hd-recording.at customacpro (ga-x58a-ud3r|i7 950|ati 5770)

[nean]

I have the same RAM is you. It is always best to set your RAM voltages and timings manually rather than rely on XMP to do it for you. XMP is a bit of a short cut and it's much safer and more stable to set them manually.

I've done a bit of an overclock on my machine and when I was getting that stable the guys at tweak town thoroughly recommended setting all settings manually.

I can send you over my settings if you like - but I got them direct from the Corsair Website.

hmm, I'm not sure about that manual thing, well i've heard not good things about both szenarios,... however my experiences shows that with use of XMP the system is stable and my manual settings all end up with freezes or force reboots, especially when dram voltage is <1,5V.

I'll appreciate if you send me your experienced stable manuall settings, and if it's ok for you i'll test it and document it on my website.

For the RAM the you should set QPI/VTT = 1.35v and DRAM V to 1.66v (BIOS can't do 1.65). I would also set all of the timings manually also.

hmm,... this seems to me very special, I'm not sure about the thing, that it's not possible to set it to 1.65V, as far as I can remember i'd set this to 1,65V ,... strange

-> which Bios version do u use?
-> have u set some settings with one of those gigabyte utilities like easy tune or something similar?
-> whats your experience with those audio noise issue caused by "C1E" and/or "EIST" Advanced CPU Feature ?

cheers,
nean

 

[notshy]

I have the same RAM is you. It is always best to set your RAM voltages and timings manually rather than rely on XMP to do it for you. XMP is a bit of a short cut and it's much safer and more stable to set them manually.

I've done a bit of an overclock on my machine and when I was getting that stable the guys at tweak town thoroughly recommended setting all settings manually.

I can send you over my settings if you like - but I got them direct from the Corsair Website.

hmm, I'm not sure about that manual thing, well i've heard not good things about both szenarios,... however my experiences shows that with use of XMP the system is stable and my manual settings all end up with freezes or force reboots, especially when dram voltage is <1,5V.

I'll appreciate if you send me your experienced stable manuall settings, and if it's ok for you i'll test it and document it on my website.

For the RAM the you should set QPI/VTT = 1.35v and DRAM V to 1.66v (BIOS can't do 1.65). I would also set all of the timings manually also.

hmm,... this seems to me very special, I'm not sure about the thing, that it's not possible to set it to 1.65V, as far as I can remember i'd set this to 1,65V ,... strange

-> which Bios version do u use?
-> have u set some settings with one of those gigabyte utilities like easy tune or something similar?
-> whats your experience with those audio noise issue caused by "C1E" and/or "EIST" Advanced CPU Feature ?

cheers,
nean

The RAM is rated as 1.65v RAM and hence setting it to anything lower than that is not recommended unless you aren't running it at full speed

1333 Mhz + CL9 timings = 1.5v (JEDEC/SPD settings)
1600 Mhz + CL8 timings = 1.65v (Full speed)

The official Corsair testing is as follows:
http://forum.corsair.com/v3/showthread.php?t=81035

Testing parameters for TR3X3G1600C8D/TR3X6G1600C8D
Motherboard make and model: ASUS P6T Premium/Deluxe !
Each set is tested and packaged together using the following settings:
CPU Ratio Controlepends on CPU
FSB Frequency: AUTO
PCIE Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR3-1600 MHz
DRAM Timings Control: Manual
CAS# Latency:___________8
RAS# to CAS# Delay:______8
RAS# Precharge:__________8
RAS# Activate to Precharge:24
DRAM Voltage:_________1.65V
QPI Voltage:___________1.35 V
XMP1.2 settings
Maximum DDR3 recommended VDIMM: 2.00 Volts

Hence if you are running the RAM at full speed then please set the voltage to 1.65v

Please double check your BIOS for the RAM settings - Gigabyte boards only allow setting the RAM voltage in increments of 0.02v and hence you can only do either 1.64 or 1.66v. If you set 1.66v, reboot and then go back into BIOS and look in MIT Status you will see that your RAM is being given around 1.648v i.e. even though you've set 1.66 it actually only gives a lower voltage.

If you look on the RAM there should be a sticker that says:
1600 Mhz 8-8-8-24 1.65v

Please do not put them at a lower voltage !

I wouldn't go near EasyTune if you want a stable machine - please set the setting in the BIOS only.

I have no static sound on my internal card when I've tested it but I have an external sound card for my music production so I haven't used my internal card extensively.

 

[nean]

The RAM is rated as 1.65v RAM and hence setting it to anything lower than that is not recommended unless you aren't running it at full speed

1333 Mhz + CL9 timings = 1.5v (JEDEC/SPD settings)
1600 Mhz + CL8 timings = 1.65v (Full speed)

The official Corsair testing is as follows:
http://forum.corsair.com/v3/showthread.php?t=81035

Testing parameters for TR3X3G1600C8D/TR3X6G1600C8D
Motherboard make and model: ASUS P6T Premium/Deluxe !
Each set is tested and packaged together using the following settings:
CPU Ratio Controlepends on CPU
FSB Frequency: AUTO
PCIE Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR3-1600 MHz
DRAM Timings Control: Manual
CAS# Latency:___________8
RAS# to CAS# Delay:______8
RAS# Precharge:__________8
RAS# Activate to Precharge:24
DRAM Voltage:_________1.65V
QPI Voltage:___________1.35 V
XMP1.2 settings
Maximum DDR3 recommended VDIMM: 2.00 Volts

Hence if you are running the RAM at full speed then please set the voltage to 1.65v

Please double check your BIOS for the RAM settings - Gigabyte boards only allow setting the RAM voltage in increments of 0.02v and hence you can only do either 1.64 or 1.66v. If you set 1.66v, reboot and then go back into BIOS and look in MIT Status you will see that your RAM is being given around 1.648v i.e. even though you've set 1.66 it actually only gives a lower voltage.

If you look on the RAM there should be a sticker that says:
1600 Mhz 8-8-8-24 1.65v

Please do not put them at a lower voltage !

I wouldn't go near EasyTune if you want a stable machine - please set the setting in the BIOS only.

I have no static sound on my internal card when I've tested it but I have an external sound card for my music production so I haven't used my internal card extensively.

Hi,

this settings are for a ASUS P6T Premium/Deluxe Motherboard?
however, I don't see much differences to my settings:

XMP: Profile 1
BCLK: 133Mhz
Memory Frequency 1600Mhz (x12)
DRAM Volatge: 1,65V
QPI Voltage: 1.2V
CAS, tRAS, tRCD,tRP: 8
tRAS: 24

So everything seems to be fine with XMP, it's just the QPI Voltage which differs.
Can you please explain whats the disadvandage with my XMP settings in more in detail?
I really like to know it!
Yet, I don't see a reason to set it manually exact to the same values?!

concerning the lower voltage -> I know, I don't use lower dram voltage, that was just for testingand because lnx2mac describing this in his blog for his eco ram,...

but indeed, you're right with the 0,2v steps, sorry!

it's clear that on external soundcard there is no static noise, i've a metric halo with adam a7 monitors which sounds awesome.
but on the onboard i'm using ESI nEar05 active monitors and there i'd this aweful noise everytime.

however, there a punch of people and support guys in the gigybyte support forum highly recommending to disable "C1E" and "EIST".
here my question: what is the disadvandage having those options disabled?
I haven't realized any negativ effect yet, but instead the static noise disappeared and the system seems to run more smooth.

another bad thing about the soundcard is when you switch on the machine after it was completely powerless (main powerswitch of studio) the soundcard outputs a loud static noise which fades out (~4sec).

thanks,
nean

 

[notshy]

this settings are for a ASUS P6T Premium/Deluxe Motherboard?

Settings are universal - they may just use different terminology in the for each thing in the BIOS.

however, I don't see much differences to my settings:

XMP: Profile 1
BCLK: 133Mhz
Memory Frequency 1600Mhz (x12)
DRAM Volatge: 1,65V
QPI Voltage: 1.2V
CAS, tRAS, tRCD,tRP: 8
tRAS: 24

So everything seems to be fine with XMP, it's just the QPI Voltage which differs.
Can you please explain whats the disadvandage with my XMP settings in more in detail?
I really like to know it!
Yet, I don't see a reason to set it manually exact to the same values?!

http://www.techreaction.net/2010/09/07/3-step-overclocking-guide-bloomfield-and-gulftown/

QPI/VTT voltage – This is the uncore voltage. Remember that the primary uncore devices are the L3 cache and the memory controller. This is also the primary adjustment required to increase bclock frequency. Again, for Bloomfield I personally wouldn’t hesitate to run mine up to about 1.45V on air 24/7.

Your QPI/VTT should be roughly within 0.4 or 0.5v of your DRAM setting hence why you should up it to 1.35v.
http://www.google.com/search?q=qpi+voltage

however, I don't see much differences to my settings:
concerning the lower voltage -> I know, I don't use lower dram voltage, that was just for testing and because lnx2mac describing this in his blog for his eco ram,...

but indeed, you're right with the 0,2v steps, sorry!

Your BIOS settings need to be specific to YOUR components and you should follow what the manufacturer suggests in the first instance - then test it yourself and find your own happy medium given that you will have different hardware than they tested.

it's clear that on external soundcard there is no static noise, i've a metric halo with adam a7 monitors which sounds awesome.
but on the onboard i'm using ESI nEar05 active monitors and there i'd this aweful noise everytime.

Active speakers and unbalanced connections do not work well together. Hence why you should used balanced connections for the best sound. I don't quite understand why you are using the onboard sound when you are obviously an audiophile.

however, there a punch of people and support guys in the gigybyte support forum highly recommending to disable "C1E" and "EIST".
here my question: what is the disadvandage having those options disabled?
I haven't realized any negative effect yet, but instead the static noise disappeared and the system seems to run more smooth.

Please do some research:
http://www.google.com/search?q=c1e
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/240047-11-question-bios-settings-eist

another bad thing about the soundcard is when you switch on the machine after it was completely powerless (main powerswitch of studio) the soundcard outputs a loud static noise which fades out (~4sec).
thanks,
nean

I wouldn't turn on your active speakers at the same time as turning on your hacl. I would wait until your hack is booted up into OSX and then turn on your active monitors.

 

[nean]

sorry, I don't get your point.

...the QPI/VTT voltage may need a bit more. This is especially true if you are running with all 6 memory slots populated, or if you’re using newer 4GB DIMMs, these configurations can put a lot of added stress on the IMC and require extra QPI/VTT voltage to retain stability.

regardig the guide you're referring:
the QPI voltage only "may" needed to raised a bit if you're using 6 ram modules or any new 4gb modules.
because this is not the case in my setup, I really don't see a reason to do this.

if I've some spare time I'll verify this with some hardcore stresstests to see if there's really any difference.
btw. my first stresstest was converting 6 blueray mkv with handbrake, ...


well this active speakers do have unbalanced input and everything was just working fine with my macintosh, unfortunatelly the power switch is on the back side and not reachable from the desk,...
however, the thing i'm pointing to is, howerver you'll see this, but my opinion is that this are such things where apple cares about, why gigabyte won't implement a good solution here, ootb.

regarding "C1E" and "EIST", yes thats i'm talking about, the overall user experience is disableing this options and problems went away,...
(thread -> http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php?topic=1426.645)

 

[notshy]

sorry, I don't get your point.

...the QPI/VTT voltage may need a bit more. This is especially true if you are running with all 6 memory slots populated, or if you’re using newer 4GB DIMMs, these configurations can put a lot of added stress on the IMC and require extra QPI/VTT voltage to retain stability.

regardig the guide you're referring:
the QPI voltage only "may" needed to raised a bit if you're using 6 ram modules or any new 4gb modules.
because this is not the case in my setup, I really don't see a reason to do this.

If the manufacturer is saying to set QPI/VTT=1.35v then I don't quite understand why you are challenging their testing and recommendation - also if you have tried it at a lower voltage and found it to be unstable?

 

[notshy]

Good luck with your project - I'm off to help elsewhere on the forum.

 

[nean]

a long story,...... RAM setting for 1600Mhz ,...

there may some misconceptions,... alright, but not only from now on I rely on my own researches, testings, official tech support requests, expertise,... forum posts are good hints, but as long as its not reproducible or verified i'm not convinced about that, sorry,...

So, a lot of controversy discussions may out there,.... but in the end X.M.P [ Profile 1 ] works best, for me.
I haven't recognized any disadvantages yet by using X.M.P., nor somebody was able to explain in detail why X.M.P in this combination have any disadvanteges or is causing any negativ effects !?

Geekbench results remains the same and changing voltages and speed manually causes nothing but worries !
So if someone likes to play around with the RAM setting in the BIOS, feel free, but be warned, and have a working backup and disaster recovery szenario ;-)

My tests with the so called optimized recommended overclocker manual setting end up repairing damaged filesytsem caused by really strange freezes on longtime stress tests (which was never the case with X.M.P.) !!period!!

X.M.P
* How To Enable XMP Performance Profiles → http://blog.corsair.com/?p=1977
* According to the corsair tech support specialist on the gigabyte forum XMP “Profile1†is recommended, other than that a higher voltage (DRAM up to 1,7V and QPi up to 1,35V) can be used. http://forum.gigabyte.de/index.php?page ... #post20883

Gigabyte X58A-UD3R mir Corsair XMS3 Dominator TR3X6G1600C8D (3x2GB)
8-8-8-24
Command Rate 2T / 2N
DRAM 1,65 1,70 Volt
Memory Frequency 1600 Mhz
QPI Vtt 1,355 Volt
Uncore clock 3200 MHz

please, lnx2mac and all the other guys which are providing BIOS configuration guidelines, please reconsider RAM settings, please provide some more examples consisting on several other models,... please not only describe such exotic special models,...

r.
nean

 

[Lnx2Mac]

something about BIOS Setup:
I'll like to ask lnx2mac if it's possible that he add some information in his blog?

there is the thing with the RAM speed, XMP, lower voltage etc, this may be correct for the ram which lnx2mac is using but will definetly different to other ram models.

Definitely... Wasn't it clear in the blog post ?
I reworded that part a bit... Wanna take a look ?

Quote:
It's important to enable all Advanced CPU Core features.
As, once we started tweaking, the BIOS might Disable some settings if we leave them at [Auto].

then, I found out that activating all "Advanced CPU Core features" is not a good idea, not because of the osx or hackintosh mod, NO, there are serious issues (let's say per design) with that motherboard (ga-x58a-ud3r rev 2.0 FD) no matter OS you using.

Realtek ALC889 Static and Noise Issue
Highly recommended to disable "C1E" and "EIST" "Advanced CPU Core features" in BIOS because of really, really annoying electrical noise / oscillating buzzing noise / or however you'll call it! (in the studio, I ran crazy about this)

This has also been discussed a lot in the past, and affected not just audio, but for many nVidia users as well... And it's not specific to this mobo...
You can search the forum (IIRC some thread was named "Crazy noise" or something similar)...

There seems to be related also to how the PSU reacts to a sudden change of voltage/current in the mobo (hence disabling EIST seems to relieve this a bit).

With these on Auto or Disabled, you might get sub-optimal performance.
An alternative solution I remember was discussed was raising/lowering some voltage value...

Alternatively, this could be due to caps vibrating on the board, and some people even applied hot-melt glue (glue gun) on these to have them stop vibrating. Google that !

Good Luck!
Lnx2Mac

 

[Lnx2Mac]

please, lnx2mac and all the other guys which are providing BIOS configuration guidelines, please reconsider RAM settings, please provide some more examples consisting on several other models,... please not only describe such exotic special models,...

nean,
I like giving recommendations based on my personal experience, not on hearsay or rumors...
When in doubt, check with the manufacturer of your RAM...

concerning the lower voltage -> I know, I don't use lower dram voltage, that was just for testing and because lnx2mac describing this in his blog for his eco ram,...

indeed... As I (and you) said, these values are for the G.Skill Eco...

Using these values with other modules is as guaranteed to work as feeding a cat with dog-food... It might work OK, but it might not...