Will do, but I want to ask, does anyone happen to know how I would go about setting voltage offset on my bios? Because I don't want to be pumping 1.25V @ 4500MHz when im sitting at the desktop. Intel's stepping feature doesn't work when I set the operating parameters manually, so does anyone know how I can make it run at 4.5GHz when under load, but scale down when at idle?
All you need to know and more is right here: Ivy Bridge/Asus Overclocking Guide
Click the links to open them up and take a look at the features, what they mean and how they should be set. This is the easiest guide to get you up and running safely.
I think what you need to do is change your CPU voltage from Manual to Offset, which will change the offset to Auto, and then reboot. Stress your computer and check your voltages and see what it is running when at 100%. The offset method takes a little longer, but it is better than a manual voltage in my opinion. Auto setting will probably be quite a bit higher in voltage so you can go back in and change the offset to +/- in .005 increments.
That being said, I really don't know what else you've done inside the BIOS so it MAY be better to load factory defaults and start fresh. With that guide I linked to, it will be easy to get you where you want to be.
Sorry I already took care of it (my windows power settings were at 100% for minimum) but one other question I have is between 1.25-1.35 a good voltage to give to the CPU? I don't want to over volt it and reduce the longevity or anything. Right now my voltage is manually set to 1.25V, and if thats too much for idle @ 1600MHz then what should I have my offset set to in the bios?
Change from manual to offset and leave it on auto and then check your voltages at 100%. You can add or lower voltage after you see what the offset is under load. Also, there is a setting in the BIOS called "Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology" that needs to be enabled to allow it to vary from 1600MHz at idle to your OC frequency under load.
You can change your power settings back to normal and change that setting in the BIOS
Okay with offset on, my idle voltages are between 1.16-1.4V, averaging around 1.2V. Then under full load my voltage is around 1.33-1.34V with very little fluctuation. And at idle its betwenn 1600-2k and 4500 full load (as it should be). So are those reasonable voltages? My temps are between 70-80C on full load.
Also are these reasonable temperatures for this overclock? Because if they're too high I think my heat sink could do with a re seating.
Now try this. Where you set it from Manual to Offset there is a box below it that says "Auto"........in that box, type in .005. What that does is this: It is using an offset voltage + .005. Reboot and then see what your max voltage is.
Edit: Once you get the voltage fine tuned, we'll work on your temps. They are fine for now.
Here are some screenshots that show some of my BIOS settings for my Asus Sabertooth board.
Should I change my Load Line Calibration, CPU Power Phase Control, and CPU Current Capability? Because right now my Load Line Calibration is set to auto, my CPU Power Phase control is set to extreme, and my CPU Current Capability is set to 140%.
Did you try changing your voltage offset by .005? If so, what is your new voltage under load?
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