Z890 - unable to attain 32x NGU and 32x D2D OC

[satyajit.o3.wall]

Motherboard
PRO Z890-P WIFI, on latest BIOS 1.AE0 and eSIO build 2024/11/06.
CPU
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF, microcode 0x121
DRAM
G.SKill DDR5-6000 2x16GB F5-6000J3636F16G
Sticks are seated in A2 and B2 DIMM slots.
MB configured to use inbuilt XMP profile.
GPU
PNY RTX 5070 Ti (fully stock, no OC whatsoever)

All MB settings are on Auto, with Core Ultra 200S Boost enabled. Boost makes PC unstable.
Manually setting NGU to 32x and D2D to 32x also does not stabilise the system.

TM5.exe fail within 1hr 30 min.
OCCT CPU+RAM fails within 45 min.
Hitman 3 Dartmoor Endless Benchmark (very reliable OC stability test) fails within 3 min.

DRAM is forced air-cooled, with max temps under sustained stress loads after 1 hour not exceeding 48C.

Which BIOS settings should I investigate to help stabilise this so-called "under warranty" OC.

 

[satyajit.o3.wall]

The stability seems to be tied to the D2D and NGU multipliers used.
32x NGU, 32x D2D: Extremely unstable, game crashes within 2-3 minutes
31x NGU, 31x D2D: Less unstable, can run endless 3D benchmark for 10-12 minutes before first crash
30x NGU, 30x D2D: Dartmoor Endless ran 1 hour without issues, terminated test after that

Any potential solutions for someone who is already on latest UEFI and eSIO FWs?

 

[ali-2026-ksa]

Hello, how are you? Disable the Core Ultra 200S Boost feature.

It causes system instability; revert the settings to default (disable the boost), re-test, and the problem should be resolved.

 

[RemusM]

PRO Z890-P WIFI

All MB settings are on Auto, with Core Ultra 200S Boost enabled. Boost makes PC unstable.

https://game.intel.com/stories/200s-boost-overclocking-profile/

Supported Motherboards
MSI MEG Z890 ACE

200S Boost Limitations and Warranty Disclaimers
The 200S Boost profile does not guarantee that any overclocking frequencies will be achievable or stable or that any level of performance will be achievable.

 

[satyajit.o3.wall]

Hello, how are you? Disable the Core Ultra 200S Boost feature.

It causes system instability; revert the settings to default (disable the boost), re-test, and the problem should be resolved.

Yes I tried disabling the Boost feature and manually setting the multipliers, but that wasn't stable. Looking for other settings such as voltages and load lines that can be adjusted to stabilise the 32x NGU and D2D.

 

[satyajit.o3.wall]

https://game.intel.com/stories/200s-boost-overclocking-profile/

Supported Motherboards
MSI MEG Z890 ACE

200S Boost Limitations and Warranty Disclaimers
The 200S Boost profile does not guarantee that any overclocking frequencies will be achievable or stable or that any level of performance will be achievable.

Yeah that page is old, from April 2025. My MB is supported for the Boost feature.
I understand that the OC frequencies aren't guaranteed which is why I'm seeking tips on manual tweaking

 

[RemusM]

Yeah that page is old, from April 2025. My MB is supported for the Boost feature.
I understand that the OC frequencies aren't guaranteed which is why I'm seeking tips on manual tweaking

Those rules are the same today.
The overclocking results depend mainly on your specific CPU sample (not model!), motherboard and RAM kit.
And they are not guaranteed by anyone!
As you can see, that list includes top motherboards only.
You have one of the cheapest Z890 boards and that's not suitable for overclocking of any kind.

30x NGU, 30x D2D: Dartmoor Endless ran 1 hour without issues, terminated test after that

That's probably the best you can get with your CPU/motherboard/RAM kit combination.

 

[satyajit.o3.wall]

Thanks for your input, though not at all helpful. There are literally dozens of deep OC settings on even non-top-tier MBs.
Fail to see your problem with people seeking advice on how to extract the best performance out of their products.
I will keep this thread open for advice from other members..