Q6600 underclocks when load?!

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siuron

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Hi all,
I have a strange problem with my q6600 cpu.
its at 9x333=3.0ghz

I'm using Antec NSK2480 case, and its got 2 case exhaust fans and they can be adjust low,med and high speed.

when both fans are set to low, my full load is about 61C and it runs fine, no crashes or anything, but i noticed that the cpu sometimes lowers the multi to 6x333 (which normally happens when idle), but it shouldnt as its 100% load.

i tested again when i set just one of the fans to medium speed, and the cpu will clock at the correct load frequency which is 9x333, and stays at 9x333.

i thought it might be the temp throttling? but the temp is pretty much the same still at 61C with one of the fan at med speed.

so my question is why did it throttle?

hope i explained my problem clear enough...
please advice :hello:
 
flyin15sec

flyin15sec

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My advice is to turn off C1E, Speed Step, and EIST, completely. Without more information about your motherboard, it's safer to just turn these options off. It could be a BIOS bug.
 
jerreece

jerreece

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What program do you use to monitor temps? Does it monitor all 4 core temps individually, or is it only showing the "CPU" temp? Might want to make sure you don't have one core that isn't getting cooled properly and is therefore higher than the others (thus possibly causing throttling).

Either way though, as flying15sec suggested, I'd turn off C1E, Speed Step, or EIST (whichever your BIOS calls the feature), as this is generally not good for the stability of an overclocked CPU. That will also keep your processor from switching to the 6x333 setup unless it truly needs to throttle due to temps.

Also, depending on whether you're in Windows XP or Vista, you may need to go into your power settings in Windows and be sure you have things set for performance. Windows will sometimes re-activate Intel's Speed Step and throttle down your CPU under certain load conditions (though @ 100% load I'd be surprised to see it throttle).

Also, when you say you're at "full load", are you using a program like Orthos or Prime 95? Is your CPU at 100% load on all four cores? Just want to make sure 61C isn't you temp while playing a video game, as that usually won't push your Q6600 to 100% core usage.
 
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siuron

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i understand speedstep etc.
but i was running prime 100% load on all 4 cores. so it shouldnt happen as it wasnt idling.
using core temps to monitor, and using a vista multi meter gadget/task manager to check all 4 cores at 100% load.
using vista ultimate 32 bit.
using cpuz to check frequency

if it was bios/windows settings issues it shouldnt be affected when i simply flick the switch on the case fan to med speed..which fixes the problem.
so i dont understand why it throttle when case fans set at low, but no probs when set to medium.
the speed of the fan is a little switch box connected to the fan, not done thru software..
 
Zorg

Zorg

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There is no reason for the multi to throttle to 6 under 100% load. The only cause could be PROCHOT# being tripped. Check the temps with Core Temp while running Prime95 small FFTs and repost. I leave C1E enabled and disable EIST and have no stability issues at 3.2G (400 x 8). I built three others with C1E enabled at 3.0G (333 x 9) so you shouldn't see any stability issues leaving it enabled at that mild OC.
 
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siuron

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also the temp did drop to 59/60C when fans at medium speed, rather than 61/62C with fans at low speed.
unless there's a throttle above 60C.. i dont understand why it did.. coz i thought the throttle is more like 70C?
 
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siuron

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i think its heat.. since having faster case fan speed solved the issue
just never knew it would throttle that early.

unless there's something i missed out
 
jerreece

jerreece

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The other thing to look at too, is whether you have the B3 or G0 version of the Q6600. The G0 version handles a little bit higher temps than the B3 would.

For Instance:

Q6600 B3 Thermal Specification = 62.2C
http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL9UM

Q6600 G0 Thermal Specification = 71C
http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLACR


It's very likely you could have the B3 version of the Q6600 and it's reaching its thermal temperature limit, and the internal safeguard (PROCHOT#) is being tripped on to throttle the processor to keep it from frying.

If you're using the Stock Intel cooling fan for this processor, I'd highly recommend you upgrade. :) It has a larger affect on cooling the processor than the case fans themselves (although those certainly help).
 
jerreece

jerreece

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Just checked out the Mini Ninja HSF from Scythe USA.

http://www.scythe-usa.com/product/cpu/032/scmnj1000_detail.html

Although it has a ton of heat pipes on it, with its small stature (not many cooling fin layers) and small 80mm fan, I'm not thinking it's the best choice for cooling an OverClocked Quad. As your throttling CPU is also testifying to.

Review I found online suggests this is meant to be a Quiet fan, not an extremely cool running HSF. It's rated for 2,300RPM on the 80mm fan, and 24.4 dBA.

Thinking you need something more substantial to provide your with sufficient cooling for overclocking a Quad core.
 
jerreece

jerreece

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Was reading a review site for the Mini Ninja. They tested with a Pentium D processor, which they measured as using/outputting 78W. Your Q6600 is 95W at stock speeds, and can easily push 105W at 3-3.2Ghz.

They showed the Mini Ninja cooled their 78W CPU to "55~57°C".

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article754-page5.html

So since your CPU starts at 95W @ stock speeds, you're already at a disadvantage for that little HSF. :(

Intel Pentium D 950 Presler core. Under our test load, it measures 78W including efficiency losses in the VRMs.
Click to expand...

The Xigmatek HDT-S1283 is a fantastic HSF for the Quad Cores. However, it is quite large. So you have to do some measuring to make sure it will actually fit inside your case. :) Should you opt to try this particular cooler out, definitely purchase the Bolt-thru kit as MRFS suggested.
 
Zorg

Zorg

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+1 for the s1283 with backplate.


Here are the links for them on Newegg. They rock, and I say that using the TR Ultra120 Extreme.

Check for clearance in your case.

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler with the XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket.

Note:
When applying thermal paste with the Xigmatek cooler, apply a thin layer across the CPU IHS (top) or across the whole base of the heatsink. The paste won't spread properly through contact because of the gaps between the heatpipes and the base.
 
M

MRFS

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Incidentally and for future reference, the better case manufacturers
now leave an access hole in the motherboard tray, directly below
the CPU socket area, for retrofitting a proper backing plate withOUT
needing to remove the motherboard from the case e.g.:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119186

The video interview with one of CM's designers makes it clear
that they do appreciate how a motherboard can be damaged
when it is removed solely for this purpose.


Cooler Master listens to their customers ... VERY SMART!


MRFS
 
M

MRFS

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> what other coolers can i get, bearing in mind that it can't be higher than 115mm


http://www.frostytech.com/

Frostytech's TOP 141 Intel LGA775 Heatsinks - December 2008


MRFS
 
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