How to increase clock speed... 4790k aiming 4.7/4.8ghz
How to increase clock speed... 4790k aiming 4.7/4.8ghz
I’m starting the process of upgrading my CPU cooler to a NZXT Kraken x62. My goal is to push my i7 4790k to over 4.7 ghz, or even higher if feasible. Before I begin, I need to confirm whether my current hardware can support those speeds. My setup includes:
- Asus Z97-Pro Gamer
- Corsair Vengance 2x8GB 1600mhz
- Corsair RM650x
- GTX1080 Ti FE
- Crucial SSD 250GB (Windows)
- Segate HDD 1TB
- NZXT H440 Razer Edition
I’m completely new to overclocking and have never done it before. I’m reaching out for guidance on how to do this from the beginning. Thanks!
Well initially Asus simplifies overclocking. You can use the asus Rog program in windows which will handle it automatically. Alternatively, you can perform it through bios with straightforward steps—it will take care of it. Or you can manually adjust the speed and voltages yourself. I really appreciate the user-friendly bios setup on the Asus board. However, when checking your CPU, it looks like reaching 4.7 ghz would require a voltage of 1.3v.
Burtman88 explains how Asus simplifies overclocking with its Rog program, BIOS settings, and manual adjustments. He mentions the BIOS interface is user-friendly and compares it to the Ai Suite software from the motherboard's CD. He also asks about the necessity of higher CPU voltages for achieving certain speeds and whether temperature plays a role.
Don't rely on built-in OC programs, they usually increase voltage excessively and seldom deliver optimal OC performance. The key is to modify your core speed multiplier—if you're using a 4790k, set it to x40 (x44 at boost) with a bus frequency around 100MHz (which equals 4000MHz or 4GHz, matching your CPU speed). You can adjust the clock speed incrementally; your CPU should easily hit 4.5GHz on standard voltage, but pushing to 4.6GHz and above requires testing if it handles stress programs like prime95 without crashing. If it fails, increase voltage slightly (add 0.01-0.03V at a time). Raising voltage improves stability but also raises heat and stress on the CPU. I use my own i5 4690k at 1.350V, which is still safe for Haswell, though I wouldn't exceed 1.4V for regular use. Determine how much you can push it while staying stable under load. After identifying a stable configuration, run tests for several hours and monitor for crashes—add more voltage or lower the clock speed if needed until consistent OC is achieved.
Yah the program is named AI suite sorry lol, the stuff you got from the cd. But check the asus website for updates. Yes you can use it to overclock, though the voltage changes aren't huge. Just raise it a bit, but be careful not to exceed the limits. Lower clocks like 4.3 ghz are what people suggest, maybe around 1.2 volts works or less. Just set that in the bios area where it says cpu voltage. Clear any existing settings and try 1.30 for your 4.7 ghz. You might even find a better CPU that needs less voltage like 1.27. It's hard to say every CPU overclocks the same.
Don't rely on built-in OC programs, as they usually add excessive voltage and seldom deliver optimal overclock results. You should modify your core speed multiplier—specifically for a 4790k, set it to x40 (x44 on boost) with a bus frequency around 100MHz (which equals 4000MHz or 4GHz, matching your CPU speed). You can adjust the clock speed incrementally; your CPU should easily reach 4.5GHz at standard voltage, but pushing beyond 4.6GHz and higher requires testing if it handles stress programs like prime95 without crashing. If it crashes, consider increasing voltage slightly or lowering the clock speed until stability returns.
Running your own i5 4690k at 1.350V is still safe for Haswell, though I wouldn't exceed 1.4V for regular use. Determine how much you can push it under stress before instability occurs.
Once you identify a stable configuration, perform tests for several hours and monitor for crashes. If crashes happen, adjust voltage or clock speed accordingly until consistent overclocking is achieved.
Regarding BIOS changes: if the PC restarts after a change but doesn't boot until you hold the power button, it may indicate instability in the settings. Consider verifying BIOS updates or consulting manufacturer guidelines.
That indicates instability if it doesn't start. You should run Prime95 on its own.
It’s important to note that a locked PC that doesn’t boot into BIOS doesn’t necessarily indicate a CPU failure—it could simply mean the settings are set too high, preventing the system from resetting itself. In such situations, you should manually reset the BIOS using the motherboard controls or connect a jumper. If neither option is available, disconnect the power supply, remove the CMOS battery, and wait a few minutes before trying to power on again. Pressing the power button afterward can help clear residual current from capacitors.
It's worth noting that a locked PC that doesn't boot into BIOS might simply indicate overly high settings, preventing the system from resetting itself. You can manually reset the BIOS using the motherboard controls or connect a jumper. If neither option is available, disconnect the power, remove the CMOS battery, and wait a few minutes before trying to power on again—pressing the power button afterward helps clear residual current.
Your past experience of holding the power button during frequent reboots and then resetting BIOS seems reasonable. It could be effective if you're unsure about the reset method. However, it's better to confirm with the motherboard manual or consult a technician for certainty.
Pablix360 :
Finstar :
It's probably worth mentioning that if your PC locks and fails to boot into BIOS, it doesn't mean you've fried your cpu, it just means that the settings are too high and the PC can't start itself to reset the bios. In this case you need to manually reset your bios from the motherboard. There's usually either a button to reset it or a jumper you need to connect to reset it. If there's neither of them you need to disconnect the power to your PC, remove the CMOS battery and wait few mins, pressing the power button too is good idea since it clears any left current from the capacitors.
Thanks for the tips and answers, I'll be doing this next week as now I'm quite busy with work...
What I've done in the past after messing with BIOS settings is hold the power button if the PC kept rebooting itself and not showing anything on the screen and wait couple seconds and turn it back on and then it allowed me to go back into BIOS and revert the changes I made - is that a good thing to do? or should I as you say reset the BIOS from the actual motherboard?
As long as it boots to bios on it's own it's better to not reset it from the board.