Consider switching your Noctua NH-12p to liquid cooling for better performance, similar to Corsair H110 or Nzxt X61.
Consider switching your Noctua NH-12p to liquid cooling for better performance, similar to Corsair H110 or Nzxt X61.
Liquid cooling may offer some benefits in terms of cooling efficiency. Download AMD Overdrive and check the CPU monitor tab for the thermal margin temperature. It should decrease when under load. This indicates the amount of heat capacity before it overheats. Aim to keep it above 20°C (avoiding drops below that is acceptable). Currently, my 8320 runs at 4.5ghz with a TM of 26°C. Once you have your temperatures, you can assess whether it's worthwhile. I'm using a Hyper 212 Evo and only an AIO liquid cooler. These aren't ideal, and the issue is that in a hot room, liquid cooling provides limited help. Using fans can achieve similar temperatures, but they come with a significant price increase.
In short, noticeable gains are unlikely unless you're already experiencing overheating. If...
Liquid cooling may offer some benefits in terms of cooling efficiency. Download AMD Overdrive and check the CPU monitor tab for the thermal margin temperature. It should decrease when under load, indicating the available cooling capacity before overheating occurs. Aim to maintain it above 20°C (avoiding drops below that). Currently, my 8320 is running at 4.5ghz with a 26°C temperature. Once you have your readings, you can assess whether it's worthwhile. I'm using a Hyper 212 Evo and an AIO liquid cooler isn't ideal. The issue is that in a hot room, liquid cooling only helps moderately. Using fans can achieve similar temperatures, but custom loops work better but cost significantly more.
Honestly, noticeable improvement won't happen unless you're already overheating. If not, keep increasing the overclock until you reach a thermal limit, experience instability, or hit the voltage cap (around 1.5V is recommended).
The TM under load is still within acceptable limits, though not at maximum capacity. It’s probably best not to push it any harder. You might consider using an AIO or reapplying thermal paste if it’s been some time. If you manage to reach 20°C+ with either approach, I’d be willing to try pushing a bit further.