Overclocking i7 6700K help
Overclocking i7 6700K help
Hi guys,
I'm really new to overclocking. After watching a YouTube video, I did the following:
Opened Gigabyte BIOS menu
Changed CPU freq ratio from auto to 44=4.4ghz
Changed vcore from auto to 1.275
Now I'm unsure how to perform a stress test but I ran a stressed CPU using cpuz for 1 minute, then executed a very demanding flight simulation to check voltages and temperatures. The results were between 1.200 to 1.29v with temperatures ranging from 50 to 65°C.
Is it safe to keep these settings?
Also, I tried 4.5ghz with Windows 10. It started normally, but the temperature and voltage stayed stable, yet when I ran the same flight simulation on Windows 10, it crashed. Why did it crash even though voltages and temperatures were stable?!
Thanks
Ayousry :
now, am I regarded as stable with these readings?
They are quite conservative (65º at max and 1.2 still leaves room for further overclocking), but they are solid. If this is your first attempt at overclocking, it makes sense to stay cautious.
Ayousry :
should I focus only on the VCORE and TEMP, or should I monitor something else?
Yes, mainly those two will be important. The other aspects are less critical unless you're using a custom Xmp profile or altering default settings—then you might be running the RAM at its standard performance, which is likely below its full potential.
You might want to explore more BIOS parameters and adjustments for pushing overclocking further, but I don’t think it’s worth the effort right now.
On the temperatures, take a look into...
The new i7 when overclocked doesn't increase gaming performance much:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/9533/intel...-4-8-ghz/8
http://ocaholic.ch/modules/smartsection/...948&page=3
But this is a good guide to follow to learn with:
http://www.tweaktown.com/guides/7481/twe...index.html
Remember overclocking is more about the process and procedure of arriving at your final overclock, than it is about hard and fast numbers that you enter.
Ayousry:
Why did it crash when I kept the voltage and temperatures steady?!
It was unstable. You adjusted the voltage, but the temperature might be fine. However, switching the CPU core from 4.4 to 4.5 caused some instability, especially under heavy CPU loads, which could lead to a crash.
Check the CPU stability using a proper test like CPUz or similar, since games often put more stress on the GPU than the CPU.
Return to version 4.4 and run CPUz for about 10 minutes to see if it stabilizes and temperatures remain normal. If it does, try 4.5 with a slightly higher vCore value (around 1.3s), which is close to stock levels.
For the vCore, you're already near the default settings; using a low-mids setting around 1.3s would likely extend its lifespan.
The issue occurred because the system wasn't stable even though voltage and temperature were within acceptable ranges. Changing the CPU core from 4.4 to 4.5 led to instability, especially under high CPU loads. It's recommended to test CPU stability using tools like CPUz rather than games. Consider reverting to the original core (4.4) and run a stability check with CPUz for about 10 minutes. If stable, proceed to 4.5 with a slightly higher vCore value. For the vCore, current settings are close to stock; using low-mids around 1.3s is fine, but exceeding this could shorten lifespan. The VID should also remain between 1.26 and 1.34v. After a 15-minute test, the VCORE stayed steady at 1.200v with temperatures between 30-34°C. Since only VCORE and temperature are critical, monitor them closely.
Now, am I deemed stable with these readings?
They are quite conservative (65º at max and 1.2 still leaves room for further overclocking), though they are solid. If this is your first attempt at overclocking, it makes sense to stay cautious.
Mainly, focus on the VCORE and TEMP values—monitor them closely.
Yes, only these aspects really matter. Otherwise, consider the memory next. Unless you’re using an Xmp profile or altering default settings, you’re likely running the RAM at its standard performance, which is probably below its full potential.
You might explore more BIOS parameters and fine-tuning for pushing overclock limits further—but I don’t think it’s worth the effort right now.
For temperatures, check the Tcore and Tcase; they aren’t identical, but if the burn test reaches 65º, you’re probably within safe ranges.
Also, review the CPU fan settings in the BIOS—adjusting them can help balance noise and heat, depending on your priorities.