OCing issues with M4E + 2600K + SLI 460 GTX

[Happydude666]

Hi everyone,
I recently got and setup my watercooled build with 2 EVGA 460s in SLI, a 2600K and the M4E board along with 8GB (2x 4GB) of G.Skill Reaper X RAM. I am also using a Corsair 850AX PSU (which should give me more than enough power).

The issues I'm coming across are a little odd and not something I can figure out on the own, so I'm coming to you.

I was able to OC my GPUs to EVGA's 'FTW' standard on those cards. While keeping my CPU at stock speeds, I ran all sorts of tests as well as 3DMark Vantage with no issues.

Once I OC the CPU to 4.2GHz (using the auto OC setting in BIOS), the GPUs overheat and can't get through a single test.

So I need some advise on troubleshooting the issue. Is this an issue with a lack of power going to the cards once the CPU uses more?

Let me know what you guys think.

Thank you.

[xeromist]

Are the GPUs on the same loop as the CPU?

[pcjunkie209]

As far as I know what X asked would be the only cause for overheating. One loop? How many rads? how is your watercooling setup?

[Happydude666]

Hey guys,
Sorry for the delayed response. Been busy with all these issues and other things that I completely even forgot I posted the issue here -_-

Anyway, after some extensive testing (taking apart my entire loop and going on air for a little bit, then connecting the loop with individual components, I figured out that one of the GPUs is simply bad. It over heats even at stocks speeds, I just didn't notice (somehow). One of the cards works great, and runs at a cool 38C at 100% load, while the other runs to >80C at heavy load and stock speeds.

I'm just RMAing it.

But to answer your questions:
It is a single loop with a XSPC RX360 rad with 3 Gelid 120 PWM fans.

[xeromist]

Sounds like that card isn't making good contact with the heat sink. If you can RMA then I guess that's good but you probably could have solved it yourself with repaste and heat sink adjustment if you didn't want to wait.

[Happydude666]

I did. I replaced the heatsinks on it 3 times. and repasted each time. 2 times with the water block and once with the air. All 3 times, the temps did not improve. I highly doubt it was just a bad contact.

EVGA already approved on RMA on the card, so I'm just going to do it that way.

[xeromist]

Ah, that sucks. Well at least you tried and at least you can RMA. Hope the next one works out better for you.

[Happydude666]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Happydude666]

It's up and running!!! (Finally) Had to RMA a GPU and reinstall windows about a dozen times to figure out the software conflict issues.

http://www.modsrigs.com/detail.aspx?BuildID=27078

[xeromist]

Glad it's finally working