Core multiplier decreases during the stress test, then leads to full lockup
Core multiplier decreases during the stress test, then leads to full lockup
Hey everyone, here are my current specifications before discussing the issue:
CPU - AMD FX-8350
CPU Fan - CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO w/ 2 fans
Mobo - ASUS M5A97 LE R2.0
GPU - GTX 980ti 6GB (MSI Golden Edition)
Ram - 8gb DDR3 1600MHz
PSU - Corsair CX600
The issue I'm facing is during a prime-95 small FFT test after adjusting my core clock up to 4.2GHz from the default 4.0GHz with 1.375VID. The test proceeds without problems, temperatures stay below 50C, but suddenly the core clock drops to 1.4GHz and the VID falls to around 0.9V. I also tried increasing the VID to 1.4V temporarily to check if it resolves the problem, and it did. Immediately after these changes, if I don't stop the test, the system freezes completely, requiring me to power off and restart to recover.
My assumption is there might be a BIOS setting I overlooked or didn’t update correctly. Alternatively, there could be a hardware fault, which would make fixing it more difficult. Regardless, I really need assistance in troubleshooting this and getting the overclock back on track.
Thanks in advance for your help.
It seems the VRMs on your motherboard are overheating and reducing CPU performance to prevent damage. Check the side panel, point a fan at the capacitors closest to the CPU, and see if the problem resolves. These boards typically struggle with delivering sufficient power to such CPUs.
It seems the VRMs on your motherboard are overheating and reducing CPU performance to prevent damage. Check the side panel, point a fan at the capacitors closest to the CPU, and see if the problem resolves. These boards often struggle to supply adequate power to such CPUs.
Most likely the VRMs on your motherboard are overheating and reducing CPU performance to prevent damage. Check your side panel and direct a fan toward the capacitors closest to the CPU to see if the problem resolves. These boards typically struggle to supply power to CPUs effectively.
Thank you for your quick response!
Since my CPU temperatures weren’t excessively high, I removed one of my two 120mm fans from the heat sink and aimed it at the capacitors mentioned. The issue described in my post has gone away.
As before, the clock would decrease within the first 30 seconds of testing. Prime95 ran for about 5 minutes without this happening, though one core stopped around the 4-minute mark due to a hardware failure. I think this is no longer a major concern unless you’re open to further troubleshooting for any actual hardware issues.
Between when I replied and just now, I increased the voltage back to 1.4V and have seen p95 small FFT run without any issues. The CPU is operating at a stable 45°C under full load. Are you still concerned about the motherboard? It appears to be functioning smoothly now.
It's probably fine at stock speeds it's not a horrible board, just not one you want to oc with. Everytime it gets hot enough to throttle you risk popping a capicitor and ruining the board. I'd go with what you have now and stop the prime tests