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?

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @Renegadeandy 
Thank you for reaching out to us.

Could you please confirm the part number of the installed memory?
For memory overclocking, we recommend referring to the ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI Memory QVL, the purchasing and installation guide on the same page, and ensuring that the memory is installed in the slots recommended in the manual.

You can also try installing a single memory stick in the DIMM_A2 slot and, after confirming overclocking stability, install the second memory stick in the DIMM_B2 slot.

Please refer to the guide 'Memory Kits - Overclocking and What You May Not Know'.
Meanwhile, we have discussions on your topic in ROG Discussions > Overclocking & Tweaking, and I may relocate your post to the proper category if you'd like.

Thank you.

[Renegadeandy]

Hello @Jiaszzz_ROG thank you for your support!

The installed memory is: F5-7200J3445G16G x 2

That memory is in the list you linked to for the Z790-E Memory QVL when matched with the i5-13600KF. Those 2 sticks are indeed in DIMM A2 and DIMM B2 as per the manual.

Please relocate as you see fit, however I do not want this to get lost in the flurry of advanced questions - I really do just want to get practical advice that works on taking my first steps!

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @Renegadeandy 

Thank you for your response.
May I ask if you set up RAM overclocking with single RAM installed, do you see different results?
To better understand your unstable overclocking scenario, could you please confirm the following details:
- the brand and model of the GPU and PSU currently installed
- Besides the memory overclocking settings, have you made any other manual adjustments in the BIOS, such as CPU overclocking or voltage limits?
If so, please clear CMOS and then test the memory overclocking with default BIOS settings to rule out any configuration conflicts.
- After clearing CMOS, does overclocking fail with all options including [AEMP II], [XMP I], [XMP II], [DOCP I], and [DOCP II]? 

Do you experience the same issue with each setting? For example, setting [XMP I] will allow the system to boot but cause crashes during gaming, while [DOCP I] prevents the system from booting
- Regarding the description 'Any speed higher than 6667 for RAM and memory test fails', does this failure result in no boot, a blue screen, or automatic shutdown during use?
If possible, please record a video of the overclocking failure to help us understand your setup and the nature of the failure.

Thank you.

[Renegadeandy]

Hi @Jiaszzz_ROG 

Thank you again for your support. I will do the tests as you ask later today but as for a quick answer. After making a change, I always run Memtest86 from bios to check if it is stable or not. If it gets any errors, I consider it unstable and windows does also (if I then boot into windows with the setup which resulted in the memtest failure).

I'll respond more fully later!

[Renegadeandy]

Hi @Jiaszzz_ROG 

This is the proper answer to your post.

GPU - GeForce ROG Strix RTX4070ti OC12GB Gaming
PSU - Seasonic Prime GX 1300
Cooler - Asus Rog Ryujin II 360 All-In-One Liquid Cpu Cooler With 3.5" LCD Screen

I see the same results with 1 stick of ram as with 2.

The method of testing is to run memtest86, if I see errors as you see in the pictures below I consider it a failure. Windows boots but crashes within 1 - 4 minutes.

When I look at the AI Overclock Tuner options, it only shows these, and I have tried each of these as per your suggestion, clearing CMOS between each failed attempt.

1. Auto
2. Manual
3. XMP I
4. XMP II
5. XPM Tweaked

1/Auto works and appears to result in 6667mhz on ram, same as I have for manual.

2/Manual is what I use typically to set DDR Frequency to 6667mhz (changing nothing else)

3/XMP I sets DDR to 7200mhz, which fails according to the picture below.

When I boot back into BIOS it shows the CPU Temp at 88c!? 

4 and 5 fail as per 3 above in similar amounts of time, CPU once again at 88c with a warning of heat when in POST screen.

CPU is typically between 28c and 40c when in peak temperature gaming - when AI Tuner Overclock is manual and I only set the DDR to 6667mhz. I am wondering now if there is something wrong with my coolers setting? Can you suggest what I should look at? Perhaps this is what happened before but I overlooked the temperature issue!

The pass in memtest for 1/ which has no overclocking seen as follows: The CPU is 31 after the test.

For readers  ^^^^ this is not the problem solved! This is a pass at 'default' non overclocked system configuration!

[Silent_Scone]

Hi @Renegadeandy 

88C in the BIOS is irregular. Whilst the UEFI does put a small load on the CPU, those temperatures indicate an issue with your cooling solution. You will need to reevaluate your CPU mount and thermal application.

[Renegadeandy]

@Silent_Scone  - please re-read my post. I think your assumptions are incorrect. The CPU is 88C AFTER the failed overclocking test in memtest86. I think this may be because the Pump / Fan is not being automatically increased as temperature increases when testing within memtest?

CPU is between 28c and 40c either within UEFI or within windows during peak gaming performance on 'normal' clock speed settings.

[Silent_Scone]

88C in Memtest86 or at POST is excessive. Memtest86 does not hit the CPU that hard.

Are you able to run Cinebench R23 loop and confirm load temps?

[Renegadeandy]

I agree, it is excessive - except it is ONLY at that when I use XMP I, XMP II or XMP Tweaked.

When at Auto or manual Running full all Cinebench tests CPU hits 59C and GPU hits 46C when on their appropriate tests.