FSB Overclocking Results

Front Side Bus Overclocking Testbed
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 4000+ (San Diego)
AMD Opteron 170 (Toledo)
CPU Voltage: 1.400V (1.300V default)
Memory Settings: 2-2-2-5 1T - (12x)
2.5-3-3-7 1T - (10x)
2.5-4-4-10 1T - (9x)
Memory Voltage: 2.8V
Chipset Voltage: 2.1V
FSB Voltage: 1.40V
HT Multiplier: 5x up to 240HTT, 4x up to 315HTT
Memory: OCZ PC4800 Platinum Edition
Cooling: Thermaltake Big Typhoon
Power Supply: OCZ Power Stream 520
Maximum CPU OverClock (4000+): 237HTT x 12 (2846MHz) +19%
Maximum HTT OverClock (4000+): 315HTT x 9 (2835MHz) +57%
Maximum CPU OverClock (O170): 270HTT x 10 (2700MHz) +35%
Maximum HTT OverClock (O170): 315HTT x 9 (2835MHz) +57%

Our 4000+ CPU was hampered in overclocking by the lack of additional voltage. This CPU has reached 3.1GHz on 1.475V in past testing. The board definitely has the capability to overclock well, but will not reach its true potential without additional CPU and Memory voltages. At these overclock settings, the system was able to complete all of our benchmark test suites three consecutive times and run Prime95 and SuperPI without issue.

Our Opteron 170 faired better due to the lower voltage requirements of the particular CPU when overclocking. However, this CPU has reached 2.95GHz on 1.450V in past testing. We were able to reach 2800MHz with the 10x280 setting, but we could not complete our test suite due to memory issues. Our memory has been able to reach this HTT setting with 3.0V in the past, but we were limited to 2.8V with this board. At the 10x270 and 9x315 overclock settings, the system was able to complete all of our benchmark test suites three consecutive times and run Prime95 and SuperPI without issue. Overall, the board would make a very good platform for enthusiast level overclocking with additional voltage options.


Memory Stress Testing

Memory stress tests look at the ability of the ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2 to operate at the officially supported memory frequencies of DDR-400, at the best performing memory timings that the OCZ PC4800 Platinum Edition will support.

ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2
Stable DDR-400 Timings - 2 DIMMs
(2/4 slots populated - 1 Dual-Channel Bank)
Clock Speed: 200MHz
CAS Latency: 2
RAS to CAS Delay: 2
RAS Precharge: 2
RAS Cycle Time: 5
Command Rate: 1T
Voltage: 2.7V

The ASRock 939SLI32 was extremely stable with 2 DDR modules in Dual-Channel mode at the settings of 2-2-2-5 at 2.7V. We will now install all four available memory slots that result in more strenuous requirements on the memory subsystem than testing 2 DDR modules on a motherboard.

ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2
Stable DDR-400 Timings - 4 DIMMs
(4/4 slots populated - 2 Dual-Channel Banks)
Clock Speed: 200MHz (800FSB)
CAS Latency: 2
RAS to CAS Delay: 2
RAS Precharge: 2
RAS Cycle Time: 8
Command Rate: 2T
Voltage: 2.7V

The ASRock 939SLI32 was very stable with 4 DDR modules in Dual-Channel operation at the settings of 2-2-2-8, but required the command rate be increased to 2T that is typical in AMD Athlon 64 based systems.

ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2: Features Test Setup
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  • UJMA - Sunday, March 5, 2006 - link

    I see, I'm still interested to see how this Epox board overclocks, I look forward to the Anantech review. If its priced similar to the Asrock Sli but with better voltage options I will get one despite it being x8 x8 ... thanks for the info.

  • UJMA - Saturday, March 4, 2006 - link

    fantastic!!! I rate Epox boards highly, I'm waiting for that particular board to make an appearance in the UK ... I look forward to your results!
  • Redrider - Saturday, March 4, 2006 - link

    I am looking to build a system for my 15 year old son who does video editing as his system stressing function, not gaming. We do video editing on my own aging but still quite nice FIC AU13max, Athlon2500+, All-in-Wonder 9700pro, 1GB (2x 512)PC2700, system that I built 3 years ago (my only other previous build). I want to build a system that will be good for video editing primarily but provide for gaming should his gaming interest change from his Playstation2 to his PC. I would build my own system and pass my old system down to him like I did last time, but really like the DVR/home theater I have set up with my TV, JVC 9010VBK receiver, and AIW AGP card.

    Anyway, things sure have changed since my last build! I could use a bit of guidance. I am considering this board and would like advice on the least expensive (as a baseline, I will work my way up from there budgetarily) CPU, memory, video card, etcetera that would serve the aforementioned needs.

    To add a bit of complexity to my question (I hope this off topic diversion is ok) I had been considering a DFI LP UT NF4 Ultra-D mainly for the future potential if he gets into overclocking and such as well as the cool factor with a uv lighted case. Some reviews gave this poor marks for stability at the default settings which sent me looking elsewhere like here. Does the X2 support of the ASRock 939SLI32 warrant going with a dual core and this board for multitasking capability?

    Thanks for your assistance.
  • dab - Saturday, March 4, 2006 - link

    my $.02
    I just RMA'd a defective Ultra-D. The power requirements are very high, as it is capable of severely overvolting your hardware. It is also a very advanced board and may be difficult to use in many situations. Read at dfi-street.com before purchasing system components if you're serious about this avenue.
    Perhaps he would be better off with a less demanding, more user friendly board like the Asrock board or an Asus offering.
  • Redrider - Saturday, March 4, 2006 - link

    Thanks for the heads up. I was a bit apprehensive about the reviews referencing compatibility issues on the DFI. This ASRock seems interesting. Asus seems like people either love'm or hate'm. I tend away from mainstream as evidenced by my FIC Mobo which appears to be one of the last of the line. I guess I'll keep on looking to see what I come up with.

    If I go with the ASRock any component suggestions? Any other specific components that I should avoid?
  • Live - Friday, March 3, 2006 - link

    Great to see the new way of presenting the gaming benchmarks. The "min" numbers are especially useful. Nice and easy to understand as well. Keep up the good work! I hope you will continue to use this in all your gaming benches. With the reports/speculation of Nvidias next high end offering being close to ATIs X1900XTX in the sense that it will beat it in some and loose in others this extra info might be the decisive factor.
  • Missing Ghost - Thursday, March 2, 2006 - link

    I don't like it. The layout is not very good. The chipset heatsinks look crappy. It seems like the southbridge heatsink is too high and will be in the way of expansion cards. And why a 20 pin power connector? I want 24 pins, especially because this board supports sli. I think I can find better for this price, but maybe that's because I don't care about 16x pcie slots.
  • kelim - Thursday, March 2, 2006 - link

    Can anyone confirm what (if any) Zalman HSFs are compatible with this motherboard?
  • Gary Key - Friday, March 3, 2006 - link

    Zalman CNPS-9500 - Yes
    Zalman CNPS-7700 - No
    Zalman CNPS-7000 - I do not have this item but looking at the measurements it would be extremely close, taking the measurements off the 7700 unit in place it might fit but just as easily might not.
  • kelim - Saturday, March 4, 2006 - link

    Thank you good sir. The 9500 is what I'll be coupling with this baby.

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