Beginner Overclocking Intel i5 2500k Guide
Beginner Overclocking Intel i5 2500k Guide
I recorded each setting individually and now I can verify if all adjustments are correct. Please let me know if anything needs changing.
Based on what I remember, minor voltage changes are typical in manual mode. Your temperatures seem fine. You're likely aware of this, but I wouldn't recommend keeping the manual voltage setting active all the time. It's useful for a quick rough idea of the required Vcore when you adjust the offset, but it's not a permanent fix. Manual mode locks the same voltage no matter how much the processor is under load or its frequency, which can cause extra heat during idle or low usage and may reduce the CPU's lifespan.
Regarding BIOS configuration, I would turn on turbo boost as discussed in my previous post. Usually, it should be set to "manual." Once that's done, you can define the "turbo power limit," and I suggest setting it to "200" (based on munaim1's OC forums advice).
Additionally, I notice your load line calibration isn't visible. Could you confirm if "Multi-Steps Load Line" is indeed your load line setting? It might help to review the configuration options for load line adjustments.
EDIT: "Advanced BIOS Features - Anything needed to change in here?" It appears all the required settings are listed, but I'm not entirely certain. You may want to double-check for any config.s related to voltage or CPU power.
I turned on Turbo Boost and then connected 200 for each of the Core clocks for cores 1,2,3, and 4. After plugging in 200 for each of the four, it said [Auto] when I did that. The Multi-Steps Load Line shows 10 different levels, so I’m unsure if you want me to select "Level 3". There are many strange entries in the Advanced BIOS Features section, and none mention LLC either.
I would turn on the turbo, though it’s not required. You might want to test with and without it to find your preference.
The Multi Steps Load Line should display your LLC settings. You could set it to "auto" and check the default values.
Switching from your manual configuration to the final offset settings, I’d try LLC 3, 4, and 5 to determine what suits you best (with 1 being the most aggressive and 10 the gentlest). Based on my experience, this should help reduce vcore usage while maintaining stability, though the outcome depends on your setup.
EDIT: This guide could be useful for setting up LLC:
http://www.overclock.net/t/968053/offici...t_14466483
I liked adjusting it manually until I achieved the best results, but his structured method is definitely worth exploring.
I own the same MOBO and processor that I've used since 2012. I'm sorry for posting in an old thread, but I thought it was a really useful discussion!
I haven't updated my computer yet because of its age, but I wanted to boost performance to extend its life—so the new Ryzen processors could settle in better before replacing the whole system.
Something I added to this conversation is that after achieving stable OC, running Furmark alongside Prime95 would be beneficial for checking cooling performance. With P95, temperatures stay just under 70°C; Furmark pushes them up to around 75°C, and with the MOBO temp rising from 30°C to 40°C.
Also worth mentioning is the LLC setting on this board ranges from 1 to 10. My first tests used LLC 4, which failed, LLC 8 got me near 90°C, and LLC 6 was ideal.
Edit: I had to leave turbo mode on to set the turbo voltage at 250, but then turned it off completely because it would cause much higher temperatures.