i7 3770k stuck at 1.6ghz

[narchy]

Hi.
I have a Maximus 5 formula with a i7 3770k that I am trying to get to run to at least at its stock 3.5ghz or more but unable to. The temps are 30 C on idle and under 50C in prime 95 full load.
The system is all water cooled. CPU, Mobo, and Gpu - AMD 7950.

I am not able no matter what i do to get the cpu to pass 1.6ghz. I checked through latest Cpuz and Coretemp they all show the same 1.6ghz even while running prime95.
I even tried clearing Cmos and loading defaults, tried disabling speedstep, C states, setting windows Power options to Maximum performance, nothing gets the cpu to pass 1.6ghz.

I dont understand what could be wrong the CPU or the Mobo? This is a previously used system for maybe 20 minutes and then not used for 8 months and now im trying to fix it.
Any idea which can be the culprit ? Any suggestion? The cpu backplate which i had to use in order to install the water block I think might be touching some pins on the back of the motherboard. Could that cause this behavior? I was able to install win 7 64 and everything without issues, except the cpu being stuck at 1.6ghz.
Any ideas?
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[HiVizMan]

Are you sure you are doing a Clear CMOS and not perhaps pressing the ROG connect button.

What I would suggest is updating your BIOS, download the bios of choice and extract the bios file to the root directory of a fat formatted USB stick, then using the EZFlash2 utility found in the tools menu of the bios follow the prompts to do a flash.

[narchy]

To clear cmos there is a Clr Cmos button in the rear connectors of the mobo. I push that and when I boot it prompts me to go into bios and set bios settings. So i know it is, coz its clearing all my settings as well.
I already flashed the latest bios. The only problem with this is that I didnt clear my attempted OC settings when I flashed to new bios, but now it says the latest version of bios is installed and no stability issues.
I am getting a new CPU replacement from intel with 1 day shipping so I will let u know.

[HiVizMan]

Cheers mate, had to ask that question you have no idea how many times folks do mistake the ROG connect for the Clear CMOS button.

Please do let me know how it goes.

[narchy]

Hmm someone advised me to run ThrottleStop to disable BD Prochot, and when I do that the cpu ratio goes to 39... and the cpu at 3.9ghz. Wow
So how do i fix this?

[narchy]

Here is a pic of the backplate. U cannot really see it but the bottom part might be touching some pins there

[narchy]

the only thing im worried is that cpu backplate might be touching some pins in the back of the mobo. But that was the instructions on the water block installation.

[HiVizMan]

Could you show me a image of what you mean. Most of the time the back plates of a water block has a fit that does not touch anything pins or any electrical components.

[Zka17]

What brand is your CPU block?

Those waterblocks use to came with standoffs and/or a rubber between the board and backplate... if you had installed it as per manufacturer's instructions, then it should not touch anything sensitive...

Does the MVF have a slow mode switch? If so, you may want to check it to be in OFF position...

Also, check the OS Power Options... if it's on Balanced, then it will go up only while stressing the CPU... - set it on High Performance if you want it all the time at the settings from BIOS... (but then watch your temps)

[narchy]

Hmm slow mode is ON, are u sure it needs to be OFF? I am overclocking to 4.5ghz right now and seems stable after over 2 hours of prime.

EDIT: Switched it to OFF and now nomore need for ThrottleStop. That fixed it.

You are the man, Sir!

There go about 10 hours of fiddling and me going crazy.
Heres some nice pics now 🙂