CPU Vcore reaching extreme values (above 2+ V) even though it was configured at a lower setting.
CPU Vcore reaching extreme values (above 2+ V) even though it was configured at a lower setting.
CPU model: i5-6600k
Cooler used: Hyper 212 EVO
Motherboard: GA-z170-HD3
I monitored the CPU using HWMonitor and noticed several unusually high readings. The spikes appear in the 'max' column, though I haven't personally experienced them. They consist of four instances:
- 4.6 GHz @ 1.27 V: 1.5 V spike
- 4.5 GHz @ 1.25 V: 1.5 V spike
- 4.5 GHz @ 1.25 V: 2.004 V spike
- Default BIOS: 2.016 V spike
All setups remained stable for over 20 minutes with Prime95 and IntelBurnTest at maximum settings. The fact that the issue occurs even with default BIOS settings suggests either a problem with HWMonitor or an underlying fault (shouldn't a voltage jump instantly damage the CPU?). During normal operation, HWMonitor matched my expectations.
Interestingly, the maximum VID is significantly lower than the maximum Vcore.
I’m looking for alternative monitoring tools to test, possible troubleshooting steps, and reassurance that voltage levels are safe.
Edit: I captured a video with HWMonitor alongside Gigabyte’s Monitor. HWMonitor recorded a spike up to 2.412 V, while Gigabyte showed no change. At this point, I’ll likely stop using HWMonitor and assume everything is fine—though confirming my safety would be helpful.
That is a strange reading, what is more strange is the TMP1 reading of -57c... LOL. Im not sure whats up with your motherboard but I would not trust any reading it gave me.
Its possible that it is an incorrect reading. But it is alarming as 2v even for short amounts of time will kill your cpu. I would RMA that motherboard yesterday, or return it if possible.
Also all of your 12v 3.3v and 5v readings are horroble. your voltages should only fluctuate by up to 5% your 12v voltage fluctuated hundreds of percent. In fact it never even hit 1v according to your sensors?
Seems like your motherboard is giving incorrect infor since i dont think your pc would run with less than 1v on the 12v input.
What power supply are you using?
That's an unusual result, especially the TMP1 reading of -57c... LOL. I'm not sure what's going on with your motherboard, but I wouldn't rely on any information it provided. It could be a mistake, but it's concerning because even short bursts of 2v can damage your CPU. I would have returned the board yesterday or sent it back if possible. Also, all your 12v 3.3v and 5v readings are problematic. Your voltages should only change by about 5%—your 12v voltage has fluctuated by hundreds of percent. In fact, it never reached even 1v according to your sensors? It seems like the motherboard is giving incorrect data since a PC shouldn't run with less than 1v on the 12v input. What power supply are you using? I don't think it's the motherboard; maybe HWMonitor isn't compatible with it. With Gigabyte's software, I don't see the extreme voltage spikes, and the readings look normal (12V is 12.168V now). I'm not sure why my board is so incompatible, but it probably is.