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12 лютого 2013 р.

Overclocking Intel Core i7 LGA1366 processors

На сьогодні публікація є дещо застарілою, але для мене дуже цікавий опис методології розгону процесорів Intel i7 першого покоління.


Preface

With the Core i7 900 series processors, all frequencies originate in a Base Clock (BCLK) with a default frequency of 133.33 MHz. From this base frequency, all other frequencies are derived by applying various multipliers.

The purpose of this text is mainly to bring an understanding of how to work with the Core i7 900 systems and how different BIOS settings relate to each other, and not so much to present a list of overclocking settings. Hopefully this will help you in finding an overclocking solution for your particular components.
Overclocking

Easiest to overclock, are the Extreme Editions, Core i7 965 EE, Core i7 975 EE, Core i7 980X and Core i7 990X EE, due to their unlocked CPU multiplier. To overclock the CPU to e.g. 4 GHz, we simply need to raise the CPU multiplier (CPU Ratio Setting) from default 24/ 25/ 25/ 26 (3.20/ 3.33/ 3.33/ 3.46 GHz) to 30 (4.00 GHz), while keeping BCLK at its default frequency, 133 MHz.

To achieve the same overclock (4 GHz) on the models Core i7 950 and Core i7 960, the BCLK has to be increased, since their CPU multipliers are upwards locked at 24 for i7 950 and 25 for i7 960. The change of BCLK means that all other clock frequencies are influenced (memory, Uncore and QPI).

As an example, overclocking a Core i7 950 to 4 GHz, using the default CPU multiplier (23), would call for an increase of BCLK from default 133 MHz to 174 MHz (4000 / 23 = 174 MHz). That is a substantial overclock that will put stress on different components on the processor chip, which besides the CPU cores also holds the Uncore (the IMC, Integrated Memory Controller, and the L3 cache). There is also the QPI (Quick Path Interconnect), which is a fast bidirectional link between the CPU and the IOH (I/O Hub).

The DRAM frequency, the Uncore (UCLK) frequency and, perhaps, the QPI frequency may need to be adjusted according to the new BCLK.


Core i7 900 series processors – frequency relations
BCLK Frequency
(Base Clock)
Range: 100 – 500
Default: 133.33 MHz
Stability common up to BCLK ~180.
Max out @ BCLK between 180 and 225.
CPU Frequency =
BCLK x CPU Multiplier
4 core, 45nm:
i7 920 – 2.66, i7 930 – 2.80, i7 940 – 2.93,
i7 950 – 3.06, i7 960 – 3.20,
i7 965 EE – 3.20, i7 975 EE – 3.33 GHz
6 core, 32nm:
i7 970 – 3.20, i7 980 – 3.33,
i7 980X EE – 3.33, i7 990X EE – 3.46 GHz
DRAM Frequency =
BCLK x Memory Multiplier
Memory Multipliers*: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18
UCLK Frequency =
BCLK x Uncore Multiplier
≥ 2 x DRAM Frequency
QPI Frequency =
BCLK x QPI Multiplier
QPI Multipliers: 18 (36), 22 (44), 24 (48)


* Memory Multipliers are invisible in the BIOS of ASUS motherboards. ASUS has chosen to use the resulting DRAM frequencies (BCLK x Memory Multipliers) instead.

 

Multipliers / Frequencies @ BCLK = 133 MHz
Note that all frequency options below change with the BCLK
Processor
Model
CPU Ratio Setting
(Multiplier)
Memory
Multiplier
UCLK (Uncore)
Multiplier
QPI
Multiplier
Core i7 920
2.67 GHz
12 – 21
Default 20

6, 8, 10, 12,
14, 16, 18
(DDR3-800)
(DDR3-1066)
(DDR3-1333)
(DDR3-1600)
(DDR3-1866)
(DDR3-2133)
(DDR3-2400)

≥ 2 x Memory Multiplier
12, 13, 14, 15, ….., 26
(1600MHz)
(1733MHz)
(1866MHz)
(2000MHz)
(2133MHz)
(2266MHz)
(2400MHz)
(2533MHz)
(2666MHz)
(2800MHz)
(2933MHz)
(3066MHz)
(3200MHz)
(3333MHz)
(3466MHz)

18, 22, 24
2400MHz
2933MHz
3200MHz
or
(36, 44, 48)
(4800 MT/s)
(5866 MT/s)
(6400 MT/s)

Core i7 930
2.80GHz
12 – 22
Default 21
Core i7 940
2.93 GHz
12 – 23
Default 22
Core i7 950 **
3.06 GHz
12 – 24
Default 23
Core i7 960 **
3.20 GHz
12 – 25
Default 24
Core i7 965
Extreme
3.20 GHz
12 – 63
Default 24

Core i7 975
Extreme
3.33 GHz
12 – 63
Default 25

Core i7 970 **
6 core, 32nm
3.20 GHz
12 – 25
Default 24
Core i7 980 **
6 core, 32nm
3.33 GHz
12 – 26
Default 25
Core i7 980X
6 core, 32nm
eXtreme
3.33 GHz
12 – 63
Default 25
Core i7 990X **
6 core, 32nm
eXtreme
3.46 GHz
12 – 63
Default 26

** Presently manufactured model


ASUS has chosen to use the resulting frequencies instead of the multipliers in BIOS.
The available options for DRAM Frequency depend on the BCLK.
The available options for UCLK depend on the DRAM Frequency.
The available options for QPI depend on the BCLK.

Intel® TurboMode Tech (enabled by default)

When TurboMode Tech is enabled, the CPU multiplier may automatically increase with 1. With only 1 core active, the CPU Multiplier may increase with 2.
The CPU Ratio Setting has to be set to [Auto] to allow this function.


Strategy for overclocking

To simplify a stable overclocking, different strategies can be used. I’ll here focus on the Core i7 models Core i7 950/960. The Extreme Editions (Core i7 965, Core i7 975, Core i7 980X and Core i7 990X) are easier to overclock, due to their unlocked CPU multiplier, which eliminates the need to raise the Base Clock (BCLK).
You may want to raise BCLK to match the rated memory speed with the desired CPU speed though.

 
Core i7 950:
How to calculate the overlock - example.
A good starting point could be to calculate which BCLK you would need, to achieve your desired CPU speed. Let’s say that you would like a CPU speed of 3.6 GHz. The needed BCLK then is: 3600 / 24 = 150MHz, using the highest option for the CPU Ratio Setting, which is 24, manually set, for Core i7 950. CPU speed will be: BCLK x CPU Ratio Setting = 150 x 24 = 3600MHz (3.6GHz)

Let’s say that you want to use a DDR3-1600MHz memory. Determine the memory multiplier as DRAM Frequency / BCLK (1600 / 150 = 10.67) Use the nearest memory multiplier, which is 10. The nearest selectable option for DRAM Frequency will then be BCLK x memory multiplier (150 x 10 = 1500). Select DRAM Frequency [DDR3-1500] (which means a rather insignificant underclock of the memory).

The UCLK (Uncore) multiplier should be greater than, or equal to, 2 x the memory multiplier: 2 x 10 = 20.
Uncore Frequency is BCLK x UCLK multiplier (150 x 20 = 3000). Select UCLK Frequency [3000MHz].
This setting can also be left at [Auto].

The QPI (Quick Path Interconnect) is a high speed, bi-directional, link between the CPU and the X58 IOH (I/O Hub). There is hardly anything to gain from increasing the multiplier from the default value (18) so we leave it at that. This means a QPI Frequency of 150 x 18 = 2700MHz, or 150 x 36 = 5400MT/s (Mega Transfers per second).
This setting is preferably set manually to the lowest option when overclocking by raising the BCLK.

Next step is to lower the CPU Ratio Setting to 14 and run Memtest86+ v4.20 (or later) to verify the stability for memory, Uncore and QPI, without the risk of limitations due to the CPU speed. If errors occur, try to increase the QPI/DRAM Core Voltage.

If Memtest86+ runs error free, set the CPU Ratio Setting to 24 or [Auto]. The setting [Auto] means default 23 for i7 950, but with TurboMode Tech enabled, the CPU Ratio Setting will normally be 24.

Finally, running Prime95 for a total of 8 virtual cores, the PC has to be stable for at least overnight.


Manual configurations

Ai Overclock Tuner
Manual
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. (Recommended when overclocking).
Auto
Loads the standard settings for the system.
D.O.C.P.
Overclocks DRAM Frequency by adjusting the BCLK frequency.
X.M.P.
If you install memory modules supporting eXtreme Memory Profile (XMP) technology, choose this item to set the profile supported by your memory modules for optimizing the system performance.

CPU Voltage [1.20V – 1.375V] (total range: 0.85V-1.70V (2.10V)).
Initially I recommend leaving this setting at [Auto]. That means that the CPU Voltage is set according to the VID (Voltage Identification Code). VID is automatically adjusted, in steps, according to the CPU frequency. Since the setting [Auto] in many cases gives an unnecessary high CPU Voltage, resulting in an unnecessary high CPU temperature, I recommend tweaking this voltage manually when you are happy with your overclock (see Voltage optimization below).

CPU PLL Voltage [Auto] or [1.80V – 2.10V] (total range: 1.80V-2.50V).

DRAM Bus Voltage [max 1.65V] (1.64V-1.66V) (total range: 1.50V-1.90V (2.46V)) Intel states, that a DRAM Bus Voltage beyond 1.65V may permanently damage the processor.
If a lower voltage than 1.65V is specified for your memory, then use the specified voltage.
For DDR3-800MHz - DDR3-1333MHz memory, the voltage normally is 1.5V (JEDEC standard voltage for DDR3 memory).

 
QPI/DRAM Core Voltage [1.20V – 1.40V] (total range: 1.20V-1.70V (1.90V)).
QPI/DRAM Core Voltage must be within 0.5V of the DRAM Bus Voltage. This could only be an issue when the DRAM Bus Voltage is set very high (1.71V-2.46V).
This voltage setting is very important. DDR3-1600MHz memory may need this voltage to be 1.35V and DDR3-2000MHz may need as much as 1.65V. I recommend setting this voltage manually, and when you are happy with your overclock, tweak the voltage (see Voltage optimization below).

The other voltages may be left at default (Auto).

BCLK Frequency [XXX] (default 133 MHz, range: 100-500 MHz)
DRAM Frequency [DDR3-XXXX] (range: DDR3-800MHz – DDR3-2000MHz)
According to Intel’s specification, only DDR3-800MHz and DDR3-1066MHz are supported. Using DDR3-1333MHz memory, and higher frequencies, would mean overclocking (of the IMC).
(Tests have shown that there is a very small performance gain in using faster memory than DDR3-1333MHz).
PCIE Frequency [100] (locks the PCIE frequency)
Tweaking in the range of 100-110 may be necessary.

Voltage optimization
At least CPU Voltage and QPI/DRAM Core Voltage should be set manually.
When you are satisfied with your overclock, I recommend optimizing CPU Voltage and QPI/DRAM Core Voltage, which means finding the lowest possible voltage where 100% Prime95 stability is maintained for at least overnight.

Start with optimizing the CPU Voltage by lowering the CPU Voltage by 1-2 notch(es) at a time, until Prime95 stops the execution within 10 minutes – then increase the voltage by 1 notch at a time and test again. In the end, Prime95 should be able to run for at least overnight.

Use Prime95, the same way as described for the CPU Voltage, to find the lowest possible QPI/DRAM Core Voltage that allows the PC to run error free under stress for at least overnight.

Finally, run Memtest86+ (version 4.20, or later) to verify that Memtest86+ runs totally error free for at least overnight. If any error, try with increasing QPI/DRAM Core Voltage by 1 notch at a time until Memtest86+ runs error free.

 

Overclockings for Core i7 950 / Core i7 960
Base Clock
(BCLK)
MHz
Memory
Multiplier
DRAM Freq. MHz
Uncore
Multiplier
UCLK Freq.  MHz
QPI
Multiplier
QPI Freq. MT/s
CPU i7 950
Multiplier
Freq. GHz
CPU i7 960
Multiplier
Freq. GHz
133.33
ó DDR3-800
12 ó 1600
18 (36) ó 4800
24 ó 3.20
25 ó 3.33
133.33
  8 ó DDR3-1066
16 ó 2133
18 (36) ó 4800
24 ó 3.20
25 ó 3.33
133.33
10 ó DDR3-1333
20 ó 2666
18 (36) ó 4800
24 ó 3.20
25 ó 3.33
133.33
12 ó DDR3-1600
24 ó 3200
18 (36) ó 4800
24 ó 3.20
25 ó 3.33
133.33
14 ó DDR3-1866
28 ó 3733
18 (36) ó 4800
24 ó 3.20
25 ó 3.33
133.33
16 ó DDR3-2133
32 ó 4266
18 (36) ó 4800
24 ó 3.20
25 ó 3.33
133.33
18 ó DDR3-2400
36 ó 4800
18 (36) ó 4800
24 ó 3.20
25 ó 3.33
143
14 ó DDR3-2002
28 ó 4004
18 (36) ó 5148
24 ó 3.43
25 ó 3.57
150
10 ó DDR3-1500
20 ó 3000
18 (36) ó 5400
24 ó 3.60
25 ó 3.75
155.67
12 ó DDR3-1868
24 ó 3736
18 (36) ó 5604
24 ó 3.73
25 ó 3.89
160
10 ó DDR3-1600
20 ó 3200
18 (36) ó 5760
24 ó 3.84
25 ó 4.00
166.67
  8 ó DDR3-1333
16 ó 2666
18 (36) ó 6000
24 ó 4.00
24 ó 4.00
166.67
10 ó DDR3-1666
20 ó 3333
18 (36) ó 6000
24 ó 4.00
24 ó 4.00
166.67
12 ó DDR3-2000
24 ó 4000
18 (36) ó 6000
24 ó 4.00
24 ó 4.00
177.67
  6 ó DDR3-1066
12 ó 2132
18 (36) ó 6396
22 ó 3.91
22 ó 3.91
180
  8 ó DDR3-1440
16 ó 2880
18 (36) ó 6480
22 ó 3.96
22 ó 3.96
185
  8 ó DDR3-1480
16 ó 2960
18 (36) ó 6660
22 ó 4.07
22 ó 4.07
190
  8 ó DDR3-1520
16 ó 3040
18 (36) ó 6840
21 ó 3.99
21 ó 3.99
191
  8 ó DDR3-1528
16 ó 3056
18 (36) ó 6876
21 ó 4.01
21 ó 4.01
195
  8 ó DDR3-1560
16 ó 3120
18 (36) ó 7020
21 ó 4.09
21 ó 4.09
200
  6 ó DDR3-1200
12 ó 2400
18 (36) ó 7200
20 ó 4.00
20 ó 4.00
200
  8 ó DDR3-1600
16 ó 3200
18 (36) ó 7200
20 ó 4.00
20 ó 4.00
180
10 ó DDR3-1800
20 ó 3600
18 (36) ó 6480
22 ó 3.96
22 ó 3.96
186.67
10 ó DDD3-1867
20 ó 3734
18 (36) ó 6720
21 ó 3.92
21 ó 3.92
200
10 ó DDR3-2000
20 ó 4000
18 (36) ó 7200
20 ó 4.00
20 ó 4.00

The CPU Ratio Setting (CPU Multiplier) is above set manually to the highest option (in most cases). CPU Ratio Setting at [Auto] with TurboMode Tech enabled (default), would normally mean an effective CPU Ratio Setting of 24 for i7 950 and 25 for i7 960.

Note that there is no “guarantee” that the processor is able to run above 3.6 GHz. If adjusting CPU Voltage and/or QPI/DRAM Core Voltage doesn’t make the PC stable, the CPU Ratio Setting or the BCLK can be lowered.


The table below shows possible combinations of Memory Multiplier and BCLK for running the memory at rated speed. The table may help you to choose the right memory modules for your goals.

*** Although the Memory Multipliers are not visible in BIOS, the available DRAM Frequency options are still based upon them (DRAM Frequency = BCLK x Memory Multiplier). When changing the BCLK, the DRAM Frequency options will also change automatically.

The real obtained DRAM frequencies may differ slightly from what you see below because of small variations in the BCLK Frequency.

 
BCLK settings that run memory at rated speed
Rated
DRAM Frequency


[MHz]
BCLK



[MHz]
Memory
Multiplier
(Invisible in BIOS)
***
Obtained
DRAM Frequency
(BCLK x Memory Multiplier)

[MHz]
DDR3-1066
177(.67)
133(.33)
106(.67)
N/A
N/A
N/A
6
8
10
12
14
16
DDR3-1066
DDR3-1066
DDR3-1066
N/A
N/A
N/A
DDR3-1333
222
166(.67)
133(.33)
111
N/A
N/A
6
8
10
12
14
16
DDR3-1332
DDR3-1333
DDR3-1333
DDR3-1332
N/A
N/A
DDR3-1600
(266.67)
200
160
133(.33)
114(.33)
100
6
8
10
12
14
16
(DDR3-1600)
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1800
(300)
(225)
180
150
128(.67)
112(.67)
6
8
10
12
14
16
(DDR3-1800)
DDR3-1800
DDR3-1800
DDR3-1800
DDR3-1801
DDR3-1802
DDR3-1866
(311)
(233)
186(.67)
155(.67)
133(.33)
116(.67)
6
8
10
12
14
16
(DDR3-1866)
(DDR3-1866)
DDR3-1866
DDR3-1868
DDR3-1866
DDR3-1866
DDR3-2000
(333.33)
(250)
200
166(.67)
143
125
6
8
10
12
14
16
(DDR3-2000)
(DDR3-2000)
DDR3-2000
DDR3-2000
DDR3-2002
DDR3-2000


Rules and relations:
BCLK Frequency (Base Clock – default 133 MHz, range: 100-500)
CPU speed = BCLK x CPU Multiplier (CPU Multiplier = CPU Ratio Setting)
DRAM Frequency = BCLK x Memory Multiplier (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18)
UCLK Frequency = BCLK x Uncore Multiplier (Selectable options: 1600-5600 MHz)
QPI Frequency = BCLK x QPI Multiplier, 18(36), 22(44), 24(48). (Selectable options: 4800/5866/6400 MT/s @ BCLK 133 MHz). (The absolute maximum speed (no guarantee) is around 8000 MT/s)
UCLK (Uncore) Multiplier (frequency) must be at least twice the Memory Multiplier (frequency)

 
Use CPU-Z to watch the obtained settings
CPU-Z utility
BIOS setting
CPU-Z location
Comment
-
CPU tab, Core Speed
MHz
CPU Ratio Setting
CPU tab, Multiplier
CPU multiplier
BCLK Frequency
CPU tab, Bus Speed
MHz
QPI Link Data Rate
CPU tab, QPI Link (Rated FSB)
MHz (x2 for MT/s)
UCLK Frequency
Memory tab, NB Frequency
MHz (Uncore)
DRAM Frequency
Memory tab, DRAM Frequency
x2 for DDR3 frequency
-
Memory tab, FSB:DRAM, e.g. 2:8
Memory Multiplier is the second figure
DRAM timings
Memory tab
E.g. 8-8-8-24 …
-
SPD tab
Shows the memory profiles

Use the Icrontic Nehalem Overclocking Calculator to calculate your own settings. If you select the middle QPI multiplier, remember to change the value from 20 à 22 (just type in 22 over 20).
Download: Here


CPU Cooling

An overclocked system will need better CPU cooling than what the standard (stock) Intel cooler can provide.

Examples of the very best air coolers are:
- Noctua NH-U12P SE2 or NH-14D (they both come with 2 quiet, high quality fans for push-pull operation)
- Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme 1366 RT (no fan included)

Немає коментарів:

Коли забув ти рідну мову, біднієш духом ти щодня...
When you forgot your native language you would become a poor at spirit every day ...

Д.Білоус / D.Bilous
Рабів до раю не пускають. Будь вільним!

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