Intel® Desktop Board DH67BL

Performance Tuning Guide

Revision 1.0

February 2011
Order Number: G26416-001
Intel Desktop Board DH67BL Performance Tuning Guide

WARNING
Altering clock frequency and/or voltage may (i) reduce system stability and useful life
of the system and processor; (ii) cause the processor and other system components to
fail; (iii) cause reductions in system performance; (iv) cause additional heat or other
damage; and (v) affect system data integrity. Intel has not tested and does not
warranty the operation of the processor beyond its specifications.

WARNING
Altering PC memory frequency and/or voltage may (i) reduce system stability and
useful life of the system, memory and processor; (ii) cause the processor and other
system components to fail; (iii) cause reductions in system performance; (iv) cause
additional heat or other damage; and (v) affect system data integrity. Intel assumes
no responsibility that the memory included, if used with altered clock frequencies
and/or voltages, will be fit for any particular purpose. Check with the memory
manufacturer for warranty and additional details.

INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH INTEL® PRODUCTS. NO LICENSE,

EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY ESTOPPEL OR OTHERWISE, TO ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IS
GRANTED BY THIS DOCUMENT. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN INTEL’S TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE FOR
SUCH PRODUCTS, INTEL ASSUMES NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER, AND INTEL DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED WARRANTY, RELATING TO SALE AND/OR USE OF INTEL PRODUCTS INCLUDING LIABILITY OR
WARRANTIES RELATING TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY, OR INFRINGEMENT
OF ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT OR OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT. Intel products are not intended
for use in medical, life saving, or life sustaining applications.

Intel may make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time, without notice.

Designers must not rely on the absence or characteristics of any features or instructions marked "reserved"
or "undefined." Intel reserves these for future definition and shall have no responsibility whatsoever for
conflicts or incompatibilities arising from future changes to them.

The 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor and Intel® H67 Express Chipset platform may contain design
defects or errors known as errata which may cause the product to deviate from published specifications.
Current characterized errata are available on request.

Contact your local Intel sales office or your distributor to obtain the latest specifications and before placing
your product order.

Intel, Core, Pentium, and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Copyright © 2011, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Contents

1 Introduction
2 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ Processor Family and Intel® H67
Express Chipset General Concepts
2.1 Architecture...................................................................................... 7
3 Intel® Desktop Board DH67BL Performance Tuning Using
BIOS Setup
3.1 Hardware Considerations for Performance Tuning .................................. 9
3.1.1 System Cooling ...................................................................... 9
3.2 Accessing BIOS Setup ........................................................................ 9
3.3 Obtain the Latest Drivers.................................................................. 10
3.4 Recovering from an Unstable System ................................................. 10
3.4.1 BIOS Configuration Jumper.................................................... 10
3.4.2 Remove Power and Reboot .................................................... 10
3.5 Intel Desktop Board DH67BL Performance Tuning Process ..................... 11
3.5.1 Configure the BIOS for Performance Tuning ............................. 12
3.5.1.1 Graphics Voltage and Multiplier ................................. 14
3.5.1.2 Intel® Turbo Boost Technology.................................. 15
3.5.1.3 Burst Mode Power Limit ........................................... 15
3.5.1.4 Sustained Mode Time .............................................. 16
3.5.1.5 Sustained Mode Power Limit ..................................... 16
3.5.1.6 IGD Current Limit ................................................... 16
3.5.1.7 Recommended Power Settings .................................. 17
3.5.2 Check Stability..................................................................... 18
3.5.3 Tune Memory ...................................................................... 18
3.5.3.1 Memory Performance Options ................................... 19
3.5.4 Reduce Voltage, Current, and Power ....................................... 20
3.5.5 Save Custom Defaults Settings .............................................. 20
4 Performance Tuning Examples
4.1 1800 MHz Intel® HD Graphics Frequency Using Graphics
Max Multiplier ................................................................................. 21
4.2 2150 MHz Intel HD Graphics Frequency Using Graphics
Max Multiplier and Graphics Voltage Overrides..................................... 22
A Parameter Descriptions for BIOS Performance Settings
B Parameter Descriptions for Memory Performance Settings

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Figures
2.1. Simplified Block Diagram .................................................................... 7
3.1. Performance Tuning Disclaimer ......................................................... 12
3.2. Processor Overrides with Default Settings ........................................... 13
3.3. Graphics Multiplier Setting ................................................................ 14
3.4. Graphics Voltage Setting Adjusted ..................................................... 15
3.5. Power Settings................................................................................ 17
3.6. Memory Overrides ........................................................................... 19
3.7. Using the BIOS to Store Current Performance Settings ......................... 20
4.1. 1800 MHz Intel HD Graphics Frequency Using Graphics
Max Multiplier ................................................................................. 21
4.2. 2150 MHz Intel HD Graphics Frequency Using Graphics
Max Multiplier and Graphics Voltage Overrides..................................... 22

Tables
A-1. BIOS Performance Settings............................................................... 23
B-1. Memory Performance Settings........................................................... 25

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 Intel Desktop Board DH67BL Performance Tuning Guide

1 Introduction

Performance tuning of Intel® Desktop Board DH67BL enables useful gains that can
enhance overall system performance for gaming, video editing, computation,
performance benchmarking, and other uses.
This guide focuses on using the BIOS for performance tuning of Intel Desktop Board
DH67BL. The main performance tuning focus area is Intel® HD Graphics. The
procedures and examples included in this guide are for reference only and may not
work in all situations and system configurations.
Intel Desktop Board DH67BL is designed with a number of enhancements to support
performance tuning while protecting the user from overheating or damaging board
components.

These enhancements include:

• Fan speed control — the processor and system fan speeds automatically increase
when elevated temperatures are sensed.
• Processor thermal protection — the current applied to the processor is
automatically reduced when the thermal protection temperature set point is
reached.
• Processor voltage regulation thermal protection — the voltage regulation system
current is automatically reduced when the thermal protection temperature set
point is reached.

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 Intel Desktop Board DH67BL Performance Tuning Guide

2 2nd Generation Intel® Core™

Processor Family and Intel® H67
Express Chipset General Concepts

2.1 Architecture
Intel Desktop Board DH67BL is an Intel® H67 Express chipset-based desktop board in
microATX form factor. It supports the 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7 processors,
Intel® Core™ i5 processors, and other Intel® processors in the LGA1155 package. The
board features DVI-I and HDMI* connectors, and supports dual independent display
for processors with Intel® HD Graphics. Powered by the 2nd generation Intel Core
processors, Intel Desktop Board DH67BL delivers a superb visual performance for
sharper images, richer color, and life-like audio and video.

Intel Desktop Board DH67BL also offers premium features, such as two SATA 6 Gb/s
ports, two USB 3.0 ports with 5 Gb/s link speed, and Intel® Rapid Storage Technology
(Intel® RST) for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10, which provides new levels of protection,
performance, and expandability. A simplified system block diagram is shown in
Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1. Simplified Block Diagram

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3 Intel® Desktop Board DH67BL

Performance Tuning Using BIOS
Setup

3.1 Hardware Considerations for Performance

Tuning

3.1.1 System Cooling

Performance tuning may result in additional system heat generation. Increased
cooling capability may be required to allow performance tuning and operation of a
performance tuned system while maintaining stable operation. Considerations for
increasing cooling capability may include, but are not limited to, chassis type, selection
of air or liquid cooling, processor cooler design, memory module design, and overall
system airflow. Extreme performance tuning requires system designs with
increasingly sophisticated cooling capabilities. It is beyond the scope of this guide to
provide detailed recommendations for system cooling.

CAUTION
Cooling induced moisture condensation will result in risk for electrical shorting and subsequent
damage to the board and/or the system.

3.2 Accessing BIOS Setup

The BIOS setup screen can be accessed at system startup by pressing the F2 key at
the BIOS screen prompt. It is advisable to run the latest BIOS revision to ensure that
performance features are at the highest level of optimization. The latest version BIOS
can be obtained from http://downloadcenter.intel.com. Instructions for loading the
BIOS into the board can also be found at this location.
Before initiating performance tuning, ensure that the BIOS setup defaults have been
loaded by pressing F9 while in BIOS setup mode and then pressing F10 to save those
settings.

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3.3 Obtain the Latest Drivers

For the Intel HD Graphics performance settings to function properly, you will need to
install the graphics driver for Intel Desktop Board DH67BL. The latest graphics driver
version can be obtained from http://downloadcenter.intel.com. Instructions for
loading the graphics driver can also be found at this link. The generic driver included
on the Microsoft Windows* 7 installation disk will not contain drivers that enable Intel
HD Graphics performance tuning.

3.4 Recovering from an Unstable System

Should performance values be set beyond the point of stable system operation, the
system may exhibit a failure to boot, a blue screen, a system hang, or a recovery
screen. A common Intel HD Graphics instability includes a windows driver crash that
may require a system reboot. Exceeding the system stability limits is normal during
the performance tuning process and restoring system operation using a BIOS
configuration jumper or power removal may be required as explained in the sections
below.

3.4.1 BIOS Configuration Jumper

For a POST failure, you will need to perform a recovery using the BIOS configuration
jumper that is provided on the motherboard to boot into BIOS in safe mode. You will
need to open the system chassis to access the jumper. Please refer to the Intel
Desktop Board DH67BL Product Guide for additional information on using the BIOS
jumper for recovery purposes.

3.4.2 Remove Power and Reboot

For a system hang, resetting your system or removing and reapplying power will allow
the system to initiate a reboot. During reboot, press the F2 key to enter BIOS to
adjust performance settings in BIOS to restore system stability.

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 Intel Desktop Board DH67BL Performance Tuning Guide

3.5 Intel Desktop Board DH67BL Performance

Tuning Process
There are numerous possibilities for desktop board performance tuning. The approach
presented is a general starting point and may not be suitable for all cases.
Desktop board performance tuning is an iterative process. The settings for one
parameter may affect which settings will work for another parameter. For example,
increasing the graphics max multiplier may require an adjustment to the graphics
voltage overrides setting to maintain Intel HD Graphics stability.

A full Intel HD Graphics and memory tuning sequence may consist of the steps
outlined below. Depending on your objective, it may not be necessary to complete all
of the steps in the sequence. Further information for each step is documented in
Sections 3.5.1 through 3.5.5. Checking system stability appears frequently in the
performance tuning process. The setting and checking iterative process serves as a
feedback mechanism to help determine the point where system instability occurred
and the setting causing the instability can quickly be indentified.
1. Configure the BIOS for Performance Tuning.
2. Set graphics max multiplier and voltage.
3. Check stability and adjust the multiplier and voltage as needed.
4. Tune memory and check stability (Optional).
5. Reduce voltage, current, and power and check stability (Optional).
6. Save custom defaults settings.

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Intel Desktop Board DH67BL Performance Tuning Guide

3.5.1 Configure the BIOS for Performance Tuning

Performance tuning options are located in the BIOS Setup menu section labeled
“Performance”. Reading and agreeing to the disclaimer by selecting “Yes”, as shown
in Figure 3.1, allows the detailed BIOS performance menu to be displayed.

Figure 3.1. Performance Tuning Disclaimer

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Under the Performance menu, processor tuning options are under the “Processor
Overrides” section shown in Figure 3.2 below. Also see Appendix A for a table
summarizing these settings and their effects. Sections 3.5.1.1 through 3.5.1.7 include
guidelines for setting the processor override parameters.

Figure 3.2. Processor Overrides with Default Settings

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3.5.1.1 Graphics Voltage and Multiplier

These two BIOS options provide the key tools to tune the Intel HD Graphics core
performance from the default values to what can be allowed by the installed processor
thermal solution and individual processor.

Figure 3.3. Graphics Multiplier Setting

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Figure 3.4. Graphics Voltage Setting Adjusted

3.5.1.2 Intel® Turbo Boost Technology

Ensure that Intel® Turbo Boost Technology is set to Enable for top performance.

3.5.1.3 Burst Mode Power Limit

The Intel HD Graphics is a factor in the amount of power used. If Intel HD Graphics is
overclocked and this value is not increased, this may limit turbo performance of the
processor cores as Intel HD Graphics may take more of the power budget.

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3.5.1.4 Sustained Mode Time

This is the time window in which the real time burst mode power is averaged to create
the Sustained Mode Power Limit below. One second is a good initial setting. Setting
this time too long will exceed the capability of the processor heat sink and may result
in excess processor heating and subsequent throttling (frequency reduction) to reduce
the temperature. A longer time interval in sustained mode may result a longer time
interval out of sustained mode while accumulated processor heat is being dissipated.

3.5.1.5 Sustained Mode Power Limit

Set the Sustained Mode Power Limit (TDP) for turbo mode. You will have to adjust the
TDP to suit your environment such that the processor does not throttle due to excess
processor heating at peak performance conditions. If the processor temperature
increases steadily while running under load, the processor cooling capability to
dissipate heat is being exceeded and you will need to reduce the TDP power limit to
prevent throttling. The Intel HD Graphics is a factor in the amount of power used. If
Intel HD Graphics is overclocked and this value is not increased, this may limit turbo
performance of the processor cores as Intel HD Graphics may take more of the power
budget.

3.5.1.6 IGD Current Limit

This is a sister function to TDC. TDC is the amount of current allowed from the
processor VR for the execution cores, IGD current is the amount of current allowed
from the graphics VR for the Intel HD Graphics portion. It may need to be increased
to not limit Intel HD Graphics overclocking. Thermals will need to be monitored to
ensure throttling does not occur.

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3.5.1.7 Recommended Power Settings

Leave Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology and Processor C States enabled in the
BIOS as shown in Figure 3. Turbo ratios require Enhanced Intel SpeedStep
Technology enabled in order to function. Disabling C states prevents the processor
from entering 1, 2, or 3 core ratios.

Figure 3.5. Power Settings

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3.5.2 Check Stability

Establishing stability should be done frequently during the performance tuning
process. A good initial check of system stability is to see if the system can boot into
the operating system. If the system has become unstable, refer to Section 3.4 for
recovery options.

When the system can successfully boot into the operating system, various software
applications can be used to stress the processor, memory, and other systems. When
processor cores are idle, 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processors will operate at a
reduced multiplier value. While running in the operating system, the application of a
heavy load will bring all processor cores out of the idle and run them at the multiplier
values selected in the BIOS setup. Heavy loads can be applied by using commonly
available processor and memory stress testing software.
During stress testing, look for erratic software behavior, a blue screen or a system
hang. Any of these are indications of system instability. Solutions to instability
include revising the performance settings described in the various areas of Section 3.5.
For processor stability issues, revising voltage, amperage, or wattage settings upward
or revising turbo ratios and/or system clock frequency downward or a combination of
these changes will be required.

If processor temperature is steadily increasing during stress testing or processor

throttling is occurring then more tuning efforts are required to eliminate the throttling.
Solutions may include improved processor cooling capability and/or revising the
performance settings.
When system stability has been established with stress testing software, it’s
recommended that you check system stability again using your usual software
applications to confirm performance and stability for your daily use.

3.5.3 Tune Memory

A wide variety of memory timing parameters can be adjusted in the BIOS setup as
described in Appendix B.
In addition, DIMM socket population will also affect system performance. Intel
Desktop Board DH67BL has two independent memory channels which are indicated by
blue or black memory DIMM sockets. For best performance, all sockets should be
populated with memory matched by manufacturer, size, speed, and type. This
matching allows the processor to access data across each of the memory channels
concurrently.

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3.5.3.1 Memory Performance Options

The Memory Overrides menu contains all the memory timing options that can be
adjusted.

NOTE
For each of the timings, except the multipliers, lower number settings correspond with
higher performance and potentially less memory system stability.

Figure 3.6. Memory Overrides

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3.5.4 Reduce Voltage, Current, and Power

Gradually reduce voltage, current, and power settings that were made in the
applicable portions of Sections 3.5.1.3 through 3.5.1.7 while checking stability. When
instability is encountered, increase the setting(s) as needed to restore stable
operation.

3.5.5 Save Custom Defaults Settings

The Intel Desktop Board DH67BL BIOS allows storing one set of parameter settings
(profile) at any given time. The most recently loaded profile will remain resident in the
BIOS, until changes are made by the user.

Figure 3.7. Using the BIOS to Store Current

Performance Settings

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4 Performance Tuning Examples

4.1 1800 MHz Intel® HD Graphics Frequency

Using Graphics Max Multiplier
Figure 4.1 shows the BIOS settings to achieve an Intel HD Graphics frequency of
1800 MHz.

Figure 4.1. 1800 MHz Intel HD Graphics Frequency Using

Graphics Max Multiplier

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4.2 2150 MHz Intel HD Graphics Frequency Using

Graphics Max Multiplier and Graphics Voltage
Overrides
Figure 4.2 shows the BIOS settings to achieve an Intel HD Graphics frequency of
2150 MHz. The graphics voltage overrides had been increased from default value to
1.5000 V.

Figure 4.2. 2150 MHz Intel HD Graphics Frequency Using Graphics Max
Multiplier and Graphics Voltage Overrides

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A Parameter Descriptions for

BIOS Performance Settings
Table A-1. BIOS Performance Settings
Setup Option Description
Graphics Max Used to set the maximum Graphics Multiplier. Works with the built in Graphics Turbo
Multiplier Boost capability. When graphics are not stressful the core will operate at the default
Frequency. Host Clock Frequency * 0.5 * Graphics Max Multiplier = Graphics Dynamic
Frequency.
Graphics Adjusts the Graphics VR to increase the voltage applied to the graphics core to allow
for faster graphics frequency to improve playability in 3D applications.
Maximum Non- Used to set the maximum non-turbo processor speed. Processor speed = the
Turbo Ratio maximum non-turbo ratio * host clock frequency. Maximum allowed value is processor
dependent. For example, a value of 34 is the maximum for a 2nd generation Intel Core
i7-2600K processor.
CPU Idle State When Intel Turbo Boost Technology is set to enable, the high performance selection
forces the operating system to request the use of Intel Turbo Boost Technology ratios
at all times. Low power setting will allow the operating system to adjust processor
ratios downward when Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology is set to enable.
Intel Turbo Enabling Intel Turbo Boost Technology also enables Enhanced Intel SpeedStep
Boost Technology and automatically allows processor cores to run faster than the base
Technology operating frequency if the core(s) is operating below power, current, and temperature
specification limits.
Burst Mode The Burst Mode Power Limit is the power (in watts) that can be used by the processor
Power Limit when Burst Mode is active.
(Watts)
Sustained Mode This is time in which the Burst Mode Power is averaged to calculate the Sustained Mode
Time (Seconds) Power limit.
Sustained Mode Sustained Mode Power Limit is the power (in watts) that can be used by the processor
Power Limit when Sustained Mode is active.
(Watts)
4-Core Ratio Displays the core multiplier to be used when four processor cores are in use.
Limit
3-Core Ratio Displays the core multiplier to be used when three processor cores are in use.
Limit
2-Core Ratio Displays the core multiplier to be used when two processor cores are in use.
Limit
1-Core Ratio Displays the core multiplier to be used when one processor core is in use.
Limit

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B Parameter Descriptions for

Memory Performance Settings

NOTE
All multiplier values listed in Table B-1 are applied to the single 100 MHz (default) host
clock.

Table B-1. Memory Performance Settings

Setup Option Description
Performance Automatic setting uses specification compliant values provided by the memory module.
Memory Profiles If the memory module supports XMP, there will be additional selections for each profile
stored in the module. Selecting a profile will populate all the settings with values
recommended by the DIMM manufacturer. Selecting Manual Mode after XMP allows the
user to change each of the settings.
Memory Allows selection of memory ratio from a list of choices. The memory frequency is the
Multiplier ratio * 133.3 MHz. The maximum ratio is 10 for Desktop Boards based on the Intel® H6-
series PCH.
tCL Column address strobe (CAS) Latency: The amount of time in cycles between sending a
read command and the time to act on it.
tRCD Row address strobe (RAS) to CAS Delay: The amount of time in cycles for issuing an
active command and the read/write commands.
tRP RAS Precharge Time: This is the minimum time between active commands and the
read/writes of the next bank on the memory module.
tRASmin Minimum RAS Active Time: The amount of time between a row being activated by
precharge and deactivated.
tRFC RAS Refresh Cycle Timing: This determines the amount of cycles to refresh a row on a
memory bank.
tRRD RAS to RAS Delay: The amount of cycles that it takes to activate the next bank of
memory.
tWR Write Recover Time: The amount of cycles that are required after a valid write operation
and precharge.
tWTR Write to Read Delay: The amount of cycles required between a valid write command and
the next read command.
tRTP Controls the number of clocks that are inserted between a row precharge command and
an activate command to the same rank.
Memory Voltage Changes the voltage applied to the memory.
Command Rate The amount of time that commands can be issued.
tRC Determines the minimum number of clock cycles used to complete row activation to
precharging of the active row.
tFAW Specifies the time window where four activates are allowed in the same rank.

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