[crjdriver]

I will be OFF for the night.

 

[Miketheknight2016]

I downloaded amd ryzen master so I can control the settings directly from Windows. I made these changes - and will test.

If it continues to happen, should I lower settings more? Is there any way to 100% nail down if it's the CPU or the mobo?

I'm not sure of what case I have - but my GPU is AMD RADEON RX 6750 XT, PSU Antec High Current Gamer Gold 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply, RAM TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory

any chance at being able to re-use these and just replace the mobo/cpu? Any tips on finding out what case I have?

 

[crjdriver]

First of all, software cpu/voltage changes are (IMO) useless. The best way is to use the bios however if you really really want to use ryzen master go ahead.

Is there any way to 100% nail down if it's the CPU or the mobo?

The only definitive way is to swap parts.
FWIW I would put my money on the motherboard for two reasons;
1 CPUs are really pretty robust and as long as you do not overclock or physically damage it during install, they last a long time
2 I am no fan of msi hardware however that is just me

 

[Miketheknight2016]

ohhh got it! I'll make the changes in the BIOS and test.

Do you think the BIOS changes I make will be a tell tell sign? Or should I just purchase a new mobo (not MSI). I'd still need to know the case to purchase a compatible mobo tho, right?

EDIT ->
I believe this is the case

LANCOOL 207 - LIAN LI is a Leading Provider of PC Cases | Computer Cases

The LANCOOL 207 reimagines the traditional ATX layout, packing powerful compatibility and superior cooling into a sleek, compact M-ATX chassis. ATX Motherboard Front Side PSU 4 x Performance Fans Compact Size Direct GPU Airflow Cable Management Friendly 360mm Radiator Support Anti-Sag GPU...

lian-li.com

Also, any preference on ASRock or Gigabyte motherboards?

 

[crjdriver]

Any standard ATX board will fit that case. Asrock and gigabyte are fine. I use asus, asrock, or gigabyte boards in builds. My personal preference is for asus however any of the three are fine.

 

[Miketheknight2016]

Any recommend on what "arctic silver" to get to reseat the CPU? I've only done it with new builds, but I assume it's the same process of moving from one MoBo to another...

 

[crjdriver]

This is what I use;
Arctic Silver AS5-3.5G Thermal Compound - Newegg.com
Be sure and clean both the cpu and the cooler. I use coffee filters wetted with alcohol to do the cleaning.

 

[Miketheknight2016]

got it - I think I'm going to upgrade the CPU cooler to

Frozen Infinity 360 BLACK – Thermalright

www.thermalright.com

and get this mobo

https://www.asus.com/us/motherboards-components/motherboards/prime/prime-b550m-a/

Not sure if my current RAM and the new fan will have enough clearance tho, haha.

 

[crjdriver]

That is a budget motherboard; ok for basic use however if you are intending on gaming, you might be disappointed. As to the cooler, your case says it supports 360mm coolers so it should fit. Do understand that any liquid cooler is going to require at least a little engineering to make it fit, route hoses, pw, etc. The board you listed does have a connector for liquid cooling.
This is the motherboard I use in my personal system;
ROG STRIX B550-XE GAMING WIFI | ROG Strix | Gaming motherboards｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG USA
It is pricey however it is also absolutely bulletproof.

I have used this asrock board on a few builds and it has been very good. It may be somewhat hard to find at a decent price;
ASRock > X570 Steel Legend

 

[Miketheknight2016]

oh wow - I had no idea the motherboard would impact gaming performance.

This isn't that bad, if it's the motherboard you linked above...What are the Wifi 6 "ports" for? Looks like coax to me, haha

https://www.newegg.com/asus-rog-strix-b550-xe-gaming-wifi-atx-amd-motherboard-amd-b550-am4/p/N82E16813119363

What cooler do you recommend? I didn't know that about liquid cooling thanks for letting me know!

(and probably a dumb question but will my TForce Delta RAM work with this)

 

[crjdriver]

The ram will probably work. There is a qvl (qualified vendor list) on the support page for the asus board. Note just because a ram chip is not listed does not mean it will not work. It is not really possible for the board mfg to test every ram chip ever made. There are a lot of Tforce ram listed so I would assume it will be fine.
Yes, that board has onboard Wifi.
As for liquid cooling, I use a lot of corsair coolers. This is the one I am currently using on my system;
CORSAIR NAUTILUS 240 RS Liquid CPU Cooler – RS120 Fans – Fits Intel® LGA 1851/1700, AMD® AM5/AM4 – Simple Daisy-Chain - Direct Motherboard Connection - Newegg.com

Note that comes with thermal compound already applied so no need to buy thermal compound. In fact I cannot think of a liquid cooler that did not come with compound.

 

[Gr3iz]

What are the Wifi 6 "ports" for? Looks like coax to me, haha

Those are to connect the (probably included?) external antennae.

 

[crjdriver]

Those are to connect the (probably included?) external antennae.

Correct. A lot of higher end boards come with both onboard lan and onboard wifi. You can disable the wifi in the bios if you are so inclined.

 

[Miketheknight2016]

@crjdriver - will I need the arctic silver for seating the CPU to the motherboard? I see your note that the CPU Cooler already has it applied.

 

[Gr3iz]

Arctic Silver is a thermal compound. It is used to enhance the transfer of heat from the CPU to the cooler/heatsink.

The CPU sits in its socket and is held in place by the clamping action of the socket when you close the lever.

 

[crjdriver]

@crjdriver - will I need the arctic silver for seating the CPU to the motherboard? I see your note that the CPU Cooler already has it applied.

No. Just make sure you clean the cpu before you install the water block (ie the part of the AIO that attaches to the cpu)

BTW I would "Test fit" everything prior to doing the final install of the liquid cooler. Be sure you read the instructions that come with the cooler before you begin the install.

 

[Miketheknight2016]

random ? - I just saw on the MSI site that there is a BIOS update for my motherboard - could updating the BIOS resolve this issue?

(i've never done it, so would have to find a reliable video to watch)

 

[crjdriver]

What bios version are you referring to? I see one bios update that addresses AMD video cards however I do not see any for nvidia cards.

 

[Miketheknight2016]

I'm just taking shots in the dark - I saw my Bios version is

PS C:\Windows\system32> wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
SMBIOSBIOSVersion
A.50

 

[crjdriver]

That is a pretty old bios however it is (generally) recommended that unless the bios has a specific fix you need or is adding support for one of your components, it is best to leave it alone. A bios update is not difficult however there is always a chance of a corrupted or bad flash.

That board has bios flashback so it is almost foolproof to update the bios.

Here is what I would do;
1 Since your error is in regard to the cpu, I would reseat the cpu. To do so, pull the cooler OFF and remove the processor. Give both the cpu pins and the motherboard socket a shot of contact cleaner (available at any auto parts store, electronics store, or even walmart)
2 Let it dry completely. Contact cleaner evaporates quickly so you do not have to wait long
3 Clean both the cooler and cpu with alcohol and reinstall the cpu and cooler with new thermal compound

If it still does not work, then you can give the bios update a go (if you decide to update the bios)
Be sure you read and FULLY understand the flashing procedure. Personally I NEVER use a windows based flashing program. Most board mfg have a tool built into the bios for flashing. It is called different names by different mfg ie Asus calls it EZ Flash, Gigabyte QFlash, Asrock Instant flash however they all do the same thing. I believe msi calls their utility MFlash however do check since I have not worked on a msi system in a LONG time.