AMD FX-8350 can be throttled down when under stress
AMD FX-8350 can be throttled down when under stress
I used my previous motherboard's built-in overclocking tool (ASUS M5A97 R2.0) but it caused a blue screen. Now I have an ASRock motherboard and haven't located the OC instructions in the BIOS. When I attempt ASRock's automatic overclock, it functions until I restart, then reverts to normal speeds.
Overheating VRM temperatures on the board might cause your clocks to slow down under stress, which is significant when these components were common back then. Looking at various boards here... This isn't about this particular model. Even if VRMs handle over 100°C, some boards will still reduce clock speeds around 70°C or higher. Placing a small fan near the VRM area can help keep CPU load times stable if your setup faces similar problems as other boards using FX8350/OC, though they perform well with FX4/FX6.
The sensor for the VRM is the one that monitors its voltage or current levels.
Do you notice higher temperature data when you scroll further? HWMonitor may display it as "TMPIN#", while it actually reads something like "VRM". If not, consider using HWiNFO, which offers much more detailed information. AsRock mentions the board uses an 8+2 phase VRM, but I think it's more likely a 4-phase setup with a doubler. The VRM might be throttling due to heat. EDIT: It appears to be a 4+1 VRM with a doubler creating an "8+2" configuration.
Looking at the bios might clarify the issue. Power restrictions in eco-modes are common, often capping usage at 45 watts.
I detected Cool 'n' Quiet active and turned it off. The processor remains under stress with identical issues. Thermal throttling stays on auto. Consider testing another setting? (Note: Disabling it raised the temp to 72 °C and made downclocking smoother, still at 47 watts.)