Q6600 Overclocking Help
Q6600 Overclocking Help
Computer Specifications:
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Revision G0
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-G41MT-S2PT LGA 775
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3 PC3-12800
Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
I have reviewed some overclocking guides, though I only grasp a part of the details. I attempted to adjust the CPU's FSB, but it appears only 333MHz is stable and supports a 9x multiplier. When trying to hit speeds like 3.6GHz/3.4GHz/3.2GHz, any FSB I change just resets back to stock performance. My Core Voltage is set around 1.450V for each, but it doesn’t seem effective. I believe with the right cooler, I could reach between 3.2GHz and 3.4GHz if I get the core voltage correct. Also, memory synchronization issues persist because the RAM’s FSB appears as 200/266/333, and the multipliers are unclear. I haven’t extensively overclocked the timings, thinking it wouldn’t help much, and kept the VRAM at 1.5V.
Currently, I’m running 333MHz multiplied by 9 = 2997MHz with a 1.3V Vcore. My RAM settings are 266 x 4, but CPU-Z shows 667?
Anyone can help clarify how to improve overclocking and what target values should be considered?
I was mistaken about your memory speed; it's actually 1333. Verify the required timings (CAS latency) to achieve that performance. Higher memory speeds mean greater latency. Overclocking might not be beneficial here. Consider lowering the memory multiplier to a lower setting. You could run Prime95 with three tests instead of four, which provides a more manageable 75% load across all cores. Begin with higher voltage to boost speed, then gradually reduce it until instability occurs. Throttlestop in Windows allows adjusting voltage, so you can experiment and set it in BIOS. It seems you're only receiving factory bus speeds for some reason. 800/1066/1333. A QX6800 or QX6850 would really help.
There are differences in no 2 cpus or boards, not all chipsets offer higher bus speeds either. You can only make minor adjustments and boost voltage when necessary. Eventually, it will become too much voltage to justify the gain. CPU-Z displaying 667 is typical for double data rate memory.
CPU world mentions a maximum spec of 1.5V for that chip. I plan to try that setting and then see if you can push it further. I'm currently at 1.54V without any issues on my QX6800 G0 at 3.72Ghz. Do you have any heatsinks for your VRM MOSFETs and chipset? Your memory speed is likely around 1066, as some memory operations happen during the rise and fall phases rather than at peak. This makes it appear faster than the motherboard's speed. You might want to check Overclock.net/ LGA775 Club to find out what your motherboard can support. You haven't mentioned temperature yet—keep an eye on it. Add cooling solutions, consider increasing voltage, boost speed, and repeat the process. Throttlestop software will provide detailed readings on core temperatures, voltages, and FSB, and can disable Speedstep while running stability tests. Hyper 212 may benefit from a different cooling paste or application method compared to other coolers. You could explore that option.
Well, I'm not really able to discuss temperatures much because I haven't pushed the CPU to its limits. With Prime95 running, I've managed around 60*C across all four cores (3GHZ at 1.30v). I know 1.5 is the upper limit, so I aimed for 1.45 as my safest vcore and went for 3.6ghz (333*9), but it didn't even make it past POST and just restarted. I don't have any heatsinks since this board seems fairly old. I'd mainly want to keep it below 70*C, which I set in BIOS, but I'm aiming for about 65*C for safety. My RAM's FSB ratio is 1:2, and ideally it should be 1:1 with synchronization, though I'm not sure that's possible with this motherboard.
I was mistaken about your memory speed; it's actually 1333. Verify the required timings (CAS latency) to achieve that performance. Higher memory speeds mean greater latency, and sometimes overclocking isn't beneficial. Consider lowering the memory multiplier to a lower setting. Running Prime95 with three tests instead of four provides a more manageable load. Start with higher voltage to boost speed, then gradually reduce it until instability occurs. Throttlestop in Windows allows adjusting voltage, so you can experiment and set it in BIOS. It seems you're only receiving factory bus speeds. 800/1066/1333. A QX6800 or QX6850 would simplify things.
So, slower timing for memory does mean higher numbers, correct? I'm using the default settings at 9, 9, 9, 24 and facing issues with overclocking RAM because I don't know the maximum vDAM. For DDR3 it's generally safe to go below 1.65v, though Intel suggests around 1.8v. The memory multiplier options are fixed, giving me choices like (333 * 2.4 / 3.2), (200 * 4), or (266 * 3/4). I managed to adjust the CPU FSB to 335 and it worked, but trying something like 340 with a 1.45vcore didn't succeed. It wasn't as straightforward as I expected. I'm now checking beginner's guides to see if I missed anything. Thanks, William.
I never had any luck with FSB myself and ended up using C2X chips, but then again I was doing a Dell BTX so I was on my own anyway. The thing about VRM cooling is Intel used flat fans on this area to cool the VRMs and you may have less cooling there with a tower cooler than you had before. Persistence counts for a lot in this game. My system is DDR2 so I can't help you with DDR3 specifics, but you know what to ask now. Yes higher memory timing is slower. It may seem frustrating at first but you learn something from every problem you overcome. At OCN there is probably someone there who has O/Ced that MB.
I basically stopped trying to push it beyond 3.2GHZ now because I hit a ceiling. It's unclear whether the issue comes from the motherboard, my overclocking background, or both. At least I managed to get it to 3.0GHZ with plenty of headroom, and the temperatures stayed around 55–58°C.
I stopped pushing overclock limits on my Dell several times. Take a break and try again later. Luckily, my motherboard handles overclocking very well, though no one noticed. Changing the FSB always causes a lockup. Pinmods won’t help since there’s no faster bus speed available. Working with Core2Extreme chips took a long time—about six months and three CPUs to upgrade from 3.2Ghz QX6700 to QX6800SLACP at 3.72Ghz. I was working hard, trying everything to hit 3.45Ghz. Eventually, I realized what was limiting me at 3.72Ghz and now my aim is to reach 3.99Ghz on my current CPU. Once that’s stable enough for benchmarks, invest in a SLACP setup; your memory and bus speed won’t be an issue. Focus on cooling, voltage, and multiplier settings. That’s all.