G1.Sniper Z87 and i7-4970K Auto OC not needed, low perf on default

[Didusieq]

Hello all.

I am using this mobo for a year, but I have upgraded my CPU few days ago and I have noticed strange behaviour of CPU settings and RAM MP profile.

When all settings are set to default in BIOS, CPU works with 4.0 Ghz and Turbo mode is set to 44, 44, 43, 42 multiplier (Intel's default specs). RAM is set to 1333 CL9. Problem is that with default settings causes my machine to work on 50% of its performance! When I will set my RAM to 1600, as XMP profile, performance is fine! But turning on XMP profile causes my CPU to be automatically OC'ed to 4.4 GHz on all cores and voltage is being set to 1.235 what causes much higher temps. My questions:

1. Why, when set RAM to 1333, i have so bad performance? Every benchmark, like AIDA64, WinRAR shows almost 50% of default performance? Even some games like Borderlands2 drops to 17FPS? (with RAM set to 1600, games is running smooth 60FPS)
2. Why setting XMP profile is overclocking CPU automatically?
3. How to turn off the auto upgrade of the CPU? Only options are Auto, 20, 40, 60, 80%

Current is F4. I have tried to reflash it, no success. Even tried F3. Still the same.

Is my mobo broken and I need to RMA it? Or it just need some newer BIOS?

My specs:
i7-4970k
G1-Sniper Z87 rev.1.1
G.Skill 2x4 GB (on QVL list)
Asus GTX 970 Strix
OCZ RM650W PSU

[dmdilks]

The CPU under windows 7 has 4 park cores. Under windows 8 they are not. You didn't say what OS you were using. The board is just acting normal. When you benchmark something it will always push it to it's limit.

When the computer is running normal the CPU might not even be at 4.0 ghz. Look under task manager and see what the CPU is running at without the benchmark. Plus the memory should be at 1600 too.

[Didusieq]

My bad. Windows 8.1.

So, why if RAM is set to 1333, PC is running at 50% performance? It is not normal, as this should tak at most 10% of perf.

Maybe I will tell you this:

CPU on stock w/o Turbo at 4 GHz and RAM 1600 MHz is much faster (WinRAR bench: ~9300, HWMonitor: 65 - 70W) then CPU 4,2 GHz and RAM 1333 (WinRAR: ~5400, HWMonitor: 35W) and some games drop FPS? :/

So why on default BIOS I have so low performance? And why XMP profile is overclocking machine? Why on default BIOS settings, CPU-Z says that NB is working with 800 MHz, and when XMP enabled, it is showing 4000 MHz?

[dmdilks]

The default setting are they to get you going. You do have to setup your memory on most boards. If you are getting good performance with the memory & CPU set right don't worry about the default settings. Because it will drive you nuts.

Plus with the memory set at default settings yes you are not getting the full performance out of the memory. Everything has to set just right to get the best benchmark.

Again tell me want the CPU is running at in the Task-Manager / performance when the computer just running normal without the benchmark. Plus that one will drive you nuts too. Because most of the time it will be at 1.5 to 2.0 ghz. 

I think you are jumping the gun and you are worrying about something you don't need too be. If the computer is running fine with everything set right close your eyes and don't about the small stuff. 

I have been doing this for over 30 yrs. If I worried about all the small stuff I would gone nuts years ago.

[Didusieq]

Thank you for the reply.

I am just courious.  Never saw sth like this before, that I need to set everything manually to work like it should

You ask why I worry?

With XMP enabled and all settings to auto, CPU gets hot as MoBo is setting 1,23 V to processor and is set to 4.4 GHz on all cores. Is it safe?

I just need to know as I do not want to burn CPU or other close components of the MB. I am using Thermalright HR-02 and when set to the above parameters I got ~90 C with Linpack (AVX enabled). I need to be sure that whatever I do on my PC (movies transcoding, 3D graphics reendering, or playing Minesweeper ), it will be solid as hell and will not put my flat on fire

I can increase airflow in the case as now it is set to minimum (I prefer silence). Case is Fractal Design XL R2, all vents closed, 2 fans intake and one exhaust. Also GTX 970 Strix from Asus may cause a little more temp, as it is passive when in idle.

Maybe I just worry to much about new hardware.

[dmdilks]

I just need to know as I do not want to burn CPU or other close components of the MB. I am using Thermalright HR-02 and when set to the above parameters I got ~90 C with Linpack (AVX enabled).

What you are saying that the CPU is running at 90c at times. If it is that isn't good. You really want to keep your CPU 50C or below at max load. Plus are you running a server? Why are you running Linpack AVX?

[Didusieq]

Just tested. My previous build for OC was on LGA 775 and I was using this to test stability. Now everything has changed. I will read about it.

Assuming, if temps of the CPU will not exceed 65 - 70C when 100%, I believe it is ok for this chip?