The XMP profile stability for the Asus Maximus Hero X is not reliable.
The XMP profile stability for the Asus Maximus Hero X is not reliable.
I've been working to optimize my system performance but have hit a snag with my motherboard not supporting the XMP profile for my RAM. My 32GB Corsair Dominator Platinum kit is rated for 3000mhz, yet when I attempt to set it to that speed in the BIOS and save, the system restarts without success. It displays the message "AC" which in the manual means "System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in PIC mode." I'm unsure what this indicates or how to resolve it. I've tried loading default settings and adjusting XMP, but the issue persists even with the latest BIOS update.
This post is in the overclocking area, so it doesn’t discuss your CPU overclocking or the cooling setup. Why is that relevant? Because even at normal speeds, running the XMP profile can push the memory controller beyond its standard 2666mhz limit without issues. Adding the multiplier adjustment makes things more challenging if the CPU isn’t adequately cooled. The concern increases when you raise the multiplier closer to 5ghz.
I’m also using the ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero with the 8700K at 5ghz, but I manually set my memory to 2666mhz instead of following the XMP setting to help it stay cooler.
you might need to boost the voltage. I could run it using the XMP profile without increasing the voltage, but it just failed. Testing other RAM didn’t change the issue.
What occurred before this that you were adjusting or restarting your computer? I mean, what were you doing with the computer—did you replace the memory, or were you just overclocking everything one day and ran into issues?
I was using the XMP Profile, needed to update the BIOS, but it stopped working. I tried rolling back, then applied two more updates and even some older ones.
As this is shared in the overclocking area, you didn’t discuss any CPU overclocking or cooling solutions. This is important because at standard speeds, even when using the XMP profile, the memory controller is effectively being overclocked from its original 2666MHz to 3000MHz, which rarely causes issues.
Adding the multiplier adjustment can lead to complications if the CPU isn’t adequately cooled. This becomes more significant when pushing the multiplier closer to 5GHz.
I’m also using the ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero with an 8700K at 5GHz, but I manually set my memory to 2666MHz instead of following the XMP setting for better cooling.
Running the XMP profile is fine and provides maximum performance gains, but it generates extra heat.
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I’m also using G-Skill TridentZ memory, which seems to perform better than Corsair on the latest ASUS boards I’ve tested.
Have you tried using the Memory OK button on your motherboard? Check the manual for instructions on its usage.
My main concerns are about how often you flash the BIOS and whether you’re reverting back to older versions. In fact, flashing back to previous versions isn’t recommended just to run XMP—this can be risky.
I recommend updating to the latest BIOS before doing so.
Perform a hard reset of the CMOS: disconnect the main power supply, then wait for a few minutes before reconnecting. After flashing, clear the CMOS again, preferably while the motherboard is powered off. The CMOS display on the motherboard panel will show a blank state if done correctly.
If you’re already using the latest BIOS version, proceed with the CMOS reset and consider removing the battery temporarily for a thorough clearing.
The discussion is about this post being in the overclocking area, so it doesn't discuss your CPU overclock or cooling setup. This is important because even at standard speeds, running the XMP profile can push the memory controller beyond its rated frequency, which may cause issues. The concern increases when you raise the multiplier closer to 5GHz.
I'm also using the ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero with the 8700K at 5GHz, but I manually set my memory to 2666Mhz instead of following the XMP setting for better cooling.
Although I don't encounter problems with the XMP profile and it works well for maximum performance, running it in that mode isn't necessary for daily use since it generates extra heat.
I've read about the effect of a higher multiplier on CPU temperature.
The Memory OK button on the motherboard is worth checking; consult the manual for its usage.
My worries center around how often you flash the BIOS, even reverting to older versions. In reality, flipping back isn't advisable just to enable XMP.
It would be better to update to the latest BIOS beforehand and perform a hard CMOS reset—disconnect the power supply, then clear it again after the new flash. If you're already using the latest BIOS, proceed with the reset and remove the battery for extra assurance.
Sorry for not sharing more details, just a bit frustrated. I have a custom CPU loop with a mono block for VRMs. During intense gaming sessions lasting about two hours, the CPU stays under 55°C, and the RAM maintains good airflow.
I've tested running XMP with both stock and overclocked CPUs, but I'm aiming for RAM speeds above 2133Mhz, preferably around 3000Mhz, though 2666Mhz is acceptable.
For BIOS updates, I only changed it a few times, mostly to test if the issue was related to the motherboard's BIOS. I haven't found a solution yet. I'll try the CMOS reset again and see what happens.