Overclocking an i3 6100
Overclocking an i3 6100
CMonkey :
Is it possible to overclock an i3 6100 with an MSI z170 pro? I know that the 6100 isn't meant to overclock but I've heard that w/ some MOBOs it's possible. If I do end up figuring out how to overclock I will buy a better cpu cooler.
Absolutely.
It is called BCLK overclocking and works great.
Here is a bit of a guide:
http://overclocking.guide/updated-msi-z1...-new-bios/
You may need to update / roll back your bios version depending on whether or not BCLK overclocking is built into your version, but that board is certainly capable of it!
I own a Z170 stinger with significant overclocking on a 6400 chipset. It hasn't been taken out, and clearly isn't managed by Intel or Windows, which don't control your BIOS settings. As far as I understand, ASROCK and EVGA boards still permit BCLK even in the latest BIOS updates. MSI and Gigabyte can do it too, though they might need a BIOS version change.
CTurbo :
It's not feasible anymore. I managed it for a short time after launch, but it has been reduced by Intel and later by Windows as well.
greens :
My Z170 stinger still has a massive overclock on a 6400, and it hasn't been disabled. Neither Intel nor Windows seem to have the authority to change your BIOS settings.
According to what I know, ASROCK and EVGA boards still support BCLK even in the latest BIOS versions. MSI and Gigabyte can do it too, though they might need a BIOS update.
That guide was written in April, so it's likely things have changed since then. Keeping an old BIOS is probably not a good idea. This is my first build, so I really don't want to risk something that shouldn't be touched.
I wasn't certain about the windows blocking the BLCK overclocking. There were several reports, but I haven't been able to confirm them. I'm aware that windows can do this if they choose. It's said you increase the multiplier in BIOS, save, and reboot, but windows then takes over with default speeds. I haven't verified this myself, though I've heard it from various sources. If you confirm otherwise, I have no basis to argue.
Negative! Changing hardware after printing is not possible; Skylake’s core design ensures BCLK remains a valid OC method.
Updating the BIOS isn’t generally recommended, unless there’s an issue. Usually only vendors release updates to prevent any backlash from Intel, which is just a standard practice and not mandatory or legally required. This is why some motherboard makers haven’t released modified BIOSes.
In my view, updating a BIOS solely to help a vendor regain credibility isn’t a valid excuse.
The issue with Intel is significant because there’s no real difference between a 6400 and a 6600—just artificial limits on BCLK. Breaking those could cause serious problems. Why purchase a 6600 when a 6400 works just as well after removing these restrictions?
If Intel truly didn’t want Skylake altered, they’d have designed it differently. With XMP 2.0 disabled and many voltage concerns, even basic systems need some advanced tuning now.
Of course, you’re free to do whatever you like! And if you go the extra mile, we’re here to help.
The only sign I've noticed with my OC and Windows on the Stinger is that the temperature stays at 100C, which is a recognized problem. It might occur, but it's unclear how Windows could obtain BCLK data, as that would be unusual.