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Z68 FTW Bios no longer clockable & i3770k no longer overclockable?

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Flybye
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2019/05/18 07:33:56 (permalink)
So my pc had been stable at 4.7Ghz watercooled for 5+ years.  Suddenly, I started having weird problems like the CPU only showing running at 3.5Ghz and four 4GB sticks only showing as 8GB in Bios and Windows 7 Pro but showing 16GB in CPUZ.  I did a few troubleshooting steps and eventually reset the bios (reset and battery (tested to still have 1.31v) out overnight), but the bios never wanted to recognize four 4GB sticks as 16GB anymore. All four 4GB sticks work fine in another motherboard.  I ended up swapping the 4 sticks out for two 8GB sticks, and the bios recognizes 16GB again. 
 
But the CPU I can't get it to overclock anymore.  No matter what I change the multiplier to (anything between 35-45) the CPU stays at 3.5Ghz.  I have the vcore at 1.3v.  I disabled Turbo and EIST from what I remember being bad for running a constant speed, but I am still stuck at 3.5Ghz. Even when running something like Prime I can see the CPU speed never budge past 3.5Ghz.
 
Anyone remember any specific settings this old bios needs to overclock?  Or could the bios/Z68 finally just be dying?
post edited by Flybye - 2019/05/18 07:47:50

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    Cool GTX
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    Re: Z68 FTW Bios no longer clockable & i3770k no longer overclockable? 2019/05/18 08:22:07 (permalink)
    I would start here:   Custom Profile memory settings bug in Z68 FTW BIOS - no boot & POST code 45

    Clearing CMOS Or Re-flashing BIOS does have risks if the MB is going south.  I'd test with a different CPU first
     
    This is my Forums Search results:  (embedded link, I expect the long link below to get busted)
    https://forums.evga.com/search?searchid=1350553&phrase=Z68%20FTW%20Bios%20&high=Z68%20FTW%20Bios%20
     
     These popped up near the top of my "front page search"
    Z68 FTW Bios version?
    EVGA Z68 FTW maximum memory, 32gb possible?
    Z68 FTW R22 BIOS Question.
    EVGA Z68 Motherboards - BIOS R22 Released
     
    Z68 Overclocking Help
    Z68 FTW Booting Issues

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    Flybye
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    Re: Z68 FTW Bios no longer clockable & i3770k no longer overclockable? 2019/05/18 09:06:06 (permalink)
    Thanks.  I blow at searching.  I skimmed through the first search page only putting Z68 and didn't see what I wanted lol.
     
    I mostly wanted to know if my scenario sounded strange and if it sounded like a sign of failing hardware or BIOS.  Can a BIOS even get partially corrupted over time?   It ran fine without fiddling with the BIOS for over 5 years.
     
    Im actually running 689.015 11/30/12 BIOS.  Im scared of trying to update it to the R22 and having the MB crap out on me.  :( If you tell me a BIOS becoming partially corrupted is a possible thing, then I think I may try it.

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    Cool GTX
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    Re: Z68 FTW Bios no longer clockable & i3770k no longer overclockable? 2019/05/18 09:35:44 (permalink)
     
    You already mentioned changing the battery - that is always the best place to start
     
    If you have Any USB powered devices (with separate power to them) disconnect them - they can back-feed the MB
     
    Use your phones camera & capture All BIOS Screens to save your settings
    --------------------------------------------------
    "The BIOS Dance" - as I like to call it these steps have helped on Many an older MB
     
    After removing all externally power devices - set BIOS to default, save & reboot - then - load optimum BIOS, save & reboot
     
    Now remove All power pull the plug to PC & monitor.  Hold start button 30 sec to discharge Any capacitors in PSU & MB
     
    Plug in Just PC & Monitor - No external powered devices - Open Bios & place Your previously saved settings, save & reboot
     
    ----------------------------
    I'm leaning towards the CPU is tired ... but yes BIOS corruption can happen ... the question would be why ?
     
    If the CMOS is going south (limited number of writes) trying to Flash might not end well - especially if this is you only PC
     
    I would Never flash a BIOS without using a UPS to make sure the power does not get interrupted mid Flash
     
     
     
     
     

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    HeavyHemi
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    Re: Z68 FTW Bios no longer clockable & i3770k no longer overclockable? 2019/05/18 09:38:45 (permalink)
    Flybye
    So my pc had been stable at 4.7Ghz watercooled for 5+ years.  Suddenly, I started having weird problems like the CPU only showing running at 3.5Ghz and four 4GB sticks only showing as 8GB in Bios and Windows 7 Pro but showing 16GB in CPUZ.  I did a few troubleshooting steps and eventually reset the bios (reset and battery (tested to still have 1.31v) out overnight), but the bios never wanted to recognize four 4GB sticks as 16GB anymore. All four 4GB sticks work fine in another motherboard.  I ended up swapping the 4 sticks out for two 8GB sticks, and the bios recognizes 16GB again. 
     
    But the CPU I can't get it to overclock anymore.  No matter what I change the multiplier to (anything between 35-45) the CPU stays at 3.5Ghz.  I have the vcore at 1.3v.  I disabled Turbo and EIST from what I remember being bad for running a constant speed, but I am still stuck at 3.5Ghz. Even when running something like Prime I can see the CPU speed never budge past 3.5Ghz.
     
    Anyone remember any specific settings this old bios needs to overclock?  Or could the bios/Z68 finally just be dying?


    Missing memory other odd inconsistent issues, could possibly be an issue with the CPU contact in the socket. Have you reseated the CPU? 
    I wonder if the ucode mitigations intel is putting out, is affecting your system. It kills over clocking on X99 Broadwell-E and needed a BIOS update. But I think his is only an issue on Windows 10. I don't know about Windows 7 or if your platform is affected.  First suggestion given what you posted however, is reseat the CPU.

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    Cool GTX
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    Re: Z68 FTW Bios no longer clockable & i3770k no longer overclockable? 2019/05/18 09:52:37 (permalink)
    What are your Temps:  CPU & chipset ?


    When you reseat the CPU as HeavyHemi suggested above
     
    Take a hard look at your TIM ... has it dried-out

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    bob16314
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    Re: Z68 FTW Bios no longer clockable & i3770k no longer overclockable? 2019/05/18 13:11:17 (permalink)
    Flybye
     
    Im actually running 689.015 11/30/12 BIOS.  Im scared of trying to update it to the R22 and having the MB crap out on me.  :( If you tell me a BIOS becoming partially corrupted is a possible thing, then I think I may try it.





    No worries..An EVGA Z68 FTW has a triple BIOS..The BIOS switch is located at the bottom-left of the board with the BIOS numbers 1-2-3 above it..To use another BIOS, power off your PC and slide the switch, then start your PC..Or slide the switch and restart your PC.
     
    Try another BIOS and see how it rolls..You always can keep BIOS 1 as a good working/stock BIOS and do whatever you want with the other two, such as flash them to different BIOS versions and/or overclock them..Then you can have BIOS 1 to fall back on should something ever go wrong.
     
     
    To flash the other BIOS', boot using the working BIOS if you do it in Windows, then slide the switch to the one you want to flash and do it up..Otherwise, such as in DOS, switch to the one you want to flash.
    post edited by bob16314 - 2019/05/18 13:18:17

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    Flybye
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    Re: Z68 FTW Bios no longer clockable & i3770k no longer overclockable? 2019/05/18 13:49:36 (permalink)
    So I upgraded to R22, and I have CPU overclocking back.  :D So strange that it stopped working after so many years, though.
     
    I did a Prime95 test heavy CPU then heavy RAM: CPU at 4.2Ghz and 1.35v never got over 77C and chipset never got over 41C.  I will slowly start heading my way back to 4.7Ghz little by little.  But all seems good for now.  TY :)  I will not bother testing my old four GB sticks. Performance is better with 2 sticks anyways.

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    Cool GTX
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    Re: Z68 FTW Bios no longer clockable & i3770k no longer overclockable? 2019/05/18 13:55:05 (permalink)


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    bob16314
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    Re: Z68 FTW Bios no longer clockable & i3770k no longer overclockable? 2019/05/19 05:50:55 (permalink)
    Flybye
    So I upgraded to R22, and I have CPU overclocking back.  
     
    But all seems good for now.  TY :)  



    That's cool 
     
    But now I would boot from the other 2 BIOS' to make sure they work, and if not, flash them too so you'll have all 3 working BIOS'..But don't flash to older than R16 which added support for Ivy Bridge CPU's..At this point, I would flash the other 2 to the latest version also.

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