i7 6700k shows instability at 4.6GHz and 1.35V
i7 6700k shows instability at 4.6GHz and 1.35V
Hey, I've increased my CPU overclock to 4.6 and have been running stress tests without overheating (temperatures stayed under 80). However, I encountered a bluescreen while gaming today. I'm unsure whether lowering the OC to 4.5 would help or if raising the voltage could stabilize the 4.6GHz setting. Thanks in advance.
Good cooler choice BTW
When overclocking, I begin with a standard stock speed test and record the necessary voltage. Then I slowly increase the multiplier and observe how the motherboard’s BIOS handles AUTO settings for Vcore control. It often boosts more than needed.
Your aim should be identifying the most stable speed with the least voltage fluctuation. I’d target a steady 4.4GHz overclock and check how low the voltage can drop at that frequency during a solid stress test (at least 4 hours). Then move to 4.5GHz and determine the minimum voltage needed, continuing in this way.
Keep in mind that each chip behaves differently. You might achieve performance beyond expectations (overclocking at certain speeds with reduced...)
in crease votage to 1.4v
be 100% sure it's the cpu that's triggering the bluescreen. sky lake supports 2666, so for stable operation you should keep ram voltage low at 1.2 with 2666, not 3000 or 1.35 initially. your mem controller might be the issue. you're getting enough cooling in 4.5.1.35v, but 4.6 is close to 1.4 volts—never exceed it. if you hit 4.6, that's fine even at 4.5; the extra 100 MHz won't really help much. just fyi
Good cooler choice BTW
When pushing performance, I begin with a standard stock speed test and record the necessary voltage. Then I slowly increase the multiplier and observe how the motherboard’s BIOS handles AUTO settings for Vcore control. It typically increases more than what’s needed.
Your aim should be identifying the most stable speed while minimizing voltage fluctuations. I’d target a steady 4.4GHz overclock and determine the lowest possible voltage at that frequency during a solid stress test (at least four hours). Then move up to 4.5GHz and locate the minimum voltage required, continuing this process.
Keep in mind that each chip behaves differently. You might achieve better results than others by overclocking at certain speeds with lower voltages, or you could end up with poorer performance due to higher voltage demands.
Another aspect to experiment with is BCLK settings and CPU multiplier combinations. For instance, pairing a 102MHz BCLK with a 44-core multiplier gives the same 4.5GHz outcome as a 100MHz CPU bus speed with a 45 multiplier.
However, I strongly advise against exceeding 1.35V on a 14nm Skylake processor for extended periods. Prolonged high overclocking and voltage increases can shorten its lifespan. Over time, the chip may degrade, requiring more voltage at the same speed to maintain stability. This is something I experienced with my old i5 2500k, which I’ve since returned to stock for backup use.
koffeeshop77 :
In light of the vote, I’m 100% sure it’s your CPU that’s triggering the bluescreen. Sky Lake supports 2666, so for a stable OC you should keep RAM at low voltage 1.2 and 2666. Don’t go to 3000 or 1.35 initially—your memory controller might be the issue. You’re getting enough cooling in 4.5.1.35v, but anything above 1.4 is risky. If you hit 4.6, it’s fine even at 4.5, and extra 100MHz probably won’t help much. Just let me know.
So I plan to set RAM to 1.2V and 2666MHz, then try boosting the 4.6 voltage. If it stays stable before reaching 1.4V, I’ll lower the clock speed to 4.5.
The chart outlines participant success rates for different overclocks and Vcore settings across 6600K and 6700K. At 4.5GHz, most users fall between 1.27-1.37v, while at 4.6GHz, the range shifts to 1.32-1.39v (from Overclock.net). No specific data is available for 6700K users.
I have my 6700k overclocked to 4.5ghz on near stock voltages at 1.26v, and it remains stable under heavy load without exceeding 58°C. I’m very consistent. I think a 4.6 is achievable without going beyond 1.29v, maybe even lower. Start by removing the XMP profile and test your OC settings directly on the CPU. Once you’re stable, revert to XMP. Consider trying 1.32 for 4.6ghz, run a stress test, and if it holds, reduce voltage gradually. Don’t rush to 1.4 immediately—that’s not wise.
I have my 6700k overclocked to 4.5ghz on near stock volts at 1.26v, and it never exceeds 58C during a full load stress test. I’m stable. I think I can reach 4.6 without going higher than 1.29V or lower. First, remove the xmp profile and try your OC settings on the CPU. Once you’re stable, switch back to xmp. Try 1.32 for 4.6ghz. Run a stress test and then lower the voltage if it holds. Don’t jump straight to 1.4 right away—that’s just silly. Alright, I’ll give it another shot.