OCZ/Rebrands/M17 Overclocking Guide - CPU & GPU

*** WARNING: THIS MATERIAL IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS ***
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
I WILL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY YOUR CARELESSNESS

Ok, I'm going to throw this quick guide together for software OC'ing and BIOS OC'ing both the Extreme, and non-extreme CPU, as well as the Radeon Mobility HD 3870 w/ Crossfire. This guide will be revised, but this a quick how-to for those who are curious.
This guide applies to the following systems:
Alienware (Listed as the M17)
AVA Direct (Listed as the OCZNBIM17A Gaming Notebook)
CyberPower (Listed as the Gamer Xtreme M1)
Dark Smiley Systems (Listed as the Criterion)
DigitalStorm Online (Listed as the Dominator)
Hypersonic PC (Listed as the AC7)
Killer Notebooks (Listed as the Nagamaki)
Maingear (Listed as the eX-L)
PCs for Everyone (Listed as the Jetbook 8017)
Puget Systems (Listed as the M705i)
R & J Technology (Listed as the OCZ 17" Gaming Notebook)
RK Computers (Listed as the RKC-1756)
Xotic PC (Listed as the OCZ Force Extreme 840)
--thanks to ichime for reseller list/rebranded names

Necessary downloads:
AMD GPU Clock v0.9.8 utility to change clock settings

GPU-z v.0.2.8 for monitoring GPU Clocks

OCZ/M17 BIOS & KBC updates to have the most current available.

SetFSB v2.1.84.0 for adjusting the FSB, PCI-e, and RAM busses.

CPU-z for monitoring your FSB/CPU Clocks

HWMonitor v1.12 to monitor critical system temperatures

Bootable USB How-to from zfactor, need this to BIOS flash.


Newly Added 12-01-08 ***Fixed bad link. Now you can download
KillerSneak over at DoNotArgue.com just sent me a copy of the 8.11 Beta Driver he tailored, and I haven't had a chance to isntall it. However, he was supposed to have added support as the M88. Bout to find out. In the meantime here it is if you are interested. 8.11 DNA Beta Driver for Vista

Newly Added 12-07-08 - A must have! ATI Catalyst 8.12 Beta has been released.. it has resolved many issues with crossfire, including the FarCry 2 and Crysis performance problems. I highly recommend this download. Click this link to download your appropriate version. However, 8.10 is still the last Cat version to support the AMD GPU Clock utility. Hopefully the 8.12 Final will bring back the support.
_______________________________________________________________


A quick preface, overclocking your CPU and your GPU are both dangerous. This will likely void any warranty on your system, as you are using it for purposes it was not originally intended. Note to Alienware Owners(M17) - This voids your warranty, period. In addition to voiding warranties, there is a possibility that you will also ruin your CPU, power supply, monitor, GPUs, or the entire system. It is a lot of trial and error to find what offers the best performance, and also safe stability. I can not stress enough the importance of test, test, test for stability and err on the side of caution.

Let's get started!


First, let's make sure your BIOS is up-to-date.
Download the .27 BIOS and KBC .zip package. Once extracted you'll find 2 .zip files inside the package, 027bios.zip and kbc-8517.zip
Both of which will need to be extracted to a DOS Bootable device, such as a USB Flash drive or USB External floppy drive. Just to make things easy, on the DOS bootable media I created two folders, :\KBC and :\BIOS. Extract the contents of the zip files to their respective folders. Boot using the DOS media, and first flash the BIOS. From the BIOS directory, just type "p.bat" without the quotations and hit enter. It will then bring up the auto-flashing utility and begin flashing. Whatever you do, DO NOT TURN OFF THE COMPUTER OR INTERUPT THE FLASH. After the flash, a screen will appear prompting you to power-down if the computer hasn't already auto-reset. At this point you can power down and then power back up. The computer will likely cycle through 2 reboots or so without loading Vista or your USB device. That's normal, do not interupt. Once finished, it will boot up and should boot your DOS media again. Now go to your KBC directory and type the command "k.bat" - Let it go through its' processes and it should restart. Once updated, as the Intel BIOS Flash screen appears hit F2 to enter BIOS, and you'll see the BIOS is updated to the .027 version. If you now unplug the USB media you can reboot to Vista/XP.
Note to M17 Owners - This BIOS will allow for Overclocking Extreme CPUs. THE KBC will not update - don't worry, BIOS flashes perfectly. Also, it will void your warranty if flashed.


GPU Overclocking
Note: ATI Catalyst 8.10 Driver Package and previous versions hold clocks - 8.11 will not
Install GPU-z so that you can monitor the clock speeds of both GPUs. Some drivers seem to not hold the clock changes, so this is the easiest way to tell on-the-fly that your clock settings hold. Below is the stock clocks and GPU-z info.




Install the AMD GPU Clock utility, and execute. Below is your initial screen view.




There is a drop down box to the right of the video card description, if expanded you can select the second card on the list, and then you should see a screen pictured below with adjusted clock values.



Always choose the second GPU before adjusting any clock settings. I don't know why, but it seems to work without fail everytime. So, I do it everytime. I changed the clocks to 710/905 and hit "Set Clocks" - As you can see it slightly adjusts them based on card compatability.



Now, drop down your selections and choose the previous GPU. Notice the clocks are now @ 3d Performance Clocks.



Now you can go ahead and set the clocks here as well.



And, the finished product should now have GPU-z showing a change in clocks as pictured below. Make sure to check both GPU clocks match, and have been changed.


I'm not going to go into details for stability testing, or clock testing.. if you're unsure about any of the methods then I have found this to be a great resource.



CPU Overclocking
This is fairly simple, and I'm not going to spend a ton of time here. If you have an Intel Extreme Mobile CPU, then your BIOS will allow clocking up to 3.33GHz for the Duo Core x9100, and up to 3.3GHz for the QX9300. Also, the Q9200 is supported, but has had some issues. To the best of my knowledge, even though the multipliers are available in non-extreme CPUs, they can not be overclocked via BIOS. In this case..you would rely on SetFSB. SetFSB can also be used in conjunction with the extreme CPUs..but be careful, you're already overclocking the processor and now you're trying to overclock your motherboards bus speeds. This is much more likely to ruin your computer than overclocking the GPUs.

I recommend running CPU-z in tandem with SetFSB so that you can watch the clocks on both sides, and confirm changes as they happen. Here's my CPU-z info in conjunction to the SetFSB info. In order to use SetFSB you will need the PLL and it is shown in the pic below as well. Select the proper PLL and click "Get FSB".




Using the SetFSB sliders(upper set) you can adjust the FSB values as well as PCI-e(lower set). I only adjusted the upper slider on the picture below.




Keep in mind that the FSB is quad-pumped, meaning whatever your setting is x four = new FSB. And Bus speed x CPU multiplier = CPU Speed. The SetFSB website gives little details about usage, so trial and error once again was my learning method. To save you a little trouble, your RAM is 1066Mhz like the FSB. So, if you overclock you are also changing the clock speed of the RAM and depending on the RAM you have this can harm it or cause system instability. The lower slider is the PCI-e speed..and looking at my previous pictures you'll see my original PCI-e was 100.0, and it is now 99.8. Some have changed the PCI-e speed up to as high as 115, essentially overclocking the GPUs. But, this also overclocks all other PCI-e slots..such as Wifi, etc. From my research, no one recommends going over 110, and I personally havent gone over 101.8. Just do your research before toying with clocks. Oh, and if you're overclocking the PCI-e and GPU clocks as well.. be very careful, no one likes BSODs.

One last picture, this one is representing the full system OC. I've OC'd the GPUs..the Bus, and PCI-e, and here's where it ended up. Notice the Bandwidth of the GPU has increased as well as the Texture Fill Rate. Which means more performance!
Not saying this is stable, but just a finished example of all previous mentioned.




A finale note..
I highly recommend running HWMonitor and keeping an eye on temperatures throughout all of these processes, if you see any unreasonable temperatures then stop whatever you're doing and go back. Occassionally when using AMD GPU Clock, even if you have no stability issues while in progress..when you reboot you may get a BSOD right before Windows loads, with an error in regards to your video driver or internal power error. After the BSOD auto-reset, hit F8 to enter Windows Boot Choices, and select last known good configuration. I noticed that if I left the GPU OC'd and reset, then it would be less likely to get this BSOD.

I'm open to any input from your results both good and bad. And, I'll try to touch up some details when I have additional time. For now, this should suffice. Good luck, and be safe!

 

Great thread! +rep

 

Seems like a lot of work for a 2.4 percent boost in performance.

 

+rep e-wrecked, Also, I think you should mention that in addition to voiding your warranty when flashing the M17 BIOS, it will also void your WINDOWS VISTA KEY/LICENSE, so you'll have to obtain a retail or systems builder copy of Vista.

 

Nice post. Will probably be very helpful for all those that would want to risk screwing their system up. I would give ya a +rep but it told me I needed to spread the wealth around before giving it to you again.

 

+rep if that's how we are getting "rep" these days. Good on ya mate.

 

+rep E-wrecked I've known cpu oc but gpu no. this thread should be pinning.

 

+rep! Thank you for the detailed guide!

 

Nice detailed guide, thanks. Considering how much you have discovered about this system, a hardware set-up guide per how you tweaked your notebook to achieve max cooling & performance for those who plan to build from a barebones chassis would also be great if you have the time.

 

2.4? Took my 3dmark from 15k to 15815.. as the link in my sig shows. And 3dmark Vantage http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dmv=536251 will show 7600 or so. Which, is considerably higher than the stock 6500.. Actually, that's a 6-7% gain and a 18% gain respectively. And those are the differences in gains as compared to the 3.3GHz runs.. If compared to running from stock 3.06GHz runs, it would be considerably more drastic increases in performance.

and ichime;
you mentioned the BIOS wiping the Vista registration..you're right, the bios doesn't have a built in slic for Vista registration, however if your system came with vista installed then you have a serial number sticker on the base of your rig or with your copy of Vista. So, just re-enter it and you're activated.

 

hummm, it wont let me rep you e. guess i need to hang around and find some people helping others so i can rep them and get back to you...lol

 

+rep but still why my qx9300 is getting a 3200 score from 3dmark06? By the way the bios allows the multiplier to 12/5 which brings the speed to 2.8GHZ and then I could get the clock speed to 3.1ghz via setfsb but still getting low scores. By the way when I overclock the GPU to anything above 700 and 900, the lows go way down. For example at the first scene I see 18 where with the stock setting it is always above 25. Do you know why?

 

Make sure you're OCing both cards? And, it's all trial and error ali. You're using the BIOS download I posted? And..not sure about the 3dmark CPU score, that does seem low. Very low considering quad core.. Is that cpu score with all settings stock?

 

Well all stock is around 3k. I am oc ing both cads by doing what you described. I am using drivers from AW tough. Minedid not come with any drivers from xoticpc. And when I modded 8.10 for some reason cards worked like single card (low fps). Also is there a way to uw the quad cores?

 

ali.. aw drivers...that's a big NO!. lol

guess you haven't checked the 3870 vs 8800 thread yet.

and your cpu should be in the 4k range so make sure it is recognizing your qx as a quad in device manager.

 

I am updating the BIOS now. Creating a bootable USB drive is a pain in the neck man.

Also which driver should I use with the GPUs. Should I try 8.10 again?

 

yea.. go with the download from OCZs website. I think the m88 download.

 

You're correct e-wrecked, it is a 6+ percent boost. I didn;t really do the math, but rather was commenting on the general pointlessness of overclocking these days.

Listne, I think it is cool you mustered a 6+ percent gain, but overclocking these days is of such marginal value that I always worry when I see threads like this that it encourages people to take needless risks.

Back in the day, when you would overclock an 300 mghtz k6-2 processor to 500 mghtz, you were talking overclocking. Nowadays it is more of a "See, I can overclock" statement then achieving any real world gain in performance.

But, don't take it personally. Props for the effort.

 

There's some sense in what you say, but at expert level gaming, every frame counts. A one percent increase in CPU performance could mean the difference between victory and defeat which, in itself, is significant.

Having said that, overclocking rather amounts to science where the ramifications of even a slight variance in computer performance could yield huge results, particularly if you regularly work in the extreme upper end of your hardware's capability. Granted, most people don't push their computers to their absolute limit, so overclocking wouldn't be of much use for those people; for them it's just as purposeless as beefing up the engine on their family's Honda Accord.

The overclockers are the Formula 1 drivers and their teams, who could use all the advantage they can get, even if it means a mere 0.5 percent gain in engine performance, fuel or tire efficiency. At that level, I'm sure those even miniscule gains make a huge difference.

- F

 

Ok, I updated the BIOS to the new version and now at 11.5 I get 3.06 ghz. 12.5 gives me 3.4 or something like that but I wasn't able to get into windows without the system locking up. So I guess 3.4 is not a good idea. CPU-z and everest shows the clock speed at 3.06 now. (Well CPU-Z reads 2.996). Anyways I tried OCZ drivers and for some reason after the installation, I get an error for the second card. Basically at the device manager the second card has a "!" sign and when I try to use the have disk method it says my current driver is the latest version and it does not do anything. I get 3dmark06 score of 11K without any OC (which sucks). When I install 8.10 device manager shows 3870x2 and the performace is still low (12.5K without OC). The only driver which took me above 14K was AW drivers and even in that case after GPU OC to 700/900 I get 14.2K which is still low. Can somebody upload a driver that should work for this system? My temps are also on the high side. CPU idles at 50C and goes upto 90C after 5 minutes of Orthos. I tried undervoldting and lowered the voltage from 1.3125 to 1.2250 which lowered my max temp to 85C but the idle temps are still around 50C. Oh by the way I am running vista 64 bit sp1.

 

Ali, remember the NVIDIA clean install method for drivers? Same thing goes here. Remove driver via device manager, then ati thru control panel programs, and then reboot to safe and driversweep it. Make sure you're installing over the Standard VGA Display driver.. Try here: http://www.driverheavendownloads.net/ati.htm - You'll find good variety

 

Ok..since I was benching DMC4 for another thread, just thought I should post the comparison here as well. This is running the DMC4 Benchmark Demo @ 1920.1200 Native resolution, all settings maxed, and no overclocking on the GPU or FSB.





Now, this run is same settings @ 1920.1200 & just GPU overclock. You'll notice approximately a 10% gain by bumping the clocks. Not too shabby. And, I didn't really push the system. Just for comparisons sake.




So, I thought it only be right to post results..not just methods, for OC'ing.

 

Thanks E. I'll give it another try. I was doing the driver changes in the safe mode but was not using the driver sweeper. I'll try that and give it shot.

 

Ali, I am adding a new Video driver to the original post.. This was tweaked by KillerSneak @ DNA - Link is now available for download in OP.

 

you mean 12-1-08 . I wish I could travel back in time (more time to study for tests I was too lazy to stufy for). I'll download them and try it when I get home.

 

lol.. im installing now.. and editing my time travel experience..

 

I wish I had an hour each day to spend time on this computer. So I should get 17K 3dmark06 with the new driver, right E? Just kidding

 

sure...just disable a few things and you'll be good to go....lol

j/k

 

Like disable the ati gpus and put 9800gtxs in sli?

 

naw...the GPUs are all good man. And, I tested that 8.11 driver. I haven't thoroughly tested it, but it seems solid. I haven't had a driver that really just blows me away yet. But, it's all good. The DNA driver won't overclock though. And, I sent KS a note asking some favors..we'll see where it ends up.

 

nope!...it was more of a 3dmark06 joke

LOL

 

ok, I tried the driver. Same problems as before, and I see no significant performance improvements.

 

yea.. I was noticing the resolution problem. Havent tried it in FC2 yet. That's the only game that seems to have issues with my crossfire setup. And, well.. Crysis prolly does too, but I haven't benched it recently and can't remember. I asked KS if he can look into the resolution thing. It's quite annoying.

 

Dude, I was joking too but I don't see as many posts from you in the sager part as you do here. I think you have some deep feelings to this computer

Anyways beside FC2, Crysis and starcraft (joke), is there a game this machine runs poorly?

 

E-wrecked, Can you do the max oc'ing and run DMC4 test? I wanna see max performance from 3870+x9100 all oc'ed

 

Well.. see the previous DMC score? That's with GPU OC. I don't think the FSB is gonna make a real big difference. But, lemme just give it a go around and find out.

 

thank for your try

 

wow! never thought i would hear that from you. but i guess we learn something new every day.
and to answer your other question... no one is bragging in the sager forums about their computer is best in the world.

 

Yeah, as a whitebook owner, I feel the urge to show the world that my lappy can beat np9262 (even in only one thing).

 

E-wrecked, what sort of extra cooling are you using on your laptop, if any?

- F

 

I just use a Targus Stand to keep the system up and allow airflow underneath. No cooler or anything like that.. Also, there are a couple of filters which restrict airflow on the base.. I've removed 3, strategically, to allow for better airflow where I felt it was needed. Still considering heatmod'in it. I am tempted to place a couple vents over the slave GPU because I dont think it gets enough airflow. Anyhow, for the time being I'm running stock. And if no targus stand with me, then I prop the rear with a Crysis DVD case simplicity.

 

I don't think any of these systems are capable of running a game 'poorly'

we are all merely comparing the maximum performance of these systems eh?

Although, it wouldn't be crazy to think that there will be more games in the future that have the same performance flaws as some of the games out now. It would suck if a driver update does not fix the 'poor' performance.

IE. whatever is plaguing the the FC2 performance could plague the very next great game out there.

 

I've been researching coolers extensively the past few days. I'm convinced the best boil down to the NZXT Cryo LX and Zalman NC2000. As to which of these I choose, I'll have to have someone determine for me where on the bottom of my pending M17 the most heat is generated so I could choose accordingly.

- F

 

i just broke down and bought the nzxt. and it seems to be holding it's own.

 

Expensive piece of kit, the NZXT. Where'd you score it from and for how much?

- F

 

well, i got mine from a california distributor, but you can find them online.

 

I'm using a customized NZXT Cryo LX cooler. Even the original one is better than the Zalmann cooler from my experience. The NZXT's fan placement is optimal for where the heat-producing components of the OCZ and even the Sagers are located.

 

Which would be optimal for my rebranded Whitebook. Good news then. I managed to find the NZXT at a Canadian retailer for a relatively good price. Order placed.

- F

 

def better than the zalman. i took both zalmans back

 

meh, i ordered some COOL BALL from DX for 3 bucks, I think it's the best performance/price ratio for cooling notebook.