PLEASE HELP. CPU downclocks underload, why? Sabertooth x79 & 3970x (Stock settings)

[OCdrumGuy]

Hello,

This is my first post. I've been searching the ends of the Earth for an answer, but haven't found anything conclusive. I just recently got a Sabertooth x79 mobo and Intel 3970x CPU. I'm using everything at stock settings (no overclocking- CPU multiplier and voltages are all set to auto). I'm running the latest bios, version 4104.

QUESTION:
When I put the CPU under any sort of load, it downclocks dramatically. For example, if I'm using Prime95, or even DVDFAB, I was looking at the CPU frequency using EVGA e-leet and it went from 4ghz down to about 3.4ghz. I'm just wondering why this is happening.

I also tested it out with a 4.6ghz overclock and the same thing occurred. For the OC scenario, I was using a 46 multi, 1.33vcore, speedstep disabled, c states disabled, etc. RAM is in XMP at 2133Mhz.

Sorry for my lack of knowledge. I'm moderately familiar with overclocking, but this is my first shot at an x79 board. My last board was a Sabertooth x58, so it's a little bit different to me.


System Specs:

ASUS Sabertooth x79
Intel i7 3970x
32GB of G.skill Ripjaws 2133 Mhz
1200w Thermaltake Tough Power PSU
2x GTX 780 Hydro Coppers
LG Bluray Burner
2x Corsair Force GS 240gb SSDs
3TB Seagate Barracuda
1TB WD Velociraptor
Black Ice SR1 480 Radiator
Magicool Slim 240 Radiator
Swiftech MCP 655 Pump
Bitspower 150 ml Res

[HiVizMan]

Hello mate.

What you must understand is that when you use a application that stresses all the cores the CPU does not operate at its maximum single core turbo frequency. When all cores are being used you should be at 3500MHz.

[OCdrumGuy]

HiVizMan wrote:
Hello mate.

What you must understand is that when you use a application that stresses all the cores the CPU does not operate at its maximum single core turbo frequency. When all cores are being used you should be at 3500MHz.

Sorry, I'm totally new with this board. Is this something different from how previous boards and CPUs operated? On my x58 board and 980 chip, my CPU would stay constant at 4.6 while under load.

[HiVizMan]

If you have OC your CPU then yes.

You are at defaults currently sir.

[OCdrumGuy]

I got a resolution to my down clocking issue. An ASUS tech (Jeffrey) advised me to set the following parameters in my Sabertooth X79 AI Tweaker settings. After doing so, my STOCK Turbo Speeds were at where they are supposed to be...4GHz and SOLID (no more down clocking). I Just wanted to put this out there in case anyone else has similar issues. But, like always, I suggest for others to please check for compatibility and especially with ASUS, prior to using any of these suggested settings. Use at your own discretion.

"Please try changing your Turbo Mode Parameters Power limit.
Long duration Power limit will be 1600
Short duration power limit will be 1920"

[HiVizMan]

4 GHz is over-clocked and is not stock or default for that CPU. 🙂