Q6600 overclock details.

acruxksa · Posted: Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:05:15 Post Subject:

9 x 333 would be the simplest setting, your memory can handle 667Mhz with out any trouble and this would get your cpu to 3.0Ghz. I would leave the memory at 667Mhz until you are sure everyting is stable, then you can try to bump the memory up to 800Mhz (or there abouts depending on the divider/multiplier used)

I'm not sure if setting the voltage to auto would help with overclocking, because usually auto just detects the cpu's default voltage and uses that. You should set it to something between 1.325 - 1.375v.

Your temps at idle seem kind of high to me. Ideally you should be seeing idle temps in the mid to low 40's. The zalman 9500 is a reasonable cooler and should at least get idle temps into the mid to high 40's. The 8800gtx's run pretty hot, so improved air flow in the case could make a big difference in temps. If you already have good case ventilation, I would try re-seating the cpu hsf because it doesn't seem to be cooling very well.

You need to pay close attention to heat if you are going to overclock, temps high 60's to low 70's are not good for the long term life of your cpu.

As a point of referrence, I now have my q6600 running at 1.35v (bios setting, actual is 1.296v) at %95 load with temps between 48c - 52c with my new Tuniq Tower 120. My ambient room temp ranges from 68-72 deg F.

Scharnhorst · Rated PG Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 11

WOW ok i took down my current settings in bios, i'm going to thoroughly clean the comp and do a brief check on the cpu heatsink.

CIE enhanced halt state: enabled
Execute disable bit: enabled
Virtualization technology: enabled

Voltages
Cpu core set to auto at 1.27
cpu fsb auto 1.2
memory i set to 2.1

Now why would i want to lower my memory to 667mhz when its designed for 800mhz?

the fsb memory clock mode is set to auto should it be linked or unlinked or what?
Also people using orthos to test stability, should i?
Thanks for the help

Dimensionjew · Rated NC-17 Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 108

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Thu, 12 Jul 2007 17:02:21 Post Subject:

48c - 52c load temps don't sound high to me.

Scharnhorst · Rated PG Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 11

Not going to believe this, I DID NOT TOUCH A SINGLE part of the mobo, I swear i just used the spray can to get rid of the dust on the computer. Ofcourse because my luck i've either fried of mobo or gfx, i saw smoke and heard a spark when i turned the power to the psu on. Now nothing appears on the screen. If u have time and u want to fully appreciate just how s#!7* this is please read my story about this computer http://www.gamereplays.org/community/index.php?showtopic=224142

No idea what to do, I built a computer for my brother very similar setup and No problems. I know i can build these things so something else is the cause of all this misery.
I strongly believe now the case has been the culprit. I have a thermaltake armor, a huge case, it has tool less crap all over and when putting the gfx in it some how requires an enormous amount of force because the metal area of the gfx normally screws into the case has to slide in and all the plastic crap the tool less case gets in the way and prevents it. U have to put it in at such an extreme angle it must hit some capacitor and break it.
I don't know what to do, i can either send both my 8800 back to evga and the mobo or i can take it in to a repair shop and pay their fees to fix and build it Smile

acruxksa · Posted: Thu, 12 Jul 2007 19:13:23 Post Subject:

Scharnhorst,
Sorry to hear the bad news. If you do figure out what shorted out on you and want to give overclocking another go I would suggest you disable C1E, leave memory and fsb voltages where they are and raise you cpu voltage to 1.325v (which is default voltage for some q6600's). You want to run your memory at 667Mhz initially for simplicity. It also allows you to test the cpu's overclock without having other hardware cloud the issue. Once you know everything is stable then you push the memory back up to 800Mhz or beyond.

Do you have a fascination with the WWII German battle cruiser of the same name or is there another reason for Scharnhorst? Just curious. Grin

Hope you get your hardware issues sorted out. I checked out your linked thread and that is a large case! The only thing I would recommend there is that you invest in some zip ties and try to clean up the wiring a bit. It doesn't have to be beautiful just better. Tidying things up a bit will improve airflow and could prevent a short which also helps keep the smoke in if you know what I mean Wink

It appears to be your first build so don't get discouraged.

Dimensionjew,
Those loaded temps are actually quite good for a quad overclocked to 3.0Ghz. At stock speeds and voltages it would be about 5-7c lower.

Scharnhorst · Rated PG Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 11

Thank you, my first build sort of, hmm 4 mobos down and built 2 other comps for friends and family and not one has had any problems whatsoever. When i build one for myself though then I get real problems. Now i have to pay evga for rma deciding to send back the gfx and mobo just incase.

I'm a big history guy, looking to one day get a PHD but with these comp issues monopolizing my time looks like that won't occur for awhile. "Scharnhorst" was also a fierce and well respected Prussian general during the Napoleonic wars and the ww2 ship also has a intresting tale about it. I also pick it since its almost always an available username.

The case is huge, its also incredibly heavy almost 80 pounds made of solid steel. The psu's wires are very difficult to bend and I wanted to get it up and running as soon as possible. But if you look i did attempt zip ties but not enough. Next time modula psu all the way.

Thank you for your help so far, when i get the computer up and running I'll try some overclocking. One thing i don't understand is why do you test stability in small increments, why can't I use the same fsb someone else with a similar setup uses and have it work?

acruxksa · Posted: Thu, 12 Jul 2007 22:04:15 Post Subject:

Identical hardware does not always mean identical overclocking results. You can buy the exact same stepping cpu, mobo version, memory etc and still there is no guarantee that you will get the same results. Your likely hood is high, but since we don't really know what tolerances each manufacturer uses to test their hardware, there are never guarantees.

I will say that it appears your q6600's default voltage is 1.275v (like mine) which does bode well for easily hitting 3.0Ghz.

I didn't know about the general, but it makes sense (I guess they had to name the ship after someone).

Scharnhorst · Rated PG Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 11

ok got my comp working again. I couldn't find two damn screws for my zalman 9500at so I had to get another and i got thise http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/product/Cooler/Retail/Cl-P0401/cl-p0401.asp

I believe its better, what program gives the most accurate readings of cpu temp. With speed fan i get cores showing around high 30s at idle and the cpu around 47. With core temp i get cores showing low 50s. Using TAT it shows mid 50s at idle.

These seem high, i know the fan is on correctly and should have enough arctic silver stuff on it.

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Tue, 24 Jul 2007 13:59:36 Post Subject: