1st, I couldn't edit any of the refrence clock options in the bios. It wouldn't let me and i'm not sure why. I'm sure there is a setting I have to choose and reboot or something (Tried to enable the extreme profile and reboot, however it didn't let me get into the bios and asked me to choose an operating system instead). I tried editing the core multiplier, no dice. Booted up to windows, hopeless, and remembered the AI tweaker. Opened up Turbo Evo V and voila! I can now toy with bus core voltage and core multiplier settings. I don't know how many times i've read that overclocking via software should be completely avoided but I wanted to at least give it a shot...Considering it was the only way i could edit anything -.-
I first started at a core multiplier of 17. It was stable without changing anything. (bumped me up to 3.4ghz)
I then got cocky and decided to go straight to 18. Still stable in p95 for 5 minutes (4.5 tests, no errors)
I then got an even bigger grin on my face and upped the CPU Bus to 211, bringing me to 3.8. Ran p95, crashed. Added vcore one increment at a time until it was stable w/ no crashing at 1.40625.
My goal is 4Ghz on air (Coolermaster V8) I upped the Core MP to 19, brought the Core Voltage up in increments again, one for every "FATAL ERROR: Rounding was 0.5, expected less than 0.4". Finally got it to 1.46875 bsod'd, reset cmos, and here I am...at a comfy default clock of a whopping 3.2 xD I have a slight feeling it has to do with my ram timings now as I didn't even bother to set them up yet (I followed the little guide and had to reset cmos, i'm sure i followed it incorrectly).
Things I do know.
1. CPU Bus lets you increase core clock and decrease core multiplier.
2. Core multiplier obviously increases cpu clock speed.
3. Adding voltage in some cases is the issue, and adds stability.
4. Not to exceed a core voltage of 1.55, however I prefer not to exceed 4.8
5. Not to exceed 55 celcius.
So my friends, what is this novice missing?
MOBO > Asus Crosshair V Formula Bios Ver. 1102
CPU & Cooler > Coolermaster V8
MEMORY > G.Skill Ares 8GB
POWER SUPPLY > Corsair AX850
VIDEO CARD > Powercolor AX6850 x2
HDDs > 1 WD Caviar Black 1tb, 1 Corsair F60 SSD
BURNERS > Multi Asmedia port
SOUND DEVICE > Onboard
USB > Misc.
O/S > Win 7 Home Premium SP1 64 bit Build 7601