Consider purchasing a new CPU cooler to enable overclocking of your Athlon 860k.
Consider purchasing a new CPU cooler to enable overclocking of your Athlon 860k.
I'm considering whether to purchase a new CPU cooler to enable overclocking. I've tried an aftermarket one, but my PC would crash during overclocking and required a restart. At Canada Computers, they confirmed my CPU was hitting its thermal limit. I'm unsure if investing in a new cooler would be beneficial and am looking for recommendations on which type to choose, preferably an air cooler for easier maintenance.
The CPU cooler enables overclocking the 860K. More advanced options exist but come with higher prices. I'm targeting a $50 to $60 Canadian price range. Additionally, a top-tier PSU would be suitable since your system already has ample power, though it's still a performance-focused build.
Consider purchasing Noctua's coolers or the BeQuiet! model. Although they come at a higher cost, they are a worthwhile investment. The BeQuiet coolers offer excellent quiet performance and size (I own the BeQuiet DarkRock 3), and I'm quite happy with it. For those needing a strong cooler for overclocking, you should also upgrade your PSU, as increased power usage will be required during overclocking compared to regular use.
The power supply the OP chose is more than sufficient, but it lacks adequate performance.
That CPU cooler will enable you to overclock the 860K. There are superior coolers available, though they come at a higher price. I'm targeting a budget of $50 to $60 (Canadian). I'm also considering a more powerful PSU. You have ample power, but it's comparable to a tractor, and you're constructing a 'race-car'. I've already pushed my system over the thermal limit at 100°. What additional performance gains do you anticipate from an overclock?
The Thermal Limit stays well below 100°C. Utilize AMD's Overdrive for the most accurate temperature readings. What speed have you achieved, and what voltage were you using?
The Thermal Limit is significantly below 100C. Using AMD's Overdrive can help measure temperatures more accurately. Your current speed and voltage are unknown, but you mentioned starting at around 4.4 GHz with fluctuating voltage, possibly due to turbo mode affecting the CPU.
Reviewed the discussion thoroughly. It offers valuable tips and ideas.
Just to add a bit, I own and create my own 860k. 4.4Ghz is roughly the maximum you can achieve with that chip. The setup I use every day is almost identical.
I manage to hit 4.5Ghz at 1.4 volts with a 120mm water cooler, but it’s not as quiet or efficient as I’d prefer. That’s why I stick to 4.4Ghz to maintain lower noise and temperatures.
If you’re using a smaller air cooler, keep the voltage unchanged and aim for around 4.3Ghz. These chips tend to get quite hot when you push high speeds or raise the voltage even slightly. In my opinion, the extra 100-200 MHz isn’t worth the significant rise in heat and noise.