Checking if your overclock on the i7 8700K is stable is important.
Checking if your overclock on the i7 8700K is stable is important.
Hey everybody, I built my PC in March. I decided I wanted to overclock today, after it has been running smoothly for all these months.
Specs:
i7 8700k
GTX 1080 Founders Edition
MSI Z370 Gaming Pro Carbon
G.Skill 3000mhz RGB RAM
NZXT S340 Elite
Corsair H115i Pro AIO
2TB HDD / 500GB SSD
Today, I messed around with an overclock. I changed the CPU to 47 (so 4.7GHZ) and it ran pretty nice. I benchmarked and it was pretty stable. Then I upped it to 50 (so 5.0GHZ). I had my voltage at 1.35 at first, but that was getting very hot (90C'+ with AIDA64 Extreme Stress Test). So now, my current overclock is 5.0GHZ with a 1.33 voltage. Any lower and I got BSODS.
Anyways, I used AIDA64 to stress test it, and after 15 minutes it only had 1% thermal throttling. It hit like 96C though I think.
I tried using Prime95 to stress test it tonight and when I use the Small FFTS option, the test does not even work:
Code:
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker starting
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker starting
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Oct 28 01:50] Worker starting
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker starting
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker starting
[Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker starting
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker starting
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker starting
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker starting
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker starting
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker starting
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Beginning a continuous self-test on your computer.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Please read stress.txt. Choose Test/Stop to end this test.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Test 1, 1800000 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M250519 using FMA3 FFT length 12K, Pass1=256, Pass2=48, clm=1.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] FATAL ERROR: Rounding was 2639862.29, expected less than 0.4
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Hardware failure detected, consult stress.txt file.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Torture Test completed 0 tests in 0 minutes - 1 errors, 0 warnings.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker stopped.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] FATAL ERROR: Rounding was 0.5, expected less than 0.4
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Hardware failure detected, consult stress.txt file.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Torture Test completed 0 tests in 0 minutes - 1 errors, 0 warnings.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] FATAL ERROR: Rounding was 0.5, expected less than 0.4
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker stopped.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Hardware failure detected, consult stress.txt file.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] FATAL ERROR: Rounding was 0.5, expected less than 0.4
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Hardware failure detected, consult stress.txt file.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Torture Test completed 0 tests in 0 minutes - 1 errors, 0 warnings.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Torture Test completed 0 tests in 0 minutes - 1 errors, 0 warnings.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker stopped.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker stopped.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] FATAL ERROR: Rounding was 0.4994246285, expected less than 0.4
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Hardware failure detected, consult stress.txt file.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Torture Test completed 0 tests in 0 minutes - 1 errors, 0 warnings.
[Work thread Oct 28 01:50] Worker stopped.
I am wondering why it is saying hardware failure instantly after beginning the test. My PC was running pretty stable. I played GTA 5 for like two hours and the CPU wouldn't go over ~70ishC'. Also, I was playing Overwatch for hours and the CPU wouldn't get very hot either. As of right now, while typing this, the CPU is 40'C and my GPU is 40'C as well.
Why is Prime95 doing this? Is my 5.0GHZ/1.33V overclock stable? I really want to get the most out of my system, so hopefully you guys can help me get a stable 5.0GHZ overclock.
P.S. When my PC was getting very hot, the AIO was having an issue where it would flash red. I am assuming that the red flashing indicates that it is too hot, so that's why I dropped my 1.35 voltage to 1.33. Also, I tried 4.9Ghz with 1.32 and it was semi-stable. My CPU just gets kind of hot when I first boot for some reason, probably the spike in CPU usage.
Please help me, thanks
UPDATE: I just ran another stress test with AIDA64. 5GHZ / 1.33 volts. Went downstairs to make a nutella sandwhich, and when I came back up after eating my PC screen was black. My liquid cooler was flashing the default rainbow color, so I guess that means my PC just completely froze? My keyboard and mouse were both frozen. They are usually fading through colors, but it was stuck in some middle sequence. Had to hold down the power button on my PC, and it completely shut off. But the lights were still on on my peripherals... I had to completely turn off my rig from the power button on the PSU, and 3 seconds later my peripherals turned off too (finally). Anyways, when I reopened AIDA64 it said that it was terminated unsuccessfully, and the maximum reported temperature was 98C (wow...). So does this mean my chip is not capable of hitting 5.0GHz?
🙁
Here are a few things happening here...
First, the Prime95 version you were using... version 26.6 is suggested for Intel...
Second, the small FFT stress test on Prime95 is extremely demanding on any CPU and will cause the 8700K to reach 90 degrees C quickly at 5GHz and above.
Overclocking can be tricky, have you tried using LLC to balance the vcore? A 1.33v setting isn't too extreme for a 5GHz overclock, but I believe you're approaching the thermal limits of your 8700K during the small FFT test with the cooler.
Regarding temperatures during the Blend Test only Prime95 run, what occurs?
I followed the same steps as you did until I realized my 8700K overheated and dropped nearly 20 degrees C. Now I'm stabilized at 4.9GHz with a voltage of 1.278v for my 24.7 overclock. If you're aiming for the highest possible overclock, then removing the cooling solution could actually improve performance.
Here are a few alternative phrasings of your text:
- A few details need clarification...
- One thing to note is which Prime95 version you were using... Version 26.6 is suggested for Intel systems.
- The small Prime95 FFT test is quite demanding, especially on an overclocked non-Dell 8700K, reaching temperatures of 90°C quickly at 5GHz and above.
- Overclocking can be tricky—did you try using LLC to balance the vcore? A 1.33v setting seems reasonable for a 5GHz overclock, but I suspect your 8700K is approaching its thermal limits during the small FFT test.
- When you run the Prime95 test on the Blend Test alone, what temperatures occur?
- I followed the same steps as you did until I encountered issues with my 8700K, after which temperatures dropped by nearly 20°C. I’ve stabilized at around 4.9GHz and 1.278v for a 24.7 overclock. For maximum overclocking, delidding might be beneficial.
- I’m using the newest Prime95 version available on their official site. I plan to try version 26.6 now.
- My temperatures might only rise to around 65°C while CPU usage stays at 100%. The Prime95 interface seemed unusual, and it even reported a hardware failure, which likely explains the situation.
- I’m not sure what LLC stands for. Also, I was likely hitting thermal limits, with my CPU reaching about 98°C.
- I can’t run the Blend Test either—it stops immediately due to a hardware issue.
- Possibly delidding is an option if you want to explore further overclocking.
Consider testing with Prime95 version 26.6 and begin with the blend test first. AIDA64 Extreme also works well, offering temperature monitoring as well. For AIDA64 Extreme, apply the System Stability Test under the Tools tab.
Regarding the LLC settings, you typically have options ranging from 1 to 7, or in my case, with a Gigabyte board, it includes Normal, High, Turbo, and Extreme. I opt for the High setting. The purpose of LLC is to prevent the vcore from drooping or dropping and to maintain it within a narrow range...I’ll look this up as my explanation isn’t perfect but it’s crucial for stable overclocking.
If you can’t even run the blend test in Prime95 version 26.6, lower the clock speeds to 4.8GHz and proceed from there, increasing gradually. Start around 1.27v at 4.8GHz...you might achieve a lower vcore there, but it’s a solid starting point.
Here are some recommended settings for your motherboard and the 8700K:
https://www.reddit.com/r/overclocking/co...n_oc_help/
https://www.anandtech.com/show/12763/msi...c-review/9
Keep in mind that each CPU is slightly different, so it’s important to research your motherboard and CPU combinations for overclocking guides and threads available online.
So begin by testing with Prime95 version 26.6 and try the blend test initially. AIDA64 Extreme is also a solid option, offering temperature monitoring as well. For AIDA64 Extreme, use the System Stability Test under the Tools tab.
Regarding the LLC settings, you typically have options ranging from 1 to 7, or in my case, with a Gigabyte board, it includes Normal, High, Turbo, and Extreme. I opt for the High setting. The purpose of LLC is to prevent the vcore from dropping or falling too low, maintaining it within a narrow range...I’ll look this up as my explanation isn’t perfect but it’s crucial for stable overclocking.
If you can’t even run the blend test in Prime95 version 26.6, lower the clock speeds to 4.8GHz and begin from there, increasing gradually. Start around 1.27v at 4.8GHz...you might achieve a lower vcore there but it’s a good starting point.
Here are some recommended settings for your motherboard and the 8700K:
https://www.reddit.com/r/overclocking/co...n_oc_help/
https://www.anandtech.com/show/12763/msi...c-review/9
Keep in mind that every CPU is slightly different, so it’s wise to research your motherboard and CPU combinations for overclocking guides and threads available online.
Alright, I have Prime95 26.6 as mentioned. I performed a stress test at 4.9GHz and my monitor went black and crashed. I had to manually reset the PC. Then I tried 5GHz and 1.325V, and I’ve been using it all day. It runs and games are fine, but I’m hesitant about stress testing because I worry it might cause a black screen. Rebooting feels intimidating when that happens since even when the PC is off, peripherals stay powered down. I had to switch off the PSU switch to fully shut it down. Also, I disabled the Enhanced Multi-core Turbo feature. My temperatures are currently 37°C on the CPU and 42°C on the GPU.
This information highlights the necessity of adequate cooling systems to back your overclocking plans and maintain your CPU within a secure operating temperature zone.