Comments on OC Xeon X5680
Comments on OC Xeon X5680
Hi
I recently upgraded my old home PC with a X5680 plus several other components (upgrades are detailed in my profile). According to the information shared here and on other forums, the current configuration is a 4.2GHz OC setup. Despite this, I haven’t managed to reach that speed with various combinations of CPU voltage and BCLK settings. The system frequently crashes with a blue screen while running Prime95 for under ten minutes. Temperatures peak at around 65 degrees just before the crash occurs, suggesting it’s not primarily a thermal issue.
Any suggestions on weaknesses in this configuration or improvements that could help? I’m okay with daily use at this speed but would appreciate advice on whether reaching mid-4GHz is feasible.
4.2 GHz BIOS settings.
CPU cooler, Noctua D15, fan speed set to silent mode (750rpm).
CPU ratio setting (multiplier): x25.
BCLK frequency: 168.
DRAM frequency: DDR3-1347MHz (nominal 1333MHz, 4x2GB).
UCLK frequency: 2694MHz (double DRAM).
QPI link data rate: 6063MT/s (lowest value).
CPU voltage: 1.3125V.
CPU PLL voltage: 1.88V.
QPI/DRAM core voltage: 1.30V.
DRAM bus voltage: 1.64.
Load line calibration: enabled.
CPU spread spectrum: enabled.
Cinabench scores: CPU=904cb, OpenGL=91fps
I would ask at Overclock.net X58 Xeon Club. They focus on those and the responses can be quite intricate.
https://www.overclock.net/forum/8-intel-...-club.html
The 4x2 RAM is not suitable for X58. It only supports 3-channel memory, so a 6x2GB configuration would perform much better.
I've experienced system crashes when the high fan speeds increase and lower the CPU voltage. If this happens, run the fan at full speed from the power supply.
You didn't mention your MB, PSU or GPU configuration. You might just be running low on power due to one of those factors.
I would ask at Overclock.net X58 Xeon Club. They focus on those and the responses can be quite intricate.
https://www.overclock.net/forum/8-intel-...-club.html
The 4x2 RAM is not suitable for X58. It only supports 3-channel memory, so a 6x2GB configuration would perform much better.
I've experienced system crashes when the high fan speeds increase and lower the CPU voltage. If this occurs, run the fan at full speed from the power supply.
You didn't mention your MB, PSU or GPU configuration. You might just be running low on power due to one of those factors.
I would check the Overclock.net X58 Xeon Club. They focus on those topics and the responses can be quite detailed.
https://www.overclock.net/forum/8-intel-...-club.html
The 4x2 RAM configuration isn't suitable for the X58. It only supports 3-channel memory, so a 6x2GB setup would perform better.
I've experienced system crashes when the high-speed fan increases and lowers the CPU voltage. If this happens, turn the fan off immediately from the power supply unit.
You didn't mention your MB, PSU, or GPU configuration. You might be running low on power due to one of those components.
Thanks, William. Yes, I already posted on Overclock.net. That's where I assembled my current overclock setup. Unfortunately, few people have successfully OC'd the X5680 compared to other Xeons.
My current hardware setup is listed below. I added a refurbished 1PKB of 3X2GB to my original 3X2GB RAM, but found two sticks were faulty. Now I'm using four total, as the system recognizes them properly, though I could try another 6GB stick on eBay. No issues with fan spooling up. The Noctua fans run consistently.
Thanks
OS: Windows 10 Pro 64bit, Motherboard: ASUS P6T DELUXE (LGA1366),
CPU: Intel Xeon X5680 @ 4.20GHz (OCd),
CPU fan: Noctua D15,
RAM: G.SKILL 8GB (4 x 2GB)
240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7T (2GB X4),
Graphics: EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti GAMING 08G-P4-5670-KR 8GB GDDR5,
SSD (boot drive): SanDisk Ultra 3D NAND 500GB
Internal SSD - SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5"/7mm - SDSSDH3-500G-G25,
HDD: WDC WD10EADS-00L5B1 (1TB SATA II),
PSU: Corsair RM750xW,
Tower: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower
I don't be a specialist in BCLK X58 systems, but what I notice is that those G skill modules have a fairly aggressive timing of CL7 at 1333, and there might not be much room to speed up further. If you could adjust them to CL9, which is typical for DDR3 1600, that could make a difference.