Asrock B650 Live Mixer voltage regulation and LLC testing

Summary

In this video, the creator dives into the challenges of overclocking on a motherboard with a less-than-ideal VRM setup. They highlight the limitations of LLC (Load-Line Calibration) levels, where higher voltage is needed for stability, making static overclocking frustrating. Despite the issue, it's not a major problem for regular use. The creator compares the ASRock B650 motherboard with better VRM alternatives like the ASUS B650E Strix, expecting better performance. They offer advice on optimizing LLC settings and promote their Patreon and Teespring for support. The video wraps up with a call for viewers to like, share, and subscribe.

Takeaways

• 😀 The B650 motherboard has voltage regulation issues, especially noticeable during static overclocking.
• 😀 Lower LLC levels on the B650 motherboard cause voltage undershoot, leading to instability during overclocking.
• 😀 Level 2 LLC is the default on the B650 board, but it is not optimal for overclocking, and Level 3 is recommended for better stability.
• 😀 Despite its limitations, the B650 motherboard is adequate for day-to-day use but may require higher voltage for overclocking stability.
• 😀 ASUS B650E Strix motherboard is expected to perform better in terms of voltage regulation and overclocking stability.
• 😀 Many ASRock B650 motherboards, including the one reviewed, share similar VRMs, meaning the voltage regulation behavior is likely the same across these boards.
• 😀 Users with B650 motherboards should avoid using Level 1 LLC due to significant instability issues.
• 😀 There is a desire for higher LLC settings, such as Level 4 or Level 5, to improve voltage stability on the board.
• 😀 The B650 motherboard's VRM firmware might differ across models, though it is unlikely to affect the overall behavior in terms of voltage regulation.
• 😀 The creator encourages viewers to support the channel via Patreon, Bandcamp, and Teespring, offering various merchandise options.
• 😀 The video ends with a call to action, thanking viewers and asking for feedback in the comments section.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed with the ASRock B650 motherboard in terms of overclocking?

The main issue is that the voltage regulation on the ASRock B650 motherboard has an undershooting problem. This can lead to instability during static overclocking, requiring higher average load voltages to achieve the same level of stability as better-regulated motherboards.

How does LLC (Load Line Calibration) setting affect the overclocking stability on this motherboard?

LLC settings control the voltage stability under load. The reviewer recommends using LLC Level 3 for better performance as Level 1 is unstable and Level 2 doesn't improve significantly over Level 1. Level 3 seems to offer the best compromise for stability in this case.

Why does the reviewer mention that the voltage regulation is not a big problem for day-to-day use?

The undershooting voltage issue primarily affects static overclocking. For general use, such as regular computing tasks, the motherboard's performance remains stable enough without noticeable issues.

What is the suggested LLC setting for users with ASRock B650 motherboards for better stability?

The reviewer suggests setting the LLC to Level 3 for better stability. This is due to the fact that Level 2 is not much better than Level 1, and Level 3 offers a more stable overclocking experience.

What is the expected performance of the Asus B650E Strix motherboard in comparison to the ASRock B650?

The reviewer expects the Asus B650E Strix motherboard to perform better than the ASRock B650 in terms of voltage regulation and overall stability, particularly when it comes to overclocking.

How does the reviewer feel about the availability of LLC levels on the ASRock B650 motherboard?

The reviewer is dissatisfied with the LLC options available on the ASRock B650 motherboard, particularly the absence of higher LLC levels like Level 4 or Level 5, which could offer better voltage regulation and stability during overclocking.

What does the reviewer think about the possibility of different VRM firmware across similar ASRock B650 motherboards?

The reviewer speculates that despite similarities in the VRM design, different ASRock B650 motherboards might have different VRM firmware. However, this is uncertain, and it wouldn't surprise them if there were variations.

What kind of support options does the reviewer offer for their content?

The reviewer offers support options through Patreon, Bandcamp, and a Teespring store where viewers can purchase merchandise like shirts, hoodies, and posters.

What does the reviewer mean when they say the B650 motherboards from ASRock 'should behave like this'?

The reviewer implies that all B650 motherboards from ASRock, which share similar VRM designs, are likely to experience the same issues with voltage regulation and LLC settings. Therefore, users of these boards can expect similar performance characteristics.

What is the significance of the voltage undershooting issue during static overclocking?

The voltage undershooting issue is significant for overclockers who push their systems to the limit. It requires them to use higher average load voltages to stabilize the system, making it harder to achieve a stable overclock without using excessive voltage, which can negatively affect the longevity of the components.