cooling tips for i-7 5960x OC to around 4.4 GHz
cooling tips for i-7 5960x OC to around 4.4 GHz
For a closed loop cooler, you don't need special adjustments, just make sure the radiator and fan mounts fit your case. You suggested a 2x120 radiator, Fractal Design S36 or H110i. Would these be enough for overclocking an i7-5960x to around 4.4 GHz? There were worries about temperatures reaching 70-80°C with AIO water cooling and OC settings for the 5960x. You're just checking to be sure before spending money.
H110i is a 2x140 radiator, not a 2x120, just to be clear. The pump next to it will likely be very similar. The Fractal model appears as a 360 rad versus a 280 rad design compared to the Corsair. Cooling performance should be similar, but the Fractal has a lower FPI (9-10) versus around 20 for the Corsair, allowing you to use lower RPM fans on the Fractal. Ultimately, it depends on how much noise you're comfortable with, as these coolers usually need higher fan speeds to maintain the same coolant flow.
H110i is a 2x140 radiator, not a 2x120, just to be clear. The pump connected to it will likely be very similar. The Fractal model appears to have a 360 rad vs. a 280 rad design compared to the Corsair, which should give similar cooling performance. However, the Fractal has a lower FPI (9-10) versus around 20 on the Corsair, allowing you to use lower RPM fans. Ultimately, it depends on how much noise you're comfortable with, as these coolers usually need higher fan speeds to maintain the same coolant flow rate. In short, either option works, depending on your priorities.
If the chip overheats, it shuts down to protect itself. You're keeping it running nonstop overclocked at 4.4, right? That raises the question—why would you choose that approach when stability is safer? Running it at full stock speeds isn't the best idea, especially if you're new to overclocking. It's better to focus on reliability rather than pushing it too hard. This is the point where you should invest time in learning proper overclocking methods, particularly if you're using a high-end CPU for the first time. Avoid relying on Windows tools for overclocking; instead, adjust settings directly in the BIOS and steer clear of the automatic +20% overclock option. Overclocking also puts stress on your components—making sure you have a good power supply, motherboard, and compatible RAM is essential. Not every CPU with the same model number behaves the same when overclocked.
If the chip overheats, it shuts down and stops the system. You're running it continuously overclocked at 4.4, aren't you? That raises the question—why would you choose stability over performance? If you're doing this, it makes sense to focus on reliability and stick to standard speeds for consistency.
For overclocking, I recommend doing thorough research, especially if you're using a high-end CPU as your first attempt. Avoid relying on Windows tools for overclocking; instead, adjust settings directly in the BIOS and steer clear of the +20% overclock option.
Overclocking can risk damaging your chip or exceeding RAM limits. You'll also need a reliable power supply, motherboard, and compatible RAM. Not every CPU with the same model number overclocks equally.
Thanks for the warning. I'm planning to render in PathTracer using RenderMan, CPU-based. Stability is important, but I also want to maximize performance. I can only reach 4.0 GHz if it means better stability under heavy loads.
I'm currently using:
i7-5960x
Corsair Hx1000 power supply
32 GB 2666 vengeance RAM
ASUS X-99 Delux motherboard.
With these specs and a load of around 100% across 15-16 threads, would adding a watercooling kit like the XSPC AX 360/480 improve stability?