Phenom II X4 965 shows instability at 3.8ghz frequency.
Phenom II X4 965 shows instability at 3.8ghz frequency.
I'm having trouble getting my Phenom II X4 965 to run smoothly at 3.8ghz. I've adjusted the voltages to 1.425V, 1.45V and 1.475V, with 1.475V giving the most stability, though BSODs still occur. CPU temperatures stay below 60°C. I'm unsure what to do next—should I try 1.5V or is that too dangerous?
I've read a lot but found conflicting advice. Should I also overclock the Northbridge and increase its voltage? Also, should I lower my RAM speed if I only change the multiplier instead of FSB?
Anyone have some guidance on this?
CptMirth :
I've just observed another unusual issue. I chose to run my CPU at default settings (3.4Ghz @ 1.4V) to test stability, but occasionally I face BSODs while playing Flash videos. This usually happens when it BSODs at 3.8ghz @ 1.5V. I'm not sure what this might indicate, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
A BSOD could also point to a corrupted Windows file or a faulty driver. It should generate a dump file that can be examined.
You can inspect your Windows files by running "SFC /scannow" in an elevated command prompt. This will scan for corruption and attempt repairs.
Look into Event Viewer for more details or check under Device...
Hi CptMirth
With temperatures at 3.8GHz, try 1.5V which should work. You can go a bit higher but not beyond 1.550V.
Monitor your temps closely because each tiny change in Core Voltage leads to a big jump in heat. Cooling performance will be key.
Make sure your DIMM bios settings match the SPD or XMP profile if possible. If unsure, list your DIMMs.
It’s best to overclock using the Multiplier and adjust FSB changes for stability. (Auto might be fine.)
Stress testing is a solid method to check stability at your target OC. If you need help deciding, I’ll give advice.
Thank you for your feedback MeanMachine41. I'll test at 1.5V later today and update you on the results.
I'm uncertain about SPD or XMP profiles. The Module Part Number is BLE4G3D1608DE1TX0, with two units. Currently, the memory clock is set to x8.00 for 1600Mhz. Is this acceptable, or should I adjust it further?
For stress testing, I'm using Prime95.
Thanks again, your support means a lot.
OK CptMirth, I looked into your DIMMs and they are Crucial Ballistix Elite 4Gb, with two modules each.
It’s not advisable to use two separate DIMMs, even if they match the same specifications.
They might work together or not, but during production there can be differences, and Crucial ensures compatibility as a complete unit.
So it would have been better to purchase one 8GB kit.
Testing will reveal whether they function together; if not, returning them for a single kit is recommended.
For your DIMMs, you can find the primary timing information in CPUz under the Memory and SPD sections, as well as voltage settings—this data should be saved in your BIOS. Write it down.
If you need further guidance, I’ll explain it more thoroughly.
I prefer not to use P95 because it’s a harsh tester that won’t properly assess your system’s subsystems. It’s not a realistic stress test for your CPU and is only suitable for very short FFT tests (under 10 minutes) at most.
Download the AIDA64 trial version and HWMonitor, placing them side by side on your desktop.
Start the CPU and FPU test in AIDA64 for 10 minutes, and stop it if temperatures exceed 80°C.
In HWMonitor, open the relevant tab to view all rail voltages (3V, 5V, 12V). This will help assess your PSU performance under load.
You can also run additional tests separately if desired.
By the 10-minute mark of the AIDA test, take a screenshot and upload it to the IMIGUR file host. Retrieve the BB URL and link it here for further analysis.
Please let me know how it goes.
MeanMachine41 :
In short, you should have purchased a single 8GB kit. Testing will reveal whether they work together; if not, consider returning them and buying one separately.
I bought the memory in an 8GB package.
MeanMachine41 :
Start the CPU and FPU test in AIDA64 for 10 minutes, stopping it if temperatures exceed 80°C.
In HWMonitor, open the tab to display all rail voltages (3v, 5v, 12v). This will indicate your PSU's condition under load.
You may run other tests individually if needed.
At the 10-minute point of the AIDA test, take a screenshot and upload it to the IMIGUR file host. Get the BB URL and link it here for further analysis.
I’m unclear about the BB URL, but here are the results from running the CPU at 3.8GHz @ 1.5V.
All rail voltages are good acceptable voltages although slightly high.
Temperatures under stress are good at max 57C. You can try for 4GH OC with same Vcore at 1.504V MAX.
Primary Timings for your modules are listed as 8-8-8-24 and your Bios settings indicate 11-11-11-29 so you can tighten them up and try a command rate of 2T.
Strange, The P/N of your DIMMs BLE4G3D1608DE1TX0 indicate a single 4GB module so don't know whats going on there. Normally it would show as BLE8GB~~
Could you now try the Memory test after changing timings in Bios.
To the left of your picture is CPUz, open the Memory and SPD tabs to verify Timings and possible XMP profile.
Extend the tests for 30mins with new settings and report back.
If you still get BSOD then we will have to analyse the Dump file for the Culprit.
The BB url is the Bulletin Board url link, However you made it work.
I feel drawn to try 4ghz eventually, but my BIOS only lets voltage jumps of 0.025V. After adjusting memory timings to 8-8-8-24, the computer wouldn’t boot and kept repeating long beeps. I also experimented with leaving the tRC settings and using XMP profile 36, but neither worked. Any suggestions on what might be causing this or how to resolve it?
I've just observed another unusual occurrence. I chose to run my CPU at stock specifications (3.4Ghz @ 1.4V) to check its stability, but occasionally I face BSODs while playing Flash videos. This usually happens at higher settings (3.8ghz @ 1.5V). I don’t understand what this might mean, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
CptMirth :
I've just observed another unusual issue. I chose to run my CPU at default settings (3.4Ghz @ 1.4V) to assess stability, but occasionally I face BSODs while playing Flash videos. This usually happens when the system crashes at higher speeds (3.8ghz @ 1.5V). I'm not sure what this might indicate, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
A BSOD could also point to a corrupted Windows file or faulty driver. It should generate a dump file for analysis.
You can inspect your Windows files by running "SFC /scannow" in an elevated command prompt. This will scan for corruption and attempt repairs.
Look into Event Viewer for potential clues, or use Device Manager to check for yellow triangles that suggest a problematic driver.
It might be necessary to update the ADOBE Flash player plugin if the problem persists. If it continues, consider stress testing to identify the root cause.