Question Overclocking the i5 4690k won't go very far
Question Overclocking the i5 4690k won't go very far
Hi.
I've been testing my old i5 4690K and managed to stabilize it at 4.3 GHz with a voltage of 1.26V. I'm aiming for 4.5 GHz and have heard some users achieving that at around 1.2V. My CPU seems really sensitive to voltage changes—at 1.34V it won't even boot Windows at 4.5Ghz. I'm not very experienced with this stuff and don't want to risk overclocking too much. If it can't boot at 1.34V, it probably needs a voltage between 1.36 and 7V for stability. Could those voltages be too high for my CPU? Yes, cooling is a big factor and I just installed a new Corsair H115i Pro today, which hasn't performed well. Currently, the idle temperature at 4.3 GHz is around 45°C, and I'm running all cores at full speed.
Start by ignoring the attempts to measure online performance.
Most people don’t share failures or average outcomes, so you’re focusing on the top .1%. Also, online dishonesty is common [gasp]. I’ve frequently found video evidence or posts with hidden details that clash with what they claim. Treat every piece of information skeptically.
Next, when it comes to overclocking, have you confirmed stability at 4.3Ghz/1.26v? Consider running a RealBench stress test, using at least half your memory capacity for 30 minutes. Does the system run smoothly without needing to downclock (monitor with HWiNFO64)?
I recently came across your post and shared my opinions and details. I own an i5-3570K, and after setting up my new system, I've been experimenting with overclocking. I searched YouTube and collected insights from others. I watched a video demonstrating how to overclock an i7-3770 using an Asus P8Z77 motherboard, which is the same one I'm using. The experience revealed several important adjustments.
It's not just about tweaking the ratio and CPU voltage. If you're using an Asus board, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcOOMqZycHE. There are also more parts available, including a part 2 and part 3.
Another useful resource is found here: https://www.overclock.net/forum/5-i...dg...oards.html. Before watching the video or reading the site, I invested significant time fine-tuning CLCK/PEG frequency and CPU ratio limits—rebooting multiple times. Reaching 4.8 GHz was my first success, but stability issues arose. Under stress testing with CPU-Z, temperatures exceeded 95°C, and I avoided using AIDA64 due to its intensity.
After watching the video, I followed all the steps demonstrated, and my 3570K finally hit 4.9GHz—the highest it ever reached. I tried 5.0GHz around ten times, but it always triggered a BSOD. Eventually, I settled on 4.9GHz. Since you're using a Corsair H115i Pro, I noted that my model is the H60 120mm 2013 version from the first generation Hydro series AIO. It lacks a built-in fan, so I used an EK Furious Vardar FF-5 (3000rpm). At 4.9GHz it ran at full volume, like a vacuum cleaner, but the CPU never reached 5.0GHz. Some sources claim the chip can hit 7.2GHz in liquid hydrogen, but that's highly unlikely for daily use.
Achieving maximum clock speed isn't enough; stability matters too. When I reached 4.9GHz, I was disappointed because it wasn't a stable speed. The VCore of 1.40 was essential for progress. CPU LLC had to be set to Extreme mode—otherwise the chip wouldn't go that high. The temperatures were extremely high in the first 30 seconds, reaching over 100°C.
Overclocking success is like a lottery—it depends on the batch number you received. Your model isn’t lucky; the stable speed is around 4.5GHz with cores at about 90°C. If you use a 240mm H115i Pro, temperature isn't the main issue. Try enabling PPL Overvoltage and adjusting CPU LLC to manage heat.
Good luck!
This is my current result at 4.7GHz/1.25V. I'm stress-testing it with CPU-Z. With a CPU that's one generation newer than mine, you should be able to achieve similar results easily.
Wetles89, Each processor differs; no two are the same in terms of voltage limits, heat management, and overclocking capability, a phenomenon often called the "silicon lottery". Overclocking is constrained by two main aspects: voltage and temperature. The standard operating range for core temperatures is clearly defined: Temperatures exceeding 85°C should be avoided. Temperatures below 80°C are considered optimal. Changes in core speed (in MHz) lead to corresponding shifts in core voltage (Vcore) to ensure stability. However, using automatic settings for overclocking isn't advised, as it forces a much higher voltage than necessary, unnecessarily raising power consumption and heat output. Therefore, manual Vcore adjustments in the BIOS are strongly encouraged. Processors that have been overclocked with higher voltages can exceed their rated TDP by over 50%, making robust cooling essential. Each microarchitecture has a specific "Maximum Recommended Vcore". For instance, it's crucial to note that 22nm 3rd and 4th generation chips cannot handle the elevated core voltages of other architectures. Below are the maximum recommended core voltages for microarchitectures ranging from 14 to 65 nanometers since 2006: We understand that prolonged exposure to excessive voltage and heat can harm electronic components. When manually adjusting Vcore in BIOS, too high a voltage and temperature may trigger accelerated "electromigration". These tiny components within processors are prone to wear and performance loss over time. Even if your initial overclock works well, gradual degradation becomes evident later—manifesting as more frequent blue-screen errors that signal growing instability. The longer the sustained high voltage and heat, the sooner transistor wear will destabilize your overclock. Reducing overclock and Vcore can temporarily bring stability back and slow further decline. Excessive overvoltage may lead to immediate degradation, but a well-planned overclock can remain stable for years. Each microarchitecture follows its own "Degradation Curve". Typically, CPUs become more vulnerable to electromigration and performance loss with each die-shrink. However, Intel's 14nm architecture stands out due to advancements in FinFET technology that enhance voltage tolerance. The degradation curves for 22nm 3rd and 4th gen processors differ notably from those of 14nm 5th through 9th generations: Degradation Curves are based on the term "Vt (voltage threshold)", measured in millivolts. Monitoring Vt shifts is not possible. From an overclocking perspective, Vt shift indicates a risk of permanent performance drop. Very high core voltages cause excessive power draw, raising temperatures during intensive tasks, which accelerates Vt shift over time. Voltages that cause significant Vt shifts should be avoided. When fine-tuning near the upper limit of your overclock, remember that for every 100 MHz increase, you may need about a 50 mV (0.050) rise in core voltage to maintain stability. If a further 70 mV or more is required for the next stable 100 MHz boost, it suggests the processor has surpassed its safe operating range. With premium cooling solutions, you might hit the Vcore threshold before reaching 85°C. With basic cooling, you'll reach this limit around 85°C. In either case, stop at the point where thermal limits are reached. Detailed guidance is available in Sections 10 through 12. Keep overclocking within context. For instance, a jump from 4.5 GHz to 4.6 GHz represents less than a 2.3% difference—negligible for overall performance. Pushing beyond recommended voltage and temperature thresholds isn't justified just to gain marginal speed. CPU Overclocking Guide and Tutorial for Beginners - https://forums. Intel Temperature Guide - https://forums.