Asus mobo, Vcore problems.!

eaglesbrah10

Junior Member
Sep 1, 2012
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Hi, recently got a computer free.
Mobo: Asus M3A76-CM
Ram : 2x2 ddr2 800mhz
GPU: gts 250
PSU: 600w rebranded Cyberpower psaz-cp600(pretty sure this is causing all my problems)
CPU: Phenom x4 965 BE.

Ok so I just installed my new CPU. However the vcore shot up to 1.50-1.57. Usually at 1.55v. My mobo bios does NOT let me enter my vcore manually. I can only increase, or put to power saving.

Right now my cpu temp is idling ~50. and Core temps ~48-53.
I do have 2 side panel fans, 1 back and 1 front fan. And stock CPU fan.

Not sure why my vcore is so high, could it simply be I need to replace my PSU? Would this solve my problem? Is this the reason everything is running so hot?

Also planning to OC and get a new GPU in the near future.

What are safe temps? I ran Prime95 and instantly my Core temps shot to 60c. Right now I am afraid to test, so here I am asking

In the Asus BIOS, my options are :
Processor Frequency Multiplier : on Auto
Processor Voltage : on Standard
options: standard, +50mv, +100mv, power saving mode
CPU/NB Frequency: Auto
Chipset Overvoltage Auto
options: +50mv, +100mv, +150mv
No option for "manual" to input my own voltage.

Tried resetting CMOS using battery, and also pins. Vcore stays the same.

THanks!

PS i have CnQ and C1E disabled and the latest BIOS version. Was thinking about reinstalling win7 as well.
 
Last edited:

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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60C is practically icy for a Phenom II X4 at load. The reason your idle temps are high is because you've disabled the power saving features. As for the Vcore, 1.55V is about 0.15V over stock for a Phenom II X4, maybe load line calibration is in effect?

The motherboard take the PSU 12V input and steps it down to the voltage necessary for the CPU. The motherboard is what is causing your Vcore to be high, not the power supply.

My advice would be to try updating the BIOS, looking for a load line calibration setting, and re-enabling the power savings features. If they didn't have any effect, I wouldn't be terribly worried because your temps are well within safe limits.
 

Paperdoc

Platinum Member
Aug 17, 2006
2,448
347
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I have an older ASUS mobo for a different CPU, but I had a similar concern. Then I found out that, for my mobo and many others, ASUS normally sets up the voltage regulators so that, at IDLE conditions (which is how you usually "see" voltages in a BIOS Setup screen), the CPU Core Voltage is higher than spec for the CPU chip installed. (In my case, it's about 0.05 volts higher, and I DID have an option to change to lower.) The reason is that, when it's actually under moderate to heavy load, the voltage actually delivered to the CPU at the critical points will be drawn down by resistive losses when heavy current is being used. Maybe check the ASUS website or their tech support people to see if that is what's going on in your case.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
I have an older ASUS mobo for a different CPU, but I had a similar concern. Then I found out that, for my mobo and many others, ASUS normally sets up the voltage regulators so that, at IDLE conditions (which is how you usually "see" voltages in a BIOS Setup screen), the CPU Core Voltage is higher than spec for the CPU chip installed. (In my case, it's about 0.05 volts higher, and I DID have an option to change to lower.) The reason is that, when it's actually under moderate to heavy load, the voltage actually delivered to the CPU at the critical points will be drawn down by resistive losses when heavy current is being used. Maybe check the ASUS website or their tech support people to see if that is what's going on in your case.

The voltage dropping phenomenon you're referring to is called Vdroop, and the tool to combat it is called Load Line Calibration.