ASUS M5A78L with USB3 clock speeds reduced at temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius
ASUS M5A78L with USB3 clock speeds reduced at temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius
This has been the main challenge I've faced while overclocking. At 4.0Ghz, my CPU temperature reaches around 50-55°C, causing the clock speed to drop to 1.4Ghz. My cooling setup seems fine—four case fans and a CM 212 EVO cooler—but I suspect the motherboard is adjusting its settings to prevent overheating. I’m wondering if there’s a way to disable that behavior.
The heat sinks might assist, but installing them correctly would be difficult. I would start with the fans, then add the heat sinks, and finally remove the fans if the heat sinks perform adequately.
Simple to understand, tough to repair.
Your motherboard has no heatsinks on its VRMs, and the power delivery parts are placed between the CPU socket and the rear I/O shield. This board isn’t really meant for anything beyond a stock FX63 or maybe an FX8, and definitely not for overclocking.
The power delivery system is overheating and then reducing performance to avoid permanent damage. It’s mostly related to the CPU only when it’s pulling more power than the board can provide.
The most effective fix would be to attach a spare case fan directly to your case so it blows onto the VRM components for better cooling. Adding another fan on the back of the board can also help.
The best option is to replace the motherboard.
DonkeyOatie explains the issue clearly, pointing out design flaws in the motherboard. It lacks heatsinks on VRMs and has poor power delivery between CPU socket and rear shield. The system overheats and throttles to avoid damage, mainly due to CPU power demands exceeding supply. The recommended fix is adding a case fan to cool the VRM components directly. A second fan on the backboard can also assist. The author suggests upgrading to another motherboard and mentions personal experience with core reduction helping performance.
DonkeyOatie:
Try fan cooling first—it can make a difference. Disabling throttling might ruin your motherboard's power delivery, so going slow is better than stopping completely.
Thanks for the answer. If I get heatsinks for my VRM and put them in place, would they help more than extra fans? If yes, I’d consider buying both.
The heat sinks might assist, but installing them correctly would be difficult. I would start with the fans, then add the heat sinks, and finally remove the fans if they perform well.
DonkeyOatie suggests starting with fans before considering heatsinks. He plans to install heatsinks himself, possibly using his friend's expertise, and will remove the fans if they prove effective.