Optimal cooling for i5-6600k along with overclocking advice
Optimal cooling for i5-6600k along with overclocking advice
I bought an ASRock Fatality H170 Performance motherboard some time ago, as their site advertised its overclocking capabilities. After checking the manual, it confirmed that the H170 BIOS includes numerous CPU overclocking options. I didn’t need to start overclocking right away and kept the idea on the side. About a week or two ago, I realized I needed to overclock again. Turns out I can’t do it myself—I even posted a question about it online. After contacting Tech support, they confirmed it was a printing error with the manual and the site (very unclear) mentioned DDR4 RAM overclocking. They suggested I could return the item for a replacement one that supports overclocking.
I’m uncertain what model I’ll receive but have a few concerns.
I’m considering watercooling since I currently use a CM Hyper T3 Evo (similar to the 212). I thought it would be helpful to get advice and tips. I’ve never owned a watercooler before, nor have I ever removed a CPU from a motherboard. If anyone has any suggestions or experiences, especially about handling the process safely because those gold pins can bend easily, I’d really appreciate it.
If I stick with my air cooling setup, I’m aiming for around 4GHz. But if I switch to watercooling, I hope to reach about 4.5GHz or higher, depending on what’s available. I’ve never overclocked a CPU before, but I’ve done some research. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I’ll send my motherboard back next Monday if they respond properly.
Ziggylata :
This should fit with all my components, right?
The MSI one you suggested is perfect. It works with my i5 and DDR4 RAM, plus everything else?
That previous MSI post was wrong—it only works with the 6600k and needs a BIOS update. Just pick this one:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/gpH48d/...gprocarbon
No need for updates.
Also, this ASUS model is solid too. It has 10 power phases for better overclocking and RGB lighting.
Personally, I wouldn’t spend extra on a pricier board—80$ or 160$ won’t really boost FPS much. It might give you a few extra MHz from your CPU overclock. Not worth it.
You shouldn’t get...
Sure, you can easily reach 4.5GHZ with your CM hyper cooler. I've used 212 evo to lower my 6700k to 4.6GHZ and the temps were really low.
I wouldn't suggest any water AIO cooler for a few reasons: it offers worse performance for the price, you'll have to spend much more to beat an air cooler, most cheap AIO water coolers will match or lag behind air coolers, fans plus pump noise make it louder, and they generally last much shorter.
Only a custom loop water cooler will outperform an air cooler. If you can afford at least 200$, that's the way to go.
You don't need to remove the CPU to switch coolers.
Some CPU overclocking results vary widely. It's often referred to as the silicon lottery. A knowledgeable person would assess their CPU's performance before investing heavily in a cooler. Try to reach speeds between 4.4 and 4.5 Ghz, according to Makentox.
Ziggylata :
Alright, thanks for the advice. Anything I should be careful of when overclocking? Im still waiting for the ASRock support to email me about the motherboard situation.
You can find tons of guides on the internet, here is examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf2mxHsGm_I&t=8s
Just tips, dont go too high in voltage for 24/7 use, under 1.420vcore is save, 1.360v or less preferably. Ofc you cant go as high as 1.420v if your temperature is too high, so keep monitoring your temperature so it doesnt exceed 86C (during stress test) or up to 80C on 24/7 normal use.
the heat generated by a CPU is mainly determined by Speed multiplied by Vcore and then multiplied by another Vcore.
To achieve higher performance it needs more Vcore.
That’s why overclockers often resort to increasingly elaborate cooling solutions just to push performance slightly further...
During overclocking, particularly with a standard cooler, maintain your Vcore at its lowest setting and monitor temperatures closely.
A rise of 0.1V in Vcore can typically enable a speedup of 200Mhz. 1.4Volts is a reasonable upper bound.
When you hit the top speed of your Hyper T3 Evo—limited by temperature—you can estimate the potential performance with a water cooler, which would cap at 1.4V...
The ASRock tech support is terrible and their RMA process is questionable. Given your setup—i5-6600k, GTX970, 16GB DDR4 RAM (two 8GB cards)—what motherboard would you suggest? You're open to recommendations for a reliable option that supports overclocking and long-term stability.
Ziggylata:
The ASRock tech support seems really bad, and their RMA process is questionable. What kind of motherboard would you suggest?
I’m currently using an i5-6600k, a GTX970, 16GB DDR4 RAM (two 8GB cards). If you need more details about that setup, just let me know. I’m looking for a solid motherboard that supports overclocking and gives me reliability.
Have they responded yet? I don’t think it’s wise to replace the whole board if they won’t accept an older one.
ASRock makes quality boards too, but they tend to be pricier.
Here are some options I found:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/yY8H99/...pro-carbon
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/KmgPxr/...gamingk4d3
I own an ASUS Z170-A, which is great – it’s been working well so far with no issues, and I’ve got 5GHz on it.
But it doesn’t look very attractive...
If you’re not planning to overclock much, you might find a cheaper board more affordable.