The computer starts to become unstable when placed in Asus Optimal mode.
The computer starts to become unstable when placed in Asus Optimal mode.
I understood it wasn't a wise move to boost the CPU with stock cooling from 3.1 to around 3.9 GHz, but I thought maybe "Hey, it's just a UEFI setting, what could possibly go wrong?" That was really naive.
Let's take a closer look at what I did.
I opened the UEFI settings and checked the Ez mode options (probably the one ASUS uses). There were several settings: energy saving, normal, and performance. So you'd expect something specific to happen next.
After switching it to performance mode and seeing that it caused instability, I tried reverting it back to normal. Sadly, the issue persisted.
My system details:
Processor: A8-9600
RAM: 4GB at 2400MHz
Brand: ASUS A320M-K
Power Supply: 600W Chieftec unit
Well you haven't said what speed your ram is rated at. So I'll guess at 3200. Ddr4 defaults to 2133. Xmp is Intel eXtreme Memory Profile. What that does is change your ram from running at 2133MHz to 3200 MHz. It's a predetermined setting your ram is supposed to be at with timing, speed and voltage optimums. Kinda like enabling turbo for ram. So look at the main page and see what your ram is at in the info box up top. Under that somewhere will be a box for changing xmp. Usually your options are disabled or profile #1. You'd choose profile #1, hit F10 to save, then reboot back to bios. In the info box, your ram should be now running at its correct speed of 3200MHz not the default 2133MHz.
You can also do other things like enable/disable...
Reset the CMOS settings. Either via BIOS or by powering off your computer, remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard, let it sit for 5 minutes (15 minutes for better results), then reinstall the battery and restart your PC. Clearing the CMOS will undo all BIOS modifications to factory defaults.
Using Asus BIOS typically requires pressing F5 to restore the system to factory optimal configurations. Ensure the AI Overclock Tuner is configured for XMP cux, which will also retain your RAM at standard speeds after the reset, rather than the rated speeds.
On Ai Tweaker tab, the Ai Overclock tuner is automatically set to Auto by default. I'm feeling a bit awkward, but I don't want to make another mistake.
Well you haven't mentioned the speed of your RAM. I'll assume it's around 3200. Ddr4 by default is set to 2133. Xmp is Intel Extreme Memory Profile, which adjusts your RAM from its standard frequency to a higher one, like boosting performance. It’s a fixed configuration that optimizes timing, speed, and voltage. You can find this setting in the main menu under the info box at the top. There should be an option for changing Xmp, often hidden or labeled as profile #1. Select it, press F10 to save, then restart back to BIOS. In the info box, your RAM should now operate at the correct speed of 3200MHz instead of the default 2133MHz.
You can also adjust other features such as enabling multicore enhancement. I’d consider exploring the AI Overclock Tuner more deeply—it intelligently analyzes your usage and conditions to fine-tune stability, adjusting things like CPU speeds for optimal performance.