My Stirx Z370-F MB set the 9900KF to 1.7 volts.
My Stirx Z370-F MB set the 9900KF to 1.7 volts.
Hello tech enthusiasts! My Strix Z370-F board runs smoothly with an i7 8700, and the voltages are within normal limits, between 0.8v and 1.25v. After updating to the 9900KF CPU and using the BIOS wizard, I noticed the system was drawing 1.7v during idle and 1.5v under load. When I rebooted back into BIOS, everything reset to default. After a few days of gaming, my Windows would suddenly crash with BSODs. Even after reinstalling the OS, the installer crashed, but using an Ubuntu live CD helped temporarily. Once I replaced the CPU with the original model, everything stabilized again. Have you encountered this issue before? Any tips on preventing it? I’m planning to return the CPU and get a replacement.
What clock speeds are supported and whether it's a locked multiplier.
I adjusted the BIOS several times, yet the automatic readings stayed above 1.5 volts. What should be a reliable setting is missing, especially since it was set via the BIOS wizard without much focus on details. After turning on HWMonitor, I noticed the VID/VCORE numbers were extremely high and decided to reboot and reset the BIOS to its default state.
If it were just a brief moment, you should feel okay on paper, even though the allcore lock and high overclock setting suggest dangerous voltage levels. Generally, allcore overclocks aim to stay under 1.4 volts. However, note that manual multiplier overclocking can handle higher voltages safely in certain cases. Some advanced algorithms, such as those Intel employs for boosting to 5 GHz on some CPUs or AMD on others, may allow more voltage safely.
On paper it was acceptable for a brief period. After resetting to defaults, the system functioned well again. However, during a specific game—where one core consistently reached 100%—the system failed and didn’t recover. This suggests potential CPU damage. If you receive a replacement, manually setting the voltage to 1.3V or 1.35V instead of letting it auto-adjust might help avoid this issue.
Consider using the built-in feature called Intel Multicore Enhancement. It unlocks the TDP and can achieve a 5GHz overclock. Also, check the dead CPU with a 1.35V and 3GHz test speed. This might indicate damage, so the test aims to confirm functionality or identify other issues.
Avoid using auto settings for boosting performance and adjusting power levels.