Overclock stable on i7 8700k but experiencing problems
Overclock stable on i7 8700k but experiencing problems
Hi,
I’m experiencing issues with my i7 8700k on an ASRock Z370 extreme4 MB. After years of stable OC at 4.8Ghz with -30 offset, the PC has started locking up or crashing when using handbrake for video encoding. I’m considering re-seating the CPU and applying new thermal paste. My cooler is an Arctic Cooler i30 CO.
It's happening once more... 64mv.
When the Vcore drops while a changing workload rises sharply, this is when the processor faces the highest risk of BSOD.
There are two options:
•
Boost the Vcore to offset the worsening voltage control.
•
Switch the motherboard to a model with stricter voltage regulation.
For context, on 4th generation chips, Intel integrated Voltage Regulators directly into the package, so variations stayed around 8mv, occasionally reaching 16mv—equivalent to one bit.
Motherboards from earlier and later generations before the 4th generation have managed voltage control between 16 and 32mv, but with similar inconsistency.
Hey there,
I've faced a similar problem with my 1600 (knowing different platforms, of course). After doing an OC for several years, it suddenly started acting up. I increased the CPU power a bit and then rechecked stability. I usually run overnight tests for about 8 hours to confirm. I use Prime95 and small FFTs for this.
With an OC, performance tends to drop over time. The fix here is slightly increasing the vcore. You might need to tweak it again in a few years. That's normal.
Good luck!
Hi,
Thank you for the update. I changed the offset to -20 and will check the results. It seems the idle temperatures are a bit higher than before, so I may need to adjust the heat-sync again and apply more paste.
Sure, it's worth a shot to re-apply paste. The temperatures you're seeing at idle should be around 30-35°C, 45-65°C during gaming, and about 65-80°C under stress. These are just estimates—systems vary.
Hmm, around 40 seems a bit high, isn't it? Please apply the paste and let me know what happens. If the paste is breaking down over time, that might explain the rising idle temperatures. A fresh paste could lower those temps by about 5 degrees. If you haven’t reapplied it yet, you might see a noticeable drop in idle temps.
If the system feels more stable with the offset, that’s a positive sign. You could try testing again using Prime or OCCT for better results.
You might also consider using an LLC configuration. It's generally suited for higher output and can assist with 'vdroop'. Usually, LLC is configured automatically for moderate outputs. If you switch it to manual, start at the first two settings and possibly the third. It can improve stability, but going beyond level 3 may cause the CPU to overvolt, so monitor temperatures and results. Check if the initial two levels provide satisfactory performance.
I'm beginning to suspect there might be a problem.
Prime95 stops working quite soon after modest overclocking. It reached temperatures above 95°C on 4.8 with the -20 offset, and it keeps returning errors.
Even after lowering to 4.7 and 4.6, errors persist in Prime95.
I haven't located my thermal paste and have ordered more from Amazon.
Do you know your current CPU cooler can handle up to 160 watts of heat, and that your CPU might easily surpass that in Prime 95—particularly when AVX is not turned off?
I don’t see any reference to the Vcore you’re using inside the chip, though...
I notice the offset, but it doesn’t indicate the maximum Vcore. If the offset plus LLC has reached over 1.4Vcore, it’s possible the voltage is dropping.