Question Noob here with a few simple overclocking queries.
Question Noob here with a few simple overclocking queries.
I've never adjusted my computer's performance settings before, but I just assembled my first machine and decided to try overclocking the CPU and RAM. I'm a bit unsure about some details. I increased my RAM's speed from its standard 2666 MHz to 3600 MHz, which matches its specifications. My CPU is the one I'm uncertain about—I have a Ryzen 7 5800X with a base clock of 3.8 GHz and aim to push it to 4.5 GHz, which is just under its maximum boost limit of 4.7 GHz. There are a couple of methods I can try, but I'm not sure which would work best. The first approach is to use the CPU core ratio setting and set it to 45, while the second involves navigating into advanced settings and selecting AMD overclocking with manual speed adjustment to 4.5 GHz. I'm not confident about either method. Additionally, I need to adjust the voltage settings, but I'm unsure which values to choose or how much to change. I understand that raising the voltage too high can cause overheating, though I'm not too concerned because my system uses custom water cooling. Also, the ASUS ROG BORD model seems to affect performance differently.
Additionally, silicon degradation leads to a shorter lifespan. Under high voltages, the CPU can fail immediately.
When working with Ryzen CPUs, adjusting the CPU ratio and core voltage is essential. This setup ensures all cores operate at the same speed, leading to increased power consumption and more heat generation. In any scenario, focus on modifying the CPU ratio and core voltage. Begin by testing with a higher voltage than what you observe, using tools like Cinebench R23 or 2024 alongside HWiNFO. Record the CPU voltage and clock speeds, starting slightly above the current readings. If the values are insufficient, tweak the clock speed until the system fails, then gradually raise the voltage in small increments, verifying stability after each change. Once a stable configuration is achieved, re-run Cinebench to confirm performance. If crashes persist, consider increasing the voltage further. Ryzens typically support up to 1.5V, but aim for around 1.45V for optimal performance.
First, with so called OC at 4.5GHz you may be loosing performance as you are preventing it from full boost. Mine boosts on all cores up to 4.78GHz and single core up to 5.05GHz.
The "trick" is in cooling so temps don't go much over 80c and proper voltage management. In my case up to 1.32v including all core Core Optimizer at -30.
Don't bother overclocking Zen3, there's not much extra performance on the table and more often or not (as has been pointed out) there is performance degradation. Fast RAM, a good quality cooler and leave Ryzen to its own devices. Besides, it's been a long time since there was any tangible reason to overclock most CPUs. A few percent of extra performance won't even be noticed day to day. Back when one could get an extra Ghz....that was a reason, but those days are long gone.
4.7GHz is the official full core boost, with a bit of luck and good cooling making even a single core higher.