AMD core unlock oddity

[Aetherys]

Hey, folks. Just wondering if anyone knows what this is about. I have an X3 445 @ 3.1 GHz which unlocked to an X4 B45 (Propus die, no L3) but the core speed is reading at 1.4 GHz now. Think I can adjust voltages (if necessary) and just set the clock back where it was?

 

[rolli59]

Your board have the 95watt tdp limitation?

 

[mouse24]

Did you leave CnQ on?

 

[Aetherys]

No, mouse. CnQ is disabled.

 

[Aetherys]

Oddly enough, this core was previously unlocked and frequency did not change. After a bios update, core is re-unlocked and this happens. Should I try flashing back?

 

[Aetherys]

Your board have the 95watt tdp limitation?

I'm almost positive it does, but I don't see it in the pdf, the user guide, or on the website. It's an MSi 880GM-E41.

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

Yeah, it only supports up to 95W TDP http/www.msi.com/product/mb/880GM-E41.html#/?div=CPUSupport

Not sure if that's the problem here, or not, but it's definitely an idea.

 

[rolli59]

The new BIOS might have a safeguard, especially after they found out that these newer boards started dying under overclocking.

 

[Aetherys]

The new BIOS might have a safeguard, especially after they found out that these newer boards started dying under overclocking.

Please forgive my very limited knowledge of cpu frequency vs voltages and subsequent vrm meltdowns or whatever was happening to these boards, but would they implement a safeguard that drops your clock by 1700 MHz? I mean, the X3 Rana was a 95W cpu and the X4 Propus that it unlocked to is a 95W cpu. There's supposed to be 512k more L2 cache on the Propus and I get that more cores means more voltage, but I don't really understand why the clock would have to drop like that for "safety" reasons.

 

[Wisecracker]

Return to the previous BIOS.

You should probably check the Power Options in the Control panel and verify you are not under 'Power Saver' -- it certainly looks as if C&Q is kicking in

1.4GHz is simply a reduced 'P-State' (7x200MHz) from stock 15.5x200MHz, or 3.1GHz. Put your processor under load and it should run stock.

Edit --- I fergit

What speed are your RAMs? With DDR3 1333, you might be able to run the system clock up to 250MHz with good air --- otherwise, 240MHz is a likely sweet spot

 

[Aetherys]

Return to the previous BIOS.

You should probably check the Power Options in the Control panel and verify you are not under 'Power Saver' -- it certainly looks as if C&Q is kicking in

1.4GHz is simply a reduced 'P-State' (7x200MHz) from stock 15.5x200MHz, or 3.1GHz. Put your processor under load and it should run stock.

Edit --- I fergit

What speed are your RAMs? With DDR3 1333, you might be able to run the system clock up to 250MHz with good air --- otherwise, 240MHz is a likely sweet spot

Definitely set to 'High Performance' in Power Options and C&Q is disabled in BIOS. I dig the lower multiplier when idle, but I guess the older BIOS just didn't show the cpu @ 1.4 GHz even if it was when idle. Everything seems to be running the same. I'm watching 10-bit 1080p video and there aren't any noticeable issues. Just seeing it at 1.4 was odd.

RAM is PC3-10700. CPU-Z is showing it at 653 MHz.

 

[Aetherys]

I guess I can just run prime for a minute and watch cpu-z, right?

 

[Wisecracker]

That should do it -- you can also use OCCT or even the AMD OverDrive stability test.

The reported memory speed in CPUz is 'double-pumped' or twice that reported, though 653MHz x 2 = 1306MHz -- which is odd.

should be something around 667MHz

 

[Aetherys]

That should do it -- you can also use OCCT or even the AMD OverDrive stability test.

The reported memory speed in CPUz is 'double-pumped' or twice that reported, though 653MHz x 2 = 1306MHz -- which is odd.

should be something around 667MHz

Yes, the max bandwidth for that memory is 667 MHz, but the current frequency is ~653.4 and fluctuating slightly.

I watched in cpu-z and in AMD OverDrive while playing video and running stability test and even when all cores were pegged at 100%, the multiplier didn't change. This is in a HTPC so I'm not desperate for performance or anything. It plays 1080p video and that's all that it really needs to do, but I just found it a little strange. And like I said, I have a really limited understanding of this stuff so I had to come ask the experts what was going on.