E5400 + GIGABYTE GA-G41M-ES2L
E5400 + GIGABYTE GA-G41M-ES2L
If you can't tweak the vcore, then your performance will be limited. That's why I chose the Gigabyte G41 because it offered bios controls for the vcore, but I'm still a bit let down. After a week of adjustments, I managed to hit 240 x 12.5 MHz, which is 3ghz. The vcore sits at 1.4 volts and stays stable under p95 for the initial runs. This is my server setup, so I'm not pushing it for intense gaming, but still, Gigabyte, you're impressive... 3ghz?
Looking back, it seems the reason G31 G41 boards cost less than P45 despite having built-in graphics is likely due to access to lower-cost components like bottom-level wafers.
Well, I know this is a little late but I figured out what was up. For some reason upping the bios had no effect according to CPUZ. Has anyone else had this problem? Is it my bios? Do you think a bios update would help?
My G41 board features a GA-G41M-ES2L with an E6500 processor running at 3.66 GHz (333 MHz X 11), paired with a standard ACF7P cooler. It remains stable during a 24-hour Prime95 test at a frequency of 351 MHz for 3.86 MHz, after which it reaches 352 MHz. The CPU operates just above 4GHz on my P35 motherboard. I’ve reduced the speed to 3.66 GHz for office applications, and it still maintains stable SpeedStep behavior even then.
alhanelem, try to optimize your FSB:RAM ratio to 1:1.
tekkyne, the GA-G41 is a budget-friendly, beginner-friendly motherboard offering decent BIOS customization. It supports E8X00 and Q9XX0 CPUs, ensuring the FSB frequency can hit 333 MHz.
Thanks for the feedback on JSC. It's curious that adjusting the Vcore settings in the BIOS doesn't show up even slightly in CPUZ. Even though the G41ES2L is a basic board, I was expecting it to offer more stability. I suspect there might be an issue with the board itself, despite its brand reputation for reliability as a Gigabyte product.
Another unusual aspect is that when trying to boot from a jump drive, I need to disconnect all IDE/SATA connections before the system recognizes the drive. This has happened multiple times and seems quite odd.
The G41 works well for a stock speed HTPC but is a terrible overcocker. Any G0 Q6600 can achieve 3.0 on stock VCore and isn't really a strong upgrade, 3.6Ghz would be ideal for any X48, X38, P35 or P45. No NB voltage choice is worth it, as the power phases on both G31 and G41 ES2Ls are too weak to support a Q6600 at 3.4+. A decent OC on an E6600 could be achieved instead. I own both G41 and G31 ES2Ls in HTPCs, yet many still purchase these boards expecting success with their Core 2s, only to discover they fail in forums.
To everyone: avoid buying these boards for overclocking! Instead, consider a reliable used overclocking 775 board on EBay.
The G41 works well for a stock speed HTPC, ... True.
It's also a terrible overcocker, depending on the CPU you have. Any quad-core processor isn't ideal for overclocking due to its simple power regulator. A CPU with a 333 MHz FSB is not suitable because of the G31/G41's restricted FSB speed.
Keep in mind, the G41 is an affordable chipset.
It performs well with the "crippled" Wolfdales (E5200, E6400, E7200 models).
It should not be purchased for overclocking by anyone.
True, but most individuals joining the overclocking forums I engage with are attempting to run systems such as E8400s, Q9xxx, and Q6600. The board consistently fails for all recognized good performance sockets 775 CPUs, and I've had to warn many they squander their investment on these motherboards.
They create threads questioning why the Q9300 can't be overclocked on a G41 ES2L. That was precisely what I needed to discover. I already have the same motherboard and Q9300, and I'm unable to exceed 340Hz even with higher voltage. No improvement when I raise the voltage.