Hi, I have a few quick questions about voltages 9900k.
Hi, I have a few quick questions about voltages 9900k.
When multiple cores are operating at 5 GHz, it’s important to check if MCE remains active (or if it was previously set as the default). This setting might still be enabled even without modifying BIOS presets or Intel XTU options. Observing the behavior of HWMonitor during stress tests can help confirm this.
Both task manager and hardware monitor indicated 5ghz. Yet hwmonitor displayed 5 on all cores, and I verified it myself. I turned off MCE in my bios, but it continued to do so. A short while after startup, the levels adjusted between 4.7 and 4.8, with some cores occasionally locking to 800. Am I missing something about what’s happening?
if theres not much going on itll stay at 800mhz at idle or if theres not much cpu work that is needed (hence itll also show a very low voltage value in Hwmonitor).
but the only way to get 5ghz on all cores is if MCE is enabled (assuming you didnt change any values in your BIOS).
5ghz is when 2 cores are used which is normal, usually when you boot or open some programs or do some very light workload the cpu will boost to 5ghz or play some old games that mainly rely on 2 cores. but the 4.7/8ghz stable frequency is the
BASE all core boost
the 9900k can do.
you didnt do anything wrong and again dont need to worry everything you said so far are normal.
yes staying at 1.4v is not ideal for daily use, the main killer there really is the
temps
not the actual 1.4volts, itll make your cpu run very hot but thanks to modern technology your cpu is smart enough to not go there. high operating temperatures are the main component killer. but if you have some really really good cooling for your cpu you can probably do 1.4v @5/5.1Ghz for daily. but generally you can get an OC of 5ghz with just 1.35v~and below. amazing if you can hit 5Ghz with just 1.3v. but again you need to have very good cooling if you want to attempt a 5ghz oc since the 9900k is a very hard cpu to cool.
I might consider trying OC in the future, but for now I plan to stick with stock. It’s strange though, even when mce is off I still see a boost to 5 on all cores according to hwmonitor at startup, though after a few minutes it drops and sometimes hits 4.9 on all cores for a minute. Should I be checking Vcore in hwmonitor/hwinfo or vr vout? I hope vr vout is the one that really matters, while the Vcore seems incorrect because my readings never exceed 1.31 at full load—just briefly. My lowest reading with vr vout is usually around 1.15, and I’m usually between 1.21 and 1.256 during tasks. That should help me feel more confident.
Arbiter051, Hardware Monitor shows lower precision and stability compared to Hardware Info, which is preferred by knowledgeable builders, overclockers, and regular users. It offers more comprehensive details and consistent updates. The essential metrics include Vcore, power usage (in watts), and core temperatures. When you view these parameters on a chart or graph, the information becomes clearer. Interacting with any sensor value in Hardware Info displays a corresponding graph. Remember that core temperatures depend on power consumption (influenced by Vcore) and the system's workload. Package temperature represents the hottest core. It can occasionally vary by several degrees above or below due to minor timing differences. The typical safe operating range for core temperatures is: Temperatures exceeding 85°C are discouraged. Temperatures below 80°C are optimal. Core temperatures fluctuate with ambient conditions. Here are the recommended maximum core voltages for microarchitectures ranging from 14 to 65 nanometers since 2006: This should help resolve any confusion you might have. Intel Temperature Guide - https://forums.
Vcore represents the voltage you should monitor closely. Have you checked the Vcore chart I shared earlier?
Your 9900K is a 14 nanometer chip, and the optimal Vcore for it is 1.4 volts. Intel's datasheets suggest around 1.52 volts. Refer to page 117 – Table 7-2, first row, sixth column – 8th and 9th Generation Intel® Core™ Processor Families Datasheet, Volume 1.
Silicon Lottery, a company specializing in the design, testing, packaging, and distribution of "K" CPUs, claims their 14 nanometer processors can reach up to 1.437 volts. They don’t focus on VR Out, and seasoned overclockers typically prioritize Vcore under consistent 100% load conditions as shown in CPU-Z and Hardware Info.
The electromigration (degradation) trend above 1.437 volts for 14 nanometer processors is too aggressive for long-term stability, and maintaining such high core voltages and power during intense workloads becomes extremely challenging.
For older 3rd and 4th generation 22 nanometer chips like the i7-4790K, the electromigration curve rises sharply above 1.325 volts, making a Vcore of 1.300 suitable for those models.
Your Vcore value fits comfortably within the recommended safe range for your 14 nanometer 9900K processor regarding durability.
I’m sorry if this is upsetting you.
It’s just that I’ve come across many sources suggesting something is wrong when a stock 9900k hits 1.35.
I’m trying to ensure everything functions properly so I don’t have to deal with replacements or returns.
I want to be as careful as I can.
Many forum members also mention this voltage being problematic and others criticizing people for leaving things on auto in the BIOS.
I’m just worried about accidentally having my chip end up with a Vcore of 1.4 or higher someday, which would be disappointing.
I’m doing my best to stay thorough.
Please remember, reading different opinions online can be confusing and overwhelming.