i7 6700k overclocking question
i7 6700k overclocking question
Hello, I’m just starting out on this forum and in the world of OC, so I have a few questions.
I recently purchased a new motherboard: an Asus Z270 TUF Mark 1, paired with my i7-6700K processor. While gaming or rendering, my temperatures rose too high, reaching up to 90º. After some online research, I learned that many manufacturers (like Asus) tend to overvoltage the CPU’s core voltage for safety.
So I dug deeper and decided to adjust the CPU voltage manually. It turns out that with a stock turbo frequency of 4.0–4.2 GHz, I can safely run the CPU at around 1.17V. I stress-tested it using AIDA64 FPU and Intel Extreme Tuning Utility for an hour each, and everything was fine—even during a movie test, with temps staying between 68º and 70º.
I set the BIOS to adaptive mode, keeping the stable voltage at 1.17V and adjusting the offset down to a minimum of 0.001. I also enabled XMP for my RAM to run at 3200MHz. HWMonitor readings showed the CPU voltage staying at a maximum of 1.184V during stress, which was slightly higher than the target, but the system remained stable. Overall, everything worked well so far.
Later, I opted to manually tune the CPU to 4.5 synchronous frequency for all cores (I tried Asus’s EZTuning, but it caused voltage spikes up to 1.44V and temperatures reached 100º). Instead, I adjusted the core ratio to 45 and the voltage to 1.22V. The system stayed stable, passing a two-hour stress test.
However, switching to manual mode kept the CPU voltage at 1.22V continuously, even when the PC was idle—something I prefer not to have. I set it in offset mode with an offset of 0.13V (Adaptive mode would crash and spike voltages at higher values). Now HWMonitor shows the CPU running at 4.5 with voltages between 1.21V and 1.23V, with maximum temperatures around 78º. It’s been two days since I made this change, and so far everything is fine.
In both approaches, I disabled Asus Multicore Enhancement, enabled EPU power saving, and only adjusted the core ratio and voltage. All other BIOS settings remained in their default safe mode.
My question is: am I in the right with these settings? Should I make any changes? I’d appreciate hearing from more experienced users.
Thank you all ahead of time.
I had a very similar setup to yours with a 6700K on a Gigabyte z170x Gaming 7 motherboard. All I can say is that you have a very good CPU as you have managed to get a 4.5GHz stable at 1.21-1.23V at max temps of 78 Degrees. I had mine at 4.5GHz but required 1.325v...So you have nothing to worry about.
You have also benched and tested for a fair few hours across AIDA and XTU so again no problems. Offset mode is perfect, I had mine running on Offset in the end as it is the best of both world.. Your vcore and max temps are all within really good parameters, in fact your in much better shape than most. Remember in real world CPU use, you will rarely be stressing your CPU to the levels of AIDA and XTU. Gaming, video processing, editing etc...
I had a setup quite alike yours with a 6700K on a Gigabyte z170x Gaming 7 board. What I can say is you have a top-notch CPU, having achieved a stable 4.5GHz at voltages between 1.21 and 1.23V under peak loads of up to 78 degrees. I had mine at the same speed but needed around 1.325v... So there’s nothing to worry about.
You’ve also run through AIDA and XTU for several hours, and everything has been smooth. Offset mode turned out ideal, and in the end, using Offset gave you the best balance. Your vcore and maximum temperatures are all within excellent ranges—actually, your setup is better than most. Keep in mind that real-world usage rarely pushes your CPU to those extremes; gaming, video editing, etc., will run cooler.
Regarding your overclock settings, they’re excellent and require no changes. Enjoy the performance, as the 6700K looks promising and your H100i GTX cooling is more than sufficient.
Eventually, after a nighttime render on the same day I wrote this thread, the 4.5Ghz OC crashed. I raised the voltage again, and temperatures reached a maximum of 82º on the hottest core. I believe I’ve stabilized the system now because I managed to finish the render scene. It’s reassuring to know my OC experience turned out fine. Thanks.
P.S.: I’m hoping this is just a reading error or a faulty sensor on the motherboard, but Aida64, Intel XTU, Asus Ai Suite 3, and HWMonitor (all four programs!) display a "Temp Sensor 4" rising from 0º to 128º. I tried the “fingerometer technique” (the method we use in my country) and touched my finger on all PC heatsinks—nothing showed a temperature of 128º or freezing at 0º, so I’m just disregarding that reading…
I believe the 'temp sensor 4' is functioning well. If possible, ensure some airflow in that region, particularly when rendering for extended periods. A fan can help by blowing air over the VRM heatsinks, which significantly lowers temperatures. This isn't necessary if you're mainly gaming or doing light production tasks. Your vcore of 1.22v looks excellent, as achieving 6700K at 4.5GHZ required a vcore just over 1.3v; yours is in the right range.
I bought a Noctua 40mm fan to install on my mobo VRMs. The ASUS TUF Mark 1 has a place for this fan right behind the I/O shield, helping to circulate fresh air to the VRMs.
I still believe the sensor is somewhat faulty because it stays at 0º even in a room temperature of 28º-32º, and jumps to 128º during spikes.
Thanks again
I believe you're correct about the sensor. With any extra cooling on the VRM, there should be no issues at all—even a small amount of cooling would help a lot. It really makes a big difference. Good luck!