Dual Boot BIOS Menu?

[Jim-H]

Getting ready to build a system with a Q6600 around a P35/X38 mobo.

I want to overclock but was wondering is there an option to choose a particular bios configuration during bootup.

For example, one setting would be for oc'ing to be used when I was encoding, rendering, gaming, etc. The other using basically stock settings for when I'm just web surfing, reading email, or other non-cpu intensive tasks.

Some mobos feature multiple bios'. Can those boards be used this way (load different configs from a menu during bootup.)?

 

[mdp]

I have three different configs saved in the BIOS of my Abit IP35pro. 3.2, 3.4, and 3.6. I don't actually have one saved for stock settings, since that's just a CMOS clear switch away.

 

[Jim-H]

How easy is it to boot to the different configs?

Can it be done from a menu,
such as press <1> for 3.6 settings,
<2> for 3.0 settings.

Or do you have to enter into the bios and select which one and then restart.

If it's not quick and simple, I would probably not bother to do it.

 

[mdp]

BIOS needs to be entered to boot from the different configurations. It's easier than having to go in and manually set the speed and voltages everytime you wanna raise or lower the speed of your cpu.

 

[BillParrish]

Newer board have some pretty effective power saving abilities, EIST for example, which under light load will reduce Vcore and the cpu mulitplier to reduce power consumption an stress but throttle up under load to 100%. Also many good motherboards come with tuning utilites you could access in windows that will change the clock/mulitplier "on the fly".

I suggest you make a list of board you are considering and download the manuals for them and investigate.