7672(Z68A-GD80 (B3)) OC Guide-(for Web)

Z68A-GD80 (B3) Overclocking Guide �

By the launching of the Intel P67 platform, MSI P67 series mainboards have become the first choice for PC players. Following after the Sandy Bridge platform, the new released Intel Z68 chipsets, enhancing the CPU and GPU overclocking abilities, are standing on the top position of the Sandy Bridge families in desktop field.

Overview

Recognize the Sandy Bridge Platform

Easy OC for Sandy Bridge ~ OC Genie II

Military Class II Materials

Multi-Graphics Cards Gaming Design

Reach the Higher SATA6Gb/s Performance from Sandy

Bridge

Power Super Speed USB

OC Notice : Cooler Configuration

Manual OC Overview

OC Ability Reference

Z68A-GD80 OC setting reference table

Other Features on Z68A-GD80

Conclusion

Contents

NoteThe function, specification, data and pictures provided by this guidebook is only for reference.

Please refer to the actual content through the official launched product.

� Z68A-GD80 (B3) Overclocking Guide Z68A-GD80 (B3) Overclocking Guide �

OVERVIEW

Z68A-GD80, based on the P67A-GD80, embedded the Intel Z68 chipset, is the

latest generation of the high-end product.

Z68A-GD80 also includes Native SATA III (6Gbps) support, three PCI-Express

X16 slots, ample USB 3.0 ports, and Military Class II material. This powerful

combination allows for more flexibility, giving users more power to customize

their computer.

Sandy Bridge CPU

& GPU Overclocking

Available –

Z68A-GD80 (B3)


Recognize the Sandy Bridge PlatformDespite design and architectural similarities between the Intel Series 60 chipsets for the brand new LGA1155 processors and the previous Series 50 chipsets for LGA1156 processors, none of them are compatible. In addition to the integrated GPU, the Sandy Bridge is equipped with more demanding OC restrictions. That is to say, it is less flexible than any LGA1156 processors.

OC : You need K SKU CPUFirst, Intel has restricted base clock OC of Sandy Bridge processors, and the average BCLK OC range is about 10%. Given that the default BCLK of the Sandy Bridge is 100MHz, the OC range will fall within 110MHz. When compared with the processors of previous versions, the range is far less. In other words, we can only adjust the CPU ratio (multiplier) to run OC on the Sandy Bridge processors, and the K series processors without ratio block will surely be the primary choice for OC power users.

Sandy Bridge CPU OC Ability Comparison

K SKU i7 i5 i3

Base Clock

CPU Ratio

GPU Clock

Chipsets OC LimitedApart from the range limit of processors, the design of the Series 60 chipsets also differs. Although the OC features of the P55 and H55 chipsets are similar (depending on the mainboard design), it is necessary for consumers to carefully select the Series 60 chip-sets in order to run OC on their systems. Despite the fact that the GPU is integrated with all Sandy Bridge processors, users are advised to choose the K-series processors and P67 & Z68 mainbaords in order to ex-ert the power of CPU OC. However, when one wants to run OC on the GPU integrated with the processors, the H67 and Z68 platforms will be the choice. Simply speaking, it is impossible to run GPU OC on the P67 platforms or CPU OC on the H67 platforms. But both OC available on the Z68 platforms.

=Adjustable at a limited range.

Sandy Bridge Platform OC Ability Comparison

P67 H67 Z68

Base Clock

CPU Ratio

GPU Clock

=Adjustable at a limited range.

=limited adjustment by HW design.


Previously, MSI provided OC Genie to simplify overclocking for the P55 mainboards. Today, MSI’s Sandy Bridge boards feature the next genera-tion OC Genie II. Since Sandy Bridge base clocks are now limited, the new OC Genie II will take CPU ratio ,GPU ratio, CPU voltage, and XMP into consideration when overclocking various CPUs. With a press of a button, the OC Genie II will overclock the CPU beyond what is possible with Intel Turbo Boost. (GPU overclock only on H67 and Z68 platforms).

Once the system is shutdown, depress the OC Genie Button, and the CPU will automati-cally be optimally over-clocked. While it is possible to disable OC Genie from the BIOS or Control Center II, it is not recommended.

MILITARY CLASS II MATERIALSContinuing the premium-quality material design tradition, apart from delivering a longer lifespan, the MSI Z68A-GD80 mainboard makes OC operation more stable.

Hi-C CAPHi-C CAP, Highly-Conductive Po-lymerized Capacitor, uses high electric conduction polymer as internal electrolyte, featuring the small size and high ca-pacity, which are commonly used in many electronic products such as laptop computers, satellites and so on.The main reason Hi-C CAP can be applied in high tech and precise machine is that the special Core brings low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), low electric leaks (Leakage Current) and larger adaptation range of ambient temperature scope. High ESR and Leakage current cause not only unstable system but also the life cycle reduction of spare part. The Hi-C CAP performance inESR and Leakage current both surpass the present mainstream Solid CAP, not to say the obsolete EL CAP. Being as for the whole, Hi-C CAP stables the motherboard power output, enhances the power transference efficiency and has the adjustment function when Inrush Current (burst electric current) occurs. Naturally, the power loss is extremely low, brings the greatest superi-ority either in overclocking operation or life cycle.

Incredible lifetime

Less Leakage

Tem

pera

ture

Lifetime

Office

Gaming + Bad condition85oC

65oC

112,000 hours

12.8 years

449,000 hours!!

>50 years

Hi-c CAP

82.5 µA

Solid Cap 1250 µA

Leakage Current

Higher is better

Lower is better

15x Less LeakageMore stable power outputHigher power efficiency

Enhance OC Gunie II performance to 20% with Core i7-2500K

P1720

P2487

1309

1920

46% UPIntel Turbo Boost

MSI OC Genie II

3D Mark Vantage 3D Mark Vantage GPU

Easy OC for Sandy Bridge ~ OC Genie II


Multi-Graphics Cards Gaming DesignESR Comparison

Solid Cap

5 mΩ

Hi-c Cap

< 5 mΩ

EL Cap>20 mΩ

ESR (mΩ) Lower is better

SFCTo reach the lower power consumption, Z68A-GD80’s PWM adopt Green Choke design, SFC (Super Ferrite Choke), utilizing the latest material tech-nology - iron core. The material's exclusive physical character allows SFC automatically to adjust the inductance value for optimal power efficiency based on the system's loading. During light loading such as surfing the net or running 2D operations, SFC can help provide up to a 20% improvement in power efficiency compared to a normal ferrite choke. For heavier loading such as playing 3D games, SFC’s ultra-low impedance still helps to maintain a low operating temperature. Even when overclocking to the max, Super Fer-rite Choke offers an incredibly stable supply of power. Clearly, SFC can satisfy every possible power demand and usage scenario.

SFC provides over 20% power efficiency improvement during light loading. Ultra-low imped-ance ensures low operating temperature and stable power supply when overclocking.

MSI Z68A-GD80 is equipped with three PCI-E x16 slots to support 3-Way CrossFire as well as 2-Way SLI, allowing users to maximize their gaming expe-rience with Nvidia and AMD graphics cards.

Multi-VGA cards system configurationMainboard Z68A-GD80 (B3)

BIOS H0D

CPU Core i7 2600K

Memory Kingston KHX2000C93T1K/6GX*2

Graphics Card Nvidia GeForce GTX480/ ATI Radeon HD 5870

HDD Intel SSDSA2MH080G2GN

PSU XIGMATEK NRP-HC1001 1000W

OS Windows 7 64bit RTM7600

Z68A-GD80 (B3) PCI-E Configuration

PCI_E2 X16 X8

PCI_E4 ---- X8

PCI_E5 X4

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ATI CrossFire 3DMark Vantage Benchmark Comparison

1-Way

2-Way

3-Way

ATI CrossFire 3DMark Vantage GPU Score Comparison

1-Way

2-Way

3-Way

P19954

P29200

18973

31656

Nvidia SLI 3DMark Vantage Benchmark Comparison

1-Way

2-Way

Nvidia SLI 3DMark Vantage GPU Score Comparison

1-Way

2-Way

P23184

P36938

19219

32698

P32964

37920

REaCh thE hIGhER Sata6GB/S PERfORmanCE fROm SandY BRIdGEUnlike previous Intel chipsets that only supported SATA 3Gb/s, the Sandy Bridge Z68 now has two native SATA 6Gb/s ports. MSI’s Sandy Bridge series can utilize the full potential of solid state drives to deliver high performance read and write. Note that SATA 6Gb/s ports are now indicated by their white coloring.

SATA 6Gbps

SATA 3Gbps

SATA Performance Comparison

To ensure the hard disk transmission rate is optimized, it is strongly recommend-ed to use SATA 6Gb/s SSD. Even create a RAID 0 disk system with two hard disks that support SATA 6Gb/s.

�� Z68A-GD80 (B3) Overclocking Guide Z68A-GD80 (B3) Overclocking Guide ��

USB 3.0 has become the accepted standard for high-speed transfer. As a response to the growing demand of USB 3.0, the Z68A-GD80 breaks through previous limitations by including two NEC USB 3.0 chips to increase the num-ber of USB 3.0 ports possible.

The blue USB ports or pinhead-ers supported by two USB 3.0 chipsets all provide USB 3.0 super speed data transmission.

Power Super Speed USB

USB Performance Comparison

USB 2.0 USB 3.0

To ensure the hard disk transmission rate is optimized, it is strongly recom-mended to use USB3.0 SSD.

Well-controlled temperature is sure to enhance overclocking capability. The higher the CPU temperature rises, the higher risks of system instability and overclocking failure may cause. According to our clinical test, temperature of the boxed CPU fan of Intel may exceed 50 easily during OC usage due to its small-scale cooling design. That is why changing a high-efficiency CPU fan with better heat dissipation is recommend, radiation fan for instance, seems to be a better solution for both of CPU and PWM. Furthermore, if you intend to push your hardware to the limit, then CPU-LN2 would be the best choice of all so far.

OC nOtICE:COOLER COnfIGURatIOn

Intel official boxed CPU fanThis is the original boxed LGA1155 CPU fan, and it’s not suitable for overclocking due to its small-scale cooling design.

Better to use enhanced cooler setThe dissipation effect of the enhanced cooler set is better than that of the origi-nal factory fan.

The special design cooler set of overclockingIt takes the illustrated proprietary design cooler set to lower temperature and avoid system instability.

Not recommend

Acceptable

Better


Manual OC OverviewStarting from the Sandy Bridge series, MSI will now adopt the new UEFI BIOS as well as Click BIOS into its products. Previously, overclocking options were listed in the “Cell Menu” those options can now be accessed by clicking on the “OC” picture.

Frequency SettingLimitations of CPU base clock introduced by the Sandy Bridge series means that there will only be a limited range of adjustment. Therefore, to over-clock effectively, we will have to mainly increase the CPU ratio and leave CPU base clock to make fine adjustments. The range of possible CPU ratios based on the CPU will be reflected in the BIOS. Also, users were advised to shut down the Intel Turbo Boost when running OC manually. On the Sandy Bridge processors, however, users are advised to turn the Intel Turbo Boost in order to obtain the unexpectedly great OC effect.

Note that the Memory Frequency adjustment is also limited by CPU base clock. With the default 100MHz base clock, the possible memory frequency are as follows: DDR3-800MHz, DDR3-1066MHz, DDR3-1333MHz, DDR3-1600MHz, DDR3-1866MHz, and DDR3-2133MHz. Any overclocking to the memories will require adjustments to the base clock.

Voltage SettingCPU Voltage, CPU IO Voltage (VTT), DRAM Voltage, System Agent Voltage, and etc can be access in the “OC” options. The parameters relevant to CPU overclocking are CPU Voltage and IO Voltage. The parameters relevant for memory overclocking are DRAM Voltage and IO Voltage. In addition, Internal PLL Voltage affects K SKU CPU’s overclocking ability; we recommend turning on this option when overclocking. Important to note that the CPU has built-in protections that will decrease CPU ratio if the CPU is too hot; thus, when increasing the voltage, be aware that there may be circumstances where more higher voltage may lower system performance.


Advanced Memory Timing SettingUsers can assign different settings for particular channels of memory. This has the advantage of individual memory parameter optimization, even using the different memory specifications. When you set the detailed parameters, and don’t know where to start with values, you can refer to the bottom of the Current memory values list in the gray font block to set the appropriate parameters for overclocking and not too far off the mark.

CPU FeatureThe CPU Feature menu can be used to adjust settings such as Execute Disable Bit, Virtualization Technology, Power Technology, C-State, etc. The Long/Short Duration Power Limit setting in particular can be used to adjust CPU TDP wattage limit. These two settings will affect the processor when it is under heavy load but will not affect CPU ratio.

OC Ability ReferenceLet us try out the Intel i7-2600K on the Z68A-GD80! Below are the overclock-ing capabilities of the system.

• CPU Voltage: 1.520V• CPU Ratio: 52

• Base Clock: 100MHz

Reference setting : 5200MHz

Demo system configuration

Motherboard Z68A-GD80

BIOS H0E

CPU Core i7 2600K

Memory Kingston KHX2000C93T1K/6GX*2

Graphics Card MSI Nvidia GeForce GTX470

HDD Intel SSDSA2MH080G2GC

PSU XIGMATEK NRP-HC1001 1000W

OS Windows 7 64-bit Ultimate RTM 7600

Note: Although the BIOS is the Beta edition, but the function will be added into the official edition.

Max CPU Core SpeedPrevious platforms based on the P55 and X58 chipsets can overclock up to about 4GHz~4.2GHz with air cooling. The unlocked ratio of the LGA 1155 K SKUs allows the new CPU to overclock even further. K CPUs depend on CPU ratio to overclock, while using base clock to make finer adjustments. CPU voltage can be controlled with the VCore Voltage setting. CPU I/O voltage should also be adjusted in with respect to base clock. In addition, changing Vdroop voltage to Low Vdroop will increase stability for systems under heav-ing load. Extra care should be taken when using Low Vdroop, as voltage can be erratic as well under heavy load.

• Internal PLL Overvoltage: Enabled


Max Memory FrequencyMemory overclocking on the Sandy Bridge is limited by the Memory Ra-tio. Memory frequency can only be set to 800MHz, 1066MHz, 1333MHz, 1600MHz, 1866MHz, or 2133MHz. In other words, the most stable memory overclock that can be achieved with XMP is 2133MHz. To increase the frequency even further, the Memory Ratio will need to be adjusted along with CPU base clock and voltage.

• CPU Voltage: 1.35V• CPU IO Voltage: 1.35V

• DRAM Voltage: 1.65V• CPU Ratio: 33

Base Clock: 102MHz

Reference setting : DDR3-2176MHz

Z68a-Gd80 OC SEttInG REfEREnCE taBLE

Max GPU FrequencyPlayers can overclock the GPU embedded in CPU due to the Z68 chipset cov-ers all the overclocking abilities of H67 chipset. Although the performance of the Sandy Bridge GPU cannot keep pace with the add-on graphics cards, you can still have some fun in overclocking. Simply activating the GT Overclcok-ing and tuning the GT Ratio and GPU Voltage, it is so easy to overclock the GPU.

Tuning Item Default Increment Easy Normal Fun Danger Not Recom-mend

CPU Ratio 34 1 34~40 40~45 45~50 50~55 >56

CPU Vcore(V) 1.160 0.005 ~1.3 1.3~1.4 1.4~1.5 1.5~1.6 >1.6

CPU IO Voltage(V) 1.112 0.0265 ~1.2 1.25~1.3 1.3~1.4 1.4~1.5 >1.5

Memory Frequency(MHz)

DDR3-1333

Depends on DRAM

Ratio

DDR3-1333~1600

DDR3-1600~2000

DDR3-2000~2133

>DDR3-2133

> DDR3-2300

RAM Voltage(V) 1.472 0.007 1.5~1.6 1.6~1.65 1.65~1.8 >1.8 >1.9

GPU Frequency(MHz) 850~1350 50 1100~1300 1300~1450 1450~1600 1600~1750 >1800

GPU Voltage(V) 0.44 0.005 1.0~1.2 1.2~1.3 1.3~1.4 >1.4 >1.5

Note:1. The reference value above is for Core i7 2600K D2 ver. Processor.2. The condition is based on air cooling.3. BIOS Internal PLL Voltage function enable.4. Increasing voltage may raise the success rate of overclocking as the risk of damage

the CPU; thus,we suggest use the special design CPU cooler set to prevent the CPU from overheating.

5. Below voltage value would cause the damage of component while under air cooling.• CPU Voltage:1.6V• CPU IO Voltage:1.5V• DRAM Voltage:1.8V• GPU Voltage:1.4V

We suggest disable some item in BIOS,such as Green Power Phase Control and OverSpeed Protection.

Reference setting : GPU-1800MHz

• GT Overclocking : Enable • GPU Voltage : 1.400V • GT Ratio : 36

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Other Features on Z68A-GD80 (B3)

Click BIOSWith the new UEFI technology, graphi-cal user interface as well as mouse control, games, and media can now be integrated into the BIOS.

multi BIOSMSI’s newest Multi-BIOS technology can back up the BIOS by using an extra ROM chip, avoiding situations where the motherboard may be unable to boot because of BIOS failure.

Super ChargerThe first USB pin header on the motherboard also supports Super Charger. Super Charger will support the charging of iPad and iPhone. In order to deliver the fastest charging speed, Super Charger will also be able to automatically detect the optimal charging mechanism to use. Super Charger is in essence, the improved version of iCharger. (this feature requires the appropiate software in order to work)

V-Check Points“V-Check Points” detects voltage for core components during overclocking activities. There are four measure points at the edge of this mainboard, allowing enthusiasts to check relevant voltage values through a multimeter.


6 Pin Onboard VGa PowerPower Plane dedicatedly for VGA could provide stable and extra demand for hard core user scenario. The 6-pin on-board VGA power stabilizes the graphic performance of high-end graphics cards.

drmOSThe Z68A-GD80 totally integrates 12-phase DrMOS IC in CPU power circuitry.

front USB3.0 ConnectorThere are 1 Front USB3.0 connector to transfer more 2 USB3.0 ports for using.

aPSActive Phase Switch (APS) is a power saving solu-tion. There are LEDs on the motherboard, LED status is real-time and dynamic switching to let user monitor the status of power usage. By the way, user can set up the APS function by BIOS or Control Center Utility.

�� Z68A-GD80 (B3) Overclocking Guide

Since the Z68 chipset joins the Sandy Bridge family and becomes the king of the overclock-ing and performace, the MSI Z68A-GD80 also becomes the high-end product which comes with more funs in GPU overclocking. Following the high quality and performace design, in the name of Military Class II and covering the OC Genie II for GPU/GPU auto overclocking, the Z68A-GD80 can surely provide more and more performance and power.

Conclusion

7672(Z68A-GD80 (B3)) OC Guide-(for Web)

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