Leaving ASUS: Frustrations with Overclocking and Moving to MSI

[Wattdreams]

Hi everyone,

I'm Julian, and I go by the username WattDreams here on the forum. Although I've never posted here before, I've been browsing this forum for years to gain insights and advice on PC building and optimization. I finally decided to create a username and make this post to share my experiences and help anyone who might be facing similar issues.

I'm a full-time Blender artist working on movies and commercial advertising, primarily using Ubuntu Linux for my work. Recently, I upgraded my system, but I've encountered numerous issues that have led me to make a significant decision. Here’s a bit about my current setup:

• OS Name: Microsoft Windows 11 IoT Enterprise Subscription LTSC
• Version: 10.0.26100 Build 26100
• System Name: MORT
• System Manufacturer: ASUS
• System Model: System Product Name
• System Type: x64-based PC
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i9-14900K Desktop Processor (24 cores: 8 P-cores + 16 E-cores)
• Graphics Cards: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti x2 (non-SLI because this board doesn't support it)
• BIOS Version/Date: American Megatrends Inc. 2301, 5/22/2024
• SMBIOS Version: 3.5
• BaseBoard Manufacturer: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
• BaseBoard Product: ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI
• Installed Physical Memory (RAM): 64.0 GB
• Total Physical Memory: 63.8 GB
• Available Physical Memory: 42.5 GB
• Total Virtual Memory: 71.1 GB
• Available Virtual Memory: 25.2 GB
• BIOS Mode: UEFI
• Secure Boot State: Off

Despite my efforts to optimize and overclock this setup, I've been fed up with all the errors and problems overclocking the GPUs and the CPU. It’s been quite frustrating, and I haven't been able to achieve the performance I was hoping for.

For comparison, my old system, detailed in this benchmark, performed significantly better and more reliably. It outperformed my current ASUS setup without any issues.

Due to these ongoing problems, I have decided to leave the ASUS world and switch over to MSI. I've just ordered the MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE MAX and am looking forward to a more stable and high-performing experience. Here's a list of the new parts I've ordered for my build:

• EKWB EK-Quantum Torque HDC-14 Compression Fittings (Qty: 2)
• EKWB EK-Quantum Surface m360 Radiator (Qty: 2)
• CORSAIR Hydro X Series XD7
• Bangfun PCIe 5.0 90 Degree RTX 4080/4090 GPU Power Adapter Cable (16Pin Male to 3x8Pin Female) x2
• CORSAIR iCUE 5000T RGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case
• Fanttik E1 NEX Workstation Precision Electric Screwdriver Kit
• EKWB EK-Quantum Velocity 2 Direct Die D-RGB - 1700, Nickel + Plexi
• EKWB EK-Quantum Flow Indicator, Digital RGB, Black
• Intel® Core™ i9-14900KS Desktop Processor (24 cores: 8 P-cores + 16 E-cores)
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX NVLink Bridge 3-Slot for 3090 and 30 Series Graphics Cards
• SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 7,450 MB/s x6
• Barrow G1/4" to 3/8" ID, 5/8" OD Compression Fitting for Soft Tubing, Gold, 4-Pack x6
• iMBAPrice 12V Dual Cathode Inverter Kit with Power Cable Harness & PCI Switch Slot x2
• XSPC Pure Premix Distilled PC Coolant, 1 Liter, Clear UV
• EK-Quantum Vector FE RTX 3090 Ti D-RGB - Black Special Edition x2
• F5-6400J3239F48GX2-TR5S Trident Z5 Royal DDR5-6400 CL32-39-39-102 1.35V 96GB (2x48GB) Intel XMP x4
• FSP Cannon Pro 2000W Power Supply
• Corsair QX120 RGB Fans x12
• Corsair QZ140 RGB Fans x2
• UV Reactive Coolant, Clear
• Cold Cathode UV Lights x4

If anyone is interested in the performance of the new system or a build video, let me know and I'll make one. Anyways, I wanted to tell everyone that I have tried every BIOS ASUS had to offer, and it was extremely annoying to deal with the major differences. One BIOS would be great but my CPU would skyrocket in temps. Another would run cold as ice but be sluggish as a sleepy dog. Long story short, after many attempts, BIOS version 2301 (of course, after I spent some money) is very stable and performing well. I managed to get a Cinebench score around 35,000 for the GPU and an Intel bench score of 13700. I didn't save screenshots, but regardless, if anyone is running into issues with a similar setup and wants guidance, feel free to PM me. I'll try to help.

And for fun, when I'm having a beer, I ordered the UV reactive coolant and some Cold Cathode UV lights to make my build look even cooler.

Thank you to everyone who has offered advice and support during my time here. I wish you all the best with your builds and hope to see you around in other tech communities.

Cheers,

Julian (WattDreams)

[JohnAb]

Nice information and good luck with the MEG Z790. Would be interesting to hear about your experience with it 👍

[Wattdreams]

Will do! 

[Wattdreams]

[Wattdreams]

FYI I have enjoyed ASUS for many years. My WS C422 SAGE/10G board with an Intel Xeon W-2295 has been a server in my office and a master in my render farm for years without any issues. So that will stay as is.

[Silent_Scone]

Hi @Wattdreams 

Sorry to hear you've been experiencing trouble overclocking. However, Intel is experiencing an issue with some of it's 13th and 14th-generation CPUs. You may want to investigate this and provide insight into your actual problem so that others can help you.

[Wattdreams]

After my recent post about the issues with my Asus motherboard, I regret to inform you all that it has finally died. Despite trying two different CPUs and two power supplies, the motherboard is beyond repair.

It's incredibly disheartening because I have been a loyal Asus customer for many years, always trusting in their quality and performance. However, this recent experience has shown me that the new Asus boards simply aren’t built to the same standard as they used to be

Thank you to everyone who offered advice and support during this frustrating time. I hope you all have better luck with your hardware in the future.

Farewell, Asus. I’m deeply disappointed.

Best regards,

Watt Dreams paying respect to a fallen friendFaithful friend no more, Circuits silent, heart now still— Farewell, trusted board.

[Silent_Scone]

Hi @Wattdreams 

Despite your original post not containing any information on what the actual issue was, sorry to hear you’ve had a bad experience. 

Unfortunately, all we’ve got to go on is you’ve been frustrated with overclocking the setup. Overclocking requires a reasonable understanding of running components out of spec. Moreover, please consider the fact that a number of users with Intel 13th and 14th gen CPUs are experiencing CPU errors which also manifest as GPU related problems. For a motherboard to “die” during an exercise with overclocking puts the onus on the user to expand on the problem rather than simply announcing their departure. Perhaps with more information about the actual problem we could have better advised you.

https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/intel-700-600-series/intel-july-2024-update-on-instability-reports-on-...

Best of luck in future 

[Wattdreams]

totally. hear ya loud and clear. 

[Wattdreams]

Hey guys, update!

I have been building the MSI Godlike build, and it's going well except that the motherboard is bigger than I thought! Don't get the 5000T Corsair case(even though it is says (its compatible) if you plan to use the side vent. Anyway, I'll post some pics later on tonight.

Also, just to clear the air, I said "****** it" and purchased another Z790 ROG Strix. I am happy to report that it worked great. After closer inspection of the faulty strip one, the vrm heat pipes were fractured... not sure how that happens. Anyway, it looks like it was a bad one from the bunch, and the Strix will stay in my crew of computers as a medium-weight boxer.

Now, the Heavy Weight Boxer...MS.Godlike (femme announcer voice). Build quality is on another level. Performance is yet to be determined, but she's got some sass, I'll say. Awkward size and connection locations. Tons of things to play with and allot of places to put you m.2 drive...biild finishing tonight. 

So yeah! Now I'm an ASUS and MSI dad.