Amd c6 support in bios. Bios Settings - Detailed instructions in pictures

RAM
When using two memory modules, install them in the red slots (located closer to the processor).

iGPU (integrated graphics core)
The built-in graphics core generates heat during operation. It makes sense that by disabling it you can achieve better overclocking results. Use a PCI-Express video card and disable the function in the BIOS (Disabled) iGPU Multi-Monitor Support to disable the graphics core.

CPU cooling
Use only the best cooling systems because... LGA1150 processors are somewhat hotter than they could be and under heavy loads the protection (Thermal Throttling) may be triggered. When overclocking, it is strictly recommended to use cooling systems that blow air through the radiators on the power subsystem. Or provide them with other fans.
Haswell processors are very temperature sensitive. The better you cool them, the more you can overclock them. It has been experimentally proven that at subzero temperatures, overclocking results are impressive even at reasonable voltages. If you plan to assemble a system, for example, with a freon cooling system, then be sure to take care of insulating the electronic components from condensation. You can check the processor temperature in the CoreTemp utility.
Now you can move on to recommendations for setting up the system in the BIOS.

UEFI BIOS

Maximus VI Extreme comes pre-installed with 5 overclocking profiles. They can become the basis for overclocking your processor instance - you just need to slightly adjust the parameters.

Set the parameter AI Overclock Tuner in meaning Manual to access BCLK control. You can set the X.M.P. mode. to set all the main parameters of RAM in accordance with the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. This mode can also be selected as a basic mode, then its settings can be adjusted.

CPU Strap sets different strap values for the processor. This will allow you to overclock BCLK to the highest possible values for your processor.
The relationship between BCLK, PCIE and DMI frequencies is as follows: PEG Frequency = DMI Controller Frequency = 100 x (BCLK / CPU Strap).
Remember that the working straps may differ for different processors.

Source Option Clock Tuner will not be available if the value CPU Strap not set to a fixed value.

Parameter PLL Selection can be set to Self Biased Mode (SB-PLL), which will result in better BCLK (base clock) overclocking, but PCI-E 3.0 performance may deteriorate due to increased PCI-E digital signal jitter. The user can set Inductance/Capacitance Mode (SB-LC) to minimize PCI-E jitter for better compatibility with PCI-E 3.0 devices.

Parameter Filter PLL can be set to mode High BCLK Mode to achieve high BCLK values, but this risks increasing jitter. This mode of operation is usually required to set BCLK above 170 MHz. If you do not need such values, then feel free to set the mode Low BCLK Mode.

ASUS MultiCore Enhancement must be turned on ( Enabled) so that the system automatically raises the processor frequency to the maximum value according to your settings when they exceed the standard values.
Internal PLL Overvoltage must be turned on ( Enabled) for the highest overclocking factor. But also remember that running S3/S4 may make some RAM modules unable to work.
Parameter CPU bus speed: DRAM speed ratio can be set to 100:100 or 100:133. Selecting one of these ratios can be useful for setting the exact RAM frequency. With a DMI/PEG frequency ratio of 1:1, if the DMI/PEG frequency increases by 1%, the memory frequency will also increase by 1%.

Enabling Xtreme Tweaking can achieve performance improvements in older benchmarks.

Fully Manual Mode- an exclusive mode from ASUS, thanks to which you can manually adjust six key voltages for the processor. In this mode, the processor will not reduce any of the six voltages while idle, even if EIST or C-States are enabled. If you need energy saving, then you need to turn off this option.

The three most important voltages CPU Core Voltage, CPU Graphics Voltage, CPU Cache Voltage can be set to manual mode ( Manual) to make the options available CPU Core Voltage Override, C PU Graphics Voltage Override And CPU Cache Voltage Override. In this operating mode, the internal voltage regulator supplies precise voltage to the CPU Vcore, CPU Graphics, and CPU Cache. This mode will start working as soon as the Voltage Override values exceed the Auto values. In this mode, voltages will not drop during idle time, even if EIST or C-States are enabled.

Parameter Offset Mode opens the mode Offset Mode Sign to change voltages CPU Core Voltage Offset, CPU Graphics Voltage Offset And CPU Cache Voltage Offset. To set the voltage offset level, change these parameters. Auto mode is a setting from ASUS professional engineers. If you change the voltage to a minimum step of +-0.001 V, you will get the default voltage.

In mode Adaptive Mode mode will be available Offset Mode and additional mode Additional Turbo Mode Voltage for CPU Vcore, CPU Graphics and CPU Cache. Adaptive mode can be considered an extension of offset mode. Additionally, the set voltage will be active during Turbo Boost operation. Auto mode is a setting from ASUS professional engineers. If you change the voltage to a minimum step of +-0.001 V, you will get the default voltage.

Disabling the feature SVID Support stops interaction between the processor and the external voltage regulator. When overclocking, the recommended value is Disabled.
Separation of voltages into Initial CPU Input Voltage And Eventual CPU Input Voltage allows you to more accurately set the voltages before and after POST. This allows "unsuccessful" processors to POST with a higher voltage and lower it for further operation.

CPU Spread Spectrum need to turn off ( Disabled) when overclocking the processor.

BCLK Recovery must be turned on ( Enabled) when overclocking the processor, so that the system can boot into the BIOS in safe mode if the frequency settings are incorrectly set.

CPU Load-Line Calibration can be set to the maximum level (8) so that the voltage does not sag when the processor is loaded during overclocking. The level can be reduced to reduce power consumption and heat dissipation as long as the system remains stable.

Parameter CPU Voltage Frequency Can be set to "Manual" mode to select a fixed frequency. The higher the frequency, the more stable the input voltage (CPU Input Voltage). Increasing this frequency can give an increase in BCLK overclocking, but it all depends on the processor instance (some may require a lower frequency for b O higher BCLK values). It is highly recommended to enable Enable VRM Spread Spectrum or Enable Active Frequency Mode, if you do not intend to set the processor frequency to a fixed value.

VCCIN MOS Volt Control can be increased to increase stability, but heating will also increase. If you set the value Active VGD, then VCCIN MOS Volt Control will dynamically adjust depending on the processor load.

CPU Power Phase Control must be set to value Extreme so that all phases are active. Otherwise, during idle time, some phases are inactive. This may allow for increased frequency overclocking.

CPU Power Duty Control must be set to value Extreme. This mode prioritizes voltage supply to the iVR rather than balancing with temperature. In this mode you can get a little more overclocking.

CPU Current Capability install 140% to shift the overcurrent protection threshold. This will increase overclocking.

Meaning CPU Power Thermal Control You can increase it if you have problems with power overheating. But it is strongly recommended not to change this parameter. If you have problems due to overheating, then it is better to install additional cooling on the power subsystem radiator.

CPU Input Boot Voltage— the initial voltage from the power subsystem (Extreme Engine DIGI+ III) to the integrated voltage controller (FIVR - Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator), which is used before the BIOS loads. This voltage is active before the Initial CPU Input Voltage set from Extreme Tweaker is applied. Careful selection of this voltage can help achieve the maximum processor frequency.

CPU Current Capability in meaning 130% Shifts the overcurrent protection threshold for DRAM VRM. Helps increase RAM overclocking.

DRAM Voltage Frequency V Manual allows you to manually adjust the VRM frequency. The higher the frequency, the more stable the vDDR voltage, which will allow you to achieve greater memory overclocking (do not forget that overclocking is different for each stick).

DRAM Power Phase Control in meaning Extreme does not allow disconnection of memory power phases. This may allow for increased memory overclocking or increased stability if memory modules are installed in all slots.

Long Duration Packet Power Limit defines the maximum value for throttling when power consumption exceeds a certain level. We can say that this is the first level of protection for the processor from damage. By default, this is the TDP value from Intel. If left in Auto mode, it will be set to the value recommended by ASUS experts (OC Expert Team).

Package Power Time Window— a value in seconds that indicates how long the processor is allowed to work above TDP (the value that we set in Long Duration Package Power Limit). The maximum possible value is 127.

Short Duration Package Power Limit indicates the maximum possible power consumption under very short-term loads to avoid system instability. This can be considered the second level of processor protection. Intel considers a normal value of 1.25 from Long Duration Package Power Limit. Although according to the Intel specification for Short Duration Package Power Limit, short-term loads can be no more than 10 ms, ASUS motherboards can withstand much longer.

CPU Integrated VR Current Limit determines the maximum current from the CPU Integrated Voltage Regulator under extremely high loads. The maximum value of 1023.875 essentially disables the iVR's limit removal, which disables throttling due to current exceeding the standard parameters during overclocking.

Frequency Tuning Mode determines the speed of the processor with iVR. Meaning +6% will provide a more stable supply of all six main voltages. Lowering this setting can lower the temperature by several degrees.

Thermal Feedback determines whether the processor will throttle when the external power subsystem overheats. This setting determines whether the power subsystem overheat protection will work. If you disable this protection, it is strongly recommended to monitor the radiator temperature.

CPU Integrated VR Fault Management It is recommended to turn it off if you increase the voltage manually. Disabling it can be useful when overclocking.

CPU Integrated VR Efficiency Management It is recommended to set it to mode High Performance to increase overclocking potential. Balanced mode will bring small energy savings.

Power Decay Mode is responsible for energy saving during idle time. When overclocking, it is recommended to turn off ( Disabled).

Idle Power-in Response Regular. Fast mode is set to reduce power consumption.

Idle Power-out Response When overclocking, it is recommended to set it to mode Fast, which allows the processor to be supplied with a slightly higher voltage with minimal latency.

Parameter Power Current Slope at value LEVEL-4 shifts the throttling time a little further.

Power Current Offset determines the offset of the Power Current Slope parameter. Meaning -100% shifts the CPU throttling time.

Power Fast Ramp Response determines how quickly iVR should respond to voltage requests from the processor. The higher the value, the faster the reaction will be. You can set the value to 1.5 to improve overclocking.

Power Saving Level 1 Threshold determines the minimum power consumption level when the processor should start throttling. Install 0 to disable this feature.

Power Saving Level 2 Threshold- similar to the point above.

Power Saving Level 3 Threshold- similar to the point above.

VCCIN Shadow Voltage— the voltage that is supplied from the external power subsystem to the internal power controller during POST. This voltage is active between CPU Input Voltage and Eventual CPU Input voltage. In Auto mode, the voltage will be set automatically, not above or below safe thresholds.

PLL Termination Voltage (Initial / Reset / Eventual) It is recommended to change it during extreme overclocking at low temperatures. The nominal value is 1.2 V. Safe voltages are up to 1.25 V and above 1.6 V. Do not set the voltage between 1.25 V and the iVR voltage to avoid rapid degradation of the processor.
When overclocking BCLK above 160 MHz, do not forget to set the PLL Termination Reset Voltage and Eventual PLL Termination Voltage to the same level as the Eventual CPU Input Voltage or higher. For example, if Eventual CPU Input Voltage is 1.9 V, then PLL Termination Reset Voltage and Eventual PLL Termination Voltage should be 1.9 V or higher for optimal effect.
If you do not plan to overclock BCLK beyond 160 MHz, then PLL Termination Voltage should be reduced to 1.1 or 1.0 V. Simply put, set this value to 1.25 V or equal to CPU Input Voltage for optimal results.

X-Talk Cancellation Voltage can be increased if the system is unstable (for example, BSOD 0124). But the effect will be the opposite if Max. Vcore Voltage operates under LN2 mode - in this case, reducing the voltage will increase stability. Default is 1.00 V.

Cancellation Drive Strength controls the X-Talk Cancellation Voltage operating mode.

PCH ICC Voltage— voltage to the integrated clock generator. Default is 1.2 V.
For high DMI frequency (>=115 MHz) - try 1.2500 V or lower.
For low DMI frequency (ICC Ringback Canceller can be configured as follows:
-turn on ( Enable) at high DMI frequencies
-turn off ( Disable) at low DMI frequencies

Clock Crossing VBoot- nominal value 1.15000 V. Typically, you need to reduce this voltage to increase acceleration. Lower values may help achieve higher DMI frequencies, but may also reduce PCIe 3.0 stability (raise the value if you experience PCIe 3.0 instability). Based on experience, the optimal value may be 0.8000 V. Also, increasing this value to 1.65 V may shift the Cold Boot Bug during extreme overclocking (negative temperatures).

Clock Crossing Reset Voltage

Clock Crossing Voltage It is recommended to reduce it to increase acceleration. The default value is 1.15000 V. Reducing this value can help increase the DMI frequency, but at the expense of PCIe 3.0 stability. Based on experience, the optimal value may be 0.8000 V.

DMI De-emphasis Control can be changed manually for better DMI overclocking. But the meaning +6 is optimal.

Parameter SATA Drive Strength can be manually configured to improve SATA stability. The default is 0. You can try changing it in both directions.

CPU PCIE Controller in mode Disabled disables the processor's built-in PCIEx16 controller to improve performance in 2D benchmarks. In this case, only the PCIE_x4_1 slot remains operational.

GEN3 Preset in Auto mode is the optimal value. But you can try all three preset profiles and choose the most productive one. This is especially useful when testing SLI or CrossFireX configurations.

PLX 0.9V Core Voltage / PLX 1.8V AUX Voltage- voltage control on PLX PEX8747 (PCIE 3.0 bridge).

PCIE Clock Amplitude You can configure it manually by selecting the best mode at a high PCIe frequency (due to the high BCLK frequency). More often than not, higher is better.

Internal Graphics(built-in graphics core) it is advisable to disable it to improve overclocking.

This article is a free translation of the official ASUS ROG article.
If you find any inaccuracy, please report it in the official community

Saving energy - this idea permeates the design of all modern electronic devices.
Save at any cost, because shouting on this topic is extremely popular in modern society. So how do we pay for the rather insignificant, penny energy savings (a few hours of operation of the air conditioner or heater eats up that savings in a month)?

First, here's a great article: Some Energy Saving Considerations for Intel Core i* and Windows, which provides a detailed analysis of how modern "power-saving" technologies are slowing down your powerful new computer.
In some cases, the difference is several times greater, but tens of watts are saved.
You bought a powerful computer with a super-core processor, but at times it slows down strangely and unpredictably, and even the operation of the sound path is disrupted (more on this below).
There are also recommendations on what to do,
For the processor to function fully, two conditions must be met:
In the BIOS, disable “C1E”, leaving support for “C3-C7” states enabled; Never set the power plan to "Energy Saver."

And besides the drop in performance, there is also audio noise. Yes, yes, you heard right.
Modern motherboards have very smart, developed multi-phase power management circuits, but constant current surges along all power rails generate not only significant electromagnetic interference, but also quite audible (in a quiet room, provided there is a quiet cooling system) whistles and squeaks.

This is why I have had the C1E - C3 - C6/7 processor operating modes turned off for many years, because in the mode with constant processor frequency jumps and cores falling asleep and waking up, the whistling of the power circuit is clearly audible (this is on an Asus board, which is considered good).
Well, because of micro-brakes too.

But not only the processor power supply in modern computers has been “greened” to the point of semi-suffocation.
“energy-saving” modes of operation for USB are fraught with the failure of the keyboard and mouse (have you forgotten that they are all USB-based now?), “energy-saving” modes of operation pci / pci express - constant clicks and interference in the audio path (sound via pci) .

Of course, all “energy-saving” settings are turned off in the OS, the “maximum performance” plan, in which we carefully go through all the points.
This applies to both desktop computers and laptops, which are mainly used
stationary (I remember that adjusting the power modes of the Asus laptop improved its performance. When working in the “default” modes, it was as if the machine was fast at times, and the mouse and external keyboard regularly fell off).
It’s more difficult with frequently worn laptops; you’ll have to set up 2 work plans.
Wherever it is required to increase battery life, it is necessary to include at least some of the “energy-saving” technologies.

The resulting gain is definitely worth it, if, of course, you are interested in your new powerful computer, with a powerful super-core processor, working quickly and without brakes.

==============
And now about where and how to save.
There is no need to buy heavy-duty power supplies if you won't be using that kilowatt.
Any modern PC power supply works worse at 10-20% load than at 50%.
For most systems, even gaming ones with 1 powerful video card, where the video card eats up the main thing, a 500-watt power supply is more than enough, and if the machine is not a gaming one, then 300-350 watts will be enough.

Install a power supply with high efficiency, if you don’t mind the money (aspects of their work with a UPS, since almost all of them have apfc, is a separate issue).
All other things being equal, choose more economical processors - in the case of x86 / 64, modern core* from Intel consumes approximately half as much as their AMD counterparts in all modes except idle (with a load somewhat different from zero). Moreover, they work noticeably faster in most real-life tasks.
There is no need to buy powerful gaming video cards if you don’t play 3D games at all - even in regular 2D or video viewing mode, a top-end gaming card consumes several times more than one built into the processor or an entry-level discrete one.

If you were looking for BIOS settings in pictures, then you have come to the right address.

The changes made will be protected by a lithium battery built into the motherboard and maintaining the required parameters in the event of a loss of voltage.

Thanks to the program, it is possible to establish stable interaction between the operating system (OS) and PC devices.

Attention! The present Boot network configuration section allows you to adjust parameters related to system boot speed and keyboard and mouse settings.

After finishing work or familiarizing yourself with the Bios Setup Utility menu, you need to press the hot Exit key, which automatically saves the changes made.

Section Main - Main Menu

Let's start working with the MAIN section, which is used to modify settings and adjust timing indicators.

Here you can independently configure the time and date of your computer, as well as configure the connected hard drives and other storage devices.

To reformat the operating mode of the hard drive, you need to select the hard drive (for example: “SATA 1”, as shown in the figure).

Type - This item indicates the type of connected hard drive;
LBA Large Mode- is responsible for supporting drives with a capacity of more than 504 MB. So the recommended value here is AUTO.
Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) - For faster operation here, we recommend selecting the AUTO mode;
PIO Mode - Enables the hard drive to operate in legacy data exchange mode. It would also be best to select AUTO here;
DMA Mode - gives direct memory access. To get faster read or write speed, select AUTO;
Smart monitoring - this technology, based on an analysis of the drive’s operation, can warn of a possible disk failure in the near future;
32 bit Data Transfer - The option determines whether the 32-bit data exchange mode will be used by the standard IDE/SATA controller of the chipset.

Everywhere, using the “ENTER” key and arrows, the Auto mode is set. The exception is the 32 Bit Transfer subsection, which requires the Enabled setting to be fixed.

Important! It is required to refrain from changing the “Storage Configuration” option, which is located in the “System information” section and not to allow correction “SATADetectTimeout".

Advanced section - Additional settings

Now let's start setting up the basic PC components in the ADVANCED section, which consists of several sub-items.

Initially, you will need to set the necessary processor and memory parameters in the system configuration menu Jumper Free Configuration.

By selecting Jumper Free Configuration, you will be taken to the Configure System Frequency/Voltage subsection, where you can perform the following operations:

automatic or manual overclocking of the hard drive - AI Overclocking;
changing the clock frequency of memory modules - ;
Memory Voltage;
manual mode for setting chipset voltage - NB Voltage
changing port addresses (COM,LPT) - Serial and Parallel Port;
setting controller settings - Onboard Devices configuration.

Power Section - PC Power

The POWER item is responsible for powering the PC and contains several subsections that require the following settings:

Suspended Mode- set automatic mode;
ACPI APIC- set Enabled;
ACPI 2.0- fix the Disabled mode.

BOOT section - boot management

Here you can determine the priority drive, choosing between a flash card, disk drive or hard drive.

If there are several hard drives, then in the Hard Disk sub-item the priority hard drive is selected.

The PC boot configuration is set in the Boot Setting subsection, which contains a menu consisting of several items:

Selecting a hard drive

The PC boot configuration is set in the Boot Setting subsection,

Quick Boot– acceleration of OS loading;
Logo Full Screen– disabling the screen saver and activating the information window containing information about the download process;
Add On ROM- setting the order on the information screen of modules connected to the motherboard (MT) via slots;
Wait For 'F1' If Error- activation of the function of forced pressing “F1” at the moment the system identifies an error.

The main task of the Boot section is to determine boot devices and set the required priorities.

ASUS EZ Flash– using this option, you have the opportunity to update the BIOS from such drives as: floppy disk, Flash disk or CD.
AINET– using this option, you can obtain information about the cable connected to the network controller.

Exit section - Exit and save

Particular attention should be paid to the EXIT item, which has 4 operating modes:

Save Changes– save the changes made;
Discard Changes + EXIT– leave the factory settings in effect;
Setup Defaults– enter default parameters;
Discard Changes– we cancel all our actions.

The following step-by-step instructions explain in detail the purpose of the main BIOS sections and the rules for making changes to improve PC performance.

Bios setup

Bios Settings - Detailed instructions in pictures

We consider UEFI settings for ASUS Z77 motherboards using the example of the ASUS PZ77-V LE board with an Ivy Bridge i7 processor. Optimal parameters were selected for some complex UEFI settings that allow you to achieve successful overclocking without unnecessary risk. The user is consistently introduced to the basic concepts of overclocking and carries out reliable and non-extreme overclocking of the processor and memory of ASUS Z77 motherboards. For simplicity, the UEFI language is English.
The post was received coolly on the overclockers website. This is understandable, since this site is mainly made up of reckless crazy users who engage in extreme overclocking.

AI Overclock Tuner

All actions related to overclocking are carried out in the AI Tweaker menu (UEFI Advanced Mode) by setting the AI Overclock Tuner parameter to Manual (Fig. 1).

BCLK/PEG Frequency

Parameter BCLK/PEG Frequency (hereinafter referred to as BCLK) in Fig. 1 becomes available if Ai Overclock TunerXMP or Ai Overclock TunerManual is selected. The BCLK frequency of 100 MHz is the base frequency. The main overclocking parameter is the processor core frequency, obtained by multiplying this frequency by the parameter - the processor multiplier. The final frequency is displayed in the upper left part of the Ai Tweaker window (in Figure 1 it is 4.1 GHz). The BCLK frequency also regulates the memory frequency, bus speed, etc.
The possible increase in this parameter during overclocking is small - most processors allow you to increase this frequency only up to 105 MHz. Although there are some samples of processors and motherboards for which this value is 107 MHz or more. For careful overclocking, taking into account the fact that additional devices will be installed in the computer in the future, it is recommended to leave this parameter at 100 MHz (Fig. 1).

ASUS MultiCore Enhancement

When this parameter is enabled (Enabled in Fig. 1), the ASUS policy for Turbo mode is accepted. If the option is disabled, Intel's Turbo mode policy will be applied. For all overclocking configurations, it is recommended to enable this option (Enabled). Disabling the option can be used if you want to run the processor using Intel's policy, without overclocking.

Turbo Ratio

In the window Fig. 1 set this parameter to Manual mode. Going to the Advanced...CPU Power Management Configuration menu (Fig. 2), set the multiplier to 41.

Rice. 2
We return to the AI Tweaker menu and check the multiplier value (Fig. 1).
For very cautious users, we can recommend a starting multiplier value of 40 or even 39. The maximum multiplier value for non-extreme overclocking is usually less than 45.

Internal PLL Overvoltage

Increasing (overclocking) the operating voltage for the internal phase-locked loop (PLL) allows you to increase the operating frequency of the processor core. Selecting Auto will automatically enable this option only when the processor core multiplier increases above a certain threshold.
For good processor samples, this parameter should be left on Auto (Fig. 1) when overclocked to a multiplier of 45 (up to a processor frequency of 4.5 GHz).
Note that wake-up stability may be affected when this setting is set to Enabled. If you find that your processor will not overclock to 4.5 GHz without setting this parameter to Enabled, but the system is unable to wake up from sleep mode, then the only choice is to run at a lower frequency with a multiplier less than 45. At extreme When overclocking with multipliers equal to or greater than 45, it is recommended to set it to Enabled. When accelerating carefully, select Auto. (Fig. 1).

CPU bus speed: DRAM speed ratio mode

This parameter can be left in the Auto state (Fig. 1) in order to apply future changes when overclocking and adjusting the memory frequency.

Memory Frequency

This parameter is visible in Fig. 3. It is used to select the memory operating frequency.

Rice. 3
The Memory Frequency parameter is determined by the BCLK frequency and the CPU bus speed:DRAM speed ratio mode parameter. The memory frequency is displayed and selected in the drop-down list. The set value can be checked in the upper left corner of the Ai Tweaker menu. For example, in Fig. 1 we see that the memory operating frequency is 1600 MHz.
Note that Ivy Bridge processors have a wider range of memory frequency settings than the previous generation of Sandy Bridge processors. When overclocking the memory together with increasing the BCLK frequency, you can exercise more detailed control of the memory bus frequency and get the best possible (but possibly unreliable) results during extreme overclocking.
To reliably use overclocking, it is recommended to raise the frequency of memory sets by no more than 1 step relative to the nameplate. Higher memory speeds provide minor performance gains in most programs. In addition, system stability at higher memory operating frequencies often cannot be guaranteed for individual processor-intensive programs, as well as during transitions to and from sleep mode.
It is also recommended to choose memory kits that are on the list recommended for the selected processor if you do not want to waste time setting up stable system operation.
Operating frequencies between 2400 MHz and 2600 MHz seem to be optimal in combination with intensive cooling of both processors and memory modules. Higher speeds are also possible by reducing secondary parameters – memory timings.
When overclocking carefully, we start by overclocking only the processor. Therefore, it is first recommended to set the nominal value of the memory operating frequency, for example, for a set of DDR3-1600 MHz memory sticks we set it to 1600 MHz (Fig. 3).
After overclocking the processor, you can try to increase the memory frequency by 1 step. If errors appear in the stress tests, you can increase the timings, supply voltage (for example by 0.05 V), VCCSA by 0.05 V, but it is better to return to the nominal frequency.

EPU Power Saving Mode

The automatic EPU system was developed by ASUS. It regulates the frequency and voltage of computer elements in order to save energy. This setting can only be enabled at the processor's rated operating frequency. To overclock, turn this parameter off (Disabled) (Fig. 3).

OC Tuner

When (OK) is selected, a series of stress tests will run during the Boot process to automatically overclock the system. The final overclock will vary depending on the system temperature and the memory kit used. It is not recommended to enable it, even if you do not want to manually overclock the system. Do not touch this item or select cancel (Fig. 3).

DRAM Timing Control

DRAM Timing Control is the setting of memory timings (Fig. 4).

Rice. 4.
All these settings should be left equal to the nameplate values and on Auto if you want to configure the system for reliable operation. Basic timings must be set in accordance with the SPD of the memory modules.

Rice. 5
Most of the parameters in Fig. 5 is also left in Auto.

MRC Fast Boot

Turn this option on (Enabled). This skips memory testing during the system reboot procedure. This reduces loading time.
Note that when using a larger number of memory sticks and at high module frequencies (2133 MHz and higher), disabling this setting can increase system stability during overclocking. As soon as we obtain the desired stability during overclocking, enable this parameter (Fig. 5).

DRAM CLK Period

Determines the memory controller latency in combination with the applied memory frequency. Setting 5 gives better overall performance, although stability may be degraded. Set it to Auto (Fig. 5).

CPU Power Management

The window of this menu item is shown in Fig. 6. Here we check the processor multiplier (41 in Fig. 6), be sure to enable the EIST energy saving parameter (Enabled), and also set the processor power thresholds if necessary (all the last mentioned parameters are set to Auto (Fig. 6)).
Going to the Advanced...CPU Power Management Configuration menu item (Fig. 2), set the CPU C1E (power saving) parameter to Enabled, and the rest (including parameters with C3, C6) to Auto.

Rice. 6

Rice. 7.

DIGI+ Power Control

CPU Load-Line Calibration

The short name for this parameter is LLC. When the processor quickly switches to an intensive operating mode with increased power consumption, the voltage on it decreases abruptly relative to the stationary state. Increased LLC values cause an increase in the processor supply voltage and reduce processor voltage drops during sudden increases in power consumption. Setting the parameter to high (50%) is considered optimal for 24/7 mode, providing an optimal balance between voltage increase and supply voltage drop. Some users prefer to use higher LLC values, although this will affect drawdown less. Set it to high (Fig. 7).

VRM Spread Spectrum

Enabling this setting (Figure 7) enables advanced modulation of the VRM signals to reduce the peak in the spectrum of radiated noise and pickup in nearby circuits. Enabling this parameter should only be used at rated frequencies, since signal modulation can degrade the transient response of the power supply and cause instability of the supply voltage. Set to Disabled (Fig. 7).

Current Capability

A value of 100% for all these parameters should be sufficient to overclock processors using conventional cooling methods (Fig. 7).

Rice. 8.

CPU Voltage

There are two ways to control processor core voltages: Offset Mode (Fig. 8) and Manual. Manual mode ensures that the static voltage level on the processor is always unchanged. This mode can be used for a short time when testing the processor. Offset Mode allows the processor to adjust the voltage depending on the load and operating frequency. Offset Mode is preferred for 24/7 systems, as it allows the processor to reduce the supply voltage when the computer is idle, reducing power consumption and core heating.
The supply voltage level will increase as the multiplication factor (multiplier) for the processor increases. So it's best to start with a low multiplier of 41x (or 39x) and move it up one step, checking for stability each time you go up.
Set Offset Mode Sign to “+” and CPU Offset Voltage to Auto. Load the processor with calculations using LinX and check the processor voltage using CPU-Z. If the voltage level is very high, then you can reduce the voltage by applying a negative bias in UEFI. For example, if our total supply voltage at 41x turned out to be 1.35 V, then we could reduce it to 1.30 V by applying a negative bias of 0.05 V.
Keep in mind that a reduction of approximately 0.05V will also be used for open circuit (light load) voltage. For example, if with default settings the processor idle voltage (with a multiplier of 16x) is 1.05 V, then subtracting 0.05 V will give approximately 1.0 V idle voltage. Therefore, if you reduce the voltage using too large CPU Offset Voltage values, there will come a point when the open circuit voltage will be so low that it will cause the computer to malfunction.
If, for reliability, you need to add voltage when the processor is fully loaded, then use a “+” offset and increase the voltage level. Note that the introduced “+” and “-” offsets are not accurately processed by the processor power system. Matching scales are non-linear. This is one of the features of VID in that it allows the processor to ask for different voltage depending on the operating frequency, current and temperature. For example, with a positive CPU Offset Voltage of 0.05, the voltage of 1.35 V under load can only increase to 1.375 V.
From the above it follows that for non-extreme overclocking for multipliers approximately equal to 41, it is best to set the Offset Mode Sign to “+” and leave the CPU Offset Voltage parameter to Auto. For Ivy Bridge processors, most samples are expected to be able to run at 4.1 GHz with air cooling.
Greater overclocking is possible, although it will cause the processor temperature to rise when the processor is fully loaded. To control the temperature, run the RealTemp program.

DRAM Voltage

We set the voltage on the memory modules in accordance with the passport data. This is usually about 1.5 V. The default is Auto (Fig. 8).

VCCSA Voltage

The parameter sets the voltage for the System Agent. You can leave it on Auto for our overclocking (Fig. 8).

CPU PLL Voltage

For our overclocking – Auto (Fig. 8). Typical parameter values are around 1.8 V. By increasing this voltage, you can increase the processor multiplier and increase the memory frequency above 2200 MHz, because A slight increase in voltage over the rated voltage can help system stability.

PCH Voltage

You can leave the default values (Auto) for a slight overclock (Fig. 8). To date, there has been no significant correlation between this chip voltage and other motherboard voltages.

Rice. 9

CPU Spread Spectrum

When the option is enabled (Enabled), the frequency of the processor core is modulated to reduce the magnitude of the peak in the emitted noise spectrum. It is recommended to set the parameter to Disabled (Fig. 9), because During overclocking, frequency modulation may degrade system stability.