Phenom II x4 955 BE Overclocking

SeraphicSorcerer · May 3, 2009, 03:39 PM

I figured I'd start this thread for those of us who have 955 BE's (Like you guys who just got dragon kits) and report our successes, failures, wtfs etc.

I just got mine on friday, (I've been working sat/sunday) So I haven't had time to mess with it, but I've got it up to 3700 just modifying the multiplier, I had my first BSOD =D last night when trying to go over 3850, I think I need to get the COOLIT domino ALC I wonder if being 45 NM is actually going to be a problem for overclockers, and so on when we get smaller because as we increase voltage we increase leakage, and 45 NM is not much space to be leaking current...

Anyhow Please post your thoughts and other things related, I started this thread specifically because the AM/AM2+ kind of doesn't apply (It still does for general tips) but DDR3 actually is quite different to overclock. (First time I've ever used a 1:3.33 divider, So in essence upclocked LOL It defaults to 1066 on my board)

Mac Daddy · May 3, 2009, 05:55 PM

I don't have one of these but will be following along. As I noted in a few posts by Nicnik some of the BIOS terminology and memory settings are quite different. Just knowledge for me nice thread man

SeraphicSorcerer · May 3, 2009, 06:24 PM

Well in my opinion the whole bios is completely foreign, I feel like I am re-learning the bios for overclocking... I also had MORE success UNDERVOLTING when overclocking, I successfully overclocked it to 3600 MHZ at 1.3V and the temp was around 3C cooler then 135 Which for me was good. OF course mileage will vary, I also noticed dual channel does not seem to want to kick on unless you are precisely @ 1333 for the memory, which I assume is by design. So at the moment I am trying to find the best balance and keeping dual channel so that I get the performance boost, while retaining dual channel, I am going to try 205-210 HTT FSB -> With a 17.5-18.5 Multiplier

Judas · May 5, 2009, 06:46 AM

just a fyi... those of us that got the dragon kits... got the 940's not the 955's

My overclock without changing anything but the multiplier is 3.5ghz (3.6 was "stable" in the sense that everything appeared to work fine, no BSOD or reboots, but some programs would just "quit" randomly, sometimes a day would go by with no issues.. the next a few times things would just .."crash" a numberof times in a row.

I plan to start pushing things though here damn soon.. i've been quite busy recently (which is a good thing) and haven't had the time to really sit down and spend a good day ripping my hair out trying different configurations.. i'm still waiting on the correct ram as atm... i've only PC6400 which leaves alot to be desired in true overclocking capabilities

nicnik · May 5, 2009, 07:40 PM

Same for me really, not much time on my hands. I've got it sitting on 3.6ghz for a week now, no issues whatsoever. I would think the 955 would easily hit 3.8 without much movement in voltages.

SeraphicSorcerer · May 5, 2009, 08:14 PM

I'm actually having problems hitting anything over 3.6 Ghz, of course, I am running the stock cooler, the funny thing is the temperature is actually the same @ 3.4, 3.5, and 3.6

I am going to get a Domino ALC next week, just hoping it fits my Antec 900...
Also waiting for the 1.3 Bios for my 790FX-GD70

Anyone got any info on these mem timings? I got dual channel working no big deal but I am curious on voltage etc.

SeraphicSorcerer · May 5, 2009, 11:09 PM

I found this awesome guide. With a link also to one of the latest beta bioses from MSI. (Once again, make sure you follow all precautions if you decide to flash your bios :P (This is for the MSI 790Fx-GD70 Board only.

Discussion GD70 and 955 tests...Now open for discussion...beta bios 136 now available post #7 - OCZ Forum

It's more for the memory timings and finind the sweet spot but it helped me push my machine to 3700 MHZ no problem I can't go higher without a better cooler.

Judas · May 6, 2009, 12:00 AM

what are your temperatures...

even at 3.5ghz.. my cpu temp hasn't changed really at all... and now that i've left the machine running even overnight for well.... since i pretty much got it with an occasiona 8 hour shutdown....... my temps are now averaging about 23-25*C idle and fully loaded for hours on end around 29-32*C (according to the Asus Bios hardware monitor)

AMD's Overdrive states idle is 27-29*C and load is 39-40*C

Avast has stated 25-27*C idle and 33-35*C loaded

Abient temperature is 21*C

Frankly i don't know which sensors to go by, but all i know is that with the computer blowing the exhausted air into my feet and legs, they actually get chilly after awhile.

SeraphicSorcerer · May 6, 2009, 12:20 AM

I use coretemp as my temperature monitor of choice.

Load Temps are 53C-55C (Which is Why I've not been getting great results I am sure)
I am on the stock cooler so Load Temps stay around 43-45C I am sure if I lapped the damn heatsink (its definitely roughly machined) It would be better. Which is why Next week I am getting the Coolit Domino. but Those temperatures are the same for not only my 3.5 but 3.7 overclocks.

Judas · May 6, 2009, 01:36 AM

bit toasty hey?

SeraphicSorcerer · May 7, 2009, 07:56 AM

More then I'd like, I was going to toss my old Artic Freezer 64 on it, but it's that 3 plastic clip, and The AM3 socket is like, 1. So waiting for Domino.

May 3, 2009, 03:39 PM	#1
SeraphicSorcerer HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,295 Rep Power: 154 System Specs	Phenom II x4 955 BE Overclocking I figured I'd start this thread for those of us who have 955 BE's (Like you guys who just got dragon kits) and report our successes, failures, wtfs etc. I just got mine on friday, (I've been working sat/sunday) So I haven't had time to mess with it, but I've got it up to 3700 just modifying the multiplier, I had my first BSOD =D last night when trying to go over 3850, I think I need to get the COOLIT domino ALC I wonder if being 45 NM is actually going to be a problem for overclockers, and so on when we get smaller because as we increase voltage we increase leakage, and 45 NM is not much space to be leaking current... Anyhow Please post your thoughts and other things related, I started this thread specifically because the AM/AM2+ kind of doesn't apply (It still does for general tips) but DDR3 actually is quite different to overclock. (First time I've ever used a 1:3.33 divider, So in essence upclocked LOL It defaults to 1066 on my board) __________________ Last edited by SeraphicSorcerer; May 3, 2009 at 03:44 PM.

May 3, 2009, 05:55 PM	#2
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 78 System Specs	Re: Phenom II x4 955 BE Overclocking I don't have one of these but will be following along. As I noted in a few posts by Nicnik some of the BIOS terminology and memory settings are quite different. Just knowledge for me nice thread man __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

May 3, 2009, 06:24 PM	Thread Starter #3
SeraphicSorcerer HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,295 Rep Power: 154 System Specs	Re: Phenom II x4 955 BE Overclocking Well in my opinion the whole bios is completely foreign, I feel like I am re-learning the bios for overclocking... I also had MORE success UNDERVOLTING when overclocking, I successfully overclocked it to 3600 MHZ at 1.3V and the temp was around 3C cooler then 135 Which for me was good. OF course mileage will vary, I also noticed dual channel does not seem to want to kick on unless you are precisely @ 1333 for the memory, which I assume is by design. So at the moment I am trying to find the best balance and keeping dual channel so that I get the performance boost, while retaining dual channel, I am going to try 205-210 HTT FSB -> With a 17.5-18.5 Multiplier __________________

May 5, 2009, 07:40 PM	#5
nicnik In the Land of Snow Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 567 Rep Power: 44 System Specs	Re: Phenom II x4 955 BE Overclocking Same for me really, not much time on my hands. I've got it sitting on 3.6ghz for a week now, no issues whatsoever. I would think the 955 would easily hit 3.8 without much movement in voltages. __________________ >>Steam<< Currently Playing: BF3 (nic9394), Rift (devilryuji)

May 5, 2009, 08:14 PM	Thread Starter #6
SeraphicSorcerer HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,295 Rep Power: 154 System Specs	Re: Phenom II x4 955 BE Overclocking I'm actually having problems hitting anything over 3.6 Ghz, of course, I am running the stock cooler, the funny thing is the temperature is actually the same @ 3.4, 3.5, and 3.6 I am going to get a Domino ALC next week, just hoping it fits my Antec 900... Also waiting for the 1.3 Bios for my 790FX-GD70 Anyone got any info on these mem timings? I got dual channel working no big deal but I am curious on voltage etc. __________________

May 5, 2009, 11:09 PM	Thread Starter #7
SeraphicSorcerer HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,295 Rep Power: 154 System Specs	Re: Phenom II x4 955 BE Overclocking I found this awesome guide. With a link also to one of the latest beta bioses from MSI. (Once again, make sure you follow all precautions if you decide to flash your bios :P (This is for the MSI 790Fx-GD70 Board only. Discussion GD70 and 955 tests...Now open for discussion...beta bios 136 now available post #7 - OCZ Forum It's more for the memory timings and finind the sweet spot but it helped me push my machine to 3700 MHZ no problem I can't go higher without a better cooler. __________________ Last edited by SeraphicSorcerer; May 5, 2009 at 11:25 PM. Reason: Bios Warning

May 6, 2009, 12:20 AM	Thread Starter #9
SeraphicSorcerer HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,295 Rep Power: 154 System Specs	Re: Phenom II x4 955 BE Overclocking I use coretemp as my temperature monitor of choice. Load Temps are 53C-55C (Which is Why I've not been getting great results I am sure) I am on the stock cooler so Load Temps stay around 43-45C I am sure if I lapped the damn heatsink (its definitely roughly machined) It would be better. Which is why Next week I am getting the Coolit Domino. but Those temperatures are the same for not only my 3.5 but 3.7 overclocks. __________________

May 7, 2009, 07:56 AM	Thread Starter #11
SeraphicSorcerer HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,295 Rep Power: 154 System Specs	Re: Phenom II x4 955 BE Overclocking More then I'd like, I was going to toss my old Artic Freezer 64 on it, but it's that 3 plastic clip, and The AM3 socket is like, 1. So waiting for Domino. __________________