ASUS Maximus Formula SE

[WFO]

Any thoughts on how to make this stable. I'm on the verge here. Boots up fine and sometimes will be OCCT stable after 1 test, sometimes itll reboot, sometimes BSOD. Anyone have some advice? So far just testing CPU..

I'd start by comparing your setting to Renegade's.

Extreme Tweaker 
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual 
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO 
CPU Ratio Control : Manual 
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 9
FSB Frequency : 450
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 400
PCI-E Frequency: 110
DRAM Frequency: DDR2- 1199
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual 
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : Auto
Row Refresh Cycle Time : Auto
Write Recovery Time : Auto
Read to Precharge Time : Auto

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (D) : Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : Strong
Transaction Booster : Disabled
Relax: 0

CPU Voltage : Set to 1.57 for 1.54 Real
CPU PLL Voltage : Set to 1.6 for 1.71 Real
North Bridge Voltage : Set to 1.55 for 1.57 Real
DRAM Voltage : Set to 2.22 for 2.32 Real
FSB Termination Voltage : Set to 1.53 (?) for 1.55 Real
South Bridge Voltage : Set to 1.1 for 1.12 Real
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : Auto
North Bridge GTL Reference : Auto
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
SB 1.5V Voltage : Set to 1.5 for 1.55 Real

NB LED Selection : NB Volt 
SB LED Selection : SB Volt 
CPU LED Selection : CPU VOlt 
Voltiminder LED : 

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled 
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled 

Advanced CPU Configuration 
CPU Ratio Control : Manual 
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 9
C1E Suppport : Disabled 
CPU TM Function : Disabled 
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled 
Execute Disable Bit : Enabled 
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled 


USB Configuration 
USB Functions: Enabled 
Legacy USB Support : Disabled

Yes, first I ran it set to CPU to max out temps and get an idea where the CPU was stable. Then ran it on "blend" (the middle setting) to get an idea of where the NB volts should be. Finally ran it on RAM to really stress the NB<=>RAM and this yielded a reboot. This is how I knew I needed more NB volts. Ended up at 1.57 Real (1.55 BIOS). Requested BIOS settings above.

2nd, based on other's reports in this thread, reseating the fusion block and adding water will provide much better stability with over 10C drops in NB temp. There are also plenty of links to the TR heat sinks in this thread if you must stay on air.