Question Overclocking Xeon x3440 raising BCLK
Question Overclocking Xeon x3440 raising BCLK
My setup includes: Processor - Xeon X3440, Motherboard - Asrock P55m pro, RAM - Kingstone Hyperx 2x4gb 1866mhz.
I have limited experience with overclocking. I learned that raising BCLK can boost bus speed for all components but may risk damaging RAM and SSD. Since my CPU lacks an unlocked multiplier, is it safe to increase BCLK for RAM and SSD? I’m not too worried about the processor or motherboard.
I managed well with these settings:
- BCLK: 200
- CPU ratio: 17
- RAM speed: 1600 mhz
- Performance: 3.4ghz, voltage: 1.35000 V, Vtt: 1.23V, DRAM: 1.59V
The system runs smoothly.
If I increase the CPU ratio to around 18, it still works, though restarting causes a shutdown and restart. I’m content with 3.4ghz but concerned about potential damage from higher BCLK.
I also tried another configuration:
- BCLK: 160
- CPU ratio: turbo (20)
- RAM speed: 1600 mhz
- Speed: 3.2ghz
Performance is slightly lower here, so I prefer keeping BCLK at 200.
What are your recommendations for the lifespan of RAM and SSD? Should I stick with setting number one or two, or avoid overclocking altogether?
BCLK won't impact your SSDs. The RAM will be affected, but a minor overclock won't be significant. Ensure the PCIE Frequency stays at 100MHz.
I'm using an older system (refer to the "Gramps" section) with DDR3-1333 at DDR3-1680. A slight increase in RAM voltage helped stability. Your main constraints are temperature and voltage (only voltage matters if you're concerned about chip longevity). You could also underclock the RAM slightly for a speed penalty, allowing 167 BCLK with a 20 ratio while running DDR3-1333 – it won't mind. Alternatively, you might opt to keep the RAM at DDR3-1670 (slightly overclocked), but verify stability at that speed.
Thank you for your feedback.
I attempted the changes you mentioned with BCLK - 167 and RAM 1333, and everything functioned smoothly without any adjustments needed.
When I increased BCLK to 180, reduced CPU ration to 20, lowered CPU voltage to 1.3v, set VTT to 1.23v, and used auto for RAM voltage with a speed of 1440 MHz, the system performed very well.