Does running an overclocked CPU at low voltages make sense?
Does running an overclocked CPU at low voltages make sense?
FX-8320 @4.00MHz
Asrock 970 pro3 r2.0
2x8GB Nanya DDR3 1600
Coolermaster Hyper TX3 Evo equipped with an additional fan (push-pull) for the CPU, featuring an 8cm fan positioned over the VRMs without a heat-sink, and custom fan curves.
I understand this motherboard isn't ideal for overclocking—it's what I currently have and haven't planned to modify until it performs better.
I'm using 4GHz 'stable' (cannot run Prime; used the one with CPU-Z or Kombuster) at stock voltage (1.325V). I attempted 4.2GHz, but that necessitated raising the voltage to 1.4V to regain stability, which in turn increased temperatures by roughly 10°C.
Currently, I'm experiencing around 56°C on the socket and 48°C on the core under full load, and I'm content with the performance.
The main concern is the low voltages—set at 1.325 (stock), but it actually drops to 1.280V during idle and 1.232V under load. Is this acceptable, or could running it that low risk damaging the CPU or motherboard? I can share more details if needed.
Thank you for your help!
AMD Overdrive indicates your temperatures during heavy loads remain within acceptable ranges. However, the cooler may struggle with an overclocked FX-8320 due to its maximum operating temperature of 61°C. It's recommended to verify temperatures again using Overdrive, as other software may not provide accurate readings. For stress testing voltage stability, Asus Realbench is a suitable alternative. Being aware of these factors is important, but it doesn't necessarily mean the setup is ideal. The power delivery system on your motherboard isn't optimized for extended use with FX-8xxx and 9xxx CPUs, especially when overclocked. You should consider whether you're ready to invest in a new CPU/motherboard/ram combination if issues arise unexpectedly. A fresh setup might be the best option, even though it could mean replacing the current components.
I typically rely on OpenHardwareMonitor for temperatures, while BIOS handles the rest.
I downloaded Overdrive and Realbench. The benchmark results were as follows:
Image Editing: 76590
Time: 69.565
Encoding: 55314
Time: 96.3224
OpenCL: 78884
KSamples/sec: 14510
Heavy Multitasking: 62676
Time: 121.769
System Score: 68366
I then performed a stress test lasting 15 minutes with 4GB of memory. I captured screenshots at the 14 and 16-minute marks, which should contain all the necessary information.
Spoiler:
14min
Spoiler:
16min
I also noted that I never drop below a 23°C thermal margin during regular use—generally for standard internet browsing or a simple game like World of Tanks. Battles usually last between 4 to 10 minutes, with short pauses in between.
Spoiler:
2 battles in WoT
And yes, there’s a plan to upgrade to a used combo in about a year or two, making it more modern than my current setup. Since I’m new to OC, I’m okay with replacing this one—it’s outdated and doesn’t offer much value now, but it still works adequately.
Should I adjust anything? I was thinking about lowering the clock speed to 3.8Mhz for better cooling and quieter operation, provided there’s no significant drop in performance.
It doesn't show temperatures accurately for FX CPUs. At least it isn't overheating if the lowest thermal margin is 19°C. Below 10°C would have caused issues. It's too brief for a stability test. No need to worry; the CPU stays cool enough. Why worry about the motherboard failing?
Not me haha! Jokes aside, thanks to everyone for the answers. I'll visit sometimes because it's a nice place. I'll check out some forums and learn new things. Have fun!