i5 6600k "spiky" temperatures and power usage during light operations (with logs!)
i5 6600k "spiky" temperatures and power usage during light operations (with logs!)
I'm embarking on my initial overclock attempt. My goal is to maximize the performance of my i5 without running into crashes or errors during testing. To date, I've achieved a stable speed of 4.50 GHz at a voltage of 1.47v by tweaking the core multiplier and vcore settings. I'm still unfamiliar with load-line calibration, but I'm curious about it to see if it can help maintain a consistent overclock.
During testing under load, temperatures stayed under 90°C with an average around 80°C. For benchmarks, I've been using OCCT Linpack 2021, Prime95, and Cinebench for roughly 15 minutes each as frequency or voltage increases. This process has been quite time-consuming, yet I'm finding it rewarding and plan to continue learning from seasoned overclockers by sharing this experience.
My main worry right now is the balance between temperature and power usage while handling light tasks. The attached chart compares my stock configuration (green) with my overclock (red) while streaming on Discord and keeping several browser tabs open. Each log was recorded for about an hour.
https://imgur.com/a/ShekVPh
3.50 GHz with 1.2vcore (green) versus 4.50 GHz at 1.47vcore (red)
Please note: This overclock also includes a memory overclock of 3.20GHz at 1.35v. Stock CPU metrics were recorded using standard memory frequency and voltage.
Generally, the jump in temperature and power from stock to overclock is normal, but I'm concerned about the consistency of this increase. In short: should I be worried?
Based on my research, significant fluctuations in power and temperature like this can be harmful to the chip. It implies my overclock might be unstable, though I'm not entirely confident. If my assessment is correct, what should I do besides reducing the multiplier and vcore to stabilize it? Should I consider load-line calibration, or would that be irrelevant?
Thank you for your time. I can add more charts if needed and share links to the log files.
EDIT: System specifications provided as requested by a moderator.
CPU: i5-6600k
CPU cooler: Kraken X61
Motherboard: GA-Z170X-Ultra Gaming rev 1.0 (BIOS version F23j)
RAM: HyperX Fury 16GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4 2666
SSD/HDD: 1x PNY CS1311 120GB 2.5" SATA III SSD (for OS); 2x WD Blue 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6Gb/s 64M Cache HDD (for storage)
GPU: EVGA GTX 1070 FTW DT 8GB
PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA 850 (approximately 9 years old)
Chassis: NZXT S340 Elite
OS: Windows 10 Pro
Monitor: ViewSonic VA2247-MH LED Monitor
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
PSU age included as requested.
BIOS version for motherboard at this time.
CPU model is i5-6600k with Kraken X61 cooler.
Motherboard version GA-Z170X-Ultra Gaming rev 1.0 (BIOS F23j).
RAM includes HyperX Fury 16GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4 2666.
Storage consists of one PNY CS1311 120GB SSD (2.5" SATA III) for the operating system and two WD Blue 1TB HDDs (7200 RPM, 64M cache).
GPU is an EVGA GTX 1070 FTW DT with 8GB.
Power supply unit is EVGA SuperNOVA 850, approximately nine years old.
Chassis is NZXT S340 Elite.
Operating system runs Windows 10 Pro.
Display is a ViewSonic VA2247-MH LED monitor.