Upgrading CPU for XFX 790i ULTRA SLI

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MrJak

MrJak

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I'm going to try to upgrade from a Q9400 to a a LGA771 Xeon, with the LGA 771 to 775 mod, and would like a suggestion on what CPU to get. I want to overclock to at least 3.6GHZ, as that's where my Q9400 is at, but higher would be nice. Right now I'm looking at either a E5450 or a X5460, and I'd stick with the X5460, but I'm concerned about temperatures, since it is a 120W part, which is decently higher than my Q9400's 95W. I want one that can get the mximum price-performance ratio, and best thermals, if possbile.

My cooler should be a Corsair H50, but I can't 100% verify that, since the one on newegg looks different than the one on the website, which looks just like mine.

Right now, I'm looking at ebay prices -- anything around $50 is what I'm aiming for, lower would be better though, but a pair of two could work, as my other PC, a HP A6400f, with a IPIBL-LB (Benicia) MOBO that should support a Xeon too, since it has the intel G33 Express chipset.

Also, I'd like to know if I'd need to update the Micro code? (for either board -- I'm thinking the G33 will need it.) [strike]I will post Bios Version for both ASAP, though it should be the latest.[/strike] It's P09, and I've found P10, guess I should update anyway.

Lastly, as a note, my PSU is a Thermaltake Tough Power 750w model: W0116, and I'm running a GTX 570 and 8800GT, both will be replaced with a single GTX 660 or higher, later, but that's what I'm running now.

Anyway, any help would be appreciated! :D
 
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MrJak

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Define significant, because I'm getting less than 30fps in borderlands 2 with Physx on, and These apparantly can do that -- more than worth $30-50 for me, especially when I can sell the Q9400 for enough to make it back up. (Besides, better than getting a Q9650. wouldn't you say? (Besides, I'm saving up for A new rig, when DDR4 becomes more mainstream)

Also, my overclocked q9400 barely scores over the x5460 at stock sppeds, with half the cache.
So, an evenly clocked, or even higher clocked x5450-60 should decimate it, really.
Q9400 stock, Xeon X5460 stock, and my Q9400: 4,760-4,836 (Also, I checked here, and the single threaded is a decent boost.)

So, please, instead of telling me how much it'd help, since I can't afford a whole new computers, probably for up to 3 years, just let me know what I asked, and more specifically, if there's a real difference between the x and e series, because if it's just needs more electricity, and somehow doesn't affect thermals, I'll probably go with those, since they are cheaper

Now I'm looking between a E5450 and a X5450 AND THE X5460
 
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MrJak

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I only get about 12fps with physx, so it's more like 18fps
Also, it would be fun to get my hands into modding.

But, would you have some suggestion to keep it from dipping to 12, besides replacing the whole system?

Also, as you can see here: http://forums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=149504, an i7 950 does well, and the X5460 is closer to that, from what I can see, than a Q9400.

Also, the limit is $50, [strike]because that's how much I should be getting, in eBay bucks, in the next two weeks[/strike] Edit: just got it -- it's essentially free. (and I'm finding CPUs for $15-50, easily enough -- all will be better than my Q9400)

Lastly, my rig was only $200, so I only really paid for the GTX 570, the rest was free. :)
 
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MrJak

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Okay, I'll need to update my Bios from P09 to P10, if anyone's willing to do put in the new micro-codes for me, that'd be great, but I'm going to need to update it anyway. I'm considering using an E5450, E0 stepping. (Here's a link to the XFX 790i P10 Bios)
And here are my Bios settings, even if I don't need them now, I may need them later, if anyone thinks I can push my Q9400 higher:

BIOS Version: [P09]
*System*
xCPU Freq, MHz: 3600
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1800
CPU Multiplier: [8X]
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz: [auto] (100)
PCle x16-3, MHz: [auto] (100)
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz: [auto] (200)
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP: [5X]
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP: [5X]
*Spread Spectrum*
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
*FSB and Memory Config*
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [unlinked]
xFSB - Memory Ratio: [auto]
FSB (QDR), MHz: [1800]
xActual FSB (QDR), MHz: [1800]
MEM (DDR), MHz: [1600]
xActual MEM (DDR), MHz: [1600]
P1: [Auto]
P2: [Auto]
*Memory Timing Setting*
Memory Timing Setting: [Expert]
tCL (CAS Latency): [8]
tRCD: [8]
tRP: [8]
tRAS: [24]
Command Per Clock: [1T]
*Advanced Memory Settings*
tRRD: [Auto(5)]
tRC: [36]
tWR: [Auto(12)]
tWTR: [Auto(18)]
tFAW: [Auto(25)]
tREF: [7.8uS]
*System Voltages*
CPU Core: [1.32500]
CPU FSB: [1.35]
Memory: [1.5]
nForce SPP: [1.40]
nForce MCP: [1.600]
CPU PLL: [1.5] (This setting doesn't show up, from what I saw)
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto]
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto]
*CPU Configuration*
Limit CPUlD Maxval: [Disabled]
Intel Speedstep: [Disabled]
x PPM Mode: [Native Mode]
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit: [Enabled] (May switch to disabled, from what I've read, input please)
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled]
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]
CPU Core 3: [Enabled]

Okay, just modded the P10 bios, and it swapped/updated
CPUID=1067A Rev=A04 2008/02/14 CRC=920A8229 off=EBFE0 size=2000 Plat=5,7
to
CPUID=1067A Rev=A0B 2010/09/28 CRC=B007E7B0 off=EBFE0 size=2000 Plat=2,6
 
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MrJak

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An e5450 should be better than a Q9550, and this test shows that it runs 41fps min with physx low, but my Q9400, at 3.6Ghz does less, probably has to do with the cache.

Update: My e5450 has helped, Borderlands 2 no longer dips to single digits: typically runs at about 30-50fps with physx effects, last I checked.
 
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0HugoStiglitz0

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Hey guys,

I know its an old post but I am stucking on my "CPU upgrade".

I want to use E5450 or X5460 in my XFX nforce 790i ULTRA SLI but it won't work. E5345 works. If I put in E5450 and power on, the red CPU lamp lights up and board status is FF (for Boot). Black screen. BIOS is P09 and P10 (I have two BIOS chips for testing)

Do you have an idea what I have to do?

Many thanks
Hugo
 
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MrJak

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Hello,

Let me start by saying that my upgrade went perfectly, so I have no firsthand knowledge on the issue you are encountering but I have a few ideas. I'll start with what I think is most likely: bios. I found a thread where someone's chip was loose. You say yours works with the e5345 and not the e5450. This makes sense: the e5345 is 65nm, and the e5450 is 45nm.

Make sure you have the microcode that enables the e5450 to be fully supported added to the bios.

Next: The red led should be for overheating, yes? make sure that it's not overheating, of course, and also be doubly sure that the sticker is on correctly. Also, do you know for a fact that the e5450 is working?

Also, as a note: in each PC that I've put the e5450 in, the RAM controller got more strict -- I had to loosen the timings on my RAM to allow overclocking, so there may be something to do with that. I know filling every channel pushes the memory controller, so something may need more voltage if you're already doing that?
 
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0HugoStiglitz0

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Hey thanks.

I updated the microcode with latest BIOS (P10) But with E5450, when I power on, the CPU HOT lamp is on right now and the nothing happens. Only Code FF for Booting is on the status display.
 
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MrJak

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Okay, can you confirm that the e5450, itself, is working?
Also, have you made sure to re-apply the adapter -- having it off even slightly can cause it to not work.

Here's a link to some troubleshooting steps: http://www.delidded.com/lga-771-to-775-adapter/5/
 
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0HugoStiglitz0

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I testet both, E5450 and X5460, and both the same result. "CPU HOT" LED is on and no boot. I re-apply the sticker. Seems like, the board don't want 45nm.
Yesterday evening, I troubleshoot some things on delidded.com. But not result. I will go on testing and troubleshooting. I tell ya if it works.
 
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MrJak

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Do you have any 45nm 775 chips? Would be weird if it was just not wanting to work with 45nm, but it would make sense.
If you do have a 45nm 775 chip, and t does work, I'd definitely start considering that perhaps the e5450 and x5460 are not working.

Could you post your bios settings?
Also, perhaps P09 would work better -- P10 was never officially released. Also, please be sure that you have the right BIOS -- EVGA 790i ulta bios (the only one I know that released P10) can be loaded on to the XFX board, but there's no telling how well it'll run.
 
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0HugoStiglitz0

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I tested with E7400 (775 45nm 2,8 GHz dualcore) and it works fine. Seems there is no Problem with 45nm.
I tried with BIOS P09 from XFX supportside and I tried P10 (downloaded somewhere.. :) )Same results.

I will try to test with a e5440 and another e5450. Maybe you are right and both, E5450 and x5460 are broken.
 
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MrJak

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Can you send me your bios files so I can verify that you patched in the micro-codes correctly?
All you need to do is upload them to a website and send me the link, and I'll gladly check for you. :)
 
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MrJak

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My pleaure! I'm glad that you got at least one working. :)

to find where you can manually change your bus speed you have to find "Advanced Chipset Features," then "FSB and Memory config," and it'll be listed as FSB (QDR). I recommend not linking your FSB and Mem speed, until you can find your max CPU speed, then, if you chose to, go and set it however else you want.

Note that the QDR is your actual FSB x4, so if it says 1333, as it should, that's 333mhz, then it's multiplied by the multiplier -- for the e5450 that's 9, unless you turn it down, for whatever reason. FSB*multiplier = core speed: stock is 333*9=3,000mhz

If you want, I can list my current BIOS settings, to show you what I've been able to get.
 
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MrJak

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Nope, that was for when I had my Q9400. new settings below:

BIOS Version: [P10]
*System*
xCPU Freq, MHz: 4050
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1800
CPU Multiplier: [9X]
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz: 100
PCle x16-3, MHz: 100
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz: [auto] (200)
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP: [5X]
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP: [5X]
*Spread Spectrum*
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
*FSB and Memory Config*
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [unlinked]
xFSB - Memory Ratio: [auto]
FSB (QDR), MHz: [1800]
xActual FSB (QDR), MHz: [1800]
MEM (DDR), MHz: [1800]
xActual MEM (DDR), MHz: [1800]
P1: [Auto]
P2: [Auto]
*Memory Timing Setting*
Memory Timing Setting: [Expert]
tCL (CAS Latency): [9]
tRCD: [9]
tRP: [9]
tRAS: [24]
Command Per Clock: [2T]
*Advanced Memory Settings*
tRRD: [Auto(6)]
tRC: [36]
tWR: [Auto(12)]
tWTR: [Auto(19)]
tFAW: [Auto(29)]
tREF: [7.8uS]
*System Voltages*
CPU Core: [1.40000] (1.36 actual, in Windows -- will try to lower to 1.35)
CPU FSB: [1.35V]
Memory: [1.550V]
nForce SPP: [1.40V]
nForce MCP: [1.550V]
CPU PLL: [1.5] (Still can't find this)
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto] (-50mv)
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto] (-50mv)
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto] (+00mv)
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto] (+00mv)
*CPU Configuration*
Limit CPUlD Maxval: [Disabled]
Intel Speedstep: [Disabled]
x PPM Mode: [Native Mode]
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit: [Enabled] (May switch to disabled, from what I've read, input please)
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled] (May not affect much, but provides little to no gain for me)
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]
CPU Core 3: [Enabled]

Yes, I have 16GB of RAM, at the the official max supported speed for four dimms.
Officially, the limit of this board is rated at 8GB, but this may have been due to a lack of 4GB sticks -- so they could only verify that 4x2GB was achievable. Rather than like what they didn't know, and couldn't check, they went with a safe 8GB limit.

When 4GB sticks were made available, it turned out that they, in fact, worked on the board, but I believe it was long after it was released, so they probably saw little to no point to go back and confirm whether or not it supported 16GB. In fact, I believe some boards with this chipset do not. Nevertheless, the XFX board can, at least with the P10 bios, be coaxed to allow 16GB, but this should be maxxing out the memory controller.

I cannot confirm if you can push higher than 16GB, but others have tried 8GB sticks, and have not had success -- in fact, there is no record that I can find of users getting one to work on this board.
 
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