Getting started with some overclocking basics on my system

[Renegadeandy]

Hi all,

My setup is:

Motherboard: ROG Strix Z790-E running latest bios version 2503

CPU: 13th Gen i5-13600KF - 5100mhz

Memory: GSkill Trident Z5 32gb (2 x 16gb 7200 -- F5-7200J3445G16G) - 6667mhz

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I am looking for some getting started advice specific to my CPU and motherboard for overclocking basics first steps. I have tried many different things in bios, most of which end up frequent crashes, and the system is not stable.

Here are a list of things i have tried:

• X.M.P 1, 2 & 2 Tweaked
• Any speed higher than 6667 for RAM and memory test fails, that appears to be the maximum at the CPU speed as it stands.
• Tried AI Tuning turning on - and it sets XMP and the system becomes completely unstable again.
• I have watched many video guides etc but they either don't work for me, or they are specific to ryzen cpu combos.

Current settings as we stand:

I am hoping the community can share some specific next steps for me, or, some links to some specific details on how with my CPU / Mobo combo I can start the overclocking journey?

[Silent_Scone]

XMP doesn't impact core temps that much. Best you show some CinebenchR23 run results with HWINFO open to best see what's happening. 

Make sure the core temperatures are visible 👍

[Renegadeandy]

Hi @Silent_Scone @Jiaszzz_ROG I have some results to share - each of the entries below is a link taking you to a video of the test.

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XMP I - 7200mhz RAM - CPU standard - 20819 CinebenchR23 points

XMP II - 7200mhz RAM - CPU standard - 20982 CinebenchR23 points

XMP Tweaked - 7200mhz RAM - CPU standard - 21121 CinebenchR23 points

XMP Manual - 6667mhz RAM - CPU Standard - 21115 CinebenchR23 points

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It looks like temperatures are okay throughout these tests.

Having run these - seemingly with stable windows / stable CinebenchR23 results, I decided to try gaming at the XMP I and XMP II settings. Crashes. and more Crashes were the outcome. The game in question (Deadlock) crashes to desktop, mostly without error messages, and usually required windows to restart to keep playing. When the crashes occur the temperature of the CPU is around 46C and the GPU around 62C.

I noticed a couple other things. If I reset UEFI to default settings, and then on the first screen of UEFI, turn X.M.P from disabled to enabled, and restart, the CPU is instantly 88C. So the temperature issue is created by moving this switch. Leaving that setting to disabled, and then selecting AI Overclock Tunert does not create this problem. Interesting.

I also have tried setting XMP I, II or Tweaked, using only the AI Overclock Tuner and go into memtest, which results in errors as it did before

It's my thinking that these errors are likely the similar type of errors occuring during gaming - which result in the crashes!

[Silent_Scone]

Yes, the memory overclock is unstable.

1. Please note that I asked you use HWINFO - are you able to do this and show DTS core temperatures when running R23?

2. Set XMP II

3. Set DRAM Frequency to 6000MHz

4. If using a CPU Contact frame, please remove and retest using the stock CPU retention bracket.

Retest in Memtest.

[Renegadeandy]

Hi @Silent_Scone 

This just gets stranger and stranger. I went into UEFI to do as you asked.
I set AI Overclock Tuner to XMP II, I set DRAM Frequency to 6000

I restarted, and CPU is sitting at 89C again.... What's going on here?

I have installed the Asus ROG RYUJIN III 360 ARGB via the instructions and if you look at the contents of the box I don't think I have a contact frame per say, just the installation bracket which is necessary for the pump unit to be held in place.

I have opened up the case, and taken a look at how the pump block makes contact with the CPU and don't think there is anything extra or incorrect in the setup - please can you confirm:

Note - after the 88C was spotted in UEFI, I opened up the case and did the check to take the photos above, and when back into UEFI again making no changes...the CPU temp is 30C static....so I am booting into windows now to rerun the CinebenchR23 with HWINFO up - but I don't have any explanation for these big spikes that happen and what 'fixes' them!?

[Silent_Scone]

Whilst the UEFI does put a small load on the CPU, those temperature spikes you're seeing in the UEFI are abnormal.

Please ensure the fan controller and USB 2.0 header are connected as per the installation guide here and inspect the pump speed within Armoury Crate.

[Renegadeandy]

@Silent_Scone  - thank you for your continued support, it is appreciated!

I have uploaded the XMP II 6000mhz DRAM Frequency with HWINFO run here.

I'll check the controller cable and usb header shortly and report back what I find. Before doing that though, within Armoury Crate I see:

[Silent_Scone]

Might be worth considering a more aggressive pump curve. Be sure to retest Memtest86 @ 6000MT DRAM frequency and report back.

[Renegadeandy]

Hi @Silent_Scone 

I have checked the USB 2.0 header and the Micro USB connection, both are connected correctly.

I have run a memtest86 @ 6000 which passes successfully.

[Silent_Scone]

Hi @Renegadeandy 

Ok, test some game stability also and report back. To increase DRAM frequency, may have to look at tuning some of the associated rails manually (VDD, VDDQ, VDDQTX, VCCSA, IMC VDD).

[Renegadeandy]

To confirm @Silent_Scone this is at 6000MHZ, i.e *lower* than I had previously been doing, at 6667MHZ which was stable?