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Maximus IV Extreme Bios, Sandybridge CPU Overview, and CPU Overclocking Guide

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Maximus IV Extreme Bios and Sandybridge CPU Overview.
(Remember you Overclock at your own risk. ASUS is not held responsible for any damages that may occur)

******UPDATE******
NEW BIOS -RAJA@ASUS
1409 , changes Over 1407 – adds bios rom flash back -> from one rom to another -> to fix problem of BCLK unable to change.
‘System will shutdown to do BIOS Flashback. Do not turn off AC while you see the ROG Connect LED blinking. It will take up to 8 minutes, please be patient.’
http://www.freefilehosting.net/maxim...reme-asus-1409
******UPDATE******



First off, all ASUS P67 (sandybridge) motherboards now use a UEFI graphic user interface BIOS. This means you have a clean GUI layout with mouse support. We'll go through the bios screen shots along with some sandybridge cpu info

EZ mode is pretty easy. In a clean ROG theme, it simply shows you the important information you need like; Motherboard name, bios version, CPU type, memory type, cCPUfrequency, language options, CPU/MB temperatures, Voltage for the CPU your PSU voltage, and Fan speed. You also have a quick system performance for the novice for energy saving mode (basically down clocking your cpu), normal mode, and high performance (slight overclock)
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You can also drag and drop your boot priority with your mouse. whether you have an optical drive, ssd, hdd, usb, etc. Just drag and drop in the order you want it to boot.
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In Advanced mode, you get all of the features you would normally see in a bios but with the ROG theme and tweakable options.
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CPU Level up gives you a quick overclock for your CPU. typically 2500k and 2600k can usually hit up to 4.8-5.0 ghz, this still gives you a safe range with auto settings.
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Turbo Ratio allows you to set individual core ratios, or synchronize all cores at the same time.
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Internal PLL Overvoltage. You can set this to enable to allow some additional overclocking headroom. Note that once you enable this function your sleep and hibernate will be disabled. With overvoltage enabled, most users should see their 2500k and 2600k hit 4.7-5.0ghz.
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memory frequency shows you a list of frequencies.
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Or you can set your Dram timings manually
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GPU post / Dimm post shows you real time GPU lane configurations. You can see in real time what speeds your pci-e lanes are running at. No need to bug others whether or not you have the best configuration possible, figure it out yourself! haha Dimm post gives you real time memory frequencies.
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In the CPU Ratio you can set this as auto or define the ratio for all cores.
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Digi+VRM options
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Load line calibration will stabilize CPU voltage under load. It will try and compensate for the Vdroop or drop in voltage that occurs.
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Monitor your voltages, fan speed, configure fan profiles,
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Save profiles
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I have detailed our recommendations to maximize the overclocking potential / scaling on ASUS’ P67 series of motherboards. This Guide has been developed after extensive internal testing across multiple boards, multiple bios builds and a high sampling rate of both D1 and D2 CPUs. While this guide is not a definitive article listing every possible overclocking combination, the information contained listed is providing repeatable results in our testing. Of course the quality of the cpu and cooling is very important but overall we think the results on our boards should exceed those of others at like settings.

Expectations regarding K series overclocking in general and on ASUS P67 motherboardsPrior to the recommendations on overclocking the K series, I am outlining our results to set expectations.
The results below are based on the range of the CPU turbo multiplier when overclocking.
Results are representative of 100 D2 CPUs that were binned and tested for stability under load; these results will most likely represent retail CPUs.
1. Approximately 50% of CPUs can go up to 4.4~4.5 GHz
2. Approximately 40% of CPUs can go up to 4.6~4.7 GHz
3. Approximately 10% of CPUs can go up to 4.8~5 GHz (50+ multipliers are about 2% of this group)
Additionally it is recommended to keep 「C1E」and「EIST」option enabled for the best overclock scaling. This is different than previous Intel overclocking expectations where the best scaling was with disabled power states or power management options.
Update specific to D2 and retail parts: Jan 11 2001
As always ASUS strives to be at the forefront of performance and functionality offered by a quality bios. Keeping this in mind ASUS has been actively working in conjunction with Intel to optimize overclocking potential on ASUS P8P67 motherboards and K series CPUs. With the latest bios revisions ( 1000 series ) or 600 series for ROG specific optimizations have been made to the microcode and corresponding tables that relate to D2 and retail parts. These are improvement are in addition to general improvements in all respects. Present with this new build of the UEFI is a new option. This option / value is “ Intel PPL Overvoltage” this option furthers multiplier scaling considerably.* In addition due to the increase in scaling more exotic forms of cooling cannot be used and will be needed under certain multiplier ranges and corresponding voltages. The general maximum range for the highest performing dual fan air based heastinks still remains 50x to 52x.

* Intel PPL Overvoltage ( for increased K series overclocking set to enabled )

Overall in our ongoing internal tests the maximum frequency now achievable ( under LN2 ) is 5.8GHz. At this time we do not have a compiled database to reference improvements in the overall scaling range or new % of CPUs able to hit 50+ multis. With that noted currently we are seeing generally a minimum of 2 multi to as much as 7 multi increases with this value enabled on applicable D2 and retail parts.
Example
A D2 sample with peak multiplier of 44 with PPL option enabled and corresponding voltage applied we have seen results of a stable 50 multiplier now able to post / boot and be held. ( previously without the PLL value the same CPU would failed to compelte a boot with a any multi exceeding 45 )
In addition to the increase of the multiplier range a “side effect” is additional Vcore needed to compensate for maintained post/boot and stability tests. The new voltage level do not align with standard voltage scaling ( on CPU already able to hit / sustain comparable multipliers.
Example
Generally 4.8GHz stability can be achieved at 1.400 – 1.425 Vcore now with PLL enabled D2 parts exceeding their previous max multiplier the increase in voltage would be 1.425 – 1.450.
It is important to note this option should generally only be used with D2 and retail parts NOT D1 parts. Internally we have partial results to indicate degradation of stability at previously reached multiplier values. Some internal testing has shown on limited samples that some improvement is possible (generally in the range of 1 multi possibly 2 )
In addition continued testing with the PPL option enabled and D2 or retail parts have shown some benefits to CStates being disabled when approaching, at or exceeding a 50x multiplier. An important note to keep in mind is that disabling CStates can considerably affect HD performance ( especially SATA6G ) Please keep this in mind when going for the highest level overclocks.



Expectations regarding K series overclocking implementation options on ASUS motherboards – Using Speedstep or Not Using Speedstep

Quick Note on implementation of K series Turbo Multiplier control –
While our Digi+ VRM option has extensive adjustments to voltages, multipliers and Bclk (such as .1 increments ex 106.8 or 108.1) one specific difference is noted below.
With the latest bios revision ASUS motherboards have a high level of flexibility at customizing the efficiency and consistency of the overclock values set in the UEFI.
It possible to overclock while keeping speedstep enabled and use the offset voltage method for Vcore increase this will provide the overall best in temperature and heatsink performance as well as generally efficiency and extension of the lifespan of the motherboards its components and the CPU. This is due to the Turbo Multiplier working and exucting ramping as Intel intended.
Example leaving all CStates and Speedstep enabled will allow the CPU to idle down in Vcore and frequency ( 1600MHz ) and ramp up when under load to 4.8GHz when needed.
Should there be interest in consistently maintain a desired clock frequency users can disable Speedstep and still keep Intel Turbo multiplier overclocking enabled.
• Please note that overall disabling or adjustments of Speedstep or CStates do not affect overclocking range ( this is different than previous generations when power saving states were advised to be disabled when exceeding 3.8 to 4.0GHz ).


K series overclocking benefits on different ASUS P67 motherboards

Quick Note Regarding Motherboard Stack – What does going higher in the board stack provide overclocking wise?
ASUS’ entire line of P67 motherboards features a class leading and high performance Digi+ VRM implementation that allows for superior overclocking performance; there will be differences between boards.
While our entire board lineup has been internally tested to fully support K series processors, when overclocking in multiplier ranges of 50 to 54x the higher end boards will benefit in two key categories.
1. Better Vdroop efficiency.
2. The ability to help drive and sustain a 50+ high load Overclock under maximum loads. Examples of boards that focus on this level are our Deluxe, WS, SABERTOOTH, and Maximus IV Extreme

K series overclocking multipier wall

Quick Note regarding the K series multiplier wall – Previous generations of Intel CPUs due to architectural differences had two aspects that could readily change OC scaling potential. These two factors were TDP (heat output under load) as well as core (CPU/VTT ) voltage being supplied. With previous generation cpus, improvements such as high end air cooling, water cooling or more extreme forms like LN2 in addition to extreme voltage increases could potentially provide increases in clock speeds on a continual ramp until the limits of the CPU were reached. This is not the case with K series on the P67 chipset.
In internal testing we have found that maximum multipliers in excess of 50 (up to 54) have been able to be realized with full stability under Air Cooling and with cpu vid voltages under 1.525V. In fact, the processors will actually start to downclock as they get colder with temperatures under -20C actually performing worse than the retail air cooler at times. The processors optimal range for performance is around 15~20C in our testing.
An example is noted below.
Should you have a CPU in hand that reaches a 47 multi easily ( posting/booting and running full stability tests at a set Vcore of 1.375V) you would then attempt to jump to the next multiplier. With the K series CPUs you may have reached the max multi regardless of the cooling or voltage used. Adjustments to either of these settings will not change the ability of the board and CPU to post at 48x. The only time it will continue to scale would be if the CPU in hand supports higher multipliers or can be finely tweaked to reach that next multi, in this case we suggest using the 47x multi and adjusting Bclk until you reach the limits of stability.
100BCLK + 47 Turbo Multiplier with Vcore of 1.375 and LLC ( load line calibration of ultra high = 4.7GHz
100BCLK + 48 Turbo Multiplier with Vcore of 1.400 and LLC ( load line calibration of ultra high ) = no boot
100BCLK + 48 Turbo Multiplier with Vcore of 1.425 and LLC ( load line calibration of ultra high ) = no boot
100BCLK + 48 Turbo Multiplier with Vcore of 1.450 and LLC ( load line calibration of ultra high ) = no boot
It is important to note that a post will still occur with a multi present that is at the multi wall. This is because only when the OS begins to initialize and the Turbo ratio is initialized ( kicks in and ramps up ) that Turbo Multiplier will be raised to defined multi at this point it will then cease to boot due to the multiplier wall being reached.

K series overclocking and voltage range recommendations

Quick Note regarding Voltage Scaling – Internal binning of both D1 and D2 parts we discovered consistent voltage scaling patterns.
1. For K series parts, the stock voltage supplied will allow for consistent overclocking generally up to a multiplier of 43x. There is potential for the multi to be raised to 44x depending on the load induced. This default voltage range be approx 1.240 to 1.260 under load.
2. Increased range between 44 to 47x multipliers will generally require a voltage range between 1.30 to 1.375V with an LLC recommended setting of high to ultra high.
3. Increasing the range between 48 to 50x multiplier will generally require a voltage range between 1.40 to 1.500 with a LLC recommended setting of ultra high.
4. Increased range between 50 to 52 (52 generally considered peak max multiplier except for rare 54x parts) will generally require a CPU voltage range between 1.515 to 1.535V with LLC at Ultra High and potential fine adjustments to the CPU skew range.

Overall a key item to note is the best voltage to oc scaling range potential for the turbo multiplier is 1.400 to 1.425 vcore. Using this voltage range with an LLC recommendation of ultra high will generally provide the best scaling potential with proper load temperatures*. We have generally found exceeding this voltage will not provide additional scaling or will increase load temperatures to a high level with synthetic load applications ( like Prime, Linx, OCCT ). Should you use more realistic loading testing (our recommendation is a combination of AIDA64 stress test, PC Mark Vantage) then temperatures under will be considerably under the max TDP rating.

*cooling recommendation and test performed with CoolerMaster Hyper 212+ with Single Fan, this is the minimum recommendation for multis above 46x. For 50+ multis we recommend a dual fan configuration with this cooler or improved cooling.
K series overclocking benefits from non CPU Voltage based adjustments ( UEFI values for power management , Cstates, PCH etc )

Quick note regarding bios values that should be adjusted

– Over a long test and tune cycle, ASUS has developed a class leading bios with superior auto overclocking. This superior performance translates to overclocking in two ways, manually or automatically via the use of our Auto Tuning application.
Keeping in mind that most retail K series parts will be sub 50 multi capable, our Auto Tuning application has been designed to Auto Tune up to a range of 50 should the CPU support it. In effect reaching the absolute maximum clock a user can reach manually. Additionally Auto Tuning can serve as a good option for seeing the potential in the CPU and max multiplier it may have before fine tuning the system.
An example is shown below. P8P67 (Standard) – 2600K, Hyper 212+, Corsair 1600C8 memory 4 dimm.

Should you continue with manual overclocking, these are the advised recommended values.

4.7GHz or Below
All bios values to Auto except for those noted-
CPU Turbo Multiplier
Dram Voltage to specification
Internal testing has shown Auto Values will allow for stability in all forms of testing including high synthetic high load applications (Linx, Prime95, Occt ). In the event general stability is not achieved in these synthetic high load applications, you can adjust the noted values for improved stability.
Digi + VRM options
VRM frequency to 350 – Requires setting to manual adjustment and entering the specified value.
4.7GHz and above
CPU Turbo Multiplier – To desired value
Dram Voltage to specification
Digi + VRM options
VRM Frequency change to 350 – this value will allow for scaling to 50+ multi without issues
Phase Control change to extreme – this value will allow for scaling to 50+ multi without issues
Duty Control change to extreme - this value will for scaling to 50+ multi without issues.
No other values need to be changed. Unless otherwise noted all other UEFI values used are AUTO.
K series overclocking and its affect on subsystem performance especially HD performance
Quick note regarding options that can affect subsystem performance
It is NOT advised to make adjustments to Cstates as this can considerably affect hard drive throughput performance ( especially SATA6G SSD or Sandforce 2 based SSD ). It is recommended that all CPU power configuration states be left on their default parameters. Overclocking tests have shown internally no increase in multiplier scaling when adjusting these values. * under special cases with high multi capable CPUs and synthetic high load applications ( Linx, Prime, Occt ) it may required C states to be disabled. This has generally only been confirmed for some 51-54 multi capable CPU’s.
K series overclocking benefits from adjustments to Digi+ VRM options
Advanced Digi+ VRM options recommendations
VCCSA
This has shown in internal testing not to improve overclocking, yet may still maintain the same level of stability while being lowered from its default value in order to keep the CPU cooler.
VCCIO
The adjustment of this voltage may help to slightly improve the overclocking capability of the IMC / DRAM, even though the default voltage is enough to run at a 2133MHz DRAM frequency. A 1.20v setting is more than adequate to maximize Memory overclocks in most cases.
CPU PLL
This setting did not improve overclocking, yet the user can maintain the same level of stability while lowering its default value in order to keep the CPU cooler.
PCH Voltage
This setting did not improve overclocking, yet the user can maintain the same level of stability while lowering its default value in order to keep the CPU/PCH cooler.
PCH PLL
This setting did not improve overclocking, yet the user can maintain the same level of stability while lowering its default value in order to keep the CPU/PCH cooler.
K series overclocking and how BCLK is affected and how to best optimize BCLK scaling
Quick Note for BCLK tuning
BCLK clocking is considerably reduced with this new CPU architecture and as such it is recommended to focus on Turbo Multiplier adjustments for overclocking. With that noted should you choose to make adjustments to the BCLK, ASUS has enabled extensive control to maximizing scaling.
Internal testing shows BCLK ranges from 102 to 109.1 with the largest level of scaling dependency placed on the quality of the CPU. CPU Frequency and speed is also directly tied to BCLK scaling. Internally we know that BCLK tuning largely depends on the CPU with approximately but we have noticed up to a 20% dependency on scaling potential based on the board design and PWM utilized.

At 4.9GHz, generally the maximum clock speed will not change with a different combination of multi and bclk in this particular example.
Example-
100x49 = 4.9GHz
103x48 = 4.9xxGHz
Generally the CPU will not do much more than what your maximum CPU multiplier range is in most cases. Keeping this in mind, we offer very fine adjustments down to 0.1x increments to allow for the maximum BCLK tuning.

Lastly when considering adjustments to the BLCK range, it is important to remember it will affect the memory divider/strap and DRAM frequency. Keeping this in mind you may want to adjust to a lower divider if your memory does not higher frequencies. This especially true when attempting to sustain 4 dimm and high memory density configurations with high BCLK and high Turbo Multiplier values.

Source: illuminatiASUS

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Additional Information for a quick OC guide.

Assuming you have a CPU that can execute and hold a 48-50 multi the screen behold will show you how to quickly enable a 4.8GHz-5.0Ghz OC. Note that not all CPU will hit above 4.8 but there are quite a few out there. Remember to read the text and not the photos as it may have some wrong information. Ill try and get some new screenshots.

1. Select Ai Overclock Tuner,Select Manual


2. Now see the expanded options for Turbo Ratio Control and select by number of active cores mode (Unadjustable in OS) this means it will be locked. Select By All Cores in OS means you can adjust it via aisuiteII.


3. Now manually defined 48 value in each of the core values ( 1 , 2 ,3, 4 ). Later you can even try 49, 50, or until you hit a wall.
4. Set your internal PLL to "Enabled" Depending on what your retail CPU is capable of ( which Auto Tuning should provide you an idea of ) Enable this option! This option is specifically designed for D2/Retail Parts and allowing for higher multi overclocks especially when at or exceeding 48x. Additionally this option can be used should you not have it enabled and generally cannot boot with a higher multiplier. It is advised to try this option after you have tried all other standard options. This option is not for increasing stability of a OC that can already post and boot into an OS.



5. Select Loadline Calibration,Select 75% which is suitable for our target of 4.8-5.0. This value will provide overall the closest load level of voltage to the value defined in the bios or AiSuite II


6. VRM Fixed frequency mode; enter a value of "350". This is best for sustaining stability at multis of 48x or above. This is key especially for running unrealistic loading testing such as prime or linx.
7. VCore Phase Control enabled Extreme this ensures the highest level of current and overall power delivery for the board under heavy loading.
8. Ensures the Digi+ VRM managment system ( Vcore PWM Mode) is balancing for the most power possible ( current as opposed to temperature ) generally only for 48x multi overclocks or above. If you're overclocked 4.8Ghz and above you should set this to extreme. Anything below 4.8Ghz T.Probe is fine



9. Select Manual CPU Voltage - This will allow for a consistent voltage to fed to the CPU to ensure stability. Keep in mind that should you want the most efficient overclock you will want to use offset as this will allow the voltage to track the VRD of the CPU and have the voltage fall and rise depending on the loading state of the CPU.
10. Enter a CPU manual Voltage ( Vcore ) value of 1.415 or 1.425

xeromist
Moderator
This is nice! Now I just need one of these boards 🙂
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station…

FlanK3r
Level 13
perfekt Brian!

xeromist: Ok will be some P8P67 EVO too ,-)
Who knows me, knows me ;)....AMD 3000+, AMD x2 4600+ EE, AMD X4 955 BE C2,2x AMD X4 965 BE C3, AMD X4 970 BE C3, AMD x4 975 BE, AMD x4 980 BE, AMD X6 1090T BE, AMD x6 1100T BE, 2x AMD FX-8120, 2x AMD FX-8150, FX-6300, FX-8300, FX-8320E, FX-8320, FX-8350, FX-8370, FX-8370E, FX-9370, FX-9590, AMD A8-3850, AMD A8-3870K, A8-5600K, A10-5800K, A10-6800K, A10-7850K, A10-7870K, A 5150, Athlon x4 860K, Intel i7-5960X, i7-6700K, Intel i7-4770K, Intel i7-980x, Intel i7 2600k, Intel i7-3770K, i7-3930K.

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FlanK3r wrote:
perfekt Brian!

xeromist: Ok will be some P8P67 EVO too ,-)


i just put up the p8p67 guide in the non rog board category

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nice

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my M4 is about to show up from Junkie, Brain who did all this?

was it you?

I have a few cherry picked parts, so i am going to drag the board into the lab and see what we can get out of it.

Evey SNB D2 part with PLL, I have seen OCed so far, has been able to hit 4.8+ ghz

Raja
Level 13
New beta BIOS for the MIVE

New 1407 bios

** Although it is marked as 1407 it is a latest -> newer than 1485**

Improved S3 resume
Upcoming Mem-TweakIT Support Added

http://www.freefilehosting.net/maxim...reme-asus-1407

Raja
Level 13
NEW BIOS

1409 , changes Over 1407 – adds bios rom flash back -> from one rom to another -> to fix problem of BCLK unable to change.
‘System will shutdown to do BIOS Flashback. Do not turn off AC while you see the ROG Connect LED blinking. It will take up to 8 minutes, please be patient.’


http://www.freefilehosting.net/maxim...reme-asus-1409