Manual Entry and BIOS
After running the stock BMs and recording the scores reboot the computer and enter BIOS. Find the above variables, set them all to manual entry, and enter the system default (stock) values for each. This is done because the BIOS has a very nasty habit of adjusting values on reboot if they are left on Auto or Default. Just like a lab experiment the idea is to change one variable at a time and Auto values can mess that up. The default values for common system components are:
System Clock: 200 MHz
CPU Multiplier: CPU rating divided by 200 (i.e., a 2400 MHz CPU will be 2400/200 = 12)
vCore: 1.35v
RAM ratio: 400 OR 800 OR 2:1 (depending on the BIOS list values)
vDIMM: 1.8v (but may be as high as 2.1v)*
RAM timings: This is the stock timings of the RAM as noted in it's specifications (4-4-4-12, 5-5-5-15, etc.)*
*RAM timings and vDIMM are often printed on the side of the RAM stick and can always be found on the manufacturer's website
HT Link: 1000 MHz OR 5X (depending on the BIOS list values)
While in the BIOS also turn off CoolnQuiet (CnQ) and any CPU or system fan regulators. CnQ is found in a number of places in BIOS and allows the BIOS to change the CPU multiplier and vCore depending on the CPU load. It might be good for future use after over-clocking but not during. CPU and system fan regulators aren't a bad thing either, but it's better to keep the components as cool as possible right now so turn them off and turn them on afterwords if desired.
Final Stock Systems Check
Reboot the system just to make sure everything is running as it should be after the manual entry. Most motherboards have a drop in vCore between BIOS and idling (some worse than others) so run CPU-Z and note the vCore (Core Voltage) shown. Leave CPU-Z up and running, start Core Temp, then record the CPU idle temp(s). Leave CPU-Z and Core Temp open and start P95 - the CPU temp(s) should increase almost immediately. Wait a couple of seconds for the temps to stabilize a little and write down the load temps under the idle temps just recorded. (If the CPU is water cooled temps may take several minutes to stabilize.) Also, record the load vCore reading by CPU-Z. Compare the idle vCore to the load vCore - the difference between them is known as vDroop and is quite common on all systems (even Intel). A vDroop of 0.03v or less is fine, 0.03-0.05v is average. Over 0.05v is not so good but if it's steady it's workable. The real problems come from a load and/or idle vCore that jumps around a lot - greater than 0.05v up and down as you watch it with CPU-Z is NOT good and may effect your OC. Motherboard power chips (MOSFETs) and under-rated power supplies are often the culprits for this behavior.
to OCF!
