Is prime95 harmful to the Haswell-E processor?
Is prime95 harmful to the Haswell-E processor?
Hello,
why should the 28.7 version of P95 push put too much strain on the CPU?
It indeed puts a lot of pressure on the CPU because they rely heavily on AVX2 instructions, which you are correct about.
However, the latest generation of CPUs (like Haswell-E) are designed to support AVX2 as well.
If we don’t test our overclocks with software that includes AVX2, we might not accurately reflect how our CPU performs under real-world conditions.
In my view, using "worst-case" software is essential for creating reliable and safe overclocks, especially when considering stability and temperatures.
Let's consider this from a different angle.
Thermal Evaluation
:
Prime95 version 26.6 Small FFTs are suitable for assessing processor core temperatures because;
(1) They more accurately mimic Intel's laboratory TDP load compared to other tools.
(2) They deliver a consistent 100% workload, ensuring stable temperatures.
(3) A mere 10 minute test suffices to obtain reliable results.
Stability Assessment
:
Prime95 Small FFTs in any version are no longer optimal for stability checks because;
(1) They demand a long testing period (often hours) to confirm processor stability.
AVX Stress Evaluation
:
As discussed earlier, Asus advises against using Prime95 versions beyond 26.6 due to the high motherboard current draw needed for extended periods, which Small FFTs typically require.
Intel shares the same caution regarding versions past 26.6.
In summary:
(1) If you're overclocking and playing games, and avoid running applications that use AVX code, testing isn't necessary—higher stable overclocks can be achieved while keeping core temps below 80°C.
(2) Conversely, if you overclock and run encoding or similar AVX-intensive apps, a lower overclock and Vcore may be needed to maintain temperatures under 80°C.
Regardless, all installed games and applications should be tested for stability, ensuring sustained core temperatures stay within the safe range.
The most suitable AVX tool for stability is Asus RealBench, which offers fluctuating workloads and maintains core temperatures close to Prime95 v26.6 Small FFTs.
grabibus
,
This discussion has been around for nearly a year. We usually prefer not to revisit old threads, as the data they hold might not reflect the current hardware and software landscape.
If you have more questions, feel free to create a new thread.
This thread is now closed.