Discussing boosting performance on an AMD Athlon X4 880k processor
Discussing boosting performance on an AMD Athlon X4 880k processor
I've never tried overclocking a CPU before, but I'm planning to do it for my AMD Athlon X4 880K. Could you assist with the steps? Here are my system details:
CPU: AMD Athlon 880K, 4 cores @ 4.2Ghz
Motherboard: ASUS A88XM-PLUS
RAM: Crucial Ballistix 8GB DDR3, 1600Mhz
Storage: HYNIX 240GB SSD, 6Gbps
External Drive: Western Digital 1TB SATA3, 6Gbps
Graphics: AMD RX-470 4GB
Power Supply: 500W FSP Bronze PSU
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Probably just as well. I've used two Athlon 8 60 cores across multiple boards, and neither achieved more than a few hundred MHz beyond what was possible by keeping turbo on. That's essentially the situation with the 880K now.
Don't use the stock cooler; the CPU will heat up quickly. The expected improvement from OC might be limited because the 880K is close to its limit. As a newcomer, I recommend using AOD for OC:
http://www.amd.com/en-us/innovations/sof...over-drive
Disable turbo mode and raise the CPU clock multiplier by one level. Execute the built-in CPU stress test while monitoring THERMAL MARGIN elsewhere in AOD. Avoid letting the TM drop to zero. Ideally, keep it above single digits.
If the test succeeds, continue; otherwise, you'll reach a point where it fails. That signals it's time to boost the vcore. Increase gradually and re-test. I suggest not exceeding 1.5v vcore.
Don't use the stock cooler for overclocking. The CPU will heat up quickly. Expect limited improvement since the 880K is close to its limit. As a beginner, I recommend using AOD for overclocking:
http://www.amd.com/en-us/innovations/sof...over-drive
Disable turbo mode and raise the CPU clock multiplier by one level. Execute the built-in CPU stress test while monitoring THERMAL MARGIN elsewhere in AOD. Ensure the temperature stays above zero. Ideally, keep it above single digits.
If the test succeeds, continue testing. Eventually, you'll reach a point where it fails the stress test, indicating it's time to boost the vcore. Increase it gradually and retest. I suggest not exceeding 1.5v vcore.
Thank you, I've chosen not to overclock because I don't want to invest in a new cooler and if the gain is minimal, it doesn't seem worthwhile.
Probably just as well. I've used two Athlon 8 60 cores across multiple boards, and neither achieved more than a few hundred MHz beyond what was possible by keeping turbo on. That's essentially the performance you'd get with the 880K now.