In the framework of this article, the Xeon E5440 overclocking algorithm will be examined in detail. Also, recommendations will be given regarding the configuration of the computing system for this operation and a list of the necessary software to verify the stability of the computer. In addition to this, the detailed technical specifications of this model of microprocessor device will be described.
Processor specifications
First you need to note the moment that the E5440 is a server chip. It is designed to be installed in the LGA771 socket. But it can also be installed in the LGA775 processor socket using a special adapter, only in this case the correct overclocking of the Xeon E5440 is possible.
This chip is equipped with four processing cores. Each of them operates at a fixed frequency of 2.83 GHz. This is a fairly low value. Therefore, many owners of such computing systems increase the clock speed of the CPU and thereby achieve a significant increase in performance.
This microprocessor was manufactured using technology with a tolerance of 45 nm. The thermal package of the chip is limited to 80 watts. The maximum temperature at which such a chip can still function is 67 0 C.
The volume of the second level cache is 12 MB. That is, in fact, this model of the processor device according to technical specifications is almost identical to Core 2Quad with the E9550 index. The only difference between the two is that the latter is intended to be installed in the LGA775, and the E5440 in LGA771.
The CPU frequency multiplier is fixed at 8.5. It’s impossible to change it somehow. Therefore, you can increase computer performance only by increasing the frequency of the system bus. By default, its value is 333 MHz. Another important point - with increasing frequency of the microprocessor, it is also necessary to increase the supply voltage. The nominal value of the latter is 0.85 V, but, according to the passport data, it can be increased to 1.35 V.
System Options
Overclocking Xeon E5440 is impossible without the correct layout of the personal computer. First of all, such a system unit should be equipped with a motherboard based on the LGA775 socket. The latter should be based on the P35, P43 and P45 chipsets. And the most optimal for these purposes is to use the latest chipset. We also need the previously mentioned adapter so that the server microprocessor T5440 of the LGA771 platform can be installed in the LGA775 socket.
Another important point is the power of the power supply. When the computer system operates in nominal mode, 400 watts will be enough. But in case of overclocking, this value will not be enough. In such a situation, the output power of the PC power supply should already be 750 watts.
It is also recommended to understaff a personal computer with a powerful fan or water cooling system. This will allow even with enhanced heat generation to keep the CPU temperature within acceptable limits. In addition to this, you need to equip your PC with a SATA SSD . All these manipulations will maximize the performance of such a computing system.
Performance Increase Order
Overclocking the Intel Xeon E5440 processor is as follows:
- We preliminary update the BIOS of the system board so that it can function in conjunction with server models of the CPU. Only then can the chip be installed with the adapter and cooling system. We also connect the remaining components of the PC.
- Then you need to install the utility of the motherboard, which would allow you to control the characteristics of the system in the complex and change them.
- Next, we gradually increase the frequency of the system bus and the voltage of the microprocessor. After each such incremental increment, it is recommended to check the stability of the PC using special software, for example, AIDA64.
- Upon reaching a frequency of 3.4-3.5 GHz and a voltage of 1.29-1.31 V, we carry out an extended test of the stability of the computer, which will be discussed in detail later. After that, the acceleration is over.
Functional stability check
Actually, overclocking Xeon E5440 is completely completed. Now you need to check the stability of the PC. To do this, it is recommended to run such programs on it:
- Utilities Prime 95 and Linpack to verify the stability of the computing cores and identify possible failures.
- SMM program for detecting possible errors after overclocking.
- CST utility - loads the CPU computational modules and checks their operation in the most intensive load mode.
- Test package OSST RT - checks the stability of the computer in the complex.
- TAT program - reveals the appearance of throttling in the microprocessor.
- Utility Memtest - checks the reliability of the RAM.
Reviews
As experience shows, overclocking the Xeon E5440 processor allows you to achieve a significant increase in the speed of the computer as a whole. The nominal frequency of the chip is 2.83 GHz. After completing this operation, its value may already be equal to 3.5 GHz. In percentage terms, this increase is 19%. That is, this is a fairly large increase in performance compared to its modern counterparts. Again, all these numbers are valid for air coolers, which can not always efficiently dissipate the increased amount of heat. If you install a liquid cooling system in such a computer, you can even conquer the frequency of 4.0 GHz and get almost a 30% increase in PC performance. That's exactly what Intel Xeon E5440 overclocked by and computer experts currently respond to.
Conclusion
As part of this article, the general overclocking algorithm of the Xeon E5440 was considered. By following the previously stated instructions, it is possible to significantly increase the speed of such computing systems by minimizing the investment of material resources. Moreover, even under certain circumstances, a real increase can reach a fairly substantial 30%. To date, microprocessors with an unlocked multiplier cannot always produce such a result. Also, this CPU is equipped with four cores, and this fact alone allows you to run any modern resource-intensive programs.