dual channel overclocking woes...

[canavar]

Hello everyone,

 

Since some days I'm evaluating and analysing my overclocking problem. Here I'll try to summarize my situation.

 

- I have an Opteron 148 capable to run at 2900MHz @ 1.55 Vcore. I tested and tested and CPU is rock stable at 2900MHz, 1.55 Core. So, it is not the culprit.

 

- I have a pair of Geil Ultra-X 550 mıodules. When tested individually, running at single channel mode, these modules each is rock stable at 290MHz, 2.5-4-4-8 timings. Vdimm is 2.7 Volts. Using only 1 memory module in a yellow slot, system is rock stable at 2900MHz for hours and hours stress testing..

 

- When I plug both modules into orange slots, the problems start. System boots normally, but there are random reboots and Stress Prime test fails in 1-2 minutes.

 

So, I have a perfectly stable Opteron, two perfectly stable memory modules. The problem starts when three of them get together. But it was not like so. 2 months ago that setup was working like a clock. Something is slowly going down, maybe a leaking capacitor or something like that..

 

I tried BIOS 702 and the latest one..

 

I have a 430 Watt Tagan, 24-pin ATX power jack. I guess most of the answers will revolve around "Get at least a 480 Watt", but is it really so? My system is not loaded much except that overclocked CPU. I have no intention to disrespect all yours experience (which is surely much more than mine), but I feel like that "blame the PSU" approach is used too easily. Again, no offense meaned.

 

I have a Seasonic S12 600 Watt lying around and I'll install it tomorrow. I'm also thinking of getting another Ultra-D for testing, but do you think that would be worth trouble?

 

Many thanks for your time,

[red930]

Why aren't you using the yellow memory slots for dual channel? Just by looking at your system, it's pretty strong with a weak PSU. You might want to invest into something better since you're running some high end parts. Try out your SeaSonic PSU and see if that helps. Also just keep memtesting your memory in the yellow slots and give them the proper voltage and timings that they need, see if that helps.

[supershanks]

You seem to be using a lot of vcore to run @ 2900 i can run @ 265 x 11 10 hr prime stable with stock vcore at 104% = 1.44v can run 3k but not prime stable using 1.46~1.47v. Normally our 148 pull 85w off the 12v rail running at 2900 with 1.55 adds a further 64 watts making a 149w load = 12.4 Amps

[canavar]

Hello Mack, thanks, yes I'll install the Seasonic one today and see the results.. I hope that will solve the problem, because I'm tried of trying.

 

SuperShank, many thanks. I do not know why I foolishly insist on using the orange slots. I remember reading something like "you should always use the orange ones" somewhere, but it was foolish I guess. Anyway, I just tried the yellow slots with no solution. On the other hand, with your suggestion I lowered the Vcore and verified that the CPU is rock stable at 2900MHz with 1,46 Volts. :nod: Seems like I was straining the CPU unnecessarily. Thanks..

[canavar]

Just for an update. I'm posting this as maybe it would be useful for someone...

 

Changing the PSU was no solution, as I already suspected... But increasing the CAS latency to 3 increased stability much more (5 hours and more in Stress Prime, but random lock-ups in games). I lowered the FSB to 285MHz and with CAS 3, not all the problems are gone. I'll try not to think about the slight performance loss I have.

 

Many thanks,