Consider purchasing the i7 6700k and whether to overclock it.
Consider purchasing the i7 6700k and whether to overclock it.
Hello,
I'm preparing my initial PC build and have some questions. First, is it safe to overclock and does it actually improve FPS in games? Is overclocking more beneficial for 3D titles such as Minecraft than for games like Battlefield 4? How much hotter does an overclocked i7 6700K get compared to the i7 6700? Is the i7 6700K faster than the i7 6700?
Could you also tell me if this fan works well with an overclocked i7 6700K? Thanks for any information.
Additionally, I’m curious about these CPUs:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZZE63A/?tag=pcpapi-20
And
https://www.amazon.com/noctua-NH-U12S-No...ua+nh-u12s
Do they perform well when overclocked? Are there other components I can overclock? How exactly do you go about overclocking these systems? Thanks for any details.
I noticed that the I7-6700K operates at 4.0 stock, without any need for overclocking.
The I7-6700 works at 3.4; that’s quite a contrast.
For a high-end setup like yours, consider upgrading to the i7-6700K.
Your case is quite unique—this has never crossed my mind before.
This seems to be the right path:
http://www.honbontec.com/turbine700_product.html
I recommend adjusting your fan layout.
Place two 140mm fans as intakes and one 120mm fan as an exhaust to control airflow.
That should suffice.
If you have a filter at the main intake, such as the front, your case will remain clean.
This is known as a positive pressure setup.
The specifications indicate a maximum PSU of 160mm long.
The Evga Supernova G2 650 has a PSU length of 6.5" or 165mm.
It’s a great tier 1 PSU, but you...
Whether you can boost the CPU and RAM performance hinges on the motherboard's capabilities. For Intel 1151 CPUs, only the Z170 chipset permits CPU overclocking and supports DDR4 speeds exceeding 2133MHz.
Overclocking can impact gaming performance, but the results vary. If you're enhancing the GPU, then yes—provided it stays within safe temperature limits.
The 6700K is indeed quicker than the 6700. The i7 6700 offers a base speed of 3.4GHz and can reach 4GHz with turbo. The i7 6700K maintains a higher base at 4GHz, turboing up to 4.2GHz when temperatures stay below 85°C and the system demands it. This adjustment happens automatically without manual overclocking.
The Phanteks model is more suitable for pushing the 6700K to its limits.
You can enhance the CPU, GPU, and system memory (RAM).
For recommendations, focus on upgrading the CPU and GPU first. If you wish for faster RAM, opt for higher-speed options.
CPU overclocking is managed via BIOS, GPU overclocking through software such as MSI Afterburner, and RAM overclocking also via BIOS. I advise against overclocking RAM unless you're confident in your system's ability to handle it. Starting with faster RAM and then adjusting the memory controller for optimal speeds is the best approach.
Overclocking for gaming performance is often considered excessive on newer systems, particularly with Intel 1151 i7 models:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/9533/intel...-4-8-ghz/8
http://ocaholic.ch/modules/smartsection/...948&page=3
In reality, it’s usually more beneficial to opt for a locked i7 with the maximum GPU you can afford. If you need SLI/CrossFire support via Z170/Z270, choose a straightforward version that meets your needs. Overclocked RAM offers minimal advantage, especially in gaming.
GPUs, however, provide a clearer improvement. For games, it creates a noticeable but not substantial boost. Adaptive sync will handle gameplay smoother than an overclocked GPU.
Upgrading CPUs or RAM can still enhance rendering speed, which is why I enable the profile on my 5930k. If you have a few hours of rendering or similar work at home, speeding it up by a third is worthwhile.
Overclocking today isn't quite what it seems. Back in the day, hobbyists discovered that boosting CPU voltages could make them operate more efficiently. Nowadays, chips labeled with a "K" are built for advanced multiplier overclocking. This means simply increasing the base multiplier from 40 to a higher value in models like the i7-6700K. By default, the CPU's voltage will increase accordingly. The extent of this boost depends largely on finding a suitable component. As of December 4, 2016, the achievable percentage for overclocking at a reasonable 1.40V Vcore varied across processors: I7-6700K showed 4.9% to 5%, while I5-6600K had minimal success around 5%. Temperatures reached were directly tied to the voltage required for each multiplier level. With adequate airflow, only a basic air cooler with a 120mm fan was necessary. The user reported good results using the Noctua NH-U12s paired with an I5-6600K overclocked to 4.8. Phanteks also performed well. Graphics card performance often depends more on the card and resolution than CPU speed, though certain titles like Sims or strategy games tend to be CPU-bound and single-threaded. Most games use only 2-3 threads effectively. The I7-6700K operates at 3.4, significantly lower than its stock version's 4.0, and much slower than overclocked models at 4.6 or higher. If you can afford a high-end i7-6700K, it’s worth pursuing. A z170-based motherboard is recommended for overclocking. For those prioritizing cost, the I5-6600K offers comparable performance at a lower price. Graphics cards can also be overclocked, but manufacturers typically sell factory-optimized versions, so higher-end cards often come with better support. Expect fair value from them. Avoid the most aggressively overclocked options. By default, DDR4 RAM runs at 1.2v and 2133 MHz; upgrading to 2400 MHz is possible without exceeding this speed. RAM speeds above 2400 are usually limited by voltage constraints like 1.35v. These kits include built-in XMP profiles, so simply adjusting your motherboard settings can unlock higher performance. However, increasing RAM speed beyond these limits may not significantly improve real-world performance or FPS. A study on RAM scaling is available here: [link]. Additionally, large heat spreaders mainly affect marketing and don’t influence actual performance. Some models might slightly affect cooler efficiency, but the Noctua NH-U12s are largely unaffected. Opt for low-profile RAM to minimize impact.
Bobdabomb :
Should I boost my CPU and/or GPU?
If you have a K processor, you’re missing out on performance, maybe up to 40% if you don’t.
Yes, I should overclock the CPU.
For the GPU, I recommend getting a pre-optimized version and just use it.
Geofelt :
Bobdabomb :
Should I boost my CPU and/or GPU? If you're using a K processor, you might be missing out on performance, possibly by as much as 40%. Yes, definitely overclock your CPU. For the GPU, consider getting a factory-optimized version and stop worrying about it. How much more does the I7 6700K cost compared to the regular I7 6700? Also, is that Phanteks fan suitable for overclocking? What methods are there to overclock the CPU, and how far would you go? This is my first time doing this. Is overclocking safe?
Bobdabomb shared some thoughts on CPU and GPU upgrades.
If you're using a K processor, performance might drop significantly—possibly by as much as 40%.
You should definitely overclock your CPU.
For the GPU, consider getting a pre-optimized version and stop there.
The I7 6700K is noticeably more powerful than the standard model.
Regarding the Phanteks fan, it should work well for overclocking.
Overclocking instructions vary by motherboard; check your manual for BIOS settings.
I’m comfortable with Asus boards and can help there, but less so with other brands.
Overclocking is generally safe if you have a solid power supply and motherboard.
You’d need to exceed 1.5V to damage the 6700K.
Sorry for missing this chat—I’ve got other things on my plate.