overclocking limits for i9-9900k
overclocking limits for i9-9900k
Running at 80°C during Prime95 Small FFT testing is acceptable, as long as you're using the correct settings—specifically Small FFT only, with AVX and AVX2 disabled unless you have applications that heavily rely on those instructions. This is the closest to the optimal performance range, though it still allows for thermal stress if your cooling isn't sufficient.
PSU will handle the task, it's not a problem. The system load is between 360-400 watts.
Here’s the review of the Intel Core i9-9900K with an 8-core CPU and Z390-Aorus master processor: https://wccftech.com/review/intel-core-i...-review/9/
Adding a GPU is recommended.
With Prime95 version 95, small FFT operations can cause high temperatures, which is normal up to the limits. Temperatures will be higher in games, but lower during idle. Be cautious with HEVC or similar tasks.
Run AIDA64 for stress testing; Darkbreeze confirms Prime95’s small FFTs are suitable for long-term cooling tests under heavy loads. This is important if you need stability, such as when using services like folding@home.
Based on the temperatures mentioned, it seems you’re using a version of Prime95 with AVX enabled. At around 4.9GHz it should work, while 5GHz will require more effort. If your setup is mainly for gaming, it should be fine. Keep an eye on your VRM voltages as well; setting the frequency to 500KHz can help stability.
HEVC processing behaves similarly to AVX workloads in Prime95 small FFT tests. Certain HEVC tasks strain the CPU significantly.
This chart compares the cooling performance of Prime95 against AIDA64. Prime95 focuses on AVX and power consumption, whereas AIDA64 evaluates full instruction support. Your testing should reflect this difference.
Unlike AMD systems, you can adjust an AVX offset to aid cooling if necessary. Aim for 5GHz with an AVX offset of -1. Starting with a 4.9GHz offset should help control power usage.
I mainly use my computer for gaming and streaming. I plan to run a full stress test with aida64 to check performance, then try with a 4.9ghz setup. For VRM, I didn’t monitor temperatures during testing and don’t know how to adjust them in BIOS, so I’ll research further and see if that helps. I’m hoping to reach 4.9ghz.
Some motherboards can display VRM temperatures in HWInfo64, while others require an IR camera or temperature meter. The download link for HWInfo64 is provided. Normal readings before delidding at 5GHz with 1.3 volts show temperatures reaching 99°C on the CPU and minimal performance from Prime95 small fft's. Buildzoid mentioned that anything above 150A on the 9900k is uncoolable unless you delid it. An image of a 200A delidded setup (CPU 5GHz, 271 watts) is referenced.
These readings are taken at 150 Amps delidded. Notice how even in Prime95, small FFTs show under 90°C with a 5GHz 9900k processor.
Really? Do you have some insider information that magically tells you exactly WHAT 750w power supply they have, or are you just assuming that because it's "750w" then it must be sufficient? This kind of blanket statement often ends up doing a lot of ass biting later. Not to bash your response, but that particular one wasn't particularly recommendable unless there's something I'm missing and I don't think there is. If the OP has determined they need to replace the PSU then it's probably because they've determined that what they have has quality issues, not capacity issues.
Operating consistently above 85°C, regularly or even over extended periods, might not be ideal. If this is necessary, consider reducing other factors. Electromigration and VT shift will increasingly impact transistor performance over time.
Would removing the heat sink be beneficial? I’m okay with a CPU temperature around 90 degrees, but I prefer keeping it under 90 degrees for optimal performance—around 4.8 or 4.9 with 5GHz. I haven’t done it before, just watched videos, and it might not be worth it right now since my current CPU is the only one I have and I’d rather wait for the new models this year.