overclocking to 5.0ghz without overheating using my setup
overclocking to 5.0ghz without overheating using my setup
I own an 8700 K / 750 watt PSU with an MSI Z370 Tomahawk MB, and I’m trying to optimize my CPU but at 1.360 watts the system still crashes frequently. The only adjustments I made were changing just the core voltage; everything else was left as default and it was aiming for 5 GHz. My thermal limits are at 1.360 with my AIO, which currently has only one fan installed—though my case should support two—but due to space constraints, I can only fit one. Despite this, it maintains a stable temperature of around 82°C. The case offers excellent airflow since all components are running at full speed. I’m seeking advice on how to manually tweak the CPU core voltage and other settings without relying solely on auto modes, especially regarding what to monitor or adjust if issues persist.
Initially, I believe your Vcore is a bit too high for just a 5.0 Ghz overclock (though each chip's capability varies). When adjusting the CPU, there are many factors to consider. Depending on your motherboard, these settings might be labeled differently and located in various BIOS sections. I suggest watching some YouTube videos to understand which parameters should remain auto or need manual adjustment. Try searching for "How to overclock i7 8700k on MSI motherboard" or similar topics.
Initially, I believe your Vcore is a bit too high for just a 5.0 Ghz boost (though each chip's capability varies). When adjusting the CPU, there are several factors to consider. Depending on your motherboard, these settings might be labeled differently and appear in various BIOS sections. I suggest watching some YouTube tutorials to understand which parameters should remain auto or need manual adjustment. For example, you can look up guides like "How to overclock i7 8700k on MSI motherboard." While not exhaustive, here are a few points I recall about this board:
1. Switch to Fixed mode to guarantee the clock speed is applied uniformly across all cores.
2. The ring ratio may need to be reduced (it doesn’t have to match your clock speed).
3. Turn off EIST and turboboost—this setting should disappear automatically once you enable Fixed Mode.
4. Disable C-state and ensure High Performance plan is selected in Power Options.
5. Use Override mode to manually set your Vcore (keep it below 1.4V, ideally under 1.36V).
6. Choose LLC mode 4 to maintain stable voltage under full load; avoid setting it too high if your Vcore is low.
Beyond these tips, I’d emphasize upgrading your cooling solution. If you only have one fan on your AIO, it’s likely a 120mm model. In that case, lowering the speed to 4.0 Ghz or sticking with the stock 3.7 Ghz would be safer. 5.0 Ghz is not advisable. Consider moving up to at least 240mm or 280mm if possible in the future.
Whenever you experiment with new clock speeds, use Prime 95.5 version 26.6 and run a Small FFT test. This will help you quickly determine if you’re within safe limits (ideally under 80°C) or approaching thermal limits. For stability checks, try using ASUS RealBench.
Initially, I believe your Vcore might be too high for just a 5.0 Ghz boost (though each chip's capability varies). When adjusting CPU speed, there are several factors to consider. Depending on your motherboard, these settings may appear differently and be labeled in various ways within the BIOS. I suggest watching some YouTube tutorials to understand which parameters should remain auto or need manual adjustment. For example, you might want to look into guides like "How to overclock i7 8700k on MSI motherboard." While not exhaustive, here are a few points I recall about this board:
1. Switch to Fixed mode so the clock speed applies uniformly across all cores.
2. Lower the ring ratio (it doesn’t need to match your clock speed exactly).
3. Turn off EIST and turboboost—this setting should be hidden once you enable Fixed Mode.
4. Disable C-state and ensure High Performance plan is selected in Power Options.
5. Use Override mode to manually set your Vcore (keep it below 1.4V, ideally under 1.36).
6. Choose LLC mode 4 to maintain stable voltage under heavy load; avoid setting it too low if your voltage rises above 100%.
Beyond these tips, I’d emphasize upgrading your cooling solution. Since you mention only one fan on your AIO, it’s likely a 120mm model. If this is true, lowering the speed to 4.0 Ghz or keeping it at stock (3.7 Ghz) would be safer. Going to 5.0 Ghz isn’t advisable. Consider upgrading to a larger cooler—at least 240mm or 280mm in the future.
Whenever you change clock speeds, use Prime 95.5 version 26.6 and run a small FFT test. This will help you verify if you’re within safe limits (ideally under 80°C) or approaching thermal limits. For stability checks, try ASUS RealBench.
Thank you for the advice. My radioator is set at 240, but the case doesn’t fit it properly. I tried cutting holes to fit it and didn’t ensure proper clearance for my motherboard, leaving only one fan on the 240 radiator. 😊