Overclocking AMD CPU FX - 8320
Overclocking AMD CPU FX - 8320
I recently installed an aftermarket cooler for my FX -8320 and achieved a stable 4.2Ghz overclock, and I think I can go even higher. My main concern is the power consumption because I have a 970A-U3P motherboard from Gigabyte. Can anyone advise me on how much more I can push my CPU?
With the appropriate cooling method—like liquid nitrogen—you could reach 7ghz. But I’m considering you’d prefer to remain more reasonable. You should be able to exceed that, though there are several factors not discussed.
First, what are your voltage levels and temperatures?
Second, what type of cooler do you have?
This information will aid in planning, but many elements influence how much a CPU can be overclocked. Even with identical motherboards and heatsinks, your 8320 might cap at 4.2ghz while another achieves 4.7ghz. This variability is often called the silicon lottery. Some CPUs simply perform better, regardless of batch.
So—let’s discuss this further.
The vrm on that board provides adequate cooling, making it unlikely to be an issue for this level of overclocking. Check the temperature probes on your motherboard using HWMonitor to understand what they indicate. As long as the vrm stays between 70-80°C, it should be fine. Did you keep the voltage at its default setting? If not, and you won’t be adjusting it, there should be no problem. Otherwise, maintain the temperatures and aim for under 1.5V.
managed to get mine stable at about 4.66 stable with 1.46 or 48v. I think the 230-233 base is ideal for VRM cooling, though you'll likely experience high CPU temperatures with other coolers.
The 8320 can reach speeds of 5.0 GHz or higher with adequate cooling. Your motherboard is suitable for higher overclocking without concerns, even after an overclock. It features 8+2 voltage phases, making it an excellent platform for overclocking. With solid VRM cooling and a well-kept case environment, you should avoid any issues.
With the appropriate cooling solution—like liquid nitrogen—you could reach speeds around 7ghz. But I'm considering you should maintain a more reasonable pace.
There are several factors to consider beyond just the cooling setup.
1) Your voltage levels and temperatures?
2) The type of cooler you possess?
These details will aid in crafting a suitable strategy. However, numerous elements influence the upper boundaries of CPU overclocking, and various CPU/motherboard/heat sink pairings will exhibit significantly different performance caps. Even with identical motherboards and heatsinks, a 8320 might cap at 4.2ghz, whereas another unit could reach 4.7ghz. This variability is often referred to as the silicon lottery.
Certain processors naturally perform better, even within the same production run.
Thus, regardless of the situation, once you reach a specific overclocking threshold, there are techniques to approach the highest possible clock speed for that particular chip.
Typically, aim for a load temperature around 75°C to ensure stable and reliable overclocking.
Your maximum voltage should stay near 1.50v; exceeding this risks damaging the chip.
A standard overclocking process includes:
1) increasing the multiplier.
2) performing a stress test.
3) if it meets the 75°C and 1.50v criteria, return to step 1; otherwise proceed to step 4.
4) If at 75°C or 1.49v, move to step 7.
5) raise voltage by 0.01v.
6) return to step 2.
7) Overclocking is complete. Reduce the multiplier by one and verify stability via stress testing—this marks your stable top speed.
This method illustrates how you gradually increase the multiplier based on voltage and temperature, ensuring a safe climb.
If stress testing fails, incrementally boost voltage until it succeeds, staying within 1.5v or 75°C load limits.
At these thresholds, further adjustments should be avoided.
Important reminders: Cooling plays a crucial role. Stock coolers are insufficient unless you're using newer models; larger heatsinks or liquid cooling solutions are advisable.
Also, ensure proper airflow around the VRMs—this is essential for maintaining performance.
Keep in mind that not all chips can consistently reach 4.7ghz or higher; each processor has significant tolerance differences, and these are rigorously tested to identify the best variants. This is why the FX-9590 was engineered with such specifications.
If your chip previously achieved 4.5ghz at lower temperatures and voltages, AMD would likely have selected a more capable version for production. That’s why chip selection is so critical.
Good luck with your overclocking efforts!
Generally, your load temperature should stay around 75°C for a stable and safe operation. AMD FX series CPUs typically begin to throttle around 62°C, which is the point they start reducing performance. This issue also applies to the Phenom II series CPUs. Intel CPUs usually handle temperatures above 70°C. I agree with most of your points, but your AMD FX CPU seems to be running too close to its thermal limit before errors occur. I need to keep it 12°C below the thermal threshold to avoid crashes or errors.
The 8320 can reach speeds of 5.0 GHz or higher with adequate cooling. Your motherboard should handle the increase well, especially with an overclock, and you won’t have to worry about any issues. The board features 8+2 voltage phases, making it suitable for overclocking. With solid VRM cooling and a cool case environment, you should be fine.
Regarding the temperature sensors, AMD employs a mathematical method to estimate temperatures instead of relying on a physical sensor inside the chip. To determine if overheating is imminent, using AMD Overdrive is recommended. The thermal margin displayed under the CPU tab indicates how close you are to overheating and when throttling will begin.
When interpreting the temperature readings, remember this conversion: a reading of 30°C means you have 30 degrees to go before overheating occurs. A reading of 0°C signals that the CPU will start throttling. This information is extremely helpful for overclocking AMD CPUs today.
The cooler you choose will influence the results of your overclock attempts. If you're lucky, your 9370 might stabilize at 5GHz, boot normally, but fail on dual cores.
06yfz450ridr :
bgunner :
The 8320 can reach 5.0 GHz or higher with the right cooling setup. Your motherboard should handle the increase well, especially with an overclock and no need to worry about any problems. Your board features 8+2 voltage phases, making it a solid choice for overclocking. With the good VRM cooling and a cool case interior, you should be fine.
Regarding the temperature sensors, AMD employs a mathematical method to estimate temperatures instead of relying on a dedicated sensor inside the chip. To determine if the CPU is overheating or nearing it, using AMD Overdrive is recommended. The thermal margin displayed under the CPU tab indicates how much further you can push before overheating occurs. For example, a reading of 30°C means you have 30 degrees more before overheating and throttling. A reading of 0°C indicates the CPU will begin throttling. This feature is extremely useful for overclocking AMD CPUs.
The type of cooler you use will influence the results you achieve during overclocking.
If your 9370 remains stable at 5GHz, it will boot normally but may fail on dual cores. It seems like a lucky guess. You might want to try using only one RAM stick and lowering the CPU frequency to 2200 MHz with a higher heat sink setting (HT) at 2000 MHz. If you haven't done so already, consider setting your voltage manually instead of relying on auto settings. This locks the voltage at a fixed level, improving stability and potentially reducing the required voltage for consistent performance.
These are typical speeds for 83xx and 9xxx series CPUs. You can increase them, but be aware this might also limit the maximum core speed. Raising them can enhance performance beyond what extra cores provide, which is why benchmarks are essential.
This applies to the original poster as well.
EDIT: I didn’t see your PSU listed. Don’t overlook the importance of a quiet, low-ripple power supply when overclocking.
bgunner :
Rookie_MIB :
In general, your load temp limit should be about 75C for a nice safe and stable OC.
AMD FX series CPU's usually start having issues around 62°C. By this I mean they start to throttle. This temp even held true for the Phenom II series CPU's also. Intel CPU's are 70+. While I agree with the rest of what you said your temps are off for AMD FX CPU's.
😉
My particular FX chip doesn't like going close to the thermal margin before throwing errors. I need to stay 12°C from the thermal limit or cores throw errors and/or the crashes the system.
Yup, my bad, should have double checked that but being on a typical 28nm process, it could throw errors at 70c temps, but it won't DAMAGE anything. Worst case - if it starts going unstable at mid-60C, according to the flowchart, he'd never be able to get enough voltage as he'd hit the vMax and have to end it anyhow. And, you never know, silicon lottery might give him a golden chip which can handle 70c temps...
One thing I should have noted though is that if he can't get stable at vMax and tMax, he has to turn down the multiplier a notch.