Out of the box, an Opteron 165 (like I have) runs at 1800 MHz. It consumes, at that moment, 1.350V. With the following method, I am rock stable at 0.976V (1.000V mobo setting).
Step 1: Download CPU Burn-in.
Step 2: Reboot at a voltage at which Prime95/StressPrime2004/Stability testing tool of your choice fails within seconds. Literally seconds.
Step 3: Load up 2 instances of CPU Burn-in.
Step 4: Set proper affinities, as the program cannot do this by itself.
Step 5: Select 'disable error checking'.
Step 6: Let both instances run for 18-48h for best result.
Step 7: Test for stability. If it's not stable, repeat the process again, for a prolonged period of time (>1.5x the original value).
Step 8: Repeat process until desired temps are achieved.
Step 9: Reap the profits of lower temps .
I can tell you, this works. I've gone from 44C under load to 38C under load, and from 35C idle to 29C idle. That's a 6C degree drop and a 6C degree drop, for free! That's better than any thermal paste can do.
My specs:
AMD Opteron 165 CCBWE 0550 UPMW
DFI LanParty Ultra-D
Stock HSF
AS5
Antec SmartPower 2.0 500W
All of the tests were conducted with an ambient temperature of 18C, in a closed-case environement.
And, this also works with overclocked frequencies. For example, if you're stable at 2800 MHz at 1.55V, after using this method, you could be stable at as little as 1.30V .
I'm currently doing this with my Opteron 165 CCBWE 0550UPMW, until I can get 2.6 GHz at stock voltage. It might not even be so far away!
Try this people. It might not work for you (although I'm really sure it will), but it can't hurt, can it? Right, that's what I was thinking .
EDIT: Thank you for pointing out that minor mistake, StumbleBum1 .
As I have forgotten to take a screenshot, I'll run dual instances of StressPrime2004 overnight and post the results.. Mind you, this'll only be 8-12h.
Stress test completed: text
Step 1: Download CPU Burn-in.
Step 2: Reboot at a voltage at which Prime95/StressPrime2004/Stability testing tool of your choice fails within seconds. Literally seconds.
Step 3: Load up 2 instances of CPU Burn-in.
Step 4: Set proper affinities, as the program cannot do this by itself.
Step 5: Select 'disable error checking'.
Step 6: Let both instances run for 18-48h for best result.
Step 7: Test for stability. If it's not stable, repeat the process again, for a prolonged period of time (>1.5x the original value).
Step 8: Repeat process until desired temps are achieved.
Step 9: Reap the profits of lower temps .
I can tell you, this works. I've gone from 44C under load to 38C under load, and from 35C idle to 29C idle. That's a 6C degree drop and a 6C degree drop, for free! That's better than any thermal paste can do.
My specs:
AMD Opteron 165 CCBWE 0550 UPMW
DFI LanParty Ultra-D
Stock HSF
AS5
Antec SmartPower 2.0 500W
All of the tests were conducted with an ambient temperature of 18C, in a closed-case environement.
And, this also works with overclocked frequencies. For example, if you're stable at 2800 MHz at 1.55V, after using this method, you could be stable at as little as 1.30V .
I'm currently doing this with my Opteron 165 CCBWE 0550UPMW, until I can get 2.6 GHz at stock voltage. It might not even be so far away!
Try this people. It might not work for you (although I'm really sure it will), but it can't hurt, can it? Right, that's what I was thinking .
EDIT: Thank you for pointing out that minor mistake, StumbleBum1 .
As I have forgotten to take a screenshot, I'll run dual instances of StressPrime2004 overnight and post the results.. Mind you, this'll only be 8-12h.
Stress test completed: text