Needs assistance - can't go beyond 42x for i5 7600k
Needs assistance - can't go beyond 42x for i5 7600k
Hi everyone,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out for any advice you might have. My current configuration is:
- Motherboard: Gigabyte Z7170-HD3P
- Processor: Core i5 7600K
- Memory: g Skill DDR4
- Graphics: Zotac GTX1070 AMP! Extreme
- Cooler: Coolermaster Hyper 212
- BIOS version: F22a
I’m new to CPU overclocking. I’ve used Gigabyte’s Easytune, the Intel overclocking tool, and also tried the BIOS settings separately. The main issue is that I can’t increase the CPU clock multiplier beyond 42x (the default is 38x). The sliders in both Easytune and Intel aren’t allowing me to go higher, and the BIOS doesn’t have an auto-overclock feature either. All temperatures are normal, and everything functions without crashes, but I’m not able to meaningfully boost the CPU speed. I can tweak BCLK in the BIOS, but I’d prefer not to do that.
I’ve checked online—searching for similar setups—and found no one else seems to have encountered this problem. Could it be a faulty CPU?
What I’ve tried so far:
- Updating BIOS to the latest version
- Reflashing the BIOS
- Clearing CMOS
- Removing tuning utilities from Windows and relying only on BIOS overclocking
Thank you in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Matt
Use the manual BIOS settings for overclocking instead of Easy Tune. Auto OC features aren't the optimal choice.
Kasper Jorgensen :
You should Overclock with the manuel BIOS settings and not with easy tune. Any auto oc feature are not the best way to do it.
Hi, thanks for your reply. Just to clarify, I have uninstalled Easytune and all other Windows overclocking utilities. I am overclocking in the bios only but still no option to select anything over 42.
Additional update. I believe the Z170 board isn't identifying the chip as a K series unlocked one, which might explain why certain options are missing from the BIOS and why the maximum overclock is capped at 42x (the turbo setting). The processor works correctly in Windows. Anyone have suggestions on how to fix this? I've re-flashed the BIOS three times and cleared the CMOS twice.
Thanks again,
Matt
Progster999 asked if the BIOS version is F20. They mentioned trying f21 and f22a, noting that F20 works with a 7600k but had voltage problems fixed by f21. They clarified they intended F20 or newer and confirmed they have a K model.
Kasper Jorgensen:
sprogster999 :
Kasper Jorgensen :
Are you using BIOS version F20? I've tested f21 and f22a, which are the newest releases. F20 should work with a 7600k, though I think it had some voltage problems that were fixed in f21.
Yeah, I was thinking of F20 or above. Are you certain you have a K model?
Yes, it recognizes as a 7600K in Windows and similar systems.