Request for overclocking information on 8320 / 970GTX models and advice.
Request for overclocking information on 8320 / 970GTX models and advice.
I have some thoughts on my overclocking attempts. It seems like I should be able to boost my GPU performance even further. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! My setup began as a budget PC focused on overclocking, with several upgrades over time. Below is a summary of my configuration and outcomes.
OS Name: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
Version: 10.0.10586 Build 10586
MBO: Asus Sabertooth 990fx R2
PSU: Seasonic 620W (S12II Bronze 80+)
Processor: AMD FX-8320 Eight-Core Processor - CM 212 EVO cooler
GPU: Gigabyte-G1 970 - Driver 361.75
RAM: 16GB Hyper-X Fury 1866
SSD: Samsung 850 Pro 250gb
plus several Seagate 1TB drives
PSU fan and an additional 1x120 fan at the back for the outlet, with 2x120 inlet fans mounted on the side panel above the GPU and CPU. There’s also a plan to install another fan under the motherboard for socket cooling.
Current overclocks can be found here: http://valid.x86.fr/k2xsyp
BIOS:
AI Tweaker
CPU ratio: 21
Bus frequency: 211
PCIe frequency: 100
Memory speed: 1968mhz
CPU voltage: 1.30625v
Memory voltage: 1.175v
rest: auto
Digi + Power Control:
CPU load line: Ultra High
CPU/NB: High
CPU current capability: 130%
CPU/NB capability: 130%
Power phase: Standard
CPU Configuration:
Cool'n'quiet: Disabled
C1E: Disabled
SVM: Disabled
Core c6: Disabled
HPC: Enabled
APM master mode: Auto
CPU specs:
- Frequency: 4446MHZ - 1.308V
- Idle/browsing: 23-25°C core / 37-38°C socket
- Intelburn/Prime95: 57-58°C core / 64-65°C socket
Raising the clock leads to stability problems, and I prefer not to increase voltage anymore, as higher temps also cause instability. Unfortunately, I didn’t reach 4.5GHz, but getting a +750 MHz out of the CPU is satisfactory. Disabling HPC mode might allow pushing a bit higher, though testing would be needed.
GPU details:
- Core Voltage: +87
- Power limit: 110%
- Core clock: +120
- Memory clock: +200
- Fan speed: auto
I believe my GPU configuration (and similar setups on a 970) could use some improvements. It’s running fairly stable at 1538MHz, never hitting critical temperatures. Load is at full capacity, but power consumption caps between 87-88% (voltage and OV limits reached). Clock increases start to produce artifacts. This appears to be the highest stable clock I’ve achieved.
Benchmark link:
http://www.3dmark.com/fs/7548799
Rainbow Six: Siege
- Maxed (HD texture DLC) 1440p - 76 min, 86 avg, 114 max on benchmark
Please share your thoughts! I’d appreciate any suggestions for improvements—both in terms of hardware and general tips—for someone with a setup like mine. I’m uncertain if the CPU is outdated or if the PSU quality is affecting stability at higher clocks. Also, I’m not sure if the memory clock (1968mhz) is limiting performance. Perhaps lowering it to 1600mhz could help with stability at higher speeds.
My next PC will be Intel once the GTX 1K model becomes available at a reasonable price!
The fan under the motherboard is unnecessary. Many overclockers have tried it before, but there was no significant improvement in CPU or VRM temperatures. Skip it. You should either face memory issues or be using FSB for overclocking, as that’s not typical RAM speed. Avoid the FSB for this purpose. If you’re pushing speeds above 1866mhz, consider it risky—especially with four modules and memory clocks over 1600mhz on AMD systems. Are your modules matched (2x8GB or 4x4GB)? Did they come in a compatible set? I usually set memory to 1866mhz or use the SPD profile if available. Until recently, I ran an FX-8320 with 1866mhz Kingston Hyper X and Sabertooth 990fx boards without problems. Make sure you’re using the latest BIOS. I’ve never seen memory operate at that speed, so it’s possible your setup is the cause. This is the backup system I used previously, which closely matches your current configuration.
Darkbreeze provided several insights on overclocking setups. Many users reported no significant gains in CPU or VRM temperatures after attempting overclocks, suggesting potential issues with memory or the FSB configuration. It was noted that using only the multiplier setting might be acceptable if that is the intended approach. Problems could also stem from mismatched memory modules or high module speeds on certain platforms. The author shared their experience with AMD systems, mentioning specific module types and settings. They recommended ensuring the latest BIOS version is installed and verified compatibility between memory speeds and frequencies. Additionally, they discussed their own configuration, including a custom stress test and voltage levels, to help diagnose performance issues.
Memory performance should stem from the FSB specifications. I would revert the FSB to the standard 200 setting, adjust the CPU multiplier to 22.5 (equivalent to 4.5Ghz), and the RAM behavior should normalize. Overclocking the 990 chipset via FSB is not advisable; based on my experience, it often causes significant issues with memory, USB, northbridge, and SATA circuits. The multiplier setting remains unlocked for a valid reason, so utilize it to achieve your desired performance.
For CPU configuration, I recommend setting the multiplier to 22.5 for a 4.5Ghz output and starting with a baseline of 1.35v to assess stability. If needed, leave or adjust the memory speed to 1866mhz at 1.5v.
Regarding CPU behavior, confusion may arise, but elevated temperatures typically lead to instability rather than performance drops. Insufficient voltage when increasing the multiplier is the main culprit for instability. High temperatures can trigger throttling or thermal shutdown, not instability itself. Such overheating is usually due to excessive voltage, which should be avoided at 1.35v—especially on an FX chip—provided you have adequate case airflow and a capable cooler.
Additionally, the placement of your power supply matters. If it’s bottom-mounted, ensure the intake fan is oriented downward or directed into the case. The CPU cooler model isn’t specified here; based on the context, you might need improved case ventilation. A better exhaust solution could involve modifying the top panel or upgrading to a new case. Without proper airflow out, cooling efficiency drops significantly.
After adjusting the settings (22.5mult, 200 fsb, 1.35v) the package temperatures quickly climbed into the unsafe zone above 62 degrees, causing me to halt p95 after a few minutes. Idle temps sit between 25 and 30 degrees. (Running small FFTs, 'maximum heat') The built-in CPU-Z stress test kept me at a steady 59 degrees. Maybe I should also try intelburn. The PSU is top-mounted, and on the CPU I use a Coolermaster Hyper 212 EVO. I think my case offers good airflow despite its compact size. I have an extra 'exhaust' fan close to the PSU next to the CPU (80mm fractal fan). If anyone thinks my temps are too high, perhaps I should consider applying new thermal paste and giving the PC a bit more dusting. (It might be stuck in the cooler block again, even though I cleaned it a few weeks ago.) Update — intelburn also pushed my temps up to 62/63 before I stopped the run.
What version of Prime95 are you using? Which tool are you employing for thermal sensor measurements? With a top-mounted power supply and just one exhaust fan, I strongly suggest switching to a case with a bottom-mounted PSU and ideally including rear and front exhaust fans plus two intake fans at the front or side, or even better, front and bottom. In my view, this setup lacks the design and airflow needed for overclocking. To confirm, you can perform your tests without the side panel and use Prime95 version 26.6. Other versions may process AVX instructions and lead to overly high temperatures.
Sorry for the slow reply. I'm using p95 v28.7, which is the newest version. It's a top-mounted PSU as discussed earlier. The heat from the case is quite intense, and I'll keep this in mind when planning an upgrade for my future project! I plan to test it soon with my current setup and p95 v26 .6.