GPU fails to function when using PCIe X16 configuration.
GPU fails to function when using PCIe X16 configuration.
I mainly use the PS5 now, with PC being used only occasionally. It began when my old water cooling stopped working. I also disliked my previous case because of its loud noise and bulk. I swapped the cooling system and case. Moving forward, I intend to upgrade the GPU for better performance, and that’s likely all. When ready, I prefer building a fresh PC rather than making small changes. Now I’ve addressed what was essential for me. Also, I overclocked the CPU and RAM, and it feels much smoother.
In short, a basic PC with a 2400 DDR3 is slow, but pushing it a bit higher usually helps. Manufacturers like Hynix and BFR often handle more than 3000, so your ICS shouldn’t be the main bottleneck. The 4960x chip supports DDR3 4000 MHz with good performance. You should aim for around 2800–3000 RAM, depending on your motherboard’s capabilities. Since it’s dual-rank, you might only reach about 2800. Ivy E controller should perform well compared to other controllers like Gulftown. The board has a third channel, but even with three sticks you won’t get much above 2500 unless the board is outdated. It’s easy to run if you just set VDIMM, VTT, and primaries properly—probably around 1.8V instead of the 2.1V you’re using now. The CPU should run at a voltage close to 1.52V, maybe a bit lower (around 125) since CFRs are mid-clocking. For RAM, consider 2666 or 2800 MHz multis; 3000 is likely pushing it for a dual-rank 4x8 setup. Don’t forget to check your BIOS settings and save your current profile before making changes—this way you can revert if needed.
Your board features two black PCIe ports—one X1 and one X16. Consider relocating other PCIe cards into those slots instead of the red X16 ports, hoping it resolves the issue. It’s typical for older 4-way SLI boards to rearrange lane distribution based on slot configuration; likely the red slots connect to the CPU while the black ones pass through the chipset. With a 40-lane processor, it’s possible the board is forcing a specific PCIe configuration to balance bandwidth for SLI setups.
The setup doesn't offer options to adjust the PCIE lane configuration, indicating this feature is exclusive to ASUS X58 boards. You can only control PCIe link speed between tor and Gen 1-3. For OC settings, additional references would be useful. Please share some screenshots of your AI tester menu showing current voltage and RAM timings. A basic estimate suggests CPU voltage at 1.25x/125Vcc, VTT with a slight adjustment, and memory frequency around 2666MHz with Dimm 1.7V. If you change TRCD/TRP/TRS to auto and raise VCCSA by 0.05V, it might help. Keep in mind the IMC will be the main factor. I don’t have personal experience with manufacturers, but I’m considering upgrading for a potential value increase when pairing it with my X58A UD3. I’d likely buy OEM bare PCBs (1333/1600 Hynix) for around $3 each and overclock them to 3000MHz to boost performance.
Thanks for the advice on your OC. I’ll give it a shot. I’m using these settings: CPU at 4.4Ghz, Vcore 1.24v. I also tried 4.5Ghz with 1.35v but it wasn’t stable and temperatures were average. I feel okay with that. RAM is 2400Mhz, 1.65v, with timings set randomly—just checked if it boots. I’m a beginner in OC but really want to give it a try. If you have your BIOS OC details, feel free to share them for help.
I plan to switch to the second BIOS, which remains unchanged. Indeed, I'm using a PCIe M.2 adapter paired with a Samsung 970 Evo Plus. Yes, I also tested without it—just removed all PCIe cards except the GPU.
Reviewed the MB manual—it mentions the first PCIe slot is always X16, regardless of how many GPUs are connected. Also, after trying to disconnect everything except the GPU, it didn’t work.
It seems upgrading the GPU on this outdated and very limited system isn't practical by modern standards, unless it marks the beginning of a complete overhaul.