Considerations on LLC with Ryzen overclocking
Considerations on LLC with Ryzen overclocking
I have adjusted the bios on my Asus Strix X370-F from the September release to the latest version and have been experimenting with overclocking. Previously, with the September bios, my R7 1700 required 1.3875v at LLC level 5 to maintain stability at 3.8ghz using DDR4 3200 RAM. The new bios allowed me to achieve 1.3875v at LLC level 1 at 3.8ghz with DDR4 3200 Prime95 stable. During stress tests, voltage decreased to 1.325v as shown in HWinfo, leading me to consider setting LLC to 5 and adjusting voltage to 1.325v for stability. I’m seeking advice on whether using a higher LLC level with lower voltage is better or worse for longevity compared to a lower LLC level with higher voltage.
LLC ensures consistent voltage during high demand shifts and helps prevent voltage drop. Often paired with CPU current handling, a mid-range solution works well for overclocking. The best choice depends on the PSU and its efficiency as well. Performance varies across systems and models; experimentation is key. Too much LLC may cause overvoltage and increased heat, while proper usage supports longer CPU life by maintaining core voltage within safe limits.
LLC ensures consistent voltage during high demand shifts and helps prevent voltage drop. Often paired with CPU current handling, a mid-range solution proves useful during overclocking. The effectiveness also relies on the power supply unit and its efficiency. Performance varies across different systems and models; experimentation is key. Too much LLC may cause overvoltage and increased heat generation. Maintaining CPU longevity supports stable core voltage within safe thermal limits.
I'm not sure how fast HWinfo reads the voltage sensors, but I haven't noticed any jump beyond the 1.325v I set. I've read that it can spike quite high for a short time when using high levels of LLC. I wish I had voltage contact pads on my motherboard to test this.
From a temperature standpoint, I'm planning to run small FFTs until tomorrow morning to check stability, then experiment with lowering LLC to level 3 to see if it reduces temperatures slightly while keeping stability. Also, I want to try increasing the clock speed since the new BIOS has let me lower my voltage.
It's up to you ofc how you stress your system for stability however unattended runs with P95 I don't recommend. If during the run a worker stops then you've got nowhere as it will not identify why. Just that one of your Cores failed.
If temperatures rise to almost thermal margin max and your not there to stop it. Why would you want to do that. P95 will push your CPU to the MAX.
There are much better stress testers IMO, AIDA64 is not so stressful and adequate to check stability and it provides for testing your subsystems.
If you want a realworld tester then use ROG REALBENCH. If you can pass that benchmark then you are 24/7 stable.
Temperature sensor and voltage readouts are best done using HWinfo64 which will accurately read Tdie.
I picked up overclocking during the Athlon 64 days, so the 12-24 hour Prime95 sessions carry over from then. If it handles the worst-case scenario well, I see it as stable. Realbench is also solid, and I typically run a stress test with 16GB RAM usage for an hour before starting my Prime95 session.
As for updates, my latest overclock passed its 12-hour Prime95 small in place FFTs test with LLC at 5 and voltage at 1.325. Temperatures reached a maximum of 69°C. Now I have some room in voltage and thermal headroom left, though—I think 3.8 will still be my go-to daily setting.