i7 7700k OC
i7 7700k OC
I'm completely new to overclocking, but this was my first attempt and it cost more than $3000. Still, I aim to extract maximum power and performance from the system. I learned that overclocking is the solution.
Today, I experimented with overclocking using XMP profile 1 on a 3000mhz memory module (after watching tutorials and even having Evga professionals help). It ran on an EVGA Z170 K with a liquid-cooled CLC 280 processor, which has a new BIOS chip for running Kaby Lake. I set the multiplier to 46 (4.6GHz) after adjusting it in the BIOS manual mode. The system reported 4.5GHz turbo, so I kept the multiplier at that level and completed an AIDA64 stress test with stability checks. Temperatures stayed between 65-67°C. I ran it for about three hours before getting tired of waiting. Assuming it's stable, I know most CPUs reach around 5GHz.
Here are my questions:
1. Should I disable turbo mode before starting the OC?
2. What Vcore should I use or keep adaptive?
3. Is there a better program for stress/stability testing? Should I run a full AIDA64 test?
4. Should the XMP profile be enabled or disabled? Does it really matter?
5. What settings would help reach 5.0GHz easily?
Thank you all for your help. This is my first time overclocking—make me a pro!
Yes.
1.4V is regarded as the highest safe VCore for extended operation. This applies to Kaby Lake and Skylake. Other generations have different safe VCore thresholds.
3. Some opt for OCCT during stability checks, which is my preferred method.
4. If stable, keep it on. It simply allows the RAM to communicate clock speed and timing capabilities to the BIOS, after which the motherboard adapts its settings accordingly.
5. With Turbo Boost disabled, begin at the current voltage (as long as it remains below 1.4V). Gradually raise the multiplier in small steps until stability is lost. Then adjust the VCore in 0.05V increments, continuing until you hit your maximum safe temperatures or VCore limits.
Max Safe Temp under load: 80°C
Max Safe VCore: Kaby Lake at 1.4V...
For the turbo part, yes, it's best to turn it off for manual overclocking.
With the Vcore, avoid keeping it on Adaptive until your overclock is finalized. Stress tests during stability checks can lead to voltage spikes that may damage your CPU. Once your overclock is complete, switch it back to Adaptive for improved power efficiency.
aida64 is a solid CPU testing tool, so continue using it (I use it myself).
Enable XMP Profile to ensure your memory operates at its rated speeds, which helps prevent instability.
Because CPUs vary slightly due to binning, pinpointing the exact setup for a 5GHz overclock can be challenging. With a liquid cooler, aim for a Vcore of 1.4 volts as a safe upper limit, even in extreme cases (monitor temperatures closely during your overclock).
If you're curious about the complete overclocking process, feel free to ask and I'll guide you through it.
Yes.
1.4V is regarded as the highest safe VCore for extended operation. This applies to Kaby Lake and Skylake. Other generations have different safe VCore thresholds.
3. Some opt for OCCT stability checks, which I also perform.
4. If stable, keep it on. It simply allows the RAM to communicate clock speed and timing capabilities to the BIOS, after which the motherboard adapts its settings accordingly.
5. With Turbo Boost disabled, begin at the voltage you’re using (as long as it stays below 1.4V). Gradually raise the multiplier until stability is lost, then adjust the VCore in small steps of 0.05V until you hit your maximum safe limits.
Max Safe Temp under load: 80°C
Max Safe VCore: 1.4V for Kaby Lake
Thank you for your feedback, it really helps me feel more confident. XMP profile 1 is great to hear. Should I also disable speedstep now that we're on the 7th generation CPUs? I think the guide suggests adding an OC of 1.0ghz gradually and raising vcore by 0.05V each step. Is that correct?
Yeah, that typo was fixed. I meant 0.1 each time. So 100mhz. I'll begin now. We'll find out how far I can push it.
What about disabling speedstep or keeping it enabled?
I turned off turbo boost but the cores disappeared and only showed a multiplier. I set it to 44 for 4.4GHz. I checked adia64 with CPU, and OC won't even reach 100% load. They're just testing my stock speed. On adia64, I should verify all the stability test options.
Am I doing something wrong?
You may use only the CPU and FPU. These are the primary components. For speedstep, you can disable it temporarily and reactivate it once finished. Usually, SpeedStep lowers the clock speed. For systems that need constant power, I suggest keeping it off until later.
I just switched to multiplier setting of 46 but keep getting stock 42. It seems like with turbo mode enabled, only a single core is shown while the rest are hidden. This suggests a one-to-all approach might be needed. At stock speeds I'm still not exceeding 4.4ghz, possibly because turbo mode activates or the XMP profile is active.