Asus X79 Rampage IV Extreme | Core i7-3930K (Successful)

Huge thanks to tonymacx86, MacMan, Hexa, and mitchellk without whom this machine would never have been built.

Special thanks to Shilohh for his DSDT & SSDT work, support on the NVidia side of things, and countless hours spent supporting users on this thread.


More high-resolution photos here:
Photos | New Build Photo Log

Apple OS X Mavericks @ Mac App Store
Mac App Store - OS X Mavericks

Donation to TonyMacX86.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CC3JC8VG8ETHQ

ASUS Rampage IV Extreme LGA 2011 Intel X79 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Extended ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.amazon.com/Rampage-IV-Extreme-Extended-Motherboard/dp/B0061XSBZ6
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131802

Intel Core i7-3930K Sandy Bridge-E 3.2GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 2011 130W Six-Core Desktop Processor
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00603QXPM/
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116492

ASUS GTX680-DC2O-2GD5 GeForce GTX 680 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZT2E1C/
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121635

G.SKILL Ripjaws Z Series 32GB (8 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model F3-17000CL11Q2-32GBZL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231502

OWC 120GB Mercury Accelsior™ PCI Express Solid State Drive (700+MB/s Read/Write) for Boot
OWC SSDPHW2R120 120GB Mercury Accelsior PCI Express... in stock at OWC

Pair of Western Digital 1TB Velociraptors (340MB/s Read/Write) for User Directories
http://www.amazon.com/Velociraptor-WD1000DHTZ-SATA-Hard-Drive/dp/B007VPGJIY
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236243

Antec P280 Case
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005X3E5BO/
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129179

Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 140mm and 120mm SSO CPU Cooler
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00631QFG8/
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608024

Noctua NF-P12-1300 120mm Case Fan (quantity: 2)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YSONMO/
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608004

Antec High Current Pro Platinum 1000W
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007F9X9OI/

Pair of Monoprice 27" 2560x1440 Monitors
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...11307&cs_id=1130703&p_id=10489&seq=1&format=2

Displayport Cable for Second Monitor
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014BQQI4/

Already Owned

Pioneer SATA DVD

Evoluent Mouse Friendly Keyboard
Evoluent VerticalMouse, Vertical Mouse, ergonomic mouse, ergonomic computer mouse, computer mouse, optical mouse, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress disorder, RSI

Evoluent VerticalMouse 4
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042R6FNI/

AZIO Bluetooth Dongle
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833340012


Comments:

The goal of this system is a powerful 6-core with moderate over-clock (for reliability) and similar noise level to a Mac Pro. I'm going to separate out the over-clock details to the post just below this one.

This machine is extremely quiet (Mac Pro level) and stable. I run 4.2Ghz (click here for overclock info). Idle temperature is under 40C at 24C room temperature. Under moderate load it runs in the 50s. Under Prime95 (for testing) it will run high 60s.

Everything working including: Audio, Video (accelerated), Sleep, USB 2 ports, USB 3 ports, SATA ports, eSATA hotswap ports, Intel Ethernet, iStat Sensors, Power Management.
Not working: On-motherboard bluetooth seems to be flaky (works intermittently). I replaced with cheap AZIO dongle.

Installation Steps

1) Choose and install your BIOS.

Use BIOS 4206 for Sandy Bridge-E CPUs:
Core i7-3820
Core i7-3930K
Core i7-3960X
Core i7-3970X

Use Newest BIOS for Ivy-Bridge-E CPUs:
Core i7-4820K
Core i7-4930K
Core i7-4960X

WARNING: There can be problems getting the newer Ivy-Bridge-E CPUs to work properly. If you are doing a new build; it is recommended you stick with one of the Sandy Bridge-E CPUs instead. The 3930K is highly recommended and within 5% of the speed of the newer 4930K. This post will be updated as we find workarounds for the Ivy-Bridge-E issues.

Photos | BIOS Settings

(I have Secure Boot set to Windows because I dual-boot 8.1...it doesn't seem to cause me any problems)

2) Prepare USB stick using UniBeast 3.0.1 and OS X Mavericks 10.9.2 (updated via app store). PLEASE name your USB stick "USB". If you are unfamiliar with UniBeast, follow the steps in "STEP 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive Using UniBeast" here:

tonymacx86 Blog: UniBeast: Install OS X Mavericks on Any Supported Intel-based PC

3) Connect your USB thumb drive to the USB port above the white one on the motherboard. Ensure the hard drive you will install to is connected to one of the 6 SATA ports on the Intel bus (NOT the two far left red ASMedia ports). Or use a PCI SSD like mine.


4) Power on your computer and hold F8. Select the USB stick and type the following when the Chimera screen comes up (just start typing and the box will appear):




Read Shilohh's Description of Boot Flags for more information on the boot flags we have chosen to use.

5) Format your hard drive GUID and install the OS as usual. Move your mouse from time to time so your screen doesn't go to sleep.




6) On reboot, hold F8. Select the USB stick and when the Chimera screen comes up select your newly installed Mavericks disk. Then type the following:


NOTE: For some video cards you may need to remove GraphicsEnabler=No. If your machine is booting up to gray screen; try this.

7) Go through the normal OS X first time setup steps (user account, etc.).

8) Install MultiBeast - Mavericks 6.2.1 as seen in image below. If you have an SSD that requires TRIM support, then check the appropriate option under TRIM.

NOTE: For some video cards you may need to UNCHECK GraphicsEnabler=No. If your machine is booting up to gray screen; try this.


9) Now open your /Extra/org.chameleon.Boot.plist file using TextEdit and make it look like this -- the key change is npci=0x2000:


Set your Graphics Mode to the actual resolution of your monitor. For example; 1080p would be "1920x1080x32".

10) You are ready for your first boot. Go to Apple -> Restart... and hold F8 to select your newly installed drive. You can unplug your Unibeast USB stick now.

Congratulations on your new Hackintosh! Shilohh created some awesome bootloader themes just for you; instructions are in the Read Me included in the zip: View attachment Asus_Rampage_IV_Extreme_Themes.zip

With Mavericks; it is VERY IMPORTANT to create your own DSDT. I was unable to use most of my USB ports until I did so. Follow Shilohh's excellent instructions and you will be done in 5 minutes.

For full SpeedStep support, you should go to shilohh's SpeedStep thread next.

Performance at 4.2Ghz


Audio Working


Boot Drive Disk Performance


Data Drive Performance (2-Disk OS X Stripe)


HIGHLIGHTED THREAD POSTS:
Applying Thermal Compound
Overclocking Safely
Alternate Ethernet Driver (Recommended)
How To Locate Home Directory on Striped Disk Pair
SATA Performance and the ASM1061
Upgrade Procedure
If You Want To Use Intel RAID Mode (For Windows)
Windows 7 Dual Boot Procedure
PunkNugget on CUDA for 3D/Video/Graphics Apps and NVidia Card Selection
What is this EBIOS read error?
Shilohh's Description of Boot Flags

OTHER USEFUL THREADS FOR RAMPAGE IV EXTREME:
i7-4930K - Asus Rampage IV Extreme - 32GB RAM - GTX 770 4GB
Shilohh's New DSDT Thread
Shilohh's New SSDT (Speedstep) Thread
How To Tell If Your Graphics Are Accelerated


FAQ:
Q: Can I use a hard drive or SSD drive instead of a USB stick for UniBeast.
A: I wouldn't do so for this motherboard. I thought I would use an SSD for UniBeast to speed testing (when I was trying things over and over). Unfortunately, depending on what devices I had connected I would get spinning beach balls. Stick with a fast USB stick as instructed in UniBeast instructions.

EDIT LOG:
2012-04-28 : Added my thank you's and donation link...oops!
2012-04-28 : Added heading at top with components.
2012-04-28 : Added BIOS section.
2012-04-28 : Added GPU Cooler.
2012-04-28 : Added cinebench and data drive performance.
2012-04-28 : Added link to many photos of build.
2012-04-29 : Centered and edited the title for clarity.
2012-05-09 : Updated disk speed test graphs using diglloyd tester
2012-05-14 : Updated bluetooth status and added AZIO dongle.
2012-05-14 : Noted change with MultiBeast 4.4.1
2012-05-15 : Confirmed audio working with MultiBeast 4.4.1.
2012-05-15 : Added audio screenshots.
2012-05-25 : Added potential sleep solution.
2012-05-26 : Major update for Unibeast 1.3, MultiBeast 4.5.2, and 10.7.4
2012-05-27 : Fixed instructions for audio with more reliable version.
2012-05-27 : Added FAQ above EDIT LOG.
2012-06-10 : Corrected Accelsior speed numbers. Adjusted quantity of fans/hard drives.
2012-06-10 : Added "Highlighted Thread Posts" section. Fixed MultiBeast version typo.
2012-06-17 : Added optional smbios.plist tweak for processor name display.
2012-09-11 : Fixed 898 audio kext download link.
2012-10-11 : Added comment at top about focus of this build (Lion with ATI).
2012-10-24 : Added link to ggeorge's new thread for Mountain Lion with NVidia.
2013-03-15 : Major update for UniBeast Mountain Lion 1.7.0, MultiBeast - Mountain Lion 5.2.1, and 10.8.3
2013-03-15 : Added additional screenshots for security settings and kextbeast.
2013-03-15 : Updated broken links caused by forum update.
2013-03-15 : Added link to shilohh's excellent DSDT editing thread.
2013-03-15 : Added NVidia specific steps.
2013-03-16 : Added upgrade procedure link.
2013-03-16 : Updated title of build to include 10.8.3.
2013-03-17 : Added link to BIOS settings in appropriate section.
2013-03-17 : Added SATA: RAID mode link.
2013-03-17 : Added NVidia specific DSDT from Shilohh.
2013-03-18 : Added additional pictures and further refined process.
2013-03-20 : Adjustments to boot parameters for NVidia users based on testing with GTX680
2013-03-22 : Added additional images to build process and links to GTX680.
2013-03-22 : Fixed a couple typos.
2013-03-24 : After extensive testing updated BIOS to 3602 with new DSDTs provided by shilohh.
2013-03-28 : Added link for AMD 7xxx users.
2013-03-30 : Updated for sleep. Adjusted text regarding ATI for clarity.
2013-09-01 : Added shilohh's cool new bootloader themes.
2013-09-15 : Updated "stable since" to 1.5 years. Put in 10.8.5 warning.
2013-09-29 : Major update for 10.8.5 with Unibeast 2.1.1 and MultiBeast 5.5.2
2013-10-01 : Added Shilohh's Description of Boot Flags to highlighted posts and main guide.
2013-10-07 : Added VT-d BIOS notes and GraphicsEnabler notes based on user feedback.
2013-11-05 : Changed link to shilohh's new DSDT guide and added link to alternate Ethernet driver.
2014-03-09 : Updated "daily workhorse" date at top.
2014-03-09 : Updated for Mavericks 10.9.2 (Power Management! Yay!!!)
2014-03-10 : Updated BIOS notes for Sandy Bridge-E vs. Ivy Bridge-E
2014-03-12 : Fixed DSDT instructions.
2014-03-16 : Added shilohh's SpeedStep thread links.
2014-03-16 : Added Ivy-Bridge warning.
2014-04-19 : Added links to Shilohh's new build guide.
2015-03-15 : Updated "daily workhorse" date at top.
2016-12-01 : Fixed embedded images.
2016-12-01 : Updated "daily workhorse" date at top.
2017-12-11 : Updated "daily workhorse" date at top.
2017-12-11 : Fixed broken images.
2018-09-04 : Updated "daily workhorse" date at top.

If you are buying an ASUS Rampage IV Extreme motherboard, the assumption is that you want to learn about over-clocking. The RIVE is the most amazing motherboard for over-clocking! It has every feature under the sun, and some excellent monitoring tools.

My approach to over-clocking this beast was to start with the Intel voltage and temperature specifications for my CPU (3930K). I wanted to stay within the "normal" guidelines and not go up to "Max". I would like my CPU to last 4 years or so. If you want to hit 5Ghz; don't expect to have a long lived CPU. That said, I have a nice comfortable 4.2Ghz over-clock.

***Sandy Bridge E Overclocking Guide*** Walk through, Explanations, and Support for all X79 Overclockers

Then there is the Intel TCase of 66.8C
http://ark.intel.com/products/63697/Intel-Core-i7-3930K-Processor-(12M-Cache-3_20-GHz)

So now I had my constraints. I set my goal to keep voltages around "Typical" and try to not go beyond "Maximum". TCase is the temp measured by your motherboard outside the CPU. This is about 8 degrees below the internal temp measured by apps like iStat. So I wanted to make sure my CPU never went beyond about 75C in iStat. I then spent about 40 hours testing. I am not an expert over-clocker; so I learned a great deal.

The CPU VCORE is really the key setting regarding temperature and maximum speed. You need a higher VCORE to get higher speed, but each step up in VCORE makes your CPU run that much hotter.

For my system, temps stay pretty sane up to about 1.26v on the VCORE. But each step beyond that REALLY started increasing my temperatures when running Prime95. I found that my CPU can run 4.2Ghz reliably at 1.26v VCORE, but to get to 4.4Ghz I would have to jump to 1.3v. Even up to 1.28v my CPU would run max about 68C. But at 1.3v it would get as high as 77C running Prime95! For me this made the decision easy. It wasn't worth it to go faster than 4.2Ghz for the very small boost it would give me in speed.

The final BIOS settings I came up with are as follows:


BIOS Photos here:
Photos | New Build BIOS Settings

Looking at the chart above, that 1.25v looks a bit high for the VCCSA, right? Well, this was mandatory to make my RAM post. It's actually documented on the G.Skill site (X.M.P. Manual link next to Rampage IV Extreme):
G.SKILL-Products

Disabling Speedstep means that whatever speed we set the CPU to will be the locked speed. I run 4.2Ghz on all 6 cores all the time. If I were to turn Speedstep on, my machine would clock down to 3.2Ghz as soon as I booted OS X and never clock up.

The PCH (motherboard) fan seems to keep the PCH at decent temps at 3000 RPM (silent). This fan is kind of like a MacBook Pro fan. You really don't want it spinning at 6000RPM (default). It's quite loud.

For my CPU cooler, there are three speed modes. I can leave it at default, connect the Black cable for quieter, or connect the blue cable for quietest. I am running with the black cable and it has a nice soft hum. I only noticed about a 3 to 5C temp difference on the highest setting...and it was MUCH louder.

My front case fans are the Noctua's listed above. They spin at 1300 RPM only, and are extremely quiet. My built-in case fans have 2 speed settings. The top two are set on L (low) and the rear one is set to H (high). All are also very quiet.

My GPU cooler has 3 fans, and they can be set to 7v or 12v. I have them set to 7v and my GPU stays extremely quiet and cool.

Remember: Every CPU and system is different. You may have to try setting your VCORE up a tiny bit higher to get stability. If this is the case, try 1.28 or 1.3v. To test for stability, download Prime95. Run the "Torture Test" with 12 cores selected and about 2GB below your total RAM entered. I put in 30000, for example. You should run for 8 hours overnight with zero errors to confirm a good setup. Then when you have time; try to run for 24 hours or even 48 hours to be extra sure you have a stable setting.

I hope this helps with the over-clocking on this board/CPU. I will add additional notes to this post as time permits.

EDIT LOG:
2012-04-28 : Added notes on VCORE/temp testing.
2012-04-28 : Added BIOS photos.
2012-04-28 : Added heading at top.

Great work!

The thing is… the new Ivy Bridge CPUs are not good for OCing! Everything between 4,2 - 4,5GHz are perfect results. Don't expect to get higher!!

polobear said:

My CPU is over clocked at 4.3 GHz, no speedstep, no Sleep, and with a Scythe Mugen and two Fans it runs pretty quiet at 45°Celsius. The Mainboard controls the fans and at full speed the temps go up to 68 degrees....

Click to expand...

Cool; that sounds about right. I saw something like a 5C temp drop when running my Noctua NH-D14 at full; and if I pushed my VCORE a bit to get to 4.3Ghz it would be about the same as yours. What VCORE are you running? I found I had to set my critical voltages manually or the RIVE would automatically push them beyond the levels I was comfortable with.

I made some choices based on sound level; but having a motherboard controlled fan is a nice solution to that problem. Someday I might look into that. I like the steady quiet speeds right now though; my Mac Pro used to always ramp the fans and it got annoying.

polobear said:

I kept the vcore at stock, just raised the multi to 43 and powered the machine up, so the voltage should be controlled by the mainboard, it is not easy to check the values under OSX, but I will get windows installed to check them...

Click to expand...

When I tried letting my board set the voltages, it set the VCORE well beyond the safe range.
I'd try to confirm where yours is at. Hate to have high VCORE damage your expensive CPU.

Are you using the black cables on your Noctua? Mine is super quiet with those. It only runs around 1200RPM. I don't think I can actually hear it outside my case, as my hard drives spinning are louder. Without the black cables it is loud though for sure.

Your Scythe sounds nice. I'll have to look at that for another build I'm working on.

MK500 said:

polobear said:

I kept the vcore at stock, just raised the multi to 43 and powered the machine up, so the voltage should be controlled by the mainboard, it is not easy to check the values under OSX, but I will get windows installed to check them...

Click to expand...

When I tried letting my board set the voltages, it set the VCORE well beyond the safe range.
I'd try to confirm where yours is at. Hate to have high VCORE damage your expensive CPU.

Are you using the black cables on your Noctua? Mine is super quiet with those. It only runs around 1200RPM. I don't think I can actually hear it outside my case, as my hard drives spinning are louder. Without the black cables it is loud though for sure.

Your Scythe sounds nice. I'll have to look at that for another build I'm working on.

Click to expand...

The black cable on the Noctua has a little resistor that does not let the same amount of power from the MB. I have the same CPU cooler and I have to say that the Noctua NH-D14 is one of the best coolers you can get. My CPU is OC-ed to 4.9 GHz and the temperature is around 35-40 degrees Celsius. I think I'll use the black cables now and see the difference. By the way: Superb build!!!!

Sweet !!! Nice work MK500 glad you got to finally building it. You must be enjoying it.

I think I need to spend a little time overclocking mine a bit and see what I can push out on Cinebench and Geekbench. I'll see if I can find a day to play a little with tweaking stuff.

ENJOY !!!

As of today, tonymacx86 and MacMan want you to know:

NOTE TO EARLY ADOPTERS: Power management isn't working yet on Socket 2011, so you'll still have to use NullCPUPowermanagement.kext with a DSDT. Because of that you won't be able to sleep the system and there is no speedstep functionality.

Click to expand...

@MK500: Great Build...keep on your good work

HOLY CRAP!!!! That is an awesome geek-bench score 20,779.... great build