Upgrade to the ASUS Rampage IV Gene?

Eggz

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Hi all,

I have a mATX LGA2011 computer. The build features a random motherboard, but it does allow me to over clock my 3930k to 4.2 Ghz. The functionality is limited, however, to only allowing me to adjust the multiplier to 42, and there are no other features for overclocking other than voltage. Also, I've gotten (occasional but random) black screen flashes even after replacing the video card and RAM modules. There are also issues with the built in blu tooth not being compatible with my devices (I solved by buying a 3rd party dongle).

The question is whether it's worth it to upgrade my motherboard only. It seems to me that there are three main benefits: (1) compatibility, (2) enhanced features, and (3) more overclocking flexibility.

The overclocking seems significant. Right now, the processor only hits 4.19 Ghz max during a one- or two-core operation, but when more than two cores are working on the same thing, then the max automatically scales back to 3.78 Ghz. The Asus board would allow all cores to reach the max speed of the selected multiplier, and I won't lose 400 Mhz when more than 2 cores are working hard.

My reason for considering the upgrade is that I've by now upgraded everything else to high-end parts. In addition to the 3930k, there is 32 GB of Mushkin 2133 Mhz RAM (which is running at 1600 because of the motherboard's limitations), a Samsung EVO 750 GB, a GTX 780 ti, etc. It seems to make sense, but another part of me appeals to the "if if ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality.

I'll appreciate any feedback on the pros and cons of either upgrading or not, since I'll either stick with what I have or get the ASUS Rampage IV Gene.

Thanks!
 

atomicWAR

Glorious
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honestly the performance boost you would receive from the ram boost would be minimal at best. a few frame per second in a FPS maybe unless you run ram intensive work apps that really would benefit from the extra speed....if that's worth the price of a mobo then have at it. personally i would save up for when 8 core cpu's (for intel enthusiast's at least) become the new high end and then just upgrade your whole mobo ram cpu combo.
 

Eggz

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I agree with your point about the RAM, but I am not yet ready to accept your larger conclusion to not upgrade, since RAM is not the only consideration.

 

atomicWAR

Glorious
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well i f your intent on more core speed you may gain a total of ten frams or so from both the over clock and the ram speed increase. its not trival.....but is it worth a the cash of a new mobo? not so sure. Now if your wanting to go sli or something the else on top of the ram and cpu overclock.....then a new board may be worth it.

on another note about your cpu clock speeds it is possible you have a bubble or bad thermal contact with your cores and that could be limiting your boards ability to turbo the correct speeds for your cpu since its based on temp and power draw.
 

Eggz

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Thanks for the quick replies. As for the core temperatures, they are very good. I stay in high 60s after running Prim95 all night.

I hate to mention sources without citing them, but I can't re-find what I am looking for: I read recently that this behavior is the default behavior of the 3930k, but motherboard manufacturers are able to offer features that let all the cores clock equally. It's also a selling point on the Gene, which confirms the issue because Asus advertises that all cores can run at the same speed regardless of how many and how hard they are working. Again, sorry that I can't find these things again. I recently stumbled across them. The point is that I think this is normal behavior for a low-end board running a 3930k.

[EDIT] Found something - ironically - on Tom's Hardware, where we are posting :)

So when more cores kick in, the clock speeds by default step back.