Need help in Overclocking
Need help in Overclocking
Hi there, welcome! I just set up a new rig with an i7 6700k CPU and a gigabyte GA Z170 HD3P motherboard. As mentioned, I’m looking for guidance on overclocking my CPU and GPU (MSI GTX 1070 Aero 8G OC Edition). Do you have any specific software recommendations or should I try using the BIOS directly? If yes, what steps should I take in the BIOS? Thanks a lot!
Power limit controls the temperature threshold for GPU cores to reduce heat. Throttling occurs naturally when the core frequency decreases to manage temperature. Core frequency refers to the actual speed at which the GPU core operates; modify it in small increments, checking for issues before adjusting further. Shader frequency is an internal processing element within the GPU that influences gaming performance; adjust it similarly to core and shader settings, testing each change carefully. Memory frequency acts like RAM speed and should be tuned in the same manner as core and shader adjustments. Each step requires thorough testing, as it plays a crucial role.
First and most important is to obtain an aftermarket CPU cooler. Without it, you won’t achieve significant overclocking due to heat concerns. After securing a decent cooler, you can proceed through the BIOS settings gradually, increasing the CPU multiplier step by step to fine-tune the CPU clock stability each time. If instability appears, raise the Vcore voltage by 0.05 and test again until stability is restored. Keep monitoring CPU temperatures to prevent them from rising too high. Be careful not to increase voltage excessively, as too much heat can damage the CPU. For GPU overclocking, I personally prefer MSI afterburner. You can use OCCT’s GPU test with error checking enabled, following the same process as for the CPU—just adjust clock speeds one at a time.
Other sources also provide detailed instructions on Intel Skylake overclocking.
You must install an aftermarket CPU cooler first. Otherwise, overclocking will be difficult due to heat problems. After securing a decent cooler, you can adjust the BIOS and gradually increase the CPU multiplier, testing the clock each time to maintain stability. If instability appears, raise the Vcore voltage by 0.05 at a time until stability returns. Keep an eye on CPU temperatures to avoid excessive heat. Be careful not to overvoltage, as too much voltage can damage the CPU. For GPU overclocking, I prefer MSI afterburner. Use OCCT's GPU test with error checking enabled, following the same steps as for CPU adjustments, but without changing voltage. Only increase clock speeds one at a time.
To check system stability after boosting the CPU multiplier, observe overall performance and stability metrics; consult the documentation provided by MSI for detailed explanations of the displayed values.
Power limit settings:
modifies the temperature threshold for GPU core throttling. Throttling occurs naturally to reduce heat.
Core frequency:
represents the real operating speed of the GPU core. Change in 10 MHz increments, checking each cycle until issues arise, then reducing by 1 MHz until stability returns.
Shader frequency:
an internal processing element within the GPU that influences gaming performance. Adjust in a similar manner to the core frequency. It's recommended to tweak this independently. Asynchronous mode is advised. A dedicated setting exists for this under the afterburner options.
Memory frequency:
acts like the RAM speed. Modify it using the same approach as core and shader adjustments, testing frequently. This step is crucial and should not be overlooked.
Testing tools:
Prime95 and Intel Burn Test are recommended for evaluating CPU stability.
Prime95:
Begin with a 2-hour blend test, then proceed to test at the desired overclock after reaching it. Follow with 12 hours of testing.
Intel Burn Test:
Execute this program ten times under maximum stress until you achieve the target overclock. Perform 20 additional runs at peak stress for final stability verification.
Multiple tests are necessary because errors may pass one program but not the other, ensuring reliability through redundancy. Overclocking requires several weeks of testing and refinement, but it is highly worthwhile.
Power limit settings:
modifies the temperature threshold that the GPU core will reduce its speed for. This process is called throttling, where the core frequency naturally decreases to manage heat.
Core frequency:
represents the real frequency at which the GPU core operates. Change it in 10 MHz increments, testing each change until issues arise, then decrease by 1 MHz until problems cease.
Shader frequency:
an internal calculation within the GPU that influences gaming performance. Adjust it similarly to the core frequency. It's recommended to tweak this separately. Asynchronous adjustments are advised. A dedicated setting exists in the afterburner menu.
Memory frequency:
acts like RAM speed. Modify it using the same approach as core and shader settings, testing frequently. This step is crucial and should not be skipped.
Testing recommendations:
use Prime95 and Intel Burn Test to evaluate CPU stability.
Prime95:
perform a Blend test for 2 hours initially, then after reaching the desired overclock, run it for 12 hours.
Intel Burn Test:
execute this program ten times under maximum stress until you achieve the target OC, followed by 20 runs at peak stress for final stability verification.
Reason for two tests: some errors may pass one test but not the other, ensuring reliability through redundancy. Overclocking requires several weeks of testing and refinement, but it's highly worthwhile.
Thanks a lot! One more question, how would you suggest checking your GPU stability?
I thought I was referring to this, but must not have. Please run OOCT's GPU test with error checking on. If it fails, it will inform you while the program continues running—just stay near the PC during testing. Avoid using any other tests in OCCT as they are not trustworthy, though the GPU test performs very well.