Overclocking
As I’ve already alluded to, overclocking the i7 isn’t that different from overclocking the Core 2. Raise the BCLK, and the memory speed, QPI, and Uncore all go up. Kick up the CPU voltage some if you need stability. Lower the CPU Clock Ratio and we lower the CPU operating frequency while leaving the buses at elevated speeds. Pretty simple, especially if you are already experienced with the LGA 775.
There are a couple of differences though. As I mentioned earlier, the Uncore should be twice the memory speed, due to a logic thing in the processor. Also, as the QPI rises, you may need to increase the QPI voltage to get stability.
After a lot of experimentation, I actually got a 4.0gHz overclock. Folks, that is a 50.4% increase over the stock 2.66! What more can I say?
To get there, I set the BCLK at 200, and left the CPU clock ratio at 20. In the CPU Advanced Features menu, I disabled all EIST functions, including Turbo Boost, to eliminate any of those functions being the culprit of a failed overclock.
I also decided to leave the memory at the speed it ended up at with a 200 BCLK, DDR3-1600. Though well under the memory’s capabilities, I didn’t want changes there to hinder my overclock either.
Then I cranked up the Vcore and QPI voltage for a little stability help, and enabled Load Line Calibration. After Windows launched, I did a quick stability check with SuperPi 1M. With a score just a hair above 10 seconds, after cleaning myself up a little, I decided that the i7 920 is definitely an overclocking monster, well supported by the Gigabyte EX58-UD4P.
