BIOS Won't Save Overclocking Settings

Background: My system (R4) has been fine, no issues since I got it last year. I had the 3720QM overclocked to 38/38/39/40 no problems, good temps and I've been using it problem-free this whole time. Today at work, I had to head out so I switched to the IGP via the BIOS and when I rebooted I got the 8 beep black screen. I've done this switch a lot before so it seriously spooked me. I eventually went through all the hoops of clearing my BIOS and setting everything back up, but the weird thing is, now the computer won't save any of my overclocking related settings. The other settings save just fine. I tried to use Intel XTU, and it will work, but not on startup. The computer will basically run stock until I open the program itself. If I go into the BIOS and specify my settings, and immediately hop back into the BIOS on the reboot, the settings will be gone. Just the overclocking settings, which will revert back to disabled.

What could be wrong?

 

Have you updated the BIOS since you've gotten the PC?

 

Yes but my setup has been good since A05 unlocked and I haven't touched that. This was triggered by a graphics switch. I don't think it has to do with the BIOS itself. Maybe the CMOS. I've cleared that multiple times since I've gotten home though, at least to the point where the BIOS settings revert to defaults and the date/time go back to 00:00:00.

 

Hmm, I remember when I flashed my system I had to reset some settings in the BIOS for it to function as before. Maybe you're missing something. I'd go through everything and check to make sure it's all properly set.

 

Yes I already reset all the settings to default and changed them back to what I had before from there. Nothing is really malfunctioning anyway. The BIOS is just not saving my overclocking settings. I have a new CMOS battery in there as well.

 

Just the OC settings or any other settings get overwritten as well?

 

Just the OC settings. Everything else saves fine. Loading Intel XTU after boot sets the CPU up fine, but obviously I don't want to run it manually every time I turn my computer on, or add another startup program to a system I like to keep lean.

 

I recommend re-flashing the BIOS. (Update it or re-install it.) If that doesn't work, the only other explanation I can think of is that your motherboard doesn't like the voltage and it's refusing to overclock. You should also try a lower overclock to see if this may be related to the MOBO.

 

Already reflashed BIOS.. Voltage is stock. Overclock is stable. Nothing is different from the setup that has been stable for a year.

Like I said, using XTU after boot sets everything up nicely like it was before. BIOS just doesn't remember the OC settings.

I would like to try clearing the CMOS in a more definite way than just power draining the machine. For example, if there is a physical clear CMOS method like a jumper, but I do not know the method for this machine.

 

There are no jumpers whatsoever. Mostly desktop motherboards have that option. You could remove the cmos battery and let it be for sometimes until everything clears out. Sometime a silly fix, makes everything work without issues

 

Yes maybe I can try a prolonged battery removal, but I've already done that several times long enough for it to forget all settings.

If it would help in figuring out what is wrong, the only two settings getting reverted are the "non turbo flex support" and "extreme edition" settings in the overclocking section. The settings within those sections themselves even get saved, but those two don't.

 

After a flash, you need to setup the BIOS to default settings (as they were when you got the PC, including the correct date and time). You need to remove the CMOS battery and drain all power from the laptop. You're supposed to hold the power button down for 30 seconds or something with all batteries removed.

Then go back in and reset the settings, adjust the time, save and restart - do not overclock yet.