6600k OC Problem
6600k OC Problem
I’m working with an MSI Z170A-Pro motherboard and a 6600k processor. I attempted manual overclocking and managed to hit 4.6Ghz at 1.35v. During stress tests with Prime95 and Aida64 for 15 minutes each, both passed with the core reaching its maximum temperature of 66°C. I used the system to watch movies in a marathon and left it on overnight. When I returned, I reset the PC to try reaching 4.7Ghz, but encountered some artifacts on the desktop when running Aida64. I adjusted the multiplier in 100mhz steps until it disappeared, though the voltage stayed constant. It vanished at 4.4Ghz. My concerns are whether the VRMs might have worn out or if this is something to worry about. Additionally, I overclocked my GPU by 70mhz base and 70mhz memory—could that be the issue? Any advice would be greatly appreciated; I might consider using the OC Genie if I’m at risk.
If you were positioned at 4.6 @1.35v, you achieved a solid performance boost.
Motherboard automatic optimization tools can sometimes be too forceful; consider relying on BIOS-level tuning instead.
A review of your motherboard’s BIOS updates might be useful to address the problem.
Avoid updating just for guesswork—it carries significant risk.
Below is a straightforward guide for overclocking a Skylake processor.
----------simple skylake overclocking----------------
Here are my recommendations:
- Clear everything, including RAM, back to defaults.
- Use a stress tester such as OCCT; steer clear of tools like prime95 or IBT which create excessive strain.
- Keep all voltages set to auto, then slowly increase the multiplier from the standard 40 up to a higher value.
- Perform a stress test with OCCT—it will halt if temperatures hit 85°C.
- You’ll likely run out of safe Vcore before hitting thermal boundaries.
- Keep an eye on the Vcore; CPU-Z can provide guidance.
Though Intel lists 1.5v as a ceiling, a more realistic target is around 1.4v.
Once you reach a comfortable multiplier, cease further adjustments.
Use only the maximum RAM XMP settings that function at the stock 1.2v voltage.
Increasing RAM speed to 1.35v for faster data transfer can actually hinder overclocking performance.
Higher RAM speeds come with increased latency, which may offset gains.
For reference, see this article:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1478-page1.html
After completing the process, apply speedstep and adaptive voltage to minimize multiplier and Vcore usage during idle periods.
As of October 11, 2016
Approximately what percentage could achieve an overclock at a reasonable 1.40v Vcore?
5-6600K – 87%
4.9 – 14%
4.8 – 38%
4.7 – 67%
4.6 – 100%
I considered what geofelt recommended and checked the bios updates. They mentioned microcode changes and compatibility fixes for memory and storage, but didn’t mention overclocking. The issue you described—perfect performance at 4.6 for 18 hours followed by a black screen when opening a program—suggests something about the system’s power or thermal limits. It might be related to how long the GPU was running or if the GPU driver wasn’t updated. The BIOS also restricts the vcore to 1.355v, which could affect performance under heavy load.
Nah, the CPU is fine. Just make your temps are in check.
The VRM's like you said before aren't the best. However when you compare it to AMD FX systems that were pushing 1.55Vcore @ 125watt TDP - 1.35V doesn't sound too bad. Make sure there is airflow around the VRM's though. Whether it be from your CPU cooler or case fans.
The GPU is a little harder to test for stability. I found Unigine heaven/valley to be a decent test of stability. I use to leave a game like GTA V open overnight to test that stability when I knew my CPU was good.
I just wanted to mention that when the vcore setting remains on auto, my motherboard doesn't adjust the voltage to match the clock speed. It only sets it to 1.2v and leaves it there. When I started running OCCT at 4.4ghz, it crashed after about a minute because the voltage didn't exceed 1.21v. I tried 4.4ghz at 1.3v with OCCT to check the outcome.
Alrighty, after a day and a half of testing (still testing rightnow) I was able to achieve 4.5Ghz at 1.3v confirmed after prime95 30min, Aida64 for 30min, and occt:cpu for a little over 3 hours. Now going for 4.6Ghz at 1.35v again (prime95 for 30min, working on a 2hour test of aida64 right now) but I backed down my OC on my GPU. Which more and more I think is the culprit for the display artifacting. Funny thing I have hwmonitor open during my Aida test. While looking at both, my cpu core volts on Aida says it is 1.385v, but vcore on hwmonitor says the max has been 1.352v. Both say my max VID has been 1.385v. Can anyone explain that?