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ASRock Z77 Extrme4 All Core Multiplier and RAM Overclocking Issue
Hello, everyone.
I purchased this motherboard on 4/10/13, and had no issues when I first set everything up. At this time I was using BIOS version 2.70. I had both my i5 3570k CPU overclocked to 4.1Ghz (stable), and my Corsair Sport DDR 1600 RAM at 1866 MHz (stable.) Now, the All Core CPU multiplier seems to have a virtual limit of 38. If I enter anything above 38 into this All Core field, it will immediately change itself back to 38. My RAM also is not able to be clocked above the stock speed.
Here is the basics of what got me here:
About a week after everything was built, I went to turn on the computer and the case power light and power supply would come on, but the motherboard would not. I re-seated the main power cable (Although it seemed fine at the time), and that issue was resolved. The next day I noticed that when I would shut Windows off, the motherboard and fans would all stay running after shutdown. I also noticed while checking power settings, that my CPU ratio was now set to 38. I attempted to change it and noticed the virtual limit mentioned above.
To fix this issue, I decided to try to update the BIOS from the update utility within UEFI. It froze at "Processing Crashless Update," and crashed. I downloaded the 2.80 firmware from the ASRock website, and was able to flash it to 2.80 using a flash drive. Still, the same problem. I tried several other older BIOS versions, which also did not work. I have tried resetting the CMOS with the button, and also by removing the battery. Still, no change.
From quite a bit of research, I found someone else who had this issue. Basically, they said that ASRock replaced their BIOS chip, and the problem would be temporarily resolved, only to come back again. I spoke with ASRock technical support, and they said the same thing. They would send me a BIOS chip. I sent them all the requested information 3 days ago, but have yet to get a response. I DO NOT understand what replacing the BIOS chip could possibly solve if I can successfully flash the BIOS. I believe this issue may have something to do with the Intel Management Engine firmware being corrupted, but am not sure. I have updated it via Windows, but still, no change. I don't think this is actually flashing the chip, rather just installing the drivers for Windows. I tried using the Intel Flashing Utility for the firmware, but I get an error. Basically, I do not believe I have anything more than read rights on this chip. From what I have read, this seems to vary by motherboard.
I would prefer to actually fix this issue without returning the motherboard, as ASRock doesn't do advanced replacement. Has anyone else experienced this issue, or have an idea of how I can fix it?
Thanks for reading this long-winded post, and I appreciate your help!
I purchased this motherboard on 4/10/13, and had no issues when I first set everything up. At this time I was using BIOS version 2.70. I had both my i5 3570k CPU overclocked to 4.1Ghz (stable), and my Corsair Sport DDR 1600 RAM at 1866 MHz (stable.) Now, the All Core CPU multiplier seems to have a virtual limit of 38. If I enter anything above 38 into this All Core field, it will immediately change itself back to 38. My RAM also is not able to be clocked above the stock speed.
Here is the basics of what got me here:
About a week after everything was built, I went to turn on the computer and the case power light and power supply would come on, but the motherboard would not. I re-seated the main power cable (Although it seemed fine at the time), and that issue was resolved. The next day I noticed that when I would shut Windows off, the motherboard and fans would all stay running after shutdown. I also noticed while checking power settings, that my CPU ratio was now set to 38. I attempted to change it and noticed the virtual limit mentioned above.
To fix this issue, I decided to try to update the BIOS from the update utility within UEFI. It froze at "Processing Crashless Update," and crashed. I downloaded the 2.80 firmware from the ASRock website, and was able to flash it to 2.80 using a flash drive. Still, the same problem. I tried several other older BIOS versions, which also did not work. I have tried resetting the CMOS with the button, and also by removing the battery. Still, no change.
From quite a bit of research, I found someone else who had this issue. Basically, they said that ASRock replaced their BIOS chip, and the problem would be temporarily resolved, only to come back again. I spoke with ASRock technical support, and they said the same thing. They would send me a BIOS chip. I sent them all the requested information 3 days ago, but have yet to get a response. I DO NOT understand what replacing the BIOS chip could possibly solve if I can successfully flash the BIOS. I believe this issue may have something to do with the Intel Management Engine firmware being corrupted, but am not sure. I have updated it via Windows, but still, no change. I don't think this is actually flashing the chip, rather just installing the drivers for Windows. I tried using the Intel Flashing Utility for the firmware, but I get an error. Basically, I do not believe I have anything more than read rights on this chip. From what I have read, this seems to vary by motherboard.
I would prefer to actually fix this issue without returning the motherboard, as ASRock doesn't do advanced replacement. Has anyone else experienced this issue, or have an idea of how I can fix it?
Thanks for reading this long-winded post, and I appreciate your help!
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