H170 chipset allows overclocking.
H170 chipset allows overclocking.
Just set up a low-cost system for a friend with a 6700k processor and an ASUS H170M-E D3 motherboard. While checking the BIOS, I found unlocked multipliers and the option to overclock RAM. I adjusted my 6700k to 4.3GHz all-core and increased my 1600MHz RAM to 1700MHz. Both changes functioned well, and I launched Windows where the Task Manager showed my CPU at 4.3GHz and RAM at 1700MHz. I’m confident it worked because my PC blue-screened during Prime95 stress tests, and temperatures rose slightly with the overclock. I realized earlier that H170 supports OC too, contrary to what I thought about Z-series chipsets.
Z170/Z270 must enable genuine overclocking. Certain boards bypass limits by offering "Multi-Core Enhancement" or MCE. This option was removed by Intel in the subsequent socket update, though it remained available with older Skylake chips. It worked by letting the stock CPU reach its maximum Turbo Boost speed across all cores, rather than just one. The MCE method would normally cap the 6700K at 4.2GHz on every core. If you can exceed that top speed without altering the base clock, it indicates real multiplier overclocking—a capability not expected for an H170 board.
keep the bios intact and upload it here. assuming skylake isn't too far away, try booting from DDR3 2400—this should work for a solid amount of RAM. Ic can share a screenshot of the CPUZ table or send a photo of the RAM if it's a bare PCB without a heat spreader.
It functioned properly; I didn't adjust the base frequency unless the task manager indicated otherwise.
I used that RAM on my 4790k before it hit 2000MHz, it was a rough 4x4 combo I found. How do I back up the BIOS?
Checked CPU performance using Ryzen Master and noticed most cores were idle while the fastest reached 800MHz. Task Manager isn't reliable here. I own an Asrock H170m Pro 4 and believe I haven’t enabled overclocking. I have an i7-7700k with proper cooling, which supposedly runs all four cores at 4.4GHz instead of the rated 4.2GHz. This seems to match only when processing videos with HandBrake.
The tool should allow saving to a USB stick regardless of its name (like ezflash). For the RAM, please share an image of all your modules; if they’re all good, they’re worthless DDR3 chips and you can upgrade to faster options such as the M378B5173EB0 (4Gb E-Die) or M378B2873GBO (1Gb G-Die). The HMT325/351U6CFR8C (2Gb CFR) are also viable, though the latter needs tuning to reach stable speeds above 3000 and will cap lower than the others.