Overclocking a processor that isn't a K model
Overclocking a processor that isn't a K model
I'm interested in increasing my processor's speed and wondering if it's achievable. If so, what steps would I need to take? I think I'll have to adjust the BIOS settings, but when I looked there I didn't find much information. I saw BCLK listed, which I thought wouldn't be very useful since I only have a few options there. My system has an i7-4790 non k, paired with an ASUS Q87M-E motherboard. The main reason I'm considering this is because my GPU, a Gigabyte GTX 1080, is experiencing some performance issues. It might help a little, though not significantly, but it could still make a difference. The other components are: 24GB RAM, a 650+ gold PSU, and a 1TB hard drive.
Are you preparing to set up Windows on this device with a fresh installation or are you transferring your existing operating system to a new storage? If cloning is your choice, ensure your SSD is at least 15-20% larger than the current hard drive space. For example, a nearly full 1TB drive won't work unless you upgrade it first. Cleaning up files and removing unnecessary data is usually necessary before proceeding. A clean install tends to be preferable, particularly if it's been a while since your last installation or if you've never done one before.
No, there is no non-K overclocking available on the Haswell processors. At least, not on anything other than the G3258 Pentiums and only under specific conditions such as using the correct board and BIOS version. For your model, you shouldn't notice any bottleneck with that graphics card, but if you are experiencing one, I would suggest trying these steps first:
Here are the initial actions to consider when addressing these hardware issues. If you have already attempted these measures exactly as described, we can proceed to more advanced fixes.
First, verify that your motherboard runs the latest BIOS version. Updating it can resolve many problems, even if the newer release doesn't mention graphics card or hardware compatibility improvements. They typically don't list all modifications when they update.
Second, visit the official product page for your motherboard on the manufacturer's website. Download and install the most recent drivers for the chipset, storage controllers, audio, and network adapters. Don't overlook updating a newer driver just because you think it's irrelevant to your problem. A single driver update can impact all connected devices, and an unstable release can cause broader issues with the operating system. Drivers aren't released randomly for entertainment.
If other hardware is connected that isn't covered by the motherboard drivers, check the support page for that component to see if newer drivers exist. If available, install them.
Lastly, focus on the graphics card drivers. Even if you believe you have the latest drivers installed, a thorough clean installation often yields better results than simply updating or attempting a clean install. This method has a high success rate and is worth trying.
If you've ever used both Nvidia and AMD cards during your system's usage, run the DDU twice: once for the old driver set (Nvidia or AMD) and again for the current graphics card drivers (AMD or Nvidia). If you previously had an Nvidia card, start with that version first, then proceed to AMD if needed.
Here are detailed instructions for performing a clean graphics card driver installation using DDU.
Having a hard drive instead of an SSD won't help much either; this is likely the main factor contributing to your performance problems when loading games, maps, levels, or textures. It would be beneficial regardless.
Additionally, running CPU-Z can confirm whether your RAM is operating in dual-channel mode. With 24GB memory, it's possible you're not utilizing all of it effectively—dual-channel operation could improve performance. Check the memory and SPD sections in CPU-Z for details on your configuration.
Darkbreeze :
There is no non-K overclocking on the Haswell processors. At least, not on anything other than the G3258 Pentiums and that is only if you have the correct board and bios version. For yours, you shouldn't really notice any bottleneck with that graphics card, but if you are, I would first attempt the following steps:
Here are the initial actions to consider when addressing these hardware issues. If you haven't tried them before, it's best to do so just to confirm you've already attempted them and rule out that possibility.
First, verify that your motherboard runs the most recent BIOS version. If not, update it. This resolves many problems even when newer releases don't mention graphics card or hardware compatibility improvements. They typically don't list all modifications in their release notes.
Next, visit the official product page for your motherboard on the manufacturer's site. Download and install the latest drivers for the chipset, storage controllers, audio, and network adapters. Don't skip updating just because you think it won't affect your issue. A driver update can impact all connected devices, and an unstable release might cause OS problems. New drivers aren't released randomly.
If you have additional hardware not covered by the motherboard drivers, check the support page for that component to see if newer drivers exist. Install them if available.
Lastly, focus on the graphics card drivers. Even if you think you've installed the latest ones, a clean reinstall often works better than simply updating or using a clean install tool. This method has a high success rate and is worth trying.
If you've used both Nvidia and AMD cards before, run the DDU twice: once for the old drivers (Nvidia/AMD) and again for the current graphics card drivers (AMD/Nvidia). If you previously had an Nvidia card, start with that first, then proceed to AMD if needed.
Here are detailed steps for running the Display driver uninstaller and performing a clean install.
*Guide on cleaning the graphics card drivers using DDU*
Having a HDD instead of an SSD isn't helping either, which likely contributes to your performance problems when loading games, maps, levels, or textures. It would be useful to know.
Additionally, I'd check CPU-Z to confirm if your RAM is running in dual channel. With 24GB, it's possible you're not using all of it in dual channel mode, especially if your board supports flexible configurations. Look for this information in the memory and SPD sections of CPU-Z.
I managed to locate the BIOS download for my motherboard, but I'm having trouble opening it—possibly because I uninstalled something or a program. It appears blank, but I can open it with other tools. I tried using Wireshark, but it didn't work.
Darkbreeze:
You should follow the correct steps to update the BIOS on an ASUS motherboard. You can watch the tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37Ubqic8XiU. For the SSD, a 240GB or 120GB option from Kingston looks good, and I can help you with setup instructions if you need them.
Are you preparing to set up Windows on it with a fresh installation or are you transferring your existing OS onto the new storage? If cloning is your choice, ensure your SSD is bigger than the current hard drive by roughly 15-20%. For a nearly full 1TB drive, it won't fit on the same size or smaller. Cleaning up and reducing its capacity to match the SSD size by removing unnecessary files is necessary. Generally, a clean install is preferable, particularly if it's been a while since you've done one or you've never performed one before.
Darkbreeze is asking about installing Windows on a new drive or cloning the current system. He mentions needing the SSD to be larger than the existing hard drive by about 15-20%. He explains that a nearly full 1TB drive can't be cloned onto a smaller drive, so cleaning up and reducing its size is necessary. He suggests a clean install if it's been a while since one was done or if it's been used long. For cloning, he references a specific link. He also shares his own experience with a 2TB HDD and 120GB SSD, and asks if this approach is suitable given his lack of SSD experience and his goal to improve game performance.
A 250GB SSD paired with a 1TB or bigger HDD is a typical setup that functions effectively, though a fresh installation will be necessary unless you opt for a more expensive SSD. How much are you prepared to spend on a new storage device?
Darkbreeze :
A standard setup includes a 250GB SSD paired with an HDD of 1TB or bigger, which functions well but requires a clean install. You’ll need to consider your budget carefully.
I was checking Kingston SSDs and thought about spending roughly $40 for something decent.
The 240GB model costs around $40, while the 120GB version is about $20.