Question about AMD Black Edition Overclocking Guide‏

[Yoshinat0r]

I've read through the guide on overclocking black edition processors, and it is excellent, but there is something I don't understand. In the guide it said:

"First,you need to manually set your memory speed, timings, and the required memory slot voltage, to your memory manufacturers exact requirements"

but I'm not sure exactly how to find my memory manufacturer's exact requirements for those settings. Same thing with this line as well:

"All your specification speeds like Memory, Hyper Transport, or North Bridge need to all be set to their default settings"

How do I figure out the default settings for those specification speeds? Does it just mean to set them to auto?

I know these are probably really simple questions but I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right before I start overclocking.

 

[Wisecracker]

If you can do 15x240 3.6 at 1.26v and can't do 250MHz, bump the NB/IMC volts to 1.25v and give it a try. 2400MHz (10x240MHz) is about tops at stock volts. 2500MHz NB/IMC is about average. 'Enthusiasts' are clocking the NB/IMC over 3000MHz now.

15x250MHz at less than 1.3v cpu is great. There is no reason we should not be able to do 16x250MHz at less than 1.4v and keep you stable.

Other than that intel ram - LOL

 

[Yoshinat0r]

Actually I already have the CPU NB clocked to 2800 MHz @ 1.38v perfectly stable. I love it as it makes everything feel so much more snappier. I can definitely tell the difference.

I guess maybe the RAM really is what's holding this back then. If I were to buy RAM more compatible with my motherboard, do you think I could possibly hit higher CPU speeds at lower volts?

Also I have come to the conclusion that this cooler master hyper 212+ is not cutting it for this CPU. Currently I have the cpu running 3.8 GHz @ 1.4v (had to bump the voltage up a tad to get it completely stable under prime), and the temps climb to 60'C under full load. At this point, I don't care how much money I spend on a cpu heatsink, I'll gladly fork over $60-$80 for one if I know for sure it's going to keep this CPU cold.

 

[Yoshinat0r]

So like ryan suggested, I am definitely going to purchase this set of ram, as it looks ideal for my setup. The only thing is I have an 890fx board and that ram was designed for 790fx, don't suppose that matters? Other than that, it looks promising.

 

[Wisecracker]

...

I guess maybe the RAM really is what's holding this back then. If I were to buy RAM more compatible with my motherboard, do you think I could possibly hit higher CPU speeds at lower volts?

...

It's certainly one of several big factors. QVL tested RAMs are sometimes listed with timings & voltage.

Also I have come to the conclusion that this cooler master hyper 212+ is not cutting it for this CPU. Currently I have the cpu running 3.8 GHz @ 1.4v (had to bump the voltage up a tad to get it completely stable under prime), and the temps climb to 60'C under full load. At this point, I don't care how much money I spend on a cpu heatsink, I'll gladly fork over $60-$80 for one if I know for sure it's going to keep this CPU cold.

I prefer solid copper bases and a decent 'latch/arm'. Don't know anything about the 212+ and AM2/AM3. You need a secure mounting system - it's hard to screw up the AMD latch, but I imagine some folks do. Not sure about the heatpipes on the 212+ and RAM clearance - I'd keep an eye on that.

I am definitely going to purchase this set of ram, as it looks ideal for my setup. The only thing is I have an 890fx board and that ram was designed for 790fx, don't suppose that matters?

Sure. It matters.

You want to select RAMs on the 890FX QVL

 

[Yoshinat0r]

Well I can't find a single set of RAM on newegg that says it's designed for 890fx boards.

Here is the description for the OCZ Black Edition RAM:

"OCZ’s AMD Black Edition is tested and qualified specifically for AMD’s latest “Black Edition” CPUs for ultimate performance and stability. Featuring the unique AMD “OverDrive™” (AOD) specification, users can unleash the remote stored profiles directly from AMD when used with supporting 790FX/790GX motherboards, giving users a performance edge with instant “plug and play” functionality. This highly advanced feature detects your OCZ Black Edition RAM when used in conjunction with AOD-supporting motherboards and AMD Black Edition Phenom CPUs, then the data is sent to a remote server to download the correct profiles to get your system up and running at its peak."

It says that when used with a 790fx/790gx board that you will have a sort of "plug and play" functionality, I guess it means it sets up your memory settings automatically so you don't have to do anything. It doesn't really state any other benefit from using the RAM with those boards.

 

[Wisecracker]

Lookee here --->>

AsRock 890FX Deluxe3 Memory QVL list (pdf)

I imagine you are referring to *XMP* memory profiles. I've never been there so I can't help you with that.

Using memory on the vendor QVL is always a good move. If an issue develops you've covered yer butt with AsRock tech support (doubtful though, if you ever need them).

I don't get very far outside the 'vendor box' when it comes to RAMs. If a mobo manufacturer has tested and qualified memory for a specific motherboard at detailed timings and voltage, I'm in. Otherwise, in a crunch I trust the Crucial Memory Advisor Tool (I prefer Micron chips).

I also tend to choose 1333MHz RAMs (not that there is anything wrong with 1600). Because of the way the dividers work, you can drop 667 to 533, up the system clock to 250MHz and your memory speed has returned to spec (5.33x250 as opposed to 6.67x200). Big side benefit: The IMC has been clocked from 2000MHz to 2500MHz (with a slight voltage bump).

With 1600 RAMs the system clock at 240MHz works best (8x200MHz = 6.67x240MHz). The IMC/NB will run 2400MHz, most likely without a volt bump.

For each 10% you increase the IMC/NB speed, bandwidth is increased 3-4% and latency is reduced 3-4%.

 

[Yoshinat0r]

Well it turns out that the OCZ Black Edition RAM is on my motherboard's QVL, OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK. That's good then, so there should be no issues with it working correctly with my board?

 

[Wisecracker]

I'm not an OCZ memory guy -- can't help you there. I prefer Crucial & GSkill - bad Karma floats around concerning OCZ and reliability, but YES, if AsRock has qualified that OCZ memory for your 890FX, that is the way to go.

 

[4Ryan6]

I bought some of the OCZ AMD Black Edition DDR3 1600, and so far no problems at all.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227496&Tpk=OCZ AMD Black Edition

They're both OCZ but this is designed to run with AMD

Just an update, the OCZ Black Edition Memory I purchased, has run flawlessly, it runs the advertised timings at the advertised voltage, absolutely no problems with it.