ASUS rampage w. Q9450

[vovkinson]

Hi everyone!

I could use some help to set my new rig:

Intel Q9450
ASUS rampage formula
OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB DDR2 1066
Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme
EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W
2x Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB
Antec P182

I'm bulding this system for photo editing work (Adobe PS3, Lightroom, etc)
The reason I got Asus rampage was to be able to overclock ti up to 3.4 GHz with no stability issues.

Could you guys give me some directions how to set the BIOS (so far it's so confusing) Vcore, NB, FSB, etc...

Thank you,

Vlad

 

[evongugg]

Not overclocking, set the voltages to auto, except for the memory which should be set to what the manufacturer recommends.
Set the FSB to 333 MHZ.
For overclocking:

HOWTO: Overclock C2Q (Quads) and C2D (Duals) - Guide v1.6.1

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/240001-29-howto-overclock-quads-duals-guide

 

[MoeDaKilla]

I have an ASUS P5E with a Q9450, I'm sure our builds are pretty similar. To get it running stable increase your Vcore to at least 1.36, NB voltage to 1.55, Termination voltage to 1.5, and set the memory to the manufacturer's specs. And do not forget to key in the voltage for the memory as well not just the timings. I had stability issues with my RAM because I set the DRAM voltage to auto. In addition, expect weird temp readings from coretemp, realtemp, and asus mobo. Do not worry about temps, u will most likely hit FSB wall before ur proc goes 50 C. I set my FSB to 435 and got it running stable, you will need to set your FSB to 425. That way you will get 3.4 GHz with no sweat. Hope that helps.

 

[vovkinson]

MoeDaKilla,

Thanks a lot for your help!

You guys can call me lazy, but I just want to set my system with the specs that have been approved by the experts of this forum.
I don't have anything against the long time learning on how to overclock PC, but I just want to do it right in the first place and get back to my photo editing work.

I appreciate your help!!!

Vlad

 

[vovkinson]

Termination voltage ???
How is it called in BIOS?

thanks

 

[halcyon]

I have the Rampage Formula with the Q9450 and 8GB of OCZ HPC 1066 Reapers so here's how mine is set for 3.4Ghz

CPU: 1.31v
Northbridge: 1.45v
Ram 2.1v.

My rig is stable but it get squirly when I try to lower the Northbridge to 1.43v, but I am running 4 sticks of 2GB RAM.

I'm no expert but that's what works for me.

 

[vovkinson]

halcyon,

Thanks for you help!

I guess your FSB setting is 425
RAM timing is 5-5-5-15
Right?

 

[halcyon]

My FSB is 425 and my RAM timings are 5-5-5-12

 

[vovkinson]

Thanks again!!!