Assist a beginner in enhancing FX8370 on M5A99FX Pro 2.0
Assist a beginner in enhancing FX8370 on M5A99FX Pro 2.0
Hello. I'm trying to deepen my understanding of the concepts involved and would appreciate any insights from the community. I have a few questions that would be really helpful. My CPU-Z readings are at the lower end of what's expected.
1) When adjusting the Core clock (my FX 8370 runs at 4.0GHz by default, my current OC is 4.575MHz, 1.332v), does it really matter how you reach that clock? I've learned there are two methods to boost the Core clock; one involves changing the multiplier (which I keep at 20.0), and another is adjusting the Bus speed, which I've increased to 228. The idea is that raising the Bus also affects memory frequency, HT link speed, and NB frequency. While boosting the multiplier only increases the core, it doesn't impact RAM or NB frequency. I understand you could tweak those settings to fine-tune an OC, achieving the same core with a lower bus setting using the multiplier. So, is this the correct approach? Or is there an advantage to focusing on the core frequency in one way versus the other?
2) Fine-tuning RAM, HT Link, and NB frequencies. My FX 8370 (as far as I can tell from the BIOS, since it's not black) doesn't let me change the multipliers for HT Link, NB, or RAM. I'm restricted to selecting preset ratios in the dropdown menu, which jumps significantly between settings. I've read that my NB frequency needs to be three times higher than my RAM. But I'm finding that running my RAM at a slower speed than optimal is necessary to keep the NB stable (at least I think so). Is this a common issue?
3) There are mixed opinions about the performance benefits of increasing HT link and NB frequency. What would you recommend? Should one be prioritized over the other?
4) I'm having difficulty finding the exact specifications for my RAM. I no longer have the physical box to check. I'm using CPU-Z, and in the SPD menu (slots 2 or 4), it lists MAX Bandwidth: PC3 12800 (800MHz). Can I be sure this is the default setting? (2x800 = 1600 MHz). If that's correct, should my RAM default to 1600 and my NB to 2400?
My current OC settings are:
4575 MHz at 1.332V (Temp: 72' 60').
Multiplier: x20.0
Bus: 228.8 MHz
Rated FSB: 2516 MHz
NB Frequency: 2516 MHz
DRAM Frequency: 765 MHz
Voltage to NB: I'll need to adjust this since I can't see the BIOS details right now!
Thanks for your time,
Regards.
P.S. My Cinebench score (8 threads) is 734. Is that acceptable?
I adjusted the bus and clock ratio to keep a higher core frequency without excessively increasing RAM, HT Link and NB. Further research suggested setting the HT link and NB frequency to the same value on an fx8370, and configuring the NB to be three times the DRAM speed. I managed to achieve stable RAM/HT Link and NB voltages above 2600, likely because the NB was undervolted, though the 1.3v I'm supplying seems sufficient. I also added a bit more core frequency.
Current specs:
- Frequency: 4.637 GHz
- Voltage: 1.332V
- Ratio: 21.5
- Bus speed: 215 MHz
- FSB: 2588.5 MHz
- NB frequency: 2588.5 MHz
- DRAM speed: 862.9 MHz
- NB voltage: 1.30V
The socket was reaching nearly the maximum temperature after 30 minutes of Blend Prime 95. Many conflicting opinions exist about the socket's limits, with some users reporting stable performance in the high 70s and even 80s. For future rendering tasks, I plan to run a video with HWM open and keep an eye on temperatures. Core temperatures have stayed below 59°C. Gaming with an R9 285 while playing Witcher 3 and Railway Empire hasn't caused socket temperatures to exceed 55°C, nor core temps. I'm satisfied with the outcome.
My Cinebench score has risen from below 700 to well over 740, and my Heaven bench now stands at 1390. The only area still unclear is the RAM timing settings. Should I prioritize overclocking frequency or tweak the timings?
Interestingly, after reviewing HWM, my clock experienced a spike to 4.85GHz at one point. I believe I may have overlooked adjusting the control settings on the Motherboard for the clock and voltage, perhaps missing a detail?
System remains stable, and I'm satisfied with the outcome.
By the way, regarding the RAM timing question:
Timings matter alongside frequency. Our goal is to reach the maximum frequency while keeping timings as low as possible—not necessarily the absolute highest or lowest.
Generally, for gaming, a higher frequency is preferable, though opinions can vary widely online.
Peace.
Hey!
It's been a whole week so far and everything's been smooth. No crashes or freezes. The temperatures are normal too—haven't noticed anything like the socket at 62' or the core at 55'. This is mostly gaming 'withcher 3'.
Still, I'm checking if I can get more out of the RAM, NB, HT Link ratio.
Also, the Core boost is still active. It's reaching up to 4.85MHz and remains stable.