Windows crashes due to BIOS overclocking?
Windows crashes due to BIOS overclocking?
I understand many people dislike "Software OC". Yet, I own an MSI 990FXA Gaming Board with an FX-8350 and a NZXT X61 AIO cooler. Through MSI's Control Center software, I've achieved a consistent 4.6GHz by tweaking the FSB. The same outcome is possible by changing the multiplier. Still, attempting a 4.3GHz setting in the BIOS doesn't result in a boot. Windows keeps failing to start, displaying error messages like "Your PC Needs Repaired" or indicating files are missing or driver issues. I spent a long time fine-tuning memory speeds, timings, CPU multiplier, FSB, voltages, etc., but nothing stabilizes the system. Sometimes I experience a full crash if I launch Prime95 with a BIOS OC. However, using Control Center I can maintain stability. With HWInfo and CPU-z, I confirm all cores run at 4.6GHz around 1.46V. Running Prime95 without issues is possible, with no core failures. The BIOS is up to date, which was my first step. What might be preventing Windows 10 from booting from a BIOS OC?
While typing this, my Prime95 caused my whole system to freeze at 4.5GHz with a voltage of 1.467V. Probably means I shouldn't keep overclocking...
I understand many people dislike "Software OC". In my case, I own an MSI 990FXA Gaming Motherboard equipped with an FX-8350 and a NZXT X61 AIO cooler. Using MSI's Control Center software, I achieve a stable overclock of 4.6GHz by tweaking the FSB. The same outcome is possible by adjusting the multiplier. Still, attempting a 4.3GHz setting in the BIOS often leads to Windows failing to boot. I encounter a blue screen repeatedly stating "Your PC Needs Repaired" and either file issues or driver errors. I spent the entire day yesterday fine-tuning memory speeds, timings, CPU multiplier, FSB, voltages, etc. Regardless of adjustments in the BIOS, the system either crashes immediately to the login screen or freezes shortly after logging in. Occasionally, I experience a full system freeze if I manage to open Prime95 with a BIOS OC. However, I can maintain stability using Control Center. Through HWInfo and CPU-z, I see all cores running at 4.6GHz at around 1.46V. I can run Prime95 without problems, with no core failures. The BIOS is up to date, which was my first step. What might be preventing Windows 10 from booting from a BIOS OC?
I really wish people would fully read posts before replying.... I DID put the stable overclock from the software into the BIOS and it becomes unstable, that is the entire reasoning for the post. I also already stated I run an aftermarket cooler AND listed my SSD. I also already tried at 1600mhz and still crashed. Checking AMD's site, it mentions nothing about having more than 8GB of ram. And it would be stupid to only support 8GB on an 8-core processor when ALL motherboards support 4 slots. I'm not going to remove RAM and lose performance in half my games without any real evidence that it would help. I know the differences. The PROBLEM is that BIOS OC is not stable. I OBVIOUSLY do not do both at the same time. I already made it clear that when I do just BIOS it crashes, and when I do just Software it does not. I have been overclocking CPUs and GPUs for well over 5 years. I know how to overclock. My temps are well below 45c, the voltages aren't insanely high, there is no logical reason for a crash.
Let me be precise with this post.
BIOS OVERCLOCK
4.4GHz
1.432V
Temps consistently at 40c or lower.
1600MHz settings for RAM (2133mhz kit, but only at 1600Mhz).
1.5V at RAM (default)
OS on SSD
GTX 970 stock clocks
Looks like it’s finally running smoothly without crashes. Planning to test 4.5GHz and check the results. 1.43V seems excessive for just a 200Mhz boost???
4.55-4.6GHz both fail even at 1.5V after roughly 5 minutes. Baffling. No cores stop working, just the whole system freezes. Down to 4.5GHz at 1.48V. Hoping it doesn’t crash so I can attempt a voltage reduction. Temperatures stay excellent, never exceeding 45C with 75% fan speed under full load. Just avoid extreme voltages and potential hardware wear. This chip appears quite fragile. Sure, it’s an issue only in single-core cases, but that’s the concern. I also want to be ready for DX12. Running Prime95 now—still no failures so far.
The software used for OC might be experiencing issues. The settings are temporary, and the whole system needs stability while maintaining these changes. Have you at least disabled all power-saving features? The memory controller is located in the processor and has two channels. If you have four RAM sticks, the controller works harder with more energy consumption. That's why record-obsessed users often use only one RAM stick and the smallest possible one that can run the system.
The voltage is excessive, so I recommend lowering the operating frequency to approximately 4.35GHz. Voltage adjustment to 1.4...
I swear no one reads anything... The software OC would handle it fine. The BIOS OC would fail on it. That’s the issue. 4.35GHz isn’t worth going above 4.2GHz. That seems pointless. 1.46V is too high for the 8350? When did that happen? People keep running it at 1.48-1.5V nonstop. Read the whole thing or just ignore me. I know how to overclock. The only problem is freezing. Of course, the power saving features are off. I’ve done everything correctly. I’ve been doing this for years. I’ll solve it myself. No one here will help. "The voltage is too high." Guess what—crashes at lower voltages. And I won’t try adding 100mhz. I’ll leave it stock if I want to. Since I don’t want pointless answers from people who don’t read, I’ll unfollow. If an admin or someone wants to delete it, they can. It won’t help anyone.