Blue screens, crashes, and potential RAM problems
Blue screens, crashes, and potential RAM problems
I'm facing several difficulties when trying to push my CPU beyond 2.88 GHz.
Here are the details:
CPU: Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
Cooler: Hyper 212 EVO
Board: Asus P5W-DH Deluxe
RAM: 2x 1gb Corsair XMS2 DDR2, 2x 2gb Corsair XMS2 DDR2
GPU: Gigabyte Windforce GTX 770 4gb
I've been attempting to overclock the Q6600 for some time now. Until recently, I thought the issue was related to the cooler. After replacing it with a Hyper 212 EVO, I expected the problems to disappear. Unfortunately, they persist.
Every time I try to reach 3 GHz or higher, I encounter errors such as "irql not less or equal" and "Memory management," among others. I investigated possible causes for blue screens and found that low voltages were the main culprit. I increased the voltage during overclock attempts to around 1.3, but it didn't resolve the issue.
This leads me to suspect the RAM might be the problem. Recently, I discovered that the RAM should have been installed in different configurations—specifically 1-2 or 3-4 slots instead of 1-3 or 2-4. Both are XMS2 and share the same heat spreader design.
It seems my overclocking reaches a limit around 2.88 to 9 GHz, after which it fails completely.
Could you help me understand what's happening?
Initially, I'm wondering what purpose you have in mind with that outdated hardware. A regular computer today simply doesn't offer such powerful components (not to be harsh, as everyone has their reasons). My assumption is you're probably just trying to work, but if I were you, I'd recommend building a new PC. Still, everyone has their own justification.
KittyFish62 explains their intentions with the old hardware, noting that modern computers already offer better performance. They mention considering upgrading to a newer processor and RAM, referencing specific resources, but currently lack the funds. They also discuss the trade-offs between cost and performance, suggesting a future upgrade plan once resources allow.
I also have a Q6600, and it's really tough to push it overclock without investing in a newer motherboard that supports the LGA775 socket (Q6600) and the latest DDR3 or DDR4 RAM.
I'm assuming you also have a 2.4Ghz quad-core processor.
I'll be extra cautious with older boards; I recently had to replace mine because of a memory management error—BSODs revealed that the memory controller under the heatsink near the CPU completely overheated and burned out.
Some people say they managed to get their CPUs to run around 3.0 by underclocking their 800 MHz RAM to 667 MHz, but I've tried everything myself and haven't even reached 2.6 successfully. You're likely further ahead than me in this situation.
KittyFish62 explains their intentions clearly, noting that modern computers already offer much better hardware than what they're using. They suggest building a new PC if needed, but acknowledge everyone has different reasons. They mention possibly needing more RAM and point to a resource about IRQL not being less or equal, which might help with memory limitations. They also share that changing RAM modules didn't resolve the issue.
It might just be that your CPU is outdated. I don't have any other information. I hope someone else checks it out.
Also on my system there is a Q6600 and it's really tough to push it overclock without investing in a more recent motherboard that supports the LGA775 socket for the Q6600 and newer DDR3 or DDR4 RAM. I'm also assuming you have a 2.4Ghz quad-core processor. I'm being very cautious with older boards; I recently had to replace one because of memory management issues—BSODs occurred, and it was discovered that the memory controller overheated and damaged. Apparently, people who managed to get it working had to lower their RAM speed from 800MHz to 667MHz so the CPU could reach around 3.0GHz. I've tried everything myself and haven't even managed to hit 2.6 successfully, so you're likely further ahead than me in this regard. I've searched extensively online with the same board and seen others achieving at least 3.4, while many have reached 3.8 or higher.
Someone shared their experience with the Q6600 and the challenges they faced. They mentioned needing a newer motherboard to support the LGA775 socket and modern RAM, along with a 2.4Ghz quad-core processor. They recalled replacing their board due to overheating issues and overheating of the memory controller, which led to a BSOD. They noted others managed to overclock to around 3.4 or higher, while they struggled to reach 2.6. They also mentioned seeing world records around 5.2Mhz but with unusual cooling methods.
Here’s the rewritten version:
I also own a Q6600 and it's really tough to push it overclock without investing in a more recent motherboard that supports the LGA775 socket (Q6600) and newer DDR3 or DDR4 RAM. I’m assuming you have a 2.4Ghz quad-core processor too. I’d be extra cautious with older boards; I recently had to replace mine because of a memory management error—BSODs appeared, and it turned out the memory controller under the heatsink near the CPU overheated and got damaged. Some people say they managed to get their CPUs to run at around 3.0 by downclocking their 800MHz RAM to 667 MHz. I’ve tried everything myself and haven’t been able to reach 2.6 successfully, so you’re likely further ahead than me in this regard. I’ve searched a lot online with the same board, and others have managed at least 3.4, while some have even hit 3.8 or more. I believe the world record for the Q6600 is around 5.2MHz, but they used a liquid nitrogen cooling setup to keep the CPU cool. I know overclocking is possible, and many people have done it successfully—though I haven’t succeeded myself. It makes me curious why it’s not working for you.