BIOS setting and its interesting effect

[dark2099]

So I was just doing a little research on the setting for Spread Spectrum in my BIOS and came upon a little bit of information about it (most of which I didn't understand) but it was recommended for OCing that it be disabled, which I did (left it alone previously since I wasn't sure what it did). After changing it and starting my computer, the idle temps of my CPU dropped from bouncing between 28c-31c to 22c-24c with the CPU at 1.478 volts. Guess I'm just curious if anyone had any info/ideas on why it was causing the increase in temps?

[HTC]

So I was just doing a little research on the setting for Spread Spectrum in my BIOS and came upon a little bit of information about it (most of which I didn't understand) but it was recommended for OCing that it be disabled, which I did (left it alone previously since I wasn't sure what it did). After changing it and starting my computer, the idle temps of my CPU dropped from bouncing between 28c-31c to 22c-24c with the CPU at 1.478 volts. Guess I'm just curious if anyone had any info/ideas on why it was causing the increase in temps?

Which spread spectrum setting? I have 3 of those in my BIOS.

[dark2099]

Mine just has 2, Enabled and Disabled, doesn't give options for anything else, I think the ECS board I got my 4800+ came with had a few settings for percentages.

[Mussels]

spread spectrum is designed to alter the frequency slightly, in order to reduce EMI. When OCing and pushing things to their limits, that bit of wiggle can just push it into instability.

It wont/cant affect temps at all - its just a coincidence.

[HTC]

Mine just has 2, Enabled and Disabled, doesn't give options for anything else, I think the ECS board I got my 4800+ came with had a few settings for percentages.

That's not what i meant: my BIOS has 3 different spread spectrum settings, each with enable, disable and/or auto options.

[dark2099]

Oh, there is only one in my BIOS, just called Spread Spectrum.

[Mussels]

spread spectrum can have multiple options because its on different things - for example, it could be for CPU, ram, and PCI slots.

[pbmaster]

So is it best to turn it off or what?

[Mussels]

So is it best to turn it off or what?

when overclocking, yes