The document provides an overview and guide to overclocking the Intel X79 platform. It describes the X79 system architecture including the CPU ratio, base clock, memory ratio, and BIOS overclocking items. It offers tips on overclocking the CPU core speed, base clock, and memory speed. It also discusses useful MSI overclocking functions and provides an overclocking setting reference table. The conclusion emphasizes ensuring proper cooling is used when overclocking X79 CPUs due to their high thermal output.

1. Extreme Power Release
MSI INTEL X79
PLATFORMS
Overclocking Guide

2. Core i7 - 3000 Series Intel X79 Overclocking System
Processor Core
1 4 IMC
Memory
After launching the X58 platform, Intel launched this year the brand new
X79 platform to replace the high-end desktop system. The process is
2 5 PEG codenamed Sandy Bridge-E, whose basic architecture can be considered as
an enhanced multicore high-end version of the Sandy Bridge. Architecturally
3 6 DMI
4 Channel
DDR3-1600
different from the previous X58 platform, the X79 is more complex than the
mainstream P67/Z68 systems in overclocking terms, but this brings more fun
(OC DDR3-2400)
PCIe
ex: OC BCLK 125 MHz
The following is an introduction of the overclocking system architecture for
the X79 platform.
CPU Ratio
X79
PCH Using the same grading of the Sandy Bridge, the X79 CPUs fall into the XE,
Graphic Cards K-SKU and non-K SKU grades. The XE and K-SKU are equipped with the
maximum multiplier up to 57x; while the non-K SKU will be restricted by the
Turbo Ratio Limit. Therefore, if you want OC, choose the XE or K-SKU.
CLKGEN
(CKXXX) CPU Base Clock
CPU BCLK Ratio Intel has included the “Ratio” concept in the base clock of the X79 this time,
(1.00X 1.25X 1.67X)
as the architecture of the X79 is “CPU Base Clock=DMI Clock X BCLK Ratio”.
BCLK 100MHz Although this allows users to adjust the CPU with greater flexibility, the
CPU BCLK Unit whole thing becomes more complex and complicated overall. In order to
make OC easier for most users, MSI has developed a brand new controller
chip to automatically integrate DMI Clock and BCLK Ratio. This way,
CLKGEN Buffer (MSI Modify) overclockers only need to adjust the CPU Base Clock for the chip to
automatically tune the DMI Clock and BCLK Ratio. That is to say, this new
chip from MSI makes CPU Base Clock OC simpler on the Intel X79 platform.
X79 System Frequency Formula
CPU Frequency = CPU Base Clock x CPU Ratio
Memory Ratio
CPU Base Clock = DMI Clock x BCLK Ratio When compared with the P67/Z68, the X79 has added the Memory Ratio to
133(MHz) x RAM Ratio x CPU Base Clock
the memory system, with the highest at DDR3-2400 (RAM Ratio 9X). Along
RAM Frequency = with the flexible base clock combination, it is easier to configure different
100
memory frequencies on the X79 than the Sandy Bridge.

3. BIOS Overclocking Items
CPU Base Clock
Adjusts CPU base clock. The BIOS will automatically tune the related settings with reference to
CPU base clock ratio, in order to make base clock adjustment easier for users. After adjusting the
CPU base clock, the memory frequency will be changed automatically.
CPU Base Clock Ratio
Manually adjusts base clock ratio. Users who do not like automatic tuning for the CPU base clock
can manually tune individual items from this option. After adjusting the CPU base ratio, the
memory frequency will be changed automatically.
CPU Ratio
Adjusts CPU ratio. Large range adjustments are available only on the XE and K CPUs. This option
will not change memory frequency.
DRAM Frequency
Adjusts memory frequency. This is the memory ratio setup option, with the maximum limit up to
DDR3-2400(Ratio 9X). Although this option will not change the CPU base clock, users can change
memory frequency by adjusting the CPU base clock.
Extreme Memory Profile(X.M.P.)
Quickly activates the Intel’s XMP automatic memory OC function with suitable SPD timing value.
However, users must use memory modules supporting XMP.
DRAM Timing Mode
Manually adjusts the SPD timing of memory. When memory OC has exceeded the XMP’s upper
limit, users will need to adjust the SPD timing manually to successfully start the system.
Vdroop Control
Adjusts the load-line calibration. This feature can prevent system instability from CPU voltage drop
MSI has equipped all X79 mainboards with the brand new GSE2 in an OC operation. This option provides seven levels for overclockers to fine-tune their systems.
UEFI BIOS using GUI to make BIOS setup more convenient and
easier. The mainboard OC items are accessible from the OC CPU Core Voltage
Adjusts the CPU core voltage. When CPU frequency increases in an OC operation, it is necessary
(Overclocking Setting) icon on the left column. By clicking the icon,
to increase voltage to ensure stable CPU operations.
the OC Setting Menu will pop up.
System Agent Voltage
Basically, the menu falls into two sections. The upper section Adjusts the voltage of the internal memory controller (IMC) in the CPU. Therefore, adjusting IMC
voltage can improve memeory OC stability.
provides options for frequency OC, and the lower section contains
options for voltage OC. The following will point out the major CPU I/O Voltage
options related to OC. It is also called the CPU VTT voltage. It is another IMC voltage. It can also improve OC
performance when memory is running at high frequency in an OC operation.
DDR CH_A/B C/D Voltage
Adjusts memory core voltage. When overclocking memory, it is necessary to increase the DDR
CH_A/B and C/D voltage to ensure memory stability. The X79 platform provides two individual
voltage settings for memory, including one for channel A/B and another for channel C/D.

4. CPU Core Speed Overclocking Besides using the XE or K-SKU models, you will
need a powerful CPU cooler when overclocking
the X79 CPUs. This is because the X79 CPUs
produce heat very easily. If you want to
overclock, you must use a CPU cooler with
performance superior to ordinary OC CPU
coolers to handle the thermal problem of the
X79 CPUs. Otherwise, burn-in will be very
unlikely to happen even you have overclocked
to 4GHz.
Simply adjust CPU ratio and CPU core ratio for
CPU OC. Users can fine-tune system
performance from CPU base clock, provided
that they should consider the changes in
Reference setting ~ 5000MHz
memory frequency and adjust SA voltage and
CPU Ratio : 50X
CPU Core Voltage : 1.525V DRAM voltage to minimize OC failure.
CPU BCLK Overclocking The OC performance of the base clock of the
X79 and Sandy Bridge is compared below. The
X79 provides greater flexibility for users to try
more combinations of CPU core speed and
memory speed, making OC on the X79 more
fun. Although MSI has equipped its X79
mainboards with an automatic base clock
tuner, the base clock ratio will become a
natural restriction. Therefore, the optimal
ranges fall at 100MHz +/- 10%, 125MHz +/-
10%, and 167MHz +/- 10%. Therefore, when
base clock OC fails, users can try adjusting the
CPU clock ratio.
Lastly, as base clock adjustment will change
Reference setting ~ 160MHz
core speed and memory speed, it is necessary
CPU Base Clock : 160MHz
CPU Base Clock Ratio : 1.67X to adjust the voltage of the relevant items or
CPU Ratio : 22X reduce their ratio to obtain better OC
CPU Core Voltage : 1.36V performance.

5. Memory Speed Overclocking With a higher memory ratio and greater base clock
flexibility, the Intel X79 makes higher memory
frequency OC a reality. In terms of DDR3-2400 OC,
however, it is much more challenging to try OC on
quad-channel than on triple- or dual-channel
implementation. Therefore, quad-channel OC with
DDR3-2400 is challenging to both mainboard and
memory manufacturers.
Besides increasing DRAM voltage, SA voltage is
another focus affecting memory OC. Therefore, it is
necessary to increase SA voltage to a suitable level.
Also, a wider memory timing range can help to
Reference setting ~ 2CH 2600MHz
increase memory OC capacity. However, as timing
CPU Core Voltage:1.43V
DRAM Frequency :DDR3-2600 SA Voltage:1.45V range must match the chip characteristics, there is no
Timing:CL13-13-13-39 2T DRAM Voltage:1.8V general rule for this part.
Useful MSI OC Functions
OC Genie Direct OC Button (Optional) OC Profile
MSI also equips The acclaimed Direct The OC
the X79 OC Button on the profile
mainboards with MSI P55 mainboards function
the OC Genie has revived in the from the
software to MSI X79 mainboards. BIOS allows
facilitate users With the Direct OC OC users to
without much OC Button, users can save the
experience to immediately suitable OC
overclock the CPU overclock or reduce settings for direct access to these settings in the
and memory more the CPU base clock future without adjusting them repeatedly every
easily. OC experts can find the relevant OC frequency after entering the OS. For example, time. Also, the new version of the OC profile
settings from the OC Genie and save them users can overclock the CPU base clock when function allows users to output profiles to a USB
into new profiles with the OC profile function playing games to enhance system performance. storage device, without worrying about data loss
from MSI to make further adjustments. Users OC experts can enter the OS at a lower base from a BIOS crash. Also, users can share their OC
can run OC Genie from the button on the clock frequency and overclock the base clock experience with others. These makes the
mainboard or the BIOS. with the Direct OC Button to shorten the system new-generation OC profile function a platform
loading time when entering the OS. for OC knowhow exchange.

6. MSI X79 Platform OC Setting Reference Table
Conclusion
Tuning Item Default Increment Easy Normal Fun Danger Not Recommend
To overclockers, the Intel X79 will
CPU Ratio 33 1 33~40 40~45 45~50 50~55 >55
remind them of the OC experience
CPU Vcore Voltage (V) 0.800 0.005 ~1.3 1.3~1.4 1.4~1.5 1.5~1.6 >1.6
on the Intel X58; i.e. the better the
Memory Frequency DDR3-1333/ Depends on DRAM
(MHz) DDR3-1600 Ratio & BCLK
DDR3-1333~1866 DDR3-1866~2133 DDR3-2133~2400 DDR3-2400~2600 > DDR3-2600 cooling capacity, the better the OC
RAM Voltage (V) 1.500 0.015 1.5~1.6 1.6~1.65 1.65~1.75 1.65~1.80 >1.8
possibility. As the X79 CPUs
CPU SA Voltage (V) 0.850 0.005 1.0~1.2 1.2~1.3 1.3~1.4 >1.4 >1.5 generate great heat in overclocking,
cooling has become an essential
Note issue for overclockers. To extreme
The reference value above is for Core i7-3960X C0 ver. Processor. overclockers using LN2, the X79 will
The condition is based on air cooling. surely be an interesting and new
Increasing voltage may raise the success rate of overclocking as the risk of damage the CPU; thus,we suggest use the challenge.
special design CPU cooler set to prevent the CPU from overheating.
Below voltage value would cause the damage of component while under air cooling.
CPU Voltage:1.6V To ensure system stability in OC, the
CPU SA Voltage:1.5V MSI has equipped the X79
DRAM Voltage:1.8V mainboards with Military Class
We suggest disable some item in BIOS,such as Phase Control and OverSpeed Protection. components. To OC novice, MSI
Increasing the CPU Core, I/O, PLL Voltage may help for OC ability on BCLK and Memory.
provides the OC Genie, Direct OC,
V-Check Point and other useful and
thoughtful features. Along with this
Overclocking Guide, it is believed
Cooler Configuration Warning that users of the MSI X79
mainboards will become OC experts
Due to the thermal design power very easily to enjoy the fun and
specification of Intel X79 ecstasy from OC.
processor is around 130W, so
basically the CPU temperature
would be higher while
overclocking status. Therefore, Note
please try to collocation with The function ,specification ,data and
heatsink that capable to pictures provided by this guidebook is
withstand more than 200W only for reference. Please refer to the
thermal consumption to avoid actual content through the official
burning damage on CPU and launched product or MSI official web
Poor Better
mainboard. site: www.msi.com