NickN - are you still out there?

[macca22au]

Nick I have read and re-read post after post on clocking the i7940.

However a long time ago you wrote a guide that started from the first simple step.  Like how to get into the BIOS, then which TAB to open, and on from there.

I can't find it, either by reading or using the Search function.  In your case a maximum of 15 items is a tiny part of your posts on this site.

Could you please re-post the link.  On Monday I get my computer back in an Antec air-cooled case, so I would like to push the clock up a bit.  I realise I burn the CPU at my own risk.

[raptorx]

Nick is taking some well-deserved time off after completing  GEX Europe.  He'll be back, just hang tight for the time being.  I don't have the guide for you either but if you search here:

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/index.php

or here:

http://www.overclock.net/

You will find a lot of information you are looking for.  If you have specific questions on specific settings maybe I or others here can help you.  It's not easy to write a comprehensive guide but the steps you need to take are not overly complicated.  I would advise however that you read up on the general core i7 BIOS settings. 

-Jim

[a1]

He is always somewhere around. As stated he has done a good amount of work aimed toward the flight sim community so a break is the lease he deserves.

[Flight Ace]

My motherboard is an ASUS P6T Deluxe and the settings in the BIOS (AI Tweaker) are as follows.

                                AI  Tweaker

AI Over Clock Tuner                   [Manual]
CPU Ratio Setting                         [Auto]
Intel (R) Speedstep (TM) Tech      [Enabled]
Intel (R) Turbo Mode (TM) Tech      [Enabled]
BCLK Frequency                  [182]
PCIE Frequency                  [100]
DRAM Frequency                  [DDR3 - 1459 MHz]
UCLK Frequency                  [Auto]
QPI Frequency                  [Auto]

CPU Voltage                  [1.375]
CPU PLL Voltage                  [Auto]
QPI/DRAM Core Voltage            [1.375]
IOH Voltage                  [Auto]
IOH PCIE Voltage                  [Auto]

I have researched many procedures for over-clocking the i7 920/940 CPU. As a result I have come to the following conclusion.

For the i7 920 CPU and probably for the i7 940, using a multiplier of 21 gives you the most stable operation with FSX. To achieve this, you must enable Turbo Mode which will automatically apply a multiplier of 21 when a load is applied. When there is minimal load, your PC will go into idle with a multiplier of 12. Setting your BCLK Frequency to 182 will give you a 3.82 GHz over-clock (21x182=3.822). This will automatically set your DRAM frequency to 1459 MHz. The only other two settings I changed are the CPU (Core) voltage and QPI/DRAM voltage both set to 1.375 v. With the above settings when running a prime 95 and/or OCCT stress test at a 99% load,  my Vcore Temp stays below 80 degrees.

I have run my i7 920 at 4 GHz however, stability was a problem. Also note that my RAM is Corsair with a CL9 latency. When I first designed this PC about six months ago I researched the different latencies of RAM and the effect it has on performance. I found then that yes CL6 is better than CL9 but the increase in performance would only amount to 1-3 percent. So I ended up buying 12 GB of CL9 Corsair RAM on sale for $200. Since then I have had doubts about this decision and was able to acquire 6 GB of Corsair CL7 RAM on loan to determine if it would perform better with FSX. The result was probably yes but I could not visually see any difference. So I am back with my CL9 12 Gigs.

To summarize, you should not have any problem running your i7 940 CPU at 3.8 GHz or even higher.  I am running my i7 920 at 3.82 GHz with optimized settings for FSX max performance. All flights throughout the world are realistically smooth and the scenery is fantastic.

I am not sure what your system specs are but most BIOS can be entered by pressing Del when booting up. Also, the information above applies to my motherboard BIOS and system specs.

I hope you will find this helpful.

[idahosurge]

Flight Ace,

I have a question regarding CPU temp and I have an i7 950.

You say that your Vcore temp stays below 80C.  I have been trying to find what is the recommended max operating temperature, I do not mean the max temperature, but recommended operating temperature.  I have yet to find an actual Intel document that says it is XX.  I have found discussions where the CPU temp is referred to as 68C and the Vcore temp is 73C.

In the below link the author in a round about way states that if Vcore is below 100C and the system is stable then that is okay even though his exact words were "scarily close to the critical level"
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/di ... 950_4.html

for everyday 24/7 operation what is really the recommended vcore temp for a recommended not to exceed temp, 73, 80, close to 100?

If you can point me to a link that actually discusses this in a manner that has a definitive answer I would appreciate it.

Regards,

Rod

[idahosurge]

[quote]Nick I have read and re-read post after post on clocking the i7940.

However a long time ago you wrote a guide that started from the first simple step.

[idahosurge]

[quote][quote]Nick I have read and re-read post after post on clocking the i7940.

However a long time ago you wrote a guide that started from the first simple step.

[Flight Ace]

[quote]Flight Ace,

I have a question regarding CPU temp and I have an i7 950.

You say that your Vcore temp stays below 80C.

[idahosurge]

Thanks for the response Flight Ace!

Rod

[NickN]

yes, there is an answer and it is 80c

Listen up..

[NickN]

[quote]Nick I have read and re-read post after post on clocking the i7940.

However a long time ago you wrote a guide that started from the first simple step.

[Flight Ace]

[quote]



yes, there is an answer and it is 80c

Listen up..

[idahosurge]

[quote] author=NickN

Post your motherboard model, the memory in use as in its brand, timming and speed..

[NickN]

[quote]

Welcome back Nick!

[NickN]

Flight Ace..   Im glad el'cheapo memory works for you and how you personally use FSX

The advantage is not strictly measured by FPS but I wont bother explaining since you have it all under control

by the way..   Being a 32bit application FSX wont use more than 4GB of the 12 in a 64bit OS so unless you use your system for AV editing and scientific/engineering or 64bit software, that 12GB is quite useless.

6GB has value because it allows the OS footprint to live above the FSX footprint on the system when FSX boots and is required to allow that to happen with i7 tri-channel in operation at the same time.

and I also must say as you being an engineer I find your suggestion that 'heat' when the temp approaches and surpasses limits which exceed the calculated safe standard operation temp for any electronic device/component by the manufacture, and that it will not shorten its rated life if prolonged means you like to break the laws of physics which are applied to such devices by the engineering firm that designed the device or component with a rated component life value and who place specific temp and voltage limits on their product for a reason. 

An Intel proc has a manufacture rated life of 10 years. The useful life and rated life are 2 different things however when we overclock and raise temps and voltages we are in FACT by the laws of physics reducing the rated life of our processors and devices which is why the manufacture refuses to warranty the device.

With any component that rated life loss will vary based on temps and voltages the user applies and how long they run it. The lower it runs over time, the longer it lasts. Typical for a well considered clock is 5-7 years without issue


good luck!