OC i5 4690k paired with Asus Z97-p MoBo
OC i5 4690k paired with Asus Z97-p MoBo
Overclocking an i5 is quite straightforward.
Increase your Vcore to 1.25V, then raise your clock speed to 4.5GHz (adjust the multiplier to x45).
Save your settings and restart the computer.
If you reach the Windows desktop without problems, you likely have a decent overclocking chip.
If it fails or doesn’t make it to the desktop, you probably have an inferior chip.
The next step is to download PRIME95.
Assuming it’s a solid/average overclocking chip (unless you want more details), run it for 4 to 8 hours on a blend test at 4.5GHz.
If it succeeds, you’re a capable overclocker.
If not, it’s an average overclocker.
Overclocking an i5 is quite straightforward.
Increase your Vcore to 1.25V, then raise your clock speed to 4.5GHz (adjust the multiplier to x45).
Save your configuration and restart the computer.
If you reach the Windows desktop without major problems, you likely have a decent overclocking chip.
Should it fail or stall, it probably means you're using a subpar chip.
The next phase involves installing PRIME95 and running it for 4 to 8 hours on a blend test at 4.5GHz.
Success indicates you're a solid overclocker; otherwise, it's just an average one.
If successful, increase the multiplier by another +1 and attempt the same burn again.
If that fails, try increasing it further and continue testing.
When unsuccessful, refer to the "average" overclock guidelines (though this isn't a true average chip).
- Warning: Reaching 90°C is essentially the maximum temperature for these chips. If you survive a burn at that level without a cooler upgrade, you're close to the end of your overclocking journey.
- If not, reduce the multiplier by -1 and revert to the last working Vcore setting, letting it complete another prime95 test for 24 hours.
If average results come up, add +0.01V to the Vcore and retry until you succeed.
If you manage a burn, consult the "good" chip instructions—this isn't about your chip's quality, just what to do next.
- Warning: Reaching 90°C again signals you're near the limit; unless you upgrade your cooler, you're stuck.
- If after three failed boots the BIOS resets to defaults, don’t worry.
- After three unsuccessful starts, run a CLR_CMOS reset.
Once the system boots normally and settings return to defaults, set Vcore to 1.25V and adjust multiplier to 4.4GHz.
If it still won’t load, gradually lower the multiplier until it does.
Once you identify the stable setting, proceed with prime95 tests as per the average overclock guide.
- If stabilization is achieved, increment clock speeds one at a time as described.
- If not, continue reducing the multiplier by -1 until stability returns.
That’s the essence of overclocking.
Overclocking an i5 is quite straightforward. Increase your Vcore to 1.25V, then raise your clock speed to 4.5ghz (adjust the multiplier to x45), save your changes, and restart the computer. If you reach the Windows desktop without issues, you likely have a decent overclocking chip. Should you encounter problems or fail to reach the desktop, it suggests a faulty chip.
Your next move is to download PRIME95. Assuming it's a solid or average overclocking chip (unless you want further discussion), run it for 4 to 8 hours on a blend test at that speed. If it succeeds, you're in the category of a good overclocker. If not, it's an average overclocker.
IF GOOD – increase the multiplier by another +1 to x46 and attempt the same burn again. If successful, try another +1 increment and continue testing. When you fail, refer to the "average" overclock guidelines (though this isn't for a chip with an average setup).
NOTE: Reaching 90C is essentially the maximum temperature these chips can handle. Achieving it during a burn means you're near the end of your overclocking journey—unless you upgrade your cooler. If so, reduce the multiplier by -1 and run Prime95 for 24 hours.
IF AVERAGE – slightly increase Vcore by +0.01V and retry until you complete the burn. Upon success, consult the "good" chip instructions; this doesn't guarantee a top-tier overclocker, but it guides your next steps.
NOTE: Reaching 90C is also the max temp for these processors. If you hit that during a burn, you're close to the overclocking limit—unless you improve your cooling solution. In that case, lower the multiplier by -1 and let the last working setting run for another 24 hours.
IF POOR – don't worry about crashes, even if you encounter boot failures. After several unsuccessful starts, most motherboards will reset their BIOS to default or basic settings.
- If this persists after three failed attempts, perform a CLR_CMOS reset.
Once your system boots again with default settings, set Vcore to 1.25V and multiplier to 4.4ghz. If it still doesn't load, gradually reduce the multiplier until it does.
After identifying the stable point, run Prime95 and follow the stabilization steps outlined in the average overclock section.
- If you manage to stabilize, increment clock speeds one at a time as described.
- If not, continue lowering the clock speed by -1 each time until progress is made.
That's the essence of overclocking. Thanks for your assistance!