Asus P8H61-M LE R2.0 Overclockable with i5-2500k?

scottfree1_01

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Haven't swum in the intel pool for a long time, and I'm getting my a' kicked by the number of sockets/chipset we'll leave out 775/1150/1151/1156/2011 cause I've already bought 2 1155's. So that makes it "simple" the 1155 socket and pick a chipset from..

B65/H61/Q67/H67/P67/Z68/B75/Q75/Q77/H77/Z75/Z77...

Holy shnikies Batman!! Intel makes more kinda chips than Doritos!!!

So my first mistake was buying an H77 board (ECS X77H2-A3 V1.2) not realizing it was locked down multiplier and pretty much the exact wrong choice for a i5-2500k. Also the jedi mind trick of "X77H2" X=Performance right? Who cares if there is no X77 chipset, the X looks goood...

My second screw-up???
Asus P8H61-M LE R2.0 now I checked the manual this time, and by the EXTENSIVE overclocking section it seemed like a good oc board (ok it was board #2 & it was cheap) but roaming the interwebs it the sentiment is this chipset is no bueno for overclocking?

So my options ECS X77H2-A3 V1.2 i5-2500k (in hand) no oc, but 4x4gb ram, or wait for the Asus P8H61-M LE R2.0 (shipped today) and oc'ing??? but with only 2x4gb ram.. /Edit option 3 sell both and start from scratch, uuhhg..
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1155/P8H61-M_LE_R2.0/E8000_P8H61-M_LE_R2.pdf

2.4.1

Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal
frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options:
[Auto]

[Manual]

Loads the optimal settings for the system.

Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

BCLK/PEG Frequency [XXX]

This item appears only when you set the AI Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] and allows you
to adjust the CPU and VGA frequency to enhance the system performance. Use the <+> and
<-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad.
The values range from 80MHz to 300MHz.

2.4.2

CPU bus speed: DRAM speed ratio mode [Auto]

2.4.3

Memory Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio mode. Configuration options:
[Auto] [100:100] [100:133]
Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. Configuration options: [DDR3800MHz][DDR3-1066MHz][DDR3-1333MHz][DDR3-1400MHz][DDR3-1600MHz][DDR31800MHz][DDR3-1866MHz][DDR3-2000MHz][DDR3-2133MHz][DDR3-2200MHz][DDR32400MHz][DDR3-2600MHz][DDR3-2666MHz][DDR3-2800MHz][DDR3-2933MHz][DDR33000MHz][DDR3-3200MHz]
Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.

2.4.4
[Auto]

[Manual]

2.4.5

iGPU Max. Frequency [Auto]

The iGPU frequency may be optimized depending on the system loading.

The input value is the optimal iGPU frequency. However, the frequency
may vary depending on the system loading.

EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

EPU Setting [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the EPU Power Saving Mode item to [Enabled] and
allows you to select the EPU power saving mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Light Power
Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max Power Saving Mode]

ASUS P8H61-M LE R2.0

2-13

2.4.6

OC Tuner [OK]

2.4.7

DRAM Timing Control

OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for
enhancing the system performance. Configuration options: [OK] [Cancel]
The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+>
and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard
and press <Enter>.
Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default settings.

2.4.8

CPU Power Management

The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and features.

CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys or
the numeric keypad to adjust the value. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU
model.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (EIST).
[Disabled]
[Enabled]

Disables this function.

The operating system dynamically adjusts the processor voltage and
core frequency which may result in decreased average consumption and
decreased average heat production.

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

Allows you to enable your core processor’s speed to run faster than the marked frequency in
a specific condition. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
[Enabled]

[Disabled]

Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific
conditions.
Disables this function.

The first three items appear only when you set the Turbo Mode items to [Enabled].

Long duration power limit [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Long duration maintained [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

2-14

Chapter 2: Getting started

Short duration power limit [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Primary Plane Current Limit [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Secondary Plane Current Limit [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

2.4.9

DIGI+ VRM

CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

Load-line is defined by Intel VRM spec and affects CPU voltage. The CPU working voltage
will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher value gets a higher voltage and better
overclocking performance, but increases the CPU and VRM thermal. This item allows you to
adjust the voltage range from the following percentages to boost the system performance:
0% (Regular), 25% (Medium), 50% (High), 75% (Ultra High) and 100% (Extreme).
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [High] [Ultra High] [Extreme]

The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification.

CPU Fixed Frequency [xxx]

This item allows you to set a fixed CPU frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
value. The values range from 200k Hz to 350k Hz with a 50k Hz interval.

CPU Power Phase Control [Standard]

Allows you to control the power phase based on the CPU’s demands.

Configuration options: [Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme] [Manual Adjustment]
DO NOT remove the thermal module when switching to Extreme and Manual Mode. The
thermal conditions should be monitored.

CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]

DIGI + VRM Duty control adjusts the current and thermal conditions of every component’s
phase. Configuration options:
[T. Probe]
[Extreme]

Select to maintain the VRM thermal balance.
Select to maintain the VRM current balance.

CPU Current Capability [100%]

Allows you to configure the total power range, and extends the overclocking frequency range
simultaneously. Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%]
Choose a higher value when overclocking, or under a high CPU loading for extra power
support.

ASUS P8H61-M LE R2.0

2-15

iGPU Load-line Calibration [Auto]

Allows you to set the iGPU Load-line Calibration. Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular]
[High] [Extreme]

iGPU Current Capability [100%]

Allows you to set the iGPU Current Capability. Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%]
DO NOT remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ VRM related parrameters .
The thermal conditions should be monitored.

2.4.10

CPU Voltage [Offset Mode]

[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage.
[Offset Mode]

Allows you to set the Offset voltage.

CPU Offset Mode Sign [+]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode].
[+]

To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–]

To offset the voltage by a negative value.
Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric
keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter>
key.

CPU Offset Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and
allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to 0.635V with a
0.005V interval.

CPU Manual Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Manual Mode] and
allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage. The values range from 0.800V to 1.990V with a
0.005V interval.
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a high voltage
may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system
unstable.

iGPU Voltage [Offset Mode]

[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a fixed iGPU voltage.
[Offset Mode]

2-16

Allows you to set the iGPU Offset voltage.

Chapter 2: Getting started

iGPU Offset Mode Sign [+]

This item appears only when you set the iGPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode].
[+]

To offset the iGPU voltage by a positive value.

[–]

To offset the iGPU voltage by a negative value.
Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric
keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter>
key.

iGPU Offset Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the iGPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and
allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.005 to 0.635V with a
0.005V interval.

iGPU Manual Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the iGPU Voltage item to [Manual Mode] and
allows you to set a fixed iGPU voltage. The values range from 0.800V to 1.990V with a
0.005V interval.

2.4.11

DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.185V to 1.850V with a 0.005V
interval.
According to Intel CPU specification, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may
damage the CPU permanently. We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage
requirement below 1.65V.

2.4.12

VCCSA Voltage [Auto]

2.4.13

PCH Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the VCCSA voltage. The values range from 0.735V to 1.685V with a 0.005V
interval.
Allows you to set the Platform Controller Hub voltage. The values range from 0.735V to
1.685V with a 0.005V interval.
•

The values of the CPU Offset Voltage, CPU Manual Voltage, iGPU Offset Voltage,
iGPU Manual Voltage, DRAM Voltage, VCCSA Voltage and PCH Voltage items are
labeled in different color, indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings.

•

The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage
settings.

ASUS P8H61-M LE R2.0

2-17

2.4.14

CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]

2.4.15

CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU and PCH PLL voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+0.10V]
[Auto]

[Disabled]
[Enabled]

2.5

Automatic configuration.

Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.
Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system
devices.
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values
can cause the system to malfunction.

2-18

Chapter 2: Getting started

2.5.1

CPU Configuration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically
detects.
The items shown in submenu may be different due to the CPU you installed.

Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]
[Enabled]

[Disabled]

Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.
Disables the CPU thermal monitor function.

Active Processor Cores [All]

Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package.
Configuration options: [All] [1] [2] [3]

Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]

[Enabled] Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs
with extended CPUID functions.
[Disabled]

Disables this function.

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
[Enabled]

[Disabled]

Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.
Forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0).

Intel Virtualization Technology [Disabled]
[Enabled]

[Disabled]

Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately
and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several
systems.
Disables this function.

Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]

Disables this function.

Allows you to turn on /off the Mid Level Cache (L2) streamer prefetcher.

Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]

Disables this function.

Allows a hardware platform to perform adjacent cache line prefetching.

CPU Power Management Configuration
CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use
<+> and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your
CPU model.

ASUS P8H61-M LE R2.0

2-19

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (EIST).
[Disabled]
The CPU runs at its default speed.
[Enabled]
The operating system controls the CPU speed.

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Intel® Turbo Mode Technology.
[Disabled]
Disables this function.
[Enabled]

Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific
condition.

CPU C1E [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C1E.
[Auto]
Set this item automatically.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]

Disables this function.

Enables the C1E support function. This item should be enabled in
order to enable the Enhanced Halt State.

CPU C3 Report [Auto]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS.
[Auto]
Set this item automatically.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]

Disables this function.

Enables the C3 report function. This item should be enabled in order
to enable the Enhanced Halt State.

CPU C6 Report [Auto]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS.
[Auto]
Set this item automatically.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]

2.5.2

Disables this function.

Enables the C6 report function. This item should be enabled in order
to enable the Enhanced Halt State.

PCH Configuration

High Precision Timer [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

2-20

 
Solution
that is the turbo speed, which kicks in when there is 2 or less threads running (meaning light loads). For a true 4.5 OC you will want all 4 cores running at 4.5 all the time and not when it is convenient for the CPU.

the info you posted= Measured Speed: 3293.3 MHz [Turbo: 4490.8 MHz] has teh CPU at stock base frequency and 4.5 for turbo boost speed. This is far from a 4.5 GHz OC for 24/7.

I personally do not put a lot of trust in to passmark because it does not tell you if the system was stable or not. It could have been unstable and still passed passmarks read test.

Look at my CPU, base clock is 3.5 with a 4.1 turbo speed. I have all 3 cores = 6 threads at 4.5 GHz 24/7 stable. now I could have just raised the boost multiplier...
the only OC-able boards are the Z series motherboards in that area. The P series boards can not OC a K series CPU by multiplier. this is where Intel gets you, the P series can only increase the base clock which for the I-series Intel CPU's creates major issues versus the core series and older CPU's.

If you want to Overclock then get a Z series board. The P8H61 board has only a 4 pin CPU power header, NO VRM heat sinks and is absolutely wrong for OCing.
 

scottfree1_01

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So none of these mean mutiplier x XX
Good lord my head hurts..

BCLK/PEG Frequency [XXX]

This item appears only when you set the AI Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] and allows you
to adjust the CPU and VGA frequency to enhance the system performance. Use the <+> and
<-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad.
The values range from 80MHz to 300MHz.

CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys or
the numeric keypad to adjust the value. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU
model.

CPU Fixed Frequency [xxx]

This item allows you to set a fixed CPU frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
value. The values range from 200k Hz to 350k Hz with a 50k Hz interval.
 
No matter what the manual says the P8 board is NOT ment for over clocking. If you want to overclock then you need a motherboard with a 8 pin CPU supplemental power connector to give the CPU the added power it will require and a board with a good VRM heat sink to handle the extra heat generated by pushing more current through them.
 

scottfree1_01

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Every step of this process has bitten me in the a' any gotchas that my obviously dumb a' is missing if I do this
ECS X77H2-A3 V1.2
Xeon e3-1270 v1
Crucial Ballistix Sport DDR3 PC3-12800 CL9 4x4gb
Radeon R7 260
VisionTek PCIe SSD 240GB
 
OK how about this, what is your budget for a motherboard if you sell the Asus and sell the ECS after the new board comes in?

If we know the price you can spend on this part we can help you find the best part to fit the budget for what you want to do.
 

scottfree1_01

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This is another $112 and I'm done everything in hand but the Xeon..
ECS X77H2-A3 V1.2
Xeon e3-1270 v1
Crucial Ballistix Sport DDR3 PC3-12800 CL9 4x4gb
Radeon R7 260
VisionTek PCIe SSD 240GB

The asus & ecs were each $50 and the i5-2500k was $115 so a pretty small pile of $215 when were talkin intel cpu/mobo's.. But I'm thinkin the 2500k will go for +$115 and break even for the asus..
 

scottfree1_01

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The VisionTek PCIe SSD 240GB and r7 260 are a concern, I have the visiontek in a pci-e 4x which does not seem to bottleneck it and I'm thinking it should be fine in one of these "4 X PCI Express X 1 Gen 2.0 slot" and the radeon goes here "1 X PCI Express X16 Gen 3.0 slot(s)"

a_d0828853ecb7b_800.jpg

 

scottfree1_01

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So you have the PCI-e SSD, Crucial ram, AMD R7 260 and the ECS X77 Motherboard in hand, at your home now? I'm just tying to figure the cheapest bets why to go with what you have and what your budget is.

Yup, all in hand, add $112 sell the asus & 2500k and I'm thinking not top of the mark, but a pretty solid all around machine..

https://www.allhdd.com/processor/intel-xeon-quad-core/3.4ghz/sr00n-intel-xeon-quad-core-e3-1270-3.4ghz-8mb-smart-cache-5.0gt-s-dmi-socket-lga-1155-processor.-new-bulk-pack./
 

scottfree1_01

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I'm pretty gun shy at this point, but I'm ready to pull the trigger on the Xeon, but having fumbled twice already, are you seeing any deal breakers with this setup, not you can do better problems, but it's not gonna turn on problems???
 
ok If you are not wanting to really push the CPU in OCing the P8 will work. If you want to really get into OCing it that board will not work. Looking at your options, sell both boards and buy the Xeon CPU will leave you with out a board, sell both boards (nets around 100) there are no boards (new) that will OC the 2500K for that cost.

Is it possible for you to run the ECS or Asus board for a while till you save some money to upgrade the board?

P.S. this is not counting Ebay this is counting normal retailers.
 

scottfree1_01

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That's a pretty good deal, I could do that, finding a decent price has been tough for oc'able 1155 boards, so I take it you would pick the ASRock/2500k if it was sitting next to the ecs/1270? we haven't covered this desktop, dual monitor, NO gaming, media encoding toughest job..
 
OK the Xeon CPU is a server level CPU. This means that its best performance will be seen in this part of PC processing. While the Xeon's are a great CPU they do fall behind especially when in a gaming situation. They can do it but at a loss of performance. There best at computation but for an everyday PC I honestly believe the I5 would be best.

Plus, please correct me if I am wrong here, if you sell the CPU and Asus board, using the number you gave, would only net you $165 because you will need to keep the ECS board. This would cost more than what you already spent. I'm trying to stay in the budget you set and give you the best options that I can see for in that budget.
 

scottfree1_01

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The budget is kinda messed up, if I add the Xeon I've got 2 machines $320, or sell $100 in mobo's roll the $100 into a "ok" mobo and 1 machine for $215.

To complicate things, my dad's computer takes the form of my hand me downs, so his new computer is either an ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 w/ fx-8120 (oc'd 4200ghz) or the asus with the non oc'd 2500 in it. Hadn't thought about the amd gear as part of the sell off, but it could be rolled toward a better mobo for the 2500k, and I could do the 1270 for dad which would not be 2 bad. (he's on an ancient phenom 1045t so anything an upgrade there)
 

scottfree1_01

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I have a plan, the 2500k in the ECS (that's the only right now option) sell the asus 1155 board when it gets here, sell the ASUS M5A99FX , sell the fx-8120, roll the proceeds into a decent board for the 2500k, sell the ECS, never mention the upgrade that dad did not get, but since he never knew about it, no disappointment there....
 
lmao... omg just that last part is great! OK if this is your choice you end up with a single machine. The cost for the average Z77 board on www.pcpartpicker.com is around $175. To be honest I really have a hard time recommending around this price for such an old CPU. http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z77extreme4 : this is the best option for the ones offered. Yes it is a really good board but for $220 for such an old CPU, Do you think it is worth it to you? this is what matters at this point. All I can do is offer options to you.

I would go for the I5 2500k and the Z77 board from Asrock with a good CPU cooler for overclocking. But this is me thinking out loud in your budget.