Question Overclocking i5 4690k on Gigabyte H97 Gaming 3 need help
Question Overclocking i5 4690k on Gigabyte H97 Gaming 3 need help
I performed thermal tests using Intel burn test at high intensity for 15 minutes, and my CPU never exceeded 55 degrees Celsius. I plan to conduct a stress test for an hour with Realbench, and if that succeeds, I'll extend it to 8 hours. Thanks for the assistance!
It seems the setup might still have issues, as IntelBurnTest didn't perform well in the past and sometimes overrode voltage settings. You could try Prime95 V26.6 or disable AVX with Small FFT for a short period. A 15-minute liquid cooling session isn't sufficient to thoroughly assess the stability of your overclock.
Testing thermal performance
When you reach the Windows desktop, the first action is to launch HWinfo (limited to sensors) or CoreTemp and observe your core and package temperatures. At idle, your core temperatures should remain below 40°C, ideally in the mid to low 30s. This value will change depending on the room temperature; in a warm space without air conditioning, you might see closer to 40°C. For cooler environments, expect readings around the low 30s. Unless your idle temps exceed 40°C significantly, they won’t be meaningful. Extremely high idle temperatures usually point to a cooling issue such as an improperly installed CPU cooler, incorrect core voltage, or related power problems. If you suspect this, try using HWinfo or CoreTemp again.
If idle temperatures are normal, keep your monitoring tool open and execute Prime95 (version 26.6 or newer). Select the Small FFT option (not "Smallest FFT") and let it run for 15 minutes. For the latest Prime95 versions (29.8 or higher), ensure AVX and AVX2 are disabled in the main settings. Disabling AVX2 will then allow you to disable AVX. If your core or package temperatures rise above 80°C on Intel or AMD Ryzen systems, click the "Test" menu at the top of the Prime95 window and choose "stop" or "exit". Avoid just clicking the "X" button—it won’t halt the stress test, only reduce its intensity.
You must select "Stop" or "Exit" from the TEST menu at the top left to terminate the stress test.
Stability evaluation
If you successfully complete thermal compliance, proceed with stability testing. It’s crucial not to compromise on thoroughness. Avoid settling for short durations or minimal checks; even brief tests can mask serious issues. Running a stress test for 15 minutes is essential. Do not skip this step, as it ensures long-term reliability.
Do not compromise on accuracy. Unstable CPU or memory setups can severely damage your OS, game files, or file system components, rendering them unusable. Stability testing is equally vital, regardless of your system’s intended use. Prolonged instability may harm both software and hardware.
Carry out the tests for the recommended duration, never cutting corners. This approach protects you from future complications.