\m/, The Un-official RTW overclocking guide \m/,
Author: 123456iambelial
09.19.08 - EST 3:15am
This is very short and not helpful at all.
My goal is to give you an idea, that is all.
Part one:
Warning:
The most important thing here is that 123456iambelial and Raze The World(RTW) are not responsible for any damage that might happen. Remember this is UN-OFFICIAL GUIDE. Read it or leave it.
Overclocking will VOID your warranty! Once you get started, there is no turning back. We also may shorten the life span of the system. We are playing GOD here my friend. If you are a wussy, then you already know what to do.
I do not recommend you to overclock your system. I just made this guide because I drank two cups of coffee and could not get to sleep. Man, I should be doing my assignment instead of this.
Monitor your temperature all the time.
No more online/offline video games for 24 hours or probably for a week if you are unlucky:(
I'm from the other side of the world, so bare with me.
As of now, 95% of RTW members have their computers overclocked... I guess this guide will be for the new ones or for nothing( just like an everyday thread.)
NOTE:
BEFORE WE START:
Please READ the WHOLE thing!
Grab your motherboard user manual and read it. Well, reading it won't help you how to OC, but you will be familiarized with your mobo, if you read it.
Learn how to reset your BIOS in case you get stock on POST. (How to reset your bios? First, turn off your PC and unplug your PSU then wait for 3-5 minutes (Hold on! Why do you have to wait 3-5 mins? Well, because some components like capacitors may still have power stored.) then do the the following: move the jumper or pop your CMOS battery out and wait for 10 to 15 minutes and then turn your PC back on. It is better to pop the battery out because it is more effective than moving the jumper.)
Update your BIOS
Make sure you have a very good cooling system and your tower case must have a good air flow going on the inside. We are avoiding the heat problem here.
In this guide, I am using an evga 780i motherboard, Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, Corsair 4GB XMS2 DHX dual channel and Corsair 750TX PSU.
-ALSO, this is very important if we have the same set-up, please do not copy what you are about to see below. Because all CPUs are going to reqiure different voltages even though they are both same model. Use the voltage that will work on your CPU alright.
[OPTIONAL]
Before you start OCing your CPU, uninstall your Anti-virus/Internet Security or any software you have recently installed. The reason why is you might mess it up, and you might get BSOD out of nowhere.
For instance, while you are playing games, watching movies online, checking your emails, buying stuff online or anything then BAM!!! WTF! BSOD! something like that... It happened to me before, and I solved it by installing a new Internet Security(My BitDefender turned my PC very slow after OCed.)
A short story of how I solved that problem after OCed. I asked some people to help me to find a solution
I remember I asked MeGotRice(steam chat) about this and HE ANSWERED ME WITH HIS INFAMOUS "lol". Very helpful indeed! I emailed evga about this and their replied was "Sir, you have to reinstall your OS." Another helpful advice from evga!
... The moral of the story is there are many risk overclocking your CPU and RAM such as software malfunction or the worst case scenario fried components. So, FOR THE SAKE OF ART be careful!
Before you start Overclocking, download some of these:
Temperature Analysis:
Coretemp: http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/
SpeedFan: http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php
Realtemp: http://www.techpowerup.com/realtemp/ (link from GR33kinator) very cool it has alarm and stuff.
HWMonitor or Hardware Monitor: http://www.cpuid.com/index.php (the pro version is not free)
SYSTEM Utility:
CPUz: http://www.cpuid.com/index.php
GPUz: http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/
RivaTuner: http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163
ATI Tool: http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=725
nVidia nTune: http://www.nvidia.com/object/ntune_5.05.54.00.html
Everest: http://www.lavalys.com/ (not free)
STRESS TEST:
CPU:
Prime95: http://www.mersenneforum.org/showthread.php?t=9779
Prime95 32bit: http://files.extremeoverclocking.com/file.php?f=103
prime95 64bit: http://files.extremeoverclocking.com/file.php?f=205
SuperPI: http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/366/Super_PI_Mod_v1.5.html
RAM:
Memtest86: http://www.memtest86.com/
Memtest(windows version): http://hcidesign.com/memtest/
GPU:
3DMark06: http://www.futuremark.com/download/3dmark06/ (not free)
3DMark Vantage (for windows Vista users): http://www.futuremark.com/download/3dmarkvantage/ (not free)
There are many more utilities out there. If you do not like what I have listed, then you can go to here: www.google.com
Here we go:
The Un-Official RTW overclocking guide by 123456iambelial:
Overclocking: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overclocking
Overclocking is the process of forcing a computer component to run at a higher clock rate (more clock cycles per second) than it was designed for or was designated by the manufacturer, usually practiced by personal computer enthusiasts in order to increase the performance of their computers. Some of them purchase low-end computer components which they then overclock to higher speeds, or overclock high-end components to attain levels of performance beyond the default factory settings. Others overclock outdated components to keep pace with new system requirements, rather than purchasing new hardware products as expected by the computer industry.
Users who overclock their components mainly focus their efforts on processors, video cards, motherboard chipsets, and Random Access Memory (RAM). It is done through manipulating the CPU multiplier and the motherboard's front side bus (FSB) speed until a maximum stable operating frequency is reached. While the idea is simple, variation in the electrical and physical characteristics of computing systems complicates the process. CPU multipliers, bus dividers, voltages, thermal loads, cooling techniques and several other factors can affect it.
Usually a wise person who properly overclock his computer done it this way:
Overclock CPU first > Stress test for 24 hours > If stable > Overclock RAM > Stress test for 24 hours > If stable > Very happy person ;)
NOTE:
Remember that I have evga 780i motherboard, Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, Corsair 4GB XMS2 DHX Dual Channel RAM and Corsair 750TX PSU.
I raised my CPU core speed 25% higher than the original core speed which was 2.4GHZ. Now, I have my Q6600 @ 3.0GHz. I can still make it higher, but I want to keep my stuff a little bit longer. I also do not do much other than gaming, browsing the net or doing some school stuff. Therefore, I do not need a higher core speed. My goal is to reach 3.0Ghz with a stabled system.
Our goal is to have a stabled overclock
DO NOT FORGET the worst enemy we have here is the heat. Stock cooling that comes with the CPU can only handle the stock specs. If you are using the stock cooling, then spend a little bit more and buy yourself a better heatsink and fan.
Basic things we should all know:
i. FSB: Front Side bus connects the CPU in your computer to the system memory. Basically the faster the FSB is, the faster you can get the data.
ii. Multiplier: Multiplier works with FSB. It multiplies the true FSB.
-Multiplier x FSB = CPU Clock Speed
-For example, 266MHz(FSB) x 9x(Multiplier) = 2400MHz or 2.4GHz
iii. QDR: Quad Data Rate - Front Side Bus times four = QDR
-For instance, 266Mhz(FSB) x 4 = 1066Mhz or 333MHz(FSB) x 4 = 1333Mhz(pictured below)iv. Enhanced halt State: It reduces the clock speed of the CPU by decreasing the clock multiplier if enabled.
v. DDR(2,3) SDRAM: DDR(2,3) SDRAM stands for Double Data Rate(two, three) Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory.
Equation: 2 x RamMhz = DDR(2,3)MHz. So, basically if you are running a (C*%$@ir RAM)DDR2-533, the Ram is actually running at 266MHz.
How? Do not forget that DDR stands for double data rate.
For example, 2 x 266MHz = 533Mhz which is your DDR
OCing RAM ratio 1:1 example: 266MHz(FSB) x 4 : 2 x 266Mhz(double date 533Mhz) = 1:1 or 1066Mhz
Many individuals think that 1:1 is the fastest ratio we could possibly use; however, it will be hard for us to get a stabled system, so sync mode will do the job.
These are the pictures of my BIOS screens; remember the numbers that I have here may not work properly to your system, so setup your bios until you make it stabled. If you are going to overclock base on any guide including this, please use your own setup.
Go to your BIOS by Pressing DELETE or whatever key it says in your motherboard user manual.
i. Navigate Advance Chipset Features
i. locate System Clocks and press ENTER
i. Here you can change your CPU Multiplier. The higher the better! but in the old days, many overclockers found their systems stabled by dropping their multiplier and raising their QDR really high.
ii. Make sure your CPU, HT, PCIe and SATA Spread Spectrums are all DISABLED or all Spread Spectrums you can see make sure they are all disabled.
iii. After you change them, press ESC
i. Locate FSB & Memory Config and press ENTER
i. SLI-Ready memory put it on Expert/Enabled (my RAMs are not sli-ready). We are going to link the FSB - Memory Clock Mode. Well, Unlinked was being practiced in the past back in Pentium era. Go ahead enter Linked!
ii. FSB-Memory Ratio = Sync mode(pictured) recommended and or 1:1 Ratio for better performance.
iii. set your desire QDR
iv. While you are raising your QDR, on Linked Mode your DDR is raising too.
v. Press ESC
i. Locate CPU Configuration and press ENTER
i. Limit CPUID MaxVal, Intel Speedstep, CPU Thermal Control and C1E Enhanced Halt State = Disabled
ii. Hit ESC
i. Here is the ugly part
ii. Press Enter
i. There is no way for me to help you with your voltages (1.31v to 1.40v for Qxxxx 3.0GHz)
ii. Never leave your vcore on auto because you system is going to be very unstable. Therefore, setting it manually is the best option. Well, you can use auto, but your system will think that your CPU needs more voltage, so it will give your CPU more voltage than what it needs to be; as a result, you will be rewarded of high temperature, unstable system, shorter system life, Blue screen of Death and unfortunately, a dead computer.
iii. The CPU FSB, SPP, MCP and Spp <-> MCP some people changed them from auto to Current Value(not pictured)(I don't know if their PC was stabled with this kind of settings)
iv. Press ESC
v. If you notice my GTLREF Lanes have +85 on them, you can ignore them for now and DO NOT change your GTLREF. We are going to talk about GTLREF later.
Optional
i. Press ENTER
i. You can check your system temperatures here.
ii. Press ENTER
i. If you want to adjust your fans manually, you have to change SmartFan to Manual. To control your fans speed download SpeedFan(link above).
ii. press ESC until you get to the main screen of your BIOS then
i. Press Enter, enter Y then press ENTER
Once your computer booted up, and got the Blue Screen, it means that there is something wrong with your voltages; therefore, you have to go back to your bios and fix your voltages. You have to do this until you get to your desktop.
Do not forget to torture test your PC(at least 12 hours straight) after changing your bios settings.
Always keep you CPU temperature under 60c!!!
Back to GTLREF... What is GTLREF? GTL stands for [G]unning [T]ransceiver [L]ogic. I am not going to explain what that thing can do, but I am going to give you the link explaining what GTLREF really is. http://www.thetechrepository.com/showthread.php?t=87]
Once again, we do not recommend to overclock your system. Therefore, we are not responsible for any damage that might happen.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are planting a house and building a tree here!(I heard it somewhere.)
It would be great if I could edit this guide in the future instead of posting a new one.
This is me sharing some information to you whoever you are
Please DO NOT POST this to other forums!
Thank you!
This is the 2nd part of the guide above.
**For the last time we are not responsible for any damages caused if you damge your card or any components you have.
- It is better to read the Readme file first.
These are the basic features of RivaTuner. (very useful when gaming)
(I am using RivaTuner v2.11)
Download RivaTuner(Link above)
Click the Settings tab
Under "RivaTuner interface preferances" click "Send to tray on close"
Creating a profile and controlling your fan speed:
First, click the arrow next to Customize to open a new menu. Click "System settings"
Click the Fan tab:
then click the drop down box and select "direct control"
From here you can adjust the speed of your graphics card's fan by dragging the arrow on the bar.
After you have selected the speed, click apply.
Note: You are going to hear your fan spinning very fast once you click apply.
If you have 2 cards in SLI, this applies for both cards.
Green box: Fan speed
Blue box: Graphics card temperatureBefore I changed the fan speed
I turned the speed up to 75% and clicked apply. The temperature dropped from 50c to 40c.
After you click apply, click the floppy icon under Fan profile settings.
From there you should be able to name and save your profile.
Click OK
I named my profile "Speed 75"
NOTE: You can also create mutiple profiles by repeating the procedure.
We are done creating fan profile.
Creating Launcher Items:
Click the Launcher tab
Click the plus sign(green) icon
Click the "Regular item" and then click OK
Here you can name your Launcher item
Put a check on the "Associated Fan Profile" and make sure the drop box next to it is on "driver level"
Next to the fan icon, click the drop box and select the desire fan profile then click OK
Note: you can make a multiple Launcher item here by repeating the procedure.
We are done creating Launcher Items
Note: I created two launcher items.
Configuring Fan Control:
Click the "Main" tab, click the arrow next to customize under Target Adapter and click Yes to open hardware monitor
Click the red button on the lower left-hand corner and then click "Setup"
Under "Data Source" scroll down until you see "Core Temperature". Click "Core Temperature" and click "Setup".
Click the check boxes "Show core temperature in tray icon tooltip", "Show core temperature in tray icon" and "Show core temperature in on-screen display"(if you have g15 keyboard, you can monitor you fps, temp etc..)(click run server for in-game temp). Also, you can change the temp color by clicking the color box
Click OK when done.
This is the rivatuner tray icons look like
Creating a overclocking profile:
At the "Main" tab click the small arrow next to Customize and click System settings
Click "Enable driver-level hardware overclocking" and on the "Reboot is recommended" window click "Detect now"
Click the drop down menu next to "Enable driver-level hardware overclocking" and select "Performance 3D"
From here you can overclock your GPU by dragging the "Core clock" and "Memory clocks" arrows across the bar
Note: Leave the "Link clocks" alone if you already have it checked(pictured)
It is better to leave a 350MHz to 400MHz gap between Core clocks and Memory clocksOnce done, click apply
From here you can create an overclocking profile. Click the floppy icon and type in the desire name for your profile then click OK
Note: you can create as many profiles as you want.
Note: Do not push it too much because you might get BSOD
Creating OC Launcher items:
Click the launcher tab.
Click the plus sign(green) icon.
Click the "Regular item" and then OK.
Name your launcher item.
Click the "Associated overclocking profile" and select the overclocked profile from the drop down menu
Click OK when done
To launch your Launchers > right click on Rivatuner Icon > Launcher > select the desire profile
You can also set a schedule task by going to Scheduler tab...
Show your FPS in game:
Click the "Power user" tab and then click OK on the "Warning!" window
We are going to enable some plugins. Scroll down until you see "RivaTuner\Monitor\Plugins" and then click the cross box
Right click on "VidMem.dll" and click the yellow light bulb
Look for "RivaTuner\Monitoring"
Make sure these four are set to one(right click > yellow light bulb)
Look for "RivaTuner\monitoring\FrameRate" and look for "ShowInOSD" and set it at 1
Go back to "Main" tab and open the "Hardware Monitor" and click setup
Under "Data sources", scroll down until you see "Framerate" and click the check before it and then hit apply
After apply, click "setup". Click "Show framerate in on-screen display"( click run server) then click OK
In-game example: "it was pretty hard to take pictures while sniping"
look at the upper left-hand corner you will see the FPS and GPU temp
You can also show your memory in-game by opening the "Hardware monitor" > "setup" > under "Data sources" - locate "Memory clocks" > setup >
click "Show memory clock in on-display" > click run server then click OK.
Running RivaTuner Statistic Server:
Open the Rivatuner's Statistic Server
Once opened, you can change the settings to whatever setting you want.
Thank you for wasting your time reading this!!!