Extreme Power Release

Overclocking Guide

MSI INTEL X79PLATFORMS

123

456

Processor Core

IMCMemory

PEG

DMI

X79PCH

ex: OC

BC

LK 125 M

Hz

CLKGEN Buffer (MSI Modify)

BCLK 100MHz

CLKGEN(CKXXX)

CPU BCLK Ratio(1.00X 1.25X 1.67X)

CPU BCLK Unit

Core i7 - 3000 Series

PC

Ie

Graphic Cards

4 ChannelDDR3-1600(OC DDR3-2400)

Intel X79 Overclocking SystemAfter launching the X58 platform, Intel launched this year the brand new X79 platform to replace the high-end desktop system. The process is codenamed Sandy Bridge-E, whose basic architecture can be considered as an enhanced multicore high-end version of the Sandy Bridge. Architecturally different from the previous X58 platform, the X79 is more complex than the mainstream P67/Z68 systems in overclocking terms, but this brings more fun

The following is an introduction of the overclocking system architecture for the X79 platform.

CPU RatioUsing the same grading of the Sandy Bridge, the X79 CPUs fall into the XE, K-SKU and non-K SKU grades. The XE and K-SKU are equipped with the maximum multiplier up to 57x; while the non-K SKU will be restricted by the Turbo Ratio Limit. Therefore, if you want OC, choose the XE or K-SKU.

CPU Base ClockIntel has included the “Ratio” concept in the base clock of the X79 this time, as the architecture of the X79 is “CPU Base Clock=DMI Clock X BCLK Ratio”. Although this allows users to adjust the CPU with greater flexibility, the whole thing becomes more complex and complicated overall. In order to make OC easier for most users, MSI has developed a brand new controller chip to automatically integrate DMI Clock and BCLK Ratio. This way, overclockers only need to adjust the CPU Base Clock for the chip to automatically tune the DMI Clock and BCLK Ratio. That is to say, this new chip from MSI makes CPU Base Clock OC simpler on the Intel X79 platform.

Memory RatioWhen compared with the P67/Z68, the X79 has added the Memory Ratio to the memory system, with the highest at DDR3-2400 (RAM Ratio 9X). Along with the flexible base clock combination, it is easier to configure different memory frequencies on the X79 than the Sandy Bridge.

X79 System Frequency Formula

CPU Frequency = CPU Base Clock x CPU Ratio

CPU Base Clock = DMI Clock x BCLK Ratio

RAM Frequency =133(MHz) x RAM Ratio x CPU Base Clock

100

BIOS Overclocking Items CPU Base ClockAdjusts CPU base clock. The BIOS will automatically tune the related settings with reference to CPU base clock ratio, in order to make base clock adjustment easier for users. After adjusting the CPU base clock, the memory frequency will be changed automatically.

CPU Base Clock RatioManually adjusts base clock ratio. Users who do not like automatic tuning for the CPU base clock can manually tune individual items from this option. After adjusting the CPU base ratio, the memory frequency will be changed automatically.

CPU RatioAdjusts CPU ratio. Large range adjustments are available only on the XE and K CPUs. This option will not change memory frequency.

DRAM FrequencyAdjusts memory frequency. This is the memory ratio setup option, with the maximum limit up to DDR3-2400(Ratio 9X). Although this option will not change the CPU base clock, users can change memory frequency by adjusting the CPU base clock.

Extreme Memory Profile(X.M.P.)Quickly activates the Intel’s XMP automatic memory OC function with suitable SPD timing value. However, users must use memory modules supporting XMP.

DRAM Timing ModeManually adjusts the SPD timing of memory. When memory OC has exceeded the XMP’s upper limit, users will need to adjust the SPD timing manually to successfully start the system.

Vdroop ControlAdjusts the load-line calibration. This feature can prevent system instability from CPU voltage drop in an OC operation. This option provides seven levels for overclockers to fine-tune their systems.

CPU Core VoltageAdjusts the CPU core voltage. When CPU frequency increases in an OC operation, it is necessary to increase voltage to ensure stable CPU operations.

System Agent VoltageAdjusts the voltage of the internal memory controller (IMC) in the CPU. Therefore, adjusting IMC voltage can improve memeory OC stability.

CPU I/O VoltageIt is also called the CPU VTT voltage. It is another IMC voltage. It can also improve OC performance when memory is running at high frequency in an OC operation.

DDR CH_A/B、C/D VoltageAdjusts memory core voltage. When overclocking memory, it is necessary to increase the DDR CH_A/B and C/D voltage to ensure memory stability. The X79 platform provides two individual voltage settings for memory, including one for channel A/B and another for channel C/D.

MSI has equipped all X79 mainboards with the brand new GSE2 UEFI BIOS using GUI to make BIOS setup more convenient and easier. The mainboard OC items are accessible from the OC (Overclocking Setting) icon on the left column. By clicking the icon, the OC Setting Menu will pop up.

Basically, the menu falls into two sections. The upper section provides options for frequency OC, and the lower section contains options for voltage OC. The following will point out the major options related to OC.

CPU Core Speed Overclocking Besides using the XE or K-SKU models, you will need a powerful CPU cooler when overclocking the X79 CPUs. This is because the X79 CPUs produce heat very easily. If you want to overclock, you must use a CPU cooler with performance superior to ordinary OC CPU coolers to handle the thermal problem of the X79 CPUs. Otherwise, burn-in will be very unlikely to happen even you have overclocked to 4GHz.

Simply adjust CPU ratio and CPU core ratio for CPU OC. Users can fine-tune system performance from CPU base clock, provided that they should consider the changes in memory frequency and adjust SA voltage and DRAM voltage to minimize OC failure.

CPU BCLK Overclocking

Reference setting ~ 5000MHz．CPU Ratio : 50X．CPU Core Voltage : 1.525V

The OC performance of the base clock of the X79 and Sandy Bridge is compared below. The X79 provides greater flexibility for users to try more combinations of CPU core speed and memory speed, making OC on the X79 more fun. Although MSI has equipped its X79 mainboards with an automatic base clock tuner, the base clock ratio will become a natural restriction. Therefore, the optimal ranges fall at 100MHz +/- 10%, 125MHz +/- 10%, and 167MHz +/- 10%. Therefore, when base clock OC fails, users can try adjusting the CPU clock ratio.

Lastly, as base clock adjustment will change core speed and memory speed, it is necessary to adjust the voltage of the relevant items or reduce their ratio to obtain better OC performance.

Reference setting ~ 160MHz．CPU Base Clock : 160MHz．CPU Base Clock Ratio : 1.67X．CPU Ratio : 22X．CPU Core Voltage : 1.36V

Memory Speed Overclocking With a higher memory ratio and greater base clock flexibility, the Intel X79 makes higher memory frequency OC a reality. In terms of DDR3-2400 OC, however, it is much more challenging to try OC on quad-channel than on triple- or dual-channel implementation. Therefore, quad-channel OC with DDR3-2400 is challenging to both mainboard and memory manufacturers.

Besides increasing DRAM voltage, SA voltage is another focus affecting memory OC. Therefore, it is necessary to increase SA voltage to a suitable level. Also, a wider memory timing range can help to increase memory OC capacity. However, as timing range must match the chip characteristics, there is no general rule for this part.

Reference setting ~ 2CH 2600MHz．DRAM Frequency :DDR3-2600．Timing:CL13-13-13-39 2T

Useful MSI OC FunctionsOC Genie OC ProfileDirect OC Button (Optional)

MSI also equips the X79 mainboards with the OC Genie software to facilitate users without much OC experience to overclock the CPU and memory more easily. OC experts can find the relevant OC settings from the OC Genie and save them into new profiles with the OC profile function from MSI to make further adjustments. Users can run OC Genie from the button on the mainboard or the BIOS.

The acclaimed Direct OC Button on the MSI P55 mainboards has revived in the MSI X79 mainboards. With the Direct OC Button, users can immediately overclock or reduce the CPU base clock frequency after entering the OS. For example, users can overclock the CPU base clock when playing games to enhance system performance. OC experts can enter the OS at a lower base clock frequency and overclock the base clock with the Direct OC Button to shorten the system loading time when entering the OS.

The OC profile function from the BIOS allows OC users to save the suitable OC settings for direct access to these settings in the future without adjusting them repeatedly every time. Also, the new version of the OC profile function allows users to output profiles to a USB storage device, without worrying about data loss from a BIOS crash. Also, users can share their OC experience with others. These makes the new-generation OC profile function a platform for OC knowhow exchange.

．CPU Core Voltage:1.43V．SA Voltage:1.45V．DRAM Voltage:1.8V

Tuning Item Default Increment Easy Normal Fun Danger Not Recommend

CPU Ratio 33 1 33~40 40~45 45~50 50~55 >55

CPU Vcore Voltage (V) 0.800 0.005 ~1.3 1.3~1.4 1.4~1.5 1.5~1.6 >1.6

Memory Frequency

(MHz)

DDR3-1333/

DDR3-1600

Depends on DRAM

Ratio & BCLK DDR3-1333~1866 DDR3-1866~2133 DDR3-2133~2400 DDR3-2400~2600 > DDR3-2600

RAM Voltage (V) 1.500 0.015 1.5~1.6 1.6~1.65 1.65~1.75 1.65~1.80 >1.8

CPU SA Voltage (V) 0.850 0.005 1.0~1.2 1.2~1.3 1.3~1.4 >1.4 >1.5

MSI X79 Platform OC Setting Reference Table

NoteThe reference value above is for Core i7-3960X C0 ver. Processor.The condition is based on air cooling.Increasing voltage may raise the success rate of overclocking as the risk of damage the CPU; thus,we suggest use the special design CPU cooler set to prevent the CPU from overheating.Below voltage value would cause the damage of component while under air cooling.．CPU Voltage:1.6V．CPU SA Voltage:1.5V．DRAM Voltage:1.8VWe suggest disable some item in BIOS,such as Phase Control and OverSpeed Protection.Increasing the CPU Core, I/O, PLL Voltage may help for OC ability on BCLK and Memory.

To overclockers, the Intel X79 will remind them of the OC experience on the Intel X58; i.e. the better the cooling capacity, the better the OC possibility. As the X79 CPUs generate great heat in overclocking, cooling has become an essential issue for overclockers. To extreme overclockers using LN2, the X79 will surely be an interesting and new challenge.

To ensure system stability in OC, the MSI has equipped the X79 mainboards with Military Class components. To OC novice, MSI provides the OC Genie, Direct OC, V-Check Point and other useful and thoughtful features. Along with this Overclocking Guide, it is believed that users of the MSI X79 mainboards will become OC experts very easily to enjoy the fun and ecstasy from OC.

Due to the thermal design power specification of Intel X79 processor is around 130W, so basically the CPU temperature would be higher while overclocking status. Therefore, please try to collocation with heatsink that capable to withstand more than 200W thermal consumption to avoid burning damage on CPU and mainboard.

NoteThe function ,specification ,data and pictures provided by this guidebook is only for reference. Please refer to the actual content through the official launched product or MSI official web site: www.msi.com

Cooler Configuration Warning

Conclusion

Poor Better