F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Overclocking Need guidance on overclocking a new build

Need guidance on overclocking a new build

Need guidance on overclocking a new build

F
FinaLBaTTLe
Member
61
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM
#1
I just completed constructing my latest setup.
CPU: 6700k
RAM: 32gb Hyper X DDR 2133
Heatsink: Hyper 212 (x2 Noctua fans)
PSU: Evga 850w gold
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 1070
Storage
🙁
SSD: 520gb Kingston) x2
(2tb WD Cavier Black HDD) x2
Memory: Gigabyte UD3
Drive: Sony x32 Blu-Ray RW
Case: Enthoo Pro
Cooling: Noctua x5 fans
Currently everything is functioning well without any problems, but I’m curious about whether CPU overclocking would be safe with this air cooling setup. My current idle temperatures are:
CPU: 22-24°C
GPU: 28-32°C
During heavy usage for a few hours it stays around:
CPU: 47-52°C
GPU: 55-60°C
From what I know these readings are quite acceptable, but could air cooling really cope with pushing the CPU to higher speeds? I don’t want to risk overheating too much as I’m gradually working toward my 4.5GHz target. My previous system used water cooling; it had a leak during assembly and I lost my CPU, motherboard, and drives, which made me hesitant. Now I’m sticking with air. If liquid cooling still seems better, I’ll invest in more fans later. Are there any solid overclock examples for new hardware with air cooling? I also do video editing, CAD, Photoshop, and multitask a lot, so I’m more focused on CPU performance than GPU.
F
FinaLBaTTLe
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM #1

I just completed constructing my latest setup.
CPU: 6700k
RAM: 32gb Hyper X DDR 2133
Heatsink: Hyper 212 (x2 Noctua fans)
PSU: Evga 850w gold
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 1070
Storage
🙁
SSD: 520gb Kingston) x2
(2tb WD Cavier Black HDD) x2
Memory: Gigabyte UD3
Drive: Sony x32 Blu-Ray RW
Case: Enthoo Pro
Cooling: Noctua x5 fans
Currently everything is functioning well without any problems, but I’m curious about whether CPU overclocking would be safe with this air cooling setup. My current idle temperatures are:
CPU: 22-24°C
GPU: 28-32°C
During heavy usage for a few hours it stays around:
CPU: 47-52°C
GPU: 55-60°C
From what I know these readings are quite acceptable, but could air cooling really cope with pushing the CPU to higher speeds? I don’t want to risk overheating too much as I’m gradually working toward my 4.5GHz target. My previous system used water cooling; it had a leak during assembly and I lost my CPU, motherboard, and drives, which made me hesitant. Now I’m sticking with air. If liquid cooling still seems better, I’ll invest in more fans later. Are there any solid overclock examples for new hardware with air cooling? I also do video editing, CAD, Photoshop, and multitask a lot, so I’m more focused on CPU performance than GPU.

_
_wolfie10_
Member
99
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM
#2
212 can only experience mild drowsiness; try it and ensure the temperature remains below 80 degrees Celsius, then you should be fine.
_
_wolfie10_
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM #2

212 can only experience mild drowsiness; try it and ensure the temperature remains below 80 degrees Celsius, then you should be fine.

K
KarlieCool
Junior Member
12
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM
#3
80 still looks quite high, but I think I'll just adjust it later when I hit 80. Appreciate the reply.
K
KarlieCool
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM #3

80 still looks quite high, but I think I'll just adjust it later when I hit 80. Appreciate the reply.

C
cowcow4321
Senior Member
623
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM
#4
90 represents the upper limit, 80 serves as a solid threshold.
C
cowcow4321
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM #4

90 represents the upper limit, 80 serves as a solid threshold.

S
Sugar_Smack
Junior Member
13
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM
#5
Wow, I wasn't aware of that. Thanks. Are there any air-cooled heatsinks that work better? I've searched a bit but haven't found much, so I'm not surprised if it's not available.
S
Sugar_Smack
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM #5

Wow, I wasn't aware of that. Thanks. Are there any air-cooled heatsinks that work better? I've searched a bit but haven't found much, so I'm not surprised if it's not available.

M
Mokai_Mo
Member
212
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM
#6
What distance are you thinking about increasing the speed?
M
Mokai_Mo
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM #6

What distance are you thinking about increasing the speed?

K
KatGirlxo
Junior Member
19
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM
#7
I aim for around 4.4 to 4.5 ghz. I've been struggling with a lot of windows open in CAD, which is tiring. My CPU is about 90% usage on three cores. It seems one core is stuck at 30-40% and not being utilized properly.
K
KatGirlxo
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM #7

I aim for around 4.4 to 4.5 ghz. I've been struggling with a lot of windows open in CAD, which is tiring. My CPU is about 90% usage on three cores. It seems one core is stuck at 30-40% and not being utilized properly.

A
Andy31576
Member
188
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM
#8
Is this only applicable in certain CAD programs? Trying other apps might resolve the issue.
You should be okay with that cooler at that speed, but double-check before proceeding, just in case. 😉
A
Andy31576
03-02-2025, 07:15 PM #8

Is this only applicable in certain CAD programs? Trying other apps might resolve the issue.
You should be okay with that cooler at that speed, but double-check before proceeding, just in case. 😉