Hi,

I'll share my little bit of information that i know on this - and it's a sandybridge but the same type of rule applys here anyhoo, I used:

http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?2787-Maximus-IV-GENE-Z-BIOS-Guide-Overclocking

as my guide and on the VRM settings i was able to use the "VCore Load-Line Calibration: Sets a margin between idle and full processor load voltage to compensate for overshoot. To clarify; overshoot is a short duration (Intel specification stipulates less than 25 micro-seconds at stock voltages) voltage excursion beyond applied processor Vcore. We recommend a setting of High or Ultra-High for most overclocking"

I believe i read some where else in that post/or another RoG post that one of the BIOS options or this one here, If you set it right you are able to keep that active but also achieve a lower Vcore, Maybe this could apply to the Ivybridge too i run my 4.2 at 1.3 - Vdroop 75% (carn't push higher at the moment due to bad cooler but i was able to sustain 4.6-8 at 1.350 - system on auto wanted nearly 1.5V lol.)

Look into your BIOS options/read on google/forums here and there is some options to help you lower your Vcore but sustain the stability - Vdroop is properly the best one.




P.S -- Be careful since the I7 chips has Hyperthreading and i do believe i read somewhere that adds some 'C to your CPU too so you may not be able to as high as OC as you would of liked - rule of thumb: Think of some where you might like it to be but increase it slowly and watch your temps and try to keep the PC under 70'C at full load and i suggest you make sure you got a good aftermarket cooler to go above 4.2ghz as the CPU/Mobo really does need to get that VRM and CPU some juice and that produces a crud load of heat.

Please specify what areas your system needs fine tuning or attention to and we will try and assist you.

Hi,

Do you happen to have a USB pen? there is a option where you can take screenshots of your BIOS, if you posted those here then i could be more clear on the settings you are currently using, are you also sure that you applied plently of decent branded thermal paste to your CPU?

Do you have enough fans inside of your case to move the air flow too? - start first by posting your BIOS settings here if you can please, When the AI Tuner program OC your PC it tend's to not do the full settings unless you use the Extreme option that is in the program but to get a solid OC your better off using the BIOS.

1) Post pictures

2) Ensure your coolers are cleaned up and you did apply good ammount of thermal to your CPU.

3) Vdroop option on your PC adds 'C to your PC, also remember that your ambient room temps come into thought here so you might need to lower your OC if you live in a hot country. I always found 4.4ghz + required too much pump into options that would just add heat.

P.S: On the topic of not knowing what to elimate i can help you there, Hivisman helped me with this and some basic thoughts if you keep updating us here then we can help you. But if you speak good english i would be happy to talk to you through Skype and see if that can be off help to you if you require quicker help. But first start with one setting aka: VDIMMS (ram) set the basic voltages for things you KNOW that are not a issue. also when you set your ram settings declock the CPU back to its standard 3.3ghz and then prime95 it for 12hours if it doesn't have problems you can rule out the options you have just placed in (for now).


Once you have done that, add abit of juice to your pc to go towards 4.2ghz - I use 1.310 voltage in BIOS with a 75% Vdroop and a CPU over-protection of 140%. Prime95 it again and see if it stays stable. Now this is where i helped myself and i simply went back to BIOS and boosted the CPU Multi to x48 and left the voltages at 1.310 and ran the PC while watching temps and saw how fast it crashed and what type of 'C i was getting, this way you can know that it is either: voltages to the CPU or the VRM that needs adjustments.

Simple: Proccess of elimination - the thread i linked you is a hella to get your head around, I don't even fully understand it but after some tinkering and ensuring i keep settings at a certian value and do certian things i can rule out possibilitys that area of my PC was faulty and causing the fault.


P.S: I will say do NOT use offset as it overshoots on the voltages when you are fully loading the CPU it is a nightmare to control. It is a brilliant feature but best used when you are not stressing the PC 100% of the time and you like a low voltage because for example: you leave it idle for several hours a day, but it can overshoot to something like 1.5v when you are fully loaded because you are no longer in control of the Vcore Voltages, setting a fixed voltage will get you better overall temps.

Report your findings back here after you have done this.

It is also a good idea to spend some time having a read of the very good guides that have been sticky'd in the Maximus section. I know your board is slightly different from the ones that are used but the principles are exactly the same and the bios are so close that you do not need to even care.

It seems you are in good hands and I shall stop by to read and help out if needed. Do not think that will be required even though I am not in complete agreement with the offset view. But that is for another thread to discuss. 🙂