Looking to Build a $1000 Gaming PC

[nujabes]

I think it's doing alright... I haven't really felt any significant amount of heat from this thing. I've also overclocked the processor to 37x and unlocked the frozr iii 6950 to 6970 and overclocked it to 900/1375.

 

[mfenn]

:thumbsup: Although, I wouldn't consider 3.7GHz to really be an overclock considering that it turbos to that amount. Push that sucker to 4.5 and get back to us. :awe:

 

[nujabes]

I tried changing it to 45x in the BIOS and when I did the computer turned off. Now I can't get any signal to the monitor and it doesn't beep when I turn it on. I tried to overclock through the BIOS because after burner wouldn't let me and now I wish I really didn't do that. Someone help please!

 

[lehtv]

Sounds like you just upped the multiplier with no regard to voltage. Read some guides on how to overclock the 2500K just so you know how it all works (google it). If the PC doesn't power on properly, you should try clearing the motherboard CMOS in order to reset default BIOS settings. There are instructions in the mobo manual.

 

[nujabes]

I'm trying to clear the cmos but nothings working. The manual says to unplug the power supply, wait 15 seconds then use a jumper on the pins 2 and 3 on the clearcmos thing for 5 seconds. I then put it back to the default settings and power on as normal but still no beep and blank screen.

 

[lehtv]

Sorry I hadn't noticed this before but the G.Skill Value memory does not seem to be compatible with the Z68 chipset (or any LGA1155 chipset), and it's also not listed on the Asrock Z68 Pro3 list of supported memory modules. But since it worked for you before you overclocked, and it has also worked fine for newegg reviewers with sandy bridge setups, I don't know if this makes sense... Still, it would be best to return the RAM to newegg, get RAM that is listed as compatible (http://www.asrock.com/mb/memory.asp?Model=Z68%20Pro3) and see if that solves your issue. If that still doesn't work, it sounds like your mobo got damaged somehow (but I'm not that technical, can't say for sure)

Are you also sure you were running the memory at 1.5V and 1333mhz?

 

[nujabes]

Phew I managed to reset the cmos. Everythings back to normal. Thanks again man!! I need to be more careful next time.

 

[lehtv]

That's nice

I'm a bit disturbed by the fact that the memory isn't officially compatible. Despite it apparently working fine, I'm going to stop recommending G.Skill value for overclockable sandy bridge setups and instead refer to RAM listed as compatible by the mobo manufacturer.

Given what happened, you should indeed overclock a bit more carefully. Try googling other people's results with 2500K overclocks - in particular, what core voltage proved stable for 4.5GHz or so.

 

[nujabes]

That's nice

I'm a bit disturbed by the fact that the memory isn't officially compatible. Despite it apparently working fine, I'm going to stop recommending G.Skill value for overclockable sandy bridge setups and instead refer to RAM listed as compatible by the mobo manufacturer.

Given what happened, you should indeed overclock a bit more carefully. Try googling other people's results with 2500K overclocks - in particular, what core voltage proved stable for 4.5GHz or so.

I'm not sure what all this means, but the computer is running great. I don't think your recommendation was off even though it is not "officially" supported.

I am trying overclocking again. This time I did more research lol.

I'm running Prime95 and CPU-Z to test numbers and I managed to get 45x at 1.256v. I have the CPU Voltage Offset on 0.045v.

 

[mfenn]

Sorry I hadn't noticed this before but the G.Skill Value memory does not seem to be compatible with the Z68 chipset (or any LGA1155 chipset), and it's also not listed on the Asrock Z68 Pro3 list of supported memory modules. But since it worked for you before you overclocked, and it has also worked fine for newegg reviewers with sandy bridge setups, I don't know if this makes sense... Still, it would be best to return the RAM to newegg, get RAM that is listed as compatible (http://www.asrock.com/mb/memory.asp?Model=Z68 Pro3) and see if that solves your issue. If that still doesn't work, it sounds like your mobo got damaged somehow (but I'm not that technical, can't say for sure)

Are you also sure you were running the memory at 1.5V and 1333mhz?

Where did you get the idea that it is not compatible? The list of memory on ASRock's web site is just what they have tested. Obviously, they cannot test every DDR3 kit under the sun.

 

[mfenn]

I'm not sure what all this means, but the computer is running great. I don't think your recommendation was off even though it is not "officially" supported.

I am trying overclocking again. This time I did more research lol.

I'm running Prime95 and CPU-Z to test numbers and I managed to get 45x at 1.256v. I have the CPU Voltage Offset on 0.045v.

Glad you were able to get it reset. Remember to have the computer unplugged when you move that jumper. Otherwise the battery isn't in use at all.

 

[lehtv]

Where did you get the idea that it is not compatible? The list of memory on ASRock's web site is just what they have tested. Obviously, they cannot test every DDR3 kit under the sun.

Isn't it obvious where I got that idea? "Memory Support List" kind of implies that anything else is not supported, officially.

A G.Skill has also said in a newegg review comment that they recommend the Ripjaws for LGA1155 systems.

 

[mnewsham]

Isn't it obvious where I got that idea? "Memory Support List" kind of implies that anything else is not supported, officially.

A G.Skill has also said in a newegg review comment that they recommend the Ripjaws for LGA1155 systems.

Because they want you to spend more money on the ripjaws they are the same modules

TBH 1/2 the RAM on the egg isn't "officially supported" but it will work fine. When you start messing with BIOS settings you dont really understand however is where we run into problems.

 

[mfenn]

Isn't it obvious where I got that idea? "Memory Support List" kind of implies that anything else is not supported, officially.

A G.Skill has also said in a newegg review comment that they recommend the Ripjaws for LGA1155 systems.

"Supported" and "Compatible" have two very different meanings in this industry. "Supported" or "Qualified" means that the manufacturer has tested it in their particular configuration. "Compatible" means that it will work. For example, gaming GPUs are not "supported" by AutoCAD, but they are perfectly "compatible".

In order to honestly say that they "support" a given memory kit, ASRock has to actually test it, which they don't have unlimited resources to do. Any standard DDR3 is "compatible" though.

 

[mfenn]

Because they want you to spend more money on the ripjaws they are the same modules

:thumbsup:

 

[lehtv]

In order to honestly say that they "support" a given memory kit, ASRock has to actually test it, which they don't have unlimited resources to do. Any standard DDR3 is "compatible" though.

I suppose you're right. It does need to be 1.5V though... Or is this another example of "compatible" vs "supported"?

 

[mfenn]

I suppose you're right. It does need to be 1.5V though... Or is this another example of "compatible" vs "supported"?

1.65V RAM is compatible as it "in will work", but Intel tells you not to do it because that would cause you to run the memory controller out of spec. Since 1.5V RAM doesn't cost any extra, I see no reason not to recommend it.