Graphics Card Drops from x16 to x8 (AMD = PCI-E 2.0) when cpu overclocked.

StupidComputers

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Feb 15, 2014
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Hi, I can't figure this out for my life. When I leave my computer at stock (3.4)ghz my GPU uses pci-e 2.0 x16, but when I overclock to 3.9 the lane drops to x8. AMD don't do 3.0 and my 7970 needs the throughput. What could cause this?

CPU Motherboard Graphics RAM
Phenom II X4 965 MSI 890FXA-GD70 XFX 7970 DD Mushkin Redline (996746) 1600 7-7-7-20 4Gb

Hard Drive Cooling OS Monitor
WD-CBlack 1TB+more Scythe Mugen 2 Rev b. Win 7 64 LG 22",24"

Power Case Mouse Audio
Antec ea750 HAF 932 Razer Shotgun Woofer :)

(sorry for the lazy rig spec cutnpaste, but its better than no specs :)
 

StupidComputers

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Feb 15, 2014
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I've gone through a few BIOS. Never checking to see if the PCI-E lanes were affected in OC tho... I'm using a stable later one but there are others I could use, the latest are only for newer processor support I believe. How would updating the bios help? I could spend an hour on the phone with MSI and have them send me the best one... but I think I did that a while ago... I may have to call them and climb the tech level ladder, re-explaining each time in hopes i eventually get one of their people who has a clue. I had assumed it would be easier to find competency here ;)