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)

[Wattdreams]

Hello Guys,

I just wanted to share an update about my new build after switching to MSI. Here's the setup:

• Motherboard: MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE
• Processor: Intel Core i9-14900KS overclocked to 6.4GHz (delidded with EKWB Direct Die water block, which worked flawlessly)
• Memory: 96GB G.Skill Trident Z Royal DDR5 at 7200 MT/s
• Graphics Cards: 2x NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090s (one on water with an AlphaCool water block, the other on DIY modified air to fit)
• Storage: 20TB M.2 RAID
• Cooling System: 2x EK-Quantum Surface P360M X-Flow radiators, EKWB pump res combo

  All I have to say about it is it's fast as ******. There were a few hiccups along the way, like the stupid Corsair GPU block failing (I hate Corsair, always end up with their crap). Anyway, the case and fans are decent, though I wish I had gone with something more enthusiast-grade, but whatever.

  Let me know if anyone wants any more info! Thanks for being awesome, ASUS Forums.

  Cheers,

  Julian (WattDreams)

[JohnAb]

Good job, pleased that it's going well for you 👍 I've never had an MSI motherboard, but I did buy a high-end MSI 4K OLED monitor recently and I'm delighted with it. Mind you, the improved quality in no way justifies what I paid for it, lol. It does look great in HDR mode, but most of the time I keep the brightness right down to prevent any risk of burn-in. I have no idea what the MSI experience has been for people more generally, but good to have your update. 

[Wattdreams]