x2GB sticks before you go with 4x2GB.

2xVMWare is running VMWare Server and 2 Linux Virtual Machines. This will maximize your PPD & with 8GB of RAM this is very simple, but you may not want to do this if this rig is your daily driver.

The system tray CPU client is a single thread client and will only use a single processor core. You will want to run one of the SMP clients to get the most PPD. You will also want to run the GPU2 client (systray or console). Depending on your OS you may have to set CPU affinity for the GPU2 client.

The VMWare and GPU2 Affinity items are covered in detail in the Stickies.

Welcome to T32! :beer:

And you will want to pause or quit GPU2 folding while gaming, but the SMP CPU client can keep going and you wont notice a thing.

[ChasR]

Every Q6600 I have will run at 333 x 9 with the voltages on auto. Start there. I disagree with Seth on the ram, I would run that at its rated speed and voltage to start. 1066 is sure to be a selection at 333 FSB. If it runs at 333 x 9/ auto voltage, I'd check to see if it will run 400 x 8 at auto voltage. Some of mine will, some won't. Either way, you have a starting point.
I'd also install windows at stock then overclock the rig.

[Surferseth]

I agree with everything ChasR states, but I find it easier to get stable with 1:1 (linked & sync'd) ratio. It's not really needed though.

[rookie_player]

ok good info from both of you.

are you saying I should start at 333x9 and ram speed settings at 1066. then if that works go to 400x8 and ram speed settings still at 1066?

[Surferseth]

I disagree with Seth on the ram, I would run that at its rated speed and voltage to start.

ChasR recommends going with stock settings on the RAM.

I recommend, if going 333x9 (QDR = 1333) set RAM @ 333 (DDR2 = 667) for link / sync. Then when going 400x8 (QDR= 1600) set RAM to 400 (DDR2 = 800) for link / sync.

Either way is fine, Link / Sync is not needed and you way not want to underclock your RAM.

Leave your voltages on auto. Once your stable, then play with the voltages to lower them a bit.

[rookie_player]

ChasR recommends going with stock settings on the RAM.

I recommend, if going 333x9 (QDR = 1333) set RAM @ 333 (DDR2 = 667) for link / sync. Then when going 400x8 (QDR= 1600) set RAM to 400 (DDR2 = 800) for link / sync.

Either way is fine, Link / Sync is not needed and you way not want to underclock your RAM.

Leave your voltages on auto. Once your stable, then play with the voltages to lower them a bit.

If I do that and still have problems. Do you think something is wrong with hardware? I suppose before we get to that conclusion you would recommend to remove 2 sticks of ram to see if that makes a difference. yes?

[Surferseth]

Start with 2 RAM sticks, then add the other 2 after your stable.

Try the ChasR recommendation first, everything default except the 333x9 FSB change.

The fewer variables the better.

[rookie_player]

Start with 2 RAM sticks, then add the other 2 after your stable.

Try the ChasR recommendation first, everything default except the 333x9 FSB change.

The fewer variables the better.

Thanks Surferseth and ChasR. I'll try those settings as soon as I get home tonight:)

[Adak]

And here's a wish for your good luck,

And a :welcome: also.

Great to have you aboard the team. :clap:

[ChasR]

One voltage you may not be able to leave on auto is vdimm (ram voltage). Some of the DDR2 1066 CL5, Kingston HyperX comes to mind, require as much as 2.3 volts stock. Auto isn't going to work in thqat case. On the other hand, G Skill 1066 CL5 requires 1.9 in which case Auto will probably work. Check out voltage for your ram and adjust it manually if it requires 2 volts or more. As I read your sig, I see you have the G Skill DDR2 1066, which should work on Auto.

[rookie_player]

One voltage you may not be able to leave on auto is vdimm (ram voltage). Some of the DDR2 1066 CL5, Kingston HyperX comes to mind, require as much as 2.3 volts stock. Auto isn't going to work in thqat case. On the other hand, G Skill 1066 CL5 requires 1.9 in which case Auto will probably work. Check out voltage for your ram and adjust it manually if it requires 2 volts or more. As I read your sig, I see you have the G Skill DDR2 1066, which should work on Auto.

Well, according to the specs for my G Skill Volts should be at 2.0-2.1v. So if you recommend I bump that manually ok. As of know, I have it on Auto.

Ive been running Prime95 for almost 30 minutes and no bsod!! :) I realize this is not long enough of a test to make a real determination on stability, though usually when I get a bsod using prime it takes only a minute or so.

Once I determine this is stable, should I install the other 2 sticks of ram in? Or should I move up to a higher Cpu speed first?

[rookie_player]

ok i followed your suggestion and went back into the bios and manually set my ram voltage to 2.0v

After doing this yesterday, I loaded up Prime95 and ran it all night long. I think it went for a total of 8 hours. Everything seems fine.

Please let me know what the next step should be. Realize I'm trying to see what the max stable overclocking is. Should I try to bump my speeds up more? Or first add the other 2 sticks of 2 gig ram (each) and retest?

As posted, I'm currently at about 3ghz.

Thanks all

[rookie_player]

can a moderator please move this thread to the motherboard overclocking area. I probably will get more specific help there regarding my overclocking questions.

Thank you