DFI LT X38-T2R LanParty - Living Review.

[Clunk]

Wolfdale E8400 First Tests & Overclocks.

My first impressions of the Wolfy are excellent, I seem to have a decent chip for a change, so let's have a look what we can make it do!

Starting off with a pretty easy overclock again.

400x9 3600Mhz 1.15v 800Mhz RAM 5-5-5-15 1:1 OCCT Stable.

Click on images for full size.




450x9 4005Mhz 1.2v 900Mhz RAM 5-5-5-15 1:1 OCCT Stable.




490x9 4410Mhz 1.4v 980Mhz RAM 5-5-5-15 1:1 OCCT Stable.

CPU-Z Validator Database





500x9 4500Mhz 1.4v 1000Mhz RAM 5-5-5-15 OCCT stable.

CPU-Z Validator Database



(Forgot to click the memory tab for the above CPU-Z shot )

510x9 4590Mhz 1.4625v 1020Mhz RAM 5-5-5-15 OCCT stable.




11/01 Genie BIOS Template for 510FSB as above - Only a few adjustments from stock, but keep in mind that I was using phase cooling so your results may vary.

CPU Feature
Thermal Management Control: Disabled
PPM(EIST) Mode: Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal: Disabled
CIE Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
Virtualization Technology: Disabled
Core Multi-Processing: Enabled

Exist Setup Shutdown: Mode 2
Shutdown after AC Loss: Disabled
CLOCK VC0 divider: AUTO
CPU Clock Ratio Unlock: Enabled
CPU Clock Ratio: 9 X
Target CPU Clock: 4590Mhz
CPU Clock: 510
Boot Up Clock: AUTO
DRAM Speed: 333/667
Target DRAM Speed: 1020Mhz
PCIE Clock: 100mhz
PCIE Slot Config: 1X 1X

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum: Disabled

Voltage Settings
CPU VID Control: 1.4625
CPU VID Special Add: AUTO
DRAM Voltage Control: 2.19v
SB Core/CPU PLL Voltage: 1.51v
NB Core Voltage: 1.55v
CPU VTT Voltage: 1.205v
Vcore Droop Control: Enabled
Clockgen Voltage Control: 3.45v
GTL+ Buffers Strength: Strong
Host Slew Rate: Weak
GTL REF Voltage Control: Disable - kept this disabled for the dual core, seems to work better at the moment.
x CPU GTL1/3 REF Volt: 110
x CPU GTL 0/2 REF Volt: 110
x North Bridge GTL REF Volt: 110

DRAM Timing
Enhance Data transmitting: AUTO
Enhance Addressing: AUTO
T2 Dispatch: Disabled
Clock Setting Fine Delay
Ch1 Clock Crossing Setting: AUTO
DIMM 1 Clock fine delay: Current
DIMM 2 Clock fine delay: Current
Ch 1 Command fine delay: Current
Ch 1 Control fine delay: Current


Ch2 Clock Crossing Setting: AUTO
DIMM 3 Clock fine delay: Current
DIMM 4 Clock fine delay: Current
Ch 2 Command fine delay: Current
Ch 2 Control fine delay: Current

Ch1Ch2 CommonClock Setting: Auto

Ch1 RDCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch1 WRCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch1 Command to CS Delay: Auto

Ch2 RDCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch2 WRCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch2 Command to CS Delay: Auto

CAS Latency Time (tCL): 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD): 5
RAS# Precharge (tRP): 5
Precharge Delay (tRAS): 15
All Precharge to Act: AUTO
REF to ACT Delay (tRFC): AUTO
Performance LVL (Read Delay) (tRD): AUTO

Read delay phase adjust: Enter

Ch1 Read delay phase (4~0)
Channel 1 Phase 0 Pull-In: Auto
Channel 1 Phase 1 Pull-In: Auto
Channel 1 Phase 2 Pull-In: Auto
Channel 1 Phase 3 Pull-In: Auto
Channel 1 Phase 4 Pull-In: Auto

Ch2 Read delay phase (4~0)
Channel 2 Phase 0 Pull-In: Auto
Channel 2 Phase 1 Pull-In: Auto
Channel 2 Phase 2 Pull-In: Auto
Channel 2 Phase 3 Pull-In: Auto
Channel 2 Phase 4 Pull-In: Auto

MCH ODT Latency: AUTO
Write to PRE Delay (tWR): AUTO
Rank Write to Read (tWTR): AUTO
ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD): AUTO
Read to Write Delay (tRDWR): AUTO
Ranks Write to Write (tWRWR): AUTO
Ranks Read to Read (tRDRD): AUTO
Ranks Write to Read (tWRRD): AUTO
Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP): AUTO
ALL PRE to Refresh: AUTO


*********************************************



More later

[Clunk]

Some more thoughts & Results - Post Phase.

517x9 4656Mhz 1.53v 1035Mhz RAM 5-5-5-15.

CPU-Z Validator Database

520x9 4680Mhz 1.53v 1040Mhz RAM 5-5-5-15.

CPU-Z Validator Database

522x9 4704Mhz 1.53v 1044Mhz RAM 5-5-5-15.

CPU-Z Validator Database

That's the last of the results with the phase unit for now, but I will grab a different Q6600 G0 very soon and run some more tests.

While testing with phase cooling, I found a couple of interesting things with the Wolfdale - Unlike any of the C2D and Quads I've used, the Wolfy ran out of steam, FSB/Mhz wise at a relatively low voltage of 1.53v, and would not go any higher than that 524x9 regardless of any other settings or voltages that were tweaked.



I also noticed that at more moderate FSBs (<500x9 for example), GTL ref and VTT tweaking became quite sensitive, in so much as the slightest tweak could cause instability. I didn't find any positive benefits from tweaking these settings with the 45nm dual core CPU. Once over 500FSB, the GTL ref and VTT appeared to have less of a tendency to cause instability, but in fact, didn't have much of an effect at all.

We know that GTL ref and VTT can be offset by higher temps, and if what I'm seeing is correct, the same appears to apply at sub zero (-40c ish) temps too. (I will try and confirm this after I have tested the Wolfdale with air cooling).

I was able to boot as high at 530x8, but the system was really unstable, and again, voltage had no effect.

At these kind of FSBs, the overclock recovery began to decline slightly, and CMOS clearing became a regular occurrence, as did error code 88 on the display, and absolutely no signs of life from the onboard switches at this point, however, a simple power off at the wall for a minute or so, a CMOS clear and then a restore of BIOS settings from CMOS Reloaded fixed it each time.

Update: 18-02-2008 - I fitted the E8400 with the Thermalright Ultra Extreme 120 today, and as others have found, the temps were reporting as being much higher than expected (40c+ idle at stock settings), so to avoid any confusion with the temps, I have decided not to go ahead with the Wolfdale air cooling tests. I believe that the CPUs sensor is faulty, or poorly calibrated, and as such, the results may be compromised or inaccurate. As soon as Intel releases a batch of fully functioning Wolfdale's, I will grab one and test with air cooling first.

Apologies to anyone that has been waiting for these results

The good news is that my replacement Q6600 G0 has arrived, so I will give that a run to complete this part of the review

[Clunk]

RAM Overclocking & Tweaking.

Overclocking the memory on the T2R requires a little more patience and understanding, and if you take your time, it should reward you with some nice overclocks (assuming your RAM is up to it in the first place!).

For much of the time, you can get away with many of the stock settings, but one thing I found was that the board can be quite choosy regarding the straps/frequency that it will boot at.

For this part of the review, all I am going to do is find the maximum stable memory clocks for my Ballistix PC2-8500 2x2GiB at 5-5-5-15 timings. I will add some more detailed info on the other overclocks available to us later on, and I will include CAS3 and CAS4 settings.

I am using the latest released BIOS (0111).

400x9 1280mhz RAM 2.3v Stable (forgot the screenie for this one).
CPU-Z Validator 2.1

420x8 1262Mhz RAM 2.34v Stable
CPU-Z Validator 2.1

Click on the image for full size.



430x8 1293Mhz RAM 2.36v Partially Stable (WPrime both tests).
CPU-Z Validator 2.1

Click on the image for full size.



This was as high as I could go without using "silly" voltage on the memory. As it stood, I was stable under WPrime (both tests), Superpi 32m failed after about 6 minutes, and I was using 2.36v on the Ballistix - I tried 2.42v, but I was unable to boot any higher.

CAS4 results to follow.......

[Clunk]

A few Final Overclocks With The Replacement Q6600 G0.

Nothing huge here, just a few more stable clocks at relatively sane voltages with air cooling courtesy of the Thermalright Ultra Extreme 120.

400x9 3600Mhz 1.3256v 960Mhz 5-5-5-15 5:6 - Prime Stable <4Hrs.
CPU-Z Validator 2.1

Click on the image for full size.



420x9 3780Mhz 1.425v 840Mhz 5-5-5-15 1:1
(CPU-Z validation to follow)

Click on the image for full size.



430x9 3871Mhz 1.44v 860Mhz 5-5-5-15 1:1 - OCCT, WPrime and Superpi 1m/32m Stable.
CPU-Z Validator 2.1

Click on the image for full size.



440x9 3963Mhz 1.462v 880Mhz 5-5-5-15 1:1
CPU-Z Validator 2.1

That's all for now, I will add more when I do them

[Clunk]

Conclusion.

The astute among you may have noticed that I’m not easily impressed with computer hardware , however, I have really enjoyed the last few weeks writing this latest living review, and here’s why....

Since the first X38 DDR2 boards were launched, we have been giving them a run, and we have a good idea of what each of the different manufacturers have to offer, and, to say it has been a bit of a rocky road is somewhat of an understatement!

The DFI LT X38-T2R has been consistently good across all the tests that I have conducted, and I honestly couldn’t find any major annoyances whatsoever. There were a few smaller niggles, but when put into perspective seemed pretty much irrelevant.

Attention to detail is something that DFI do well, and that is evident with their on board cooling solution. My only slight problem with the NorthBridge heatsink, is that larger CPU heatsinks such as the Thermalright Ultra Extreme 120 will only fit in the horizontal position (fan blowing downward) because the heatpipes catch on the main body of the NorthBridge heatsink. Of course, this is fixable with a bit of heatpipe bending, or filing of the NorthBridge heatsink, but I thought it was worth a mention.

Overclocking on the DFI LT X38-T2R is an enjoyable experience. If you do push things too far, the “bad overclock” recovery will allow you to restart and get back into the BIOS 99% of the time. Yes, there are times when the overclock recovery doesn’t work, but this only appears to happen when you are right on the very edge of your CPU or RAMs capabilities, so no worries there at all.

The BIOS is well set out and has some of the most comprehensive settings of any Intel board that I have seen so far, but the real triumph of this BIOS is that you don’t have to be a nerdy tweaker to use it (although a degree of nerdyness does help, especially if you want to do some RAM overclocking ). In fact, I was able to hit 3760Mhz on my Q6600 G0 (OCCT stable) with only a slight bump in Vcore (1.35v), which is higher than I have been able to go on any other X38 board at that voltage – That is great news for the people who want to grow with their board, rather than being thrown in at the deep end.

The layout is near perfect, and only let down slightly by the bottom of the RAM slots being covered by any larger graphics card in PCI-E1. As I mentioned in the P35 review, this isn’t a massive problem because DFI chose to use PCI-E slots that don’t have the locking lever/catch, so the graphics card can be easily lifted out to fit the RAM in place.

While I’m mentioning the layout, I should also point out that the clutter free CPU socket area is excellent for sub zero cooling. A definite nod to the enthusiasts there.

The bundle of accessories is well thought out, right down to the little tube of Shin-Etsu thermal paste for the NorthBridge heatsink, and even a spreader to spread it with (Heat Minataur – don’t get me started on the name )

It’s not all good news though. The supply of these boards for the UK is none existent at the time of writing this. Apparently, there is stock on the way to at least one UK retailer, and the sooner the better and hopefully the supply problem will be fixed in time for the DFI LT X48-T3R.

To sum up, I found the DFI LT X38-T2R to be a fantastic motherboard and it will be taking pride of place in my own main rig for 24/7 use. I would urge anyone that is in the market for a new X38 based motherboard to put this one on their shortlist - it's a gem!

Pros.

• Excellent Overclocking & Tweaking Capabilities.
• Great BIOS.
• Worked flawlessly with my E8400 Wolfdale processor (BIOS 0111).
• On board cooling is more than adequate and can be run passively.
• On board cooling isn’t joined together by heat pipes, so you can water cool the NorthBridge and keep the PWM & SouthBridge heatsinks in place if required.
• On board power/reset switches are very handy indeed.
• Incredibly user friendly for an enthusiast board.
• Sub zero friendly.
• Looks stunning.

Cons.

• RAM slots can be obscured by a graphics card in PCI-E1 slot.
• NorthBridge heatsink design can be incompatible with some large CPU coolers.
  
• No USB2/Firewire PCI bracket.
• Availability - Hard to find in the UK at the moment.

[supershanks]

Great photo set m8
Look forward to seeing what you can get out of it, you pammy jrat

luck



looks like big bro & little bro pretty sure i see a family resemblance.

[Beowulf1100]

Clunk nice to see another Living Review.

Looked around the net last night do not seem to be able to buy this board in the U.K.
Nice to have connection hey Clunk.

I do have a question I would like to ask if I may.
I am sure that you (and others) advocate the use of PC2-6400 memory, so why have you gone for PC2-8500?

Keep up the good work.

[Colossous]

Waits with great interest for the results on this baby !

[Clunk]

Originally Posted by Beowulf1100

Clunk nice to see another Living Review.

Looked around the net last night do not seem to be able to buy this board in the U.K.
Nice to have connection hey Clunk.

I do have a question I would like to ask if I may.
I am sure that you (and others) advocate the use of PC2-6400 memory, so why have you gone for PC2-8500?

Keep up the good work.

I thought ebuyer and possibly ocuk were going to have these in stock.

For overclocking and benching, Ballistix have been good for me (been using them for a while), but some boards can take a dislike to them, thats why I have the PC2-6400 kit as a backup

I will see if I can get any definite info on UK supply.

[Clunk]

Originally Posted by Colossous

Waits with great interest for the results on this baby !

Will have some results later on