Is my i5 4690K running too hot
Is my i5 4690K running too hot
I wouldn't expect a 4690k to exceed 60c at 1.3v and 4.6ghz. Unless it was operating under partial load instead of being fully stressed in games or during a stress test such as p95 or rog real bench. The testing environment would need to be very demanding, like 10-15c ambient with full water cooling. Possibly newer processors, such as the 6600k or 7600k, tend to handle higher speeds and stay cooler. As others recommended, the 212 Evo is a more affordable cooler that should permit some overclocking. Achieving 4.6-4.7ghz on a 4th generation chip isn't considered mild overclocking; better cooling might be necessary. Higher ambient temperatures will impact overall cooling performance. Most tests are conducted around 22c (71-72°F), since both system and CPU temperatures rise with increased heat. Running at 73c under full load isn't extreme, but it's usually ideal for sustained overclocks to keep temps near 1.3v or lower (up to 1.35v is acceptable, but lower is better) and stay below 80c. This doesn't imply the CPU will fail at higher temperatures or voltages, but overclocking remains experimental. Some enthusiasts push their chips to extreme limits for higher clock speeds—like 1.43v—and would you do the same? It depends on your setup. Be ready to accept the risk and consider replacement if it breaks. The greater the stress in terms of temperature and voltage, the higher the chances of failure. For a solid reference, see this guide: The extent to which you can push your OC depends on the specific CPU. Some models run faster than others. You'll likely encounter a performance ceiling where it requires significantly more voltage to reach the next level. With current temperatures, you might manage 4.4ghz with the same voltage, or slightly higher if stable. Otherwise, upgrading to a cooler in the $60-70+ range could be worthwhile, especially if higher speeds are needed.