Anybody using the 990X CPU?

[paulyg123 124]

I was wondering if anyone is using the 990X CPU. I have one set at 4.2 GHz and want to go higher. I can't seem to enter the BIOS. I bought this computer from Stealth Machines and they won't tell me how to get into the BIOS - if they do - they'll negate the warranty.. The ASUS Extreme III booklet doesn't say. Do you think I can push this to 4.5GHZ? or higher? I have seen 5GHZ, but the techie who built it said "O WAY" On start up it sats "TAB" to enter BIOS, but I keep on hitting it and it sends me to the window start up option - nothing for BIOS.

[NGX 1]

Try the del key

[dazz 69]

Paul, a 990X usually does 4.2 - 4.4GHz on safe voltage levels.4.5 most likely won't.5GHz... no way If you decide to try and OC it beyond 4.2GHz, make sure you know how to. Max Vcore is 1.375V for your chip.What's your current full load Vcore? and what are your full load temps?

[HumptyDumpty 423]

ooh you mean they locked the BIOS ? yes the del key should get you there. when you reach the POST screen press the Pause key it will show the keys to enter the BIOS.

[paulyg123 124]

Thanks, I'll try that. I need to report back on the Voltage and temps.

[TechguyMaxC 516]

Paul, a 990X usually does 4.2 - 4.4GHz on safe voltage levels.4.5 most likely won't.5GHz... no way If you decide to try and OC it beyond 4.2GHz, make sure you know how to. Max Vcore is 1.375V for your chip.What's your current full load Vcore? and what are your full load temps?

It's important to remember that Gulftown is also a 32nm processor and is highly overclockable. It's not as likely as Sandy Bridge to exceed 4.5 but I've seen 990x samples go above 4.5, one of the members here has one at 4.67 and Legit Reviews has one of their samples at 4.73. I was just reading a review the other day and noticed they had a 990x at 4.9 on air and even I was taken aback by that. Then there's OC3D which has a

showing their 990x hitting 5.2! I'm not suggesting that if you go out and buy a 990x today you're guaranteed to hit these clocks, just that it's not out of reach.

[dazz 69]

It's important to remember that Gulftown is also a 32nm processor and is highly overclockable. It's not as likely as Sandy Bridge to exceed 4.5 but I've seen 990x samples go above 4.5, one of the members here has one at 4.67 and Legit Reviews has one of their samples at 4.73. I was just reading a review the other day and noticed they had a 990x at 4.9 on air and even I was taken aback by that. Then there's OC3D which has a

showing their 990x hitting 5.2! I'm not suggesting that if you go out and buy a 990x today you're guaranteed to hit these clocks, just that it's not out of reach.

Yes, it's 32nm but it's still Nehalem, and I said safe Vcore Max. The absolute max Vcore is 1.375V and Alain has it at 4.67 but with 1.45V or something like that if memory servesTry to find a Gulftown at 4.5GHz or more, on 1.38V or less Almost all SB do 4.5GHz and more with that much Vcore (mine does 4.8GHz with just 1.36V)

[alainneedle1 97]

I have to use more than 1.45v to get 4.67GHz (by the way I have the 980X not the 990X).....Guru3D had to use 1.5v to get their 980X at 4.5GHz with the same mobo (Gigabyte UD-9)... http://www.guru3d.co...8a-ud9-review/1

Overclocking is not what it used to be, I'm not saying this in a bad way but any dummies can overclock the SB (K) up to 4.5 > 4.8GHz easy, raise the multiplier + the voltage and that's it. CPU degradation will happen with high overclock, how much and how fast will always depent on Vcore voltage and GHz, as for me I don't really care about degradation as I will (normally) get a new system every 2 > 3 years. Here is a review on the 990X that can give you some idea on how to overclock it, remember that no CPU will overclock the same (mobo, memory + will have an effect on the result), always keep a eye on the temp. http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cpu_mainboard/intel_core_i7_990x_hexcore_1366/1 I've been running mine for almost one year at 4.67MHz...so far so good...as I always said I have only one rule about overclocking and here it is....."If you can't afford to overclock...don't" ....good luck.