Is this an appropriate and secure boost for an i7 2600k? 4.4Ghz at 1.32Vcore using Prime95
Is this an appropriate and secure boost for an i7 2600k? 4.4Ghz at 1.32Vcore using Prime95
Hello everyone, I’m currently working on my first overclock attempt. My goal is to get a stable and safe boost for my i7 2600k. Here are the details:
Hardware:
- Processor: i7 2600k
- CPU Fan: Hyper 212 Evo
- Motherboard: AsRock z77 extreme4
- RAM: 16Gb Crucial Ballistix DDR3 1600
- GPU: GTX 1080 FTW
- Power Supply: Corsair RM850x
Target speed: around 4.4GHz. I followed this video guide as a starting point for my overclock. Right now, the turbo voltage is set to +0.004v (lowest setting) with an offset of -0.010v. When running Prime95, the core voltage stays near 1.312v but occasionally spikes to about 1.328v. During a Prime95 session lasting an hour, temperatures peaked at roughly 70°C, then dropped to around 62°C for a couple minutes before stabilizing. It seems the system maintains about 62°C with occasional spikes. Are these readings acceptable? Should I consider lowering the voltage for a more stable run? I also read that the latest Nvidia driver (378.49) can cause instability in some overclock setups. Would switching to an older driver version help? Also, what are your thoughts on whether this overclock is viable? Any adjustments to settings would you recommend?
I think temperatures around 70c are a bit too high. If you're planning to run overclocked, I'd consider a liquid cooling solution. The ideal range for maximum performance under normal load is in the 50's c area. I definitely wouldn't want to be in the upper 60s or even the 70s.
70C on a 2600k in prime 95 for one hour is completely acceptable. I usually prefer to maintain my 2600k near Intel’s suggested Tcase temperature of 73 C. Also, the Tjmax temperature seems to be around 98 C. If your CPU temperatures are in the low 70s after a stress test for an hour, reaching 98 C is highly unlikely. Additionally, it appears you’re using this setup for gaming, which will naturally result in even lower CPU temps. In your situation, poor airflow might be the issue. If you’re certain this is your stable overclock at that multiplier and voltage, it’s best to keep it as is. Keep in mind you might need to reduce the overclock during summer months.
The Tcase temperature is recorded at the heat spreader and the Tjunction temperature at the CPU core(s). In HWMonitor, this corresponds to the 'package' temperature, which you should monitor closely. Where are you obtaining your temperature data from?
The video in question has issues because the uploader hasn't adjusted VCORE properly. While the overclock functions, the CPU is generating more heat than necessary. The explanation lacks detail, making tutorials less reliable. For optimal results, manually tweak VCORE to achieve a stable overclock while maintaining low temperatures. My setup can reach 4.4Ghz at 1.25VCORE; 1.32 seems too high.