Overclocking a 8700K
Overclocking a 8700K
So I finally had my PC running and installed the new cooler (H115I PRO), and temperatures are really good. I understand you could 'boost' it, but I'm not very comfortable with BIOS settings. Is there any way to adjust it using software? I just want to avoid damaging or breaking the board. I have a ROG Strix Z370 motherboard. Thanks.
RhinoTV :
There might be a video available, but I have no clear idea of what I'm doing or what volts means. I work with video editing and gaming, so any good suggestions would be appreciated!
Based on your past interactions and limited tech experience, it's best to avoid trying to speed things up further.
Hello, attempting to overclock the CPU using software is risky and can lead to instability. Many automatic programs attempt this and often corrupt parts of your BIOS. Some require advanced knowledge to perform manual overclocking. Now let's focus on the process: access the BIOS, use Ai Tweaker or similar tools, set the core ratio to "Sync All Cores" and adjust the overclock limit accordingly. A reference image is provided for guidance. Stress testing with tools like prime95 or AIDA64 for 30 minutes can help verify stability. If temperatures remain below 85°C, proceed; otherwise, reduce the overclock to 43 or 44. You can restore your settings by resetting the BIOS, which is a straightforward two-step process. Note that modifying BIOS settings can be dangerous unless you're experienced, as it may affect system stability.
As mentioned before, I probably shouldn't do this. I understand building PCs, but that's about it. I never wanted to touch the BIOS and still avoid it. Can I attempt the boost feature? Or is it something built directly into the CPU? Is there any video available on this topic?
As discussed earlier, I might not be able to. I understand building PCs but haven’t touched BIOS yet. Can I try the boost feature? Or is it available on my CPU? Is there any video related to this as well?
Boost (GPU)-Turbo (CPU) is set automatically, no need for manual changes.
You can utilize Intel Extreme Tuning Utility to enhance your i7 8700k performance. I successfully applied it for a two-week period to push my i7 8700k on an AORUS z370 Gaming 7 (similar to yours), achieving core multiplier values between 47 and 48 [4.7-4.8ghz] across all six cores (cache/uncore reduced by 200-300mhz) with standard voltage settings, maintaining stability for two weeks before it began to fail. Eventually, I switched to BIOS, which proved more reliable and still functions well with default voltages. It appears the STRIX includes overclocking presets as well.
Be sure to back up your BIOS configurations in case issues arise later. As long as you avoid extreme settings and unfamiliar modifications, you should be safe. This chip also features strong safety mechanisms, so protecting it from over-voltage (such as keeping voltages below 1.4V) is advisable for longevity. If you're aiming for a straightforward 4.7-4.8ghz 6-core boost, default voltages should suffice, with good thermal performance on both AIO and air cooling, whether via BIOS or the IXTU method I mentioned.
If you decide to push further (which may not be necessary), thorough research is essential since each processor behaves differently. Online guides exist, but results vary widely, so proceed with caution.
Edit: You might have observed that the chip runs at 4.3ghz across all six cores by default, so targeting 4.7-4.8ghz isn't a major concern. The "silicon lottery" also plays a role—while your unit could handle up to 5.3ghz, it might cap around 4.9ghz. If you're willing to take the risk and invest time in research, you might discover more, but it seems unlikely you need to go that far unless you're comfortable with uncertainty.
Are you alright with breaking your new build? Handling returns and being denied because of the damage sound like an interesting challenge? Then look for a YouTube video at your convenience.
Or realize that overclocking is meant for enthusiasts and either stop doing it (it’s no longer necessary) or start learning what you’re really doing.
As I mentioned earlier, checking your past activity suggests you shouldn’t be overclocking when you can’t even copy/paste yet.
Just because you’re capable of something doesn’t mean you should do it.