Facing issues with voltage control
Facing issues with voltage control
I've been facing a tough challenge for several months now, and things are getting quite challenging. My setup is my favorite, but the main issue has been with overclocking. Initially, stock configurations worked perfectly, but I wanted higher performance from my CPU since WoW (my most played game) only uses one core. Even then, my rig consistently ran around 45-50 fps during raids and struggled to exceed 60fps in cities. Fallout 4, which is unlocked, also puts extra pressure on the CPU, making it hard to maintain over 50fps in downtown areas.
The GPU usage is minimal in WoW, yet my frame rate drops significantly in FO4, with only about 60% utilization. I tried Asus' automatic overclocking for a short time, which temporarily increased my core multiplier and allowed the system to boot, but it was unstable—causing severe stuttering in both sound and video. After resetting to stock settings, things stabilized somewhat.
I then attempted self-optimization by adjusting RAM frequency without changing timings and keeping voltage at a high level (1.5v). I also increased the multiplier and performed stress tests, which passed until reaching 4.7, after which it dropped back down to 4.6. Eventually, I resumed playing, but the stuttering persisted.
I learned from my mistakes and found a video online that suggested specific settings for her 6700K. I followed those instructions, adjusting XMP, multiplier, cache limits, and voltage settings. This time, after stress testing for 12 hours, it worked well—performance improved significantly. However, the issue remained, and I eventually gave up after a week of instability.
About two weeks later, I tried another self-optimization attempt with different cache values (255, 41, 41) and auto-voltage. It finally stabilized for a short period, delivering the performance I needed at the correct voltage (around 1.34v). But this too was temporary.
Eventually, Microsoft released updates, and when my system restarted, Asus reported an extreme voltage issue (1.44V), causing severe stuttering. My CPU voltage readings fluctuated wildly, leading to freezing and game lag. This pattern persisted regardless of whether the voltage was too high or too low.
Another complication is that I’m unsure whether the problem stems from overvoltage, underspeed, or some other voltage-related issue. The system freezes under both conditions, which is confusing.
Now, after yesterday’s troubles (receiving direct 1.44V to my CPU), I restored all default settings, but WoW still stuttered heavily at stock performance. I also found that disabling the CPU SVID helped, leaving only VID visible, and I couldn’t see VCORE.
I’m uncertain what to do next. I’m worried about damaging my CPU, as every time I check the voltage, it seems to require more. The situation is frustrating, especially since I once managed to hit 4.7GHz briefly. I really want to get the best performance possible from this machine.
Are you employing both displays to achieve a consistent 6000x1440 resolution within the game?
If so ...
3840x2160 (4k) equals 6,144,000 pixels.
6000x1440 equals 8,640,000 pixels.
Thus, a CPU bottleneck is likely with WoW because of the higher resolution compared to 4k, especially considering the single-core engine issue you mentioned.
I also have other ideas, but it relies on the resolution you're using.
Your games operate on Monitor 1 with a resolution of 3440x1440.
I mainly rely on the side monitor for my monitoring software, chat programs, browser usage, etc. Nothing that should significantly impact the games. (It has always worked perfectly before).
I'm still exploring this issue... Tweak town seems fine when set to Auto, but the LLC needs to ensure stability. I'm unsure what to adjust. The same applies to Sys Ag and VCCIO. The cache voltage is another point I don't know if it should be changed.
Plus, there are numerous other features that might or might not be causing problems... It's frustrating.
WoW is a game with strong CPU limitations, so it won’t fully utilize your processor. This is just the engine’s design. I recommend playing with setting 7, which is the older WoD ultra. The new Legion ultra is highly inefficient, especially with high view distances, so keep it at 7 at full performance. Also maintain render scale at 100%.
Reduce quality to 7. Disable any CPU and GPU overclocking, and unplug the second monitor to establish a baseline FPS for comparison. Keep RAM at its XMP configuration.
Switch to 1080p resolution, turn off VSync/GSYNC, and test in an empty space. Aim for around 200 FPS. If that’s achieved, it suggests no damage to CPU or GPU.
Derekullo shared advice on optimizing performance for WoW. He recommends using setting 7, which represents the older WoD ultra configuration. He suggests maintaining render scale at 100% and lowering quality to 7. He also advises reducing overclocking on CPU and GPU, disconnecting the second monitor, and keeping RAM at its XMP value. He recommends running in an empty area with 1080p resolution, off VSync/GSync, and aiming for around 200 FPS. He emphasizes that if this target is achieved, it may indicate a power supply or voltage problem rather than a game-specific issue.