Ga-55A-UD7 and I7-860

[WilliamP]

My son built his computer and overclocked it to 4.2. Now my question is this. If load line calibration is on Standard [which disables it] then Prime95 won't run . If it is put on Level 2 Prime95 has no problems. The Gigabyte manual states "Note:Enabling Load-Line Calibration may result in damage to your CPU or reduce the useful life of the CPU." His VCore is 1.3625. I don't understand ,because I just built 2 computers with Gigabyte boards and neither of my manuals have that statement. I know that half the people say they use it and the other half say they don't. He tried disabling it and bumped the VCore up but Prime 95 still wasn't happy. That I couldn't figure out.

[ccokeman]

I have not seen or heard that Load Line calibration will damage your CPU if not used. Its function is to even out the vdroop and voltage spikes between koad and idle states. What vcore is he using when he disables LLC?

[WilliamP]

When LLC was disabled he tried 1.375 to 1.4 and Prime 95 would start dropping cores in seconds. Now at 1.3625 LLC at Level 2 it is stable.

[RJR]

You will find arguments on both sides of the LLC debate, as you already know. I personally have used pencil mods (to completely eliminate vdroop/vdrop) and use LLC when it actually works as it is supposed to and have never had any problems. I've asked many times on different forums for a person with a scope to map out the exact length and duration of the over/under shoots with/without LLC enabled and haven't had anyone do it yet, so, I just do what I am comfortable with doing.

 

Here are a few articles/threads:

 

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=271760

http://www.anandtech.com/show/2727/6

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?p=1732471

http://forums.overclockersclub.com/?showtopic=169716

[RJR]

When LLC was disabled he tried 1.375 to 1.4 and Prime 95 would start dropping cores in seconds. Now at 1.3625 LLC at Level 2 it is stable.

You just need to open cpu-z when under load (P95) and see what your load vcore is and then compensate with the Bios setting if you have disabled LLC.

 

Example: Bios=1.4v Idle=1.32v Load=1.30v

 

If the computer is only stable at 1.34v Load, you would need 1.44v Bios

[WilliamP]

Thank you for the help.

[cirro]

Vdroop will return as the pencil wears away, plus be careful. one connector can be shorted out really easily (as this trick allows it)

 

IMO unless you have an insane vdroop, LLC should be more than enough, the flux of it isn't too high, plus it sends it when it needs it, unlike a mod which allows it to be on 24-7

 

my 780i had awful vdroop, but compared to this board i turn on LLC and all is well

i'd only worry about mods when there is no option whatsoever, i think the option in the newer BIOS is

to reflect the ages of people upset with vdroop and doing basic mods that could damage boards