Safe maximum core voltage for i7 2600k at 4.6ghz
Safe maximum core voltage for i7 2600k at 4.6ghz
I tried overclocking my i7 2600k to 4.6ghz on a gigabyte z68xp-ud3 1.0 and found it to be only stable at 1.492vcore is it too high or am I missing something. I'm using a coolermaster hyper 212 evo.
I think my chip has one if its surface mounted resistor or capacitor chipped a little.
Dylan
,
Appreciate the note, but images aren't useful here. Intel does include signal descriptions in their LGA connection datasheets, though I haven't found any open-source schematics for the SMD components on the processor's board. Even if a missing part is identified and a replacement is available, without a suitable micro-miniature workstation, it would be impractical to solder the component using standard methods without risking damage to nearby parts.
Regarding a 2600K overclocked at 4.4 GHz acting as a bottleneck for an R9 Fury, most games are more reliant on GPU power. However, a few CPU-heavy titles could experience minor effects.
The 1.492 Vcore setting is significantly too high for a Core i 2nd Generation 32 nanometer chip. Such a large overvoltage can lead to processor wear, referred to as "Electromigration." Additionally, at this voltage during full load, the CM Hyper 212 EVO cannot keep core temperatures below 80°C, even under typical room conditions of 22°C or 72°F.
Prime95 Version 26.6 Small FFT's offers a consistent 100% workload, maintaining stable core temperatures—ideal for thermal evaluation.
• Prime95 v26.6 -
http://www.mersenneforum.org/showthread.php?t=15504
The suggested core temperature ranges are:
- 80°C Hot (100% Load)
- 75°C Warm
- 70°C Warm (Heavy Load)
- 60°C Normal
- 50°C Normal (Standard)
- 40°C Medium Load
- 30°C Cool (Idle)
Recommended Vcore limits include:
-> Core i
7th Gen 14nm ... 1.400 Vcore
6th Gen 14nm ... 1.400 Vcore
5th Gen 14nm ... 1.400 Vcore
4th Gen 22nm ... 1.300 Vcore
3rd Gen 22nm ... 1.300 Vcore
2nd Gen 32nm ... 1.350 Vcore
Previous (1st) Gen 45nm ... 1.400 Vcore
Core 2
Legacy 45nm ... 1.400 Vcore
Legacy 65nm ... 1.500 Vcore
When adjusting near the upper overclock limit, note that a 100 MHz increase typically requires about 50 millivolts (0.050) to preserve stability. If a further 75 to 100 millivolts or more is needed for another stable 100 MHz boost, it indicates the processor has exceeded its safe limits.
With strong air or liquid cooling, you may surpass the Vcore threshold before reaching 80°C. With weaker cooling solutions, you’ll hit 80°C sooner. In any case, stop once you reach your target and achieve success.
Keep overclocking within realistic bounds. The gap between 4.5 GHz and 4.6 GHz is only 2.3%, which doesn’t meaningfully affect overall performance. Pushing beyond the suggested core voltage and temperature limits isn’t justified to gain a few more MHz.
Mate just attempted a 4.4ghz 1.300 llc lvl6 but couldn't lower it further. It crashed when set to 1.295 llc lvl6. Could be related to the chipped surface-mounted part. I haven't tried 4.5ghz yet.
I wouldn't take those "recommended vcore" and "recommended temps" at face value. A case in point is 7700k, where the highest recommended temperature from Intel is 100ºC, and the chart claims 80ºC is too extreme for any CPU... On the other hand, 2600k has a maximum of 72ºC, but if you stick to the 80ºC limit, your CPU could be damaged—likely it will shut down to avoid harm. Every processor has its own boundaries...
I own a 2600k since 2011, used it at 4ghz until 2015 when I upgraded to a raijintek themis evo... Since 2015, I've run it at 4.6ghz with 1.404v and everything is functioning perfectly.
I think a voltage above 1.492v is risky, especially if you're targeting just 4.6ghz. In my view, anything under 1.45v is safe for continuous use, but also keep an eye on your temperatures—if it reaches close to 70ºC during stress tests, consider reducing both the vcore and possibly the frequency.
Dylan Young: Specht77 I'm running my i7 2600k at 4.4 with 1.300 with lvl6 llc. I also tried 1.295 with lvl6 llc but it would crash on desktop. Do you reckon the chipped off resistor at the bottom of the cpu is to blame? Dylan, There's no short "yes" or "no" answer to your question. Without knowing precisely which component has been damaged or "chipped off", and without consulting a schematic diagram to determine how that missing component would affect specific circuits in a processor with 1.16 billion transistors, I couldn't speculate. However, integrated circuits are often designed with redundancies and can still sometimes function correctly with an open or missing component. Regardless, since your 2600K is still working, it's lower than average overclocking ability may or may not be related to a missing component. Keep in mind that no two processors are identical; each processor is unique in voltage tolerance, thermal behavior and overclocking potential, which is often referred to as the "silicon lottery" or luck of the draw. It's possible that your particular CPU is simply in the lower percentile of 2600K samples, which is unfortunate for you. Some people get the good ones, and some people get the not-so-good ones. As a former 2700K owner, and builder of several overclocked Core i7 and i5 Second Generation Sandy Bridge rigs, the average overclock is about 4.6 GHz. My particular CPU sample required 1.335 Vcore to reach a stable 4.7 GHz overclock at 77°C with a large single tower air cooler. That's just one example; not bad, but only the upper 2% of 2700K's / 2600K's could reach 5.0 GHz at about 1.375 Vcore. Also, the difference between 1.295 and 1.300 Vcore (5 millivolts or 0.005 volts) typically isn't enough to significantly affect stability. In my previous post I mentioned that when tweaking your processor near it's highest overclock, keep in mind that for an increase of 100 MHz, a corresponding increase of about 50 millivolts (0.050 volts) is needed to maintain stability. If 75 to 100 millivolts or more is needed for the next stable 100 MHz increase, it means your processor is overclocked beyond it's capability. I suggest that you use Vcore increments larger than 0.005, such as 0.025 to more quickly find initial stability at a given clock speed. You can then fine tune Vcore using 10 millivolt (0.010) increments. Specht77: I wouldn't believe blindly those "recommended vcore" and "recommended temps" One example is 7700k, the max recommended temp from intel is 100ºC, and that "chart" says that 80ºC is too hot for any CPU... While 2600k has a max temp is 72ºC, if you follow the max 80ºC, you will damage your CPU (it probably will turn itself off to prevent damage) Each CPU has their limits... I have a 2600k since 2011, used it @ 4ghz up to 2015, when I bought a raijintek themis evo... Since 2015 I'm using it @ 4.6ghz with 1.404v and it's working flawlessly I agree that 1.492v is too high, specially if you're trying just 4.6ghz In my opnion, anything below 1.45v is safe for 24/7, but remember also to check for your temps, if it's anything near 70ºC while stress testing I suggest lowering more your vcore (and probably your frequency also) Specht77, On behalf of Tom's Moderator Team, welcome aboard! At the top of all our Forums are "Stickies", which are informative Threads that are permanently "Stuck" in place so they're always available as reference material for everyone's benefit. Near the top of the CPU's Forum you'll see this Sticky: Intel Temperature Guide - I suggest that you give it a read... because respectfully, like most users, you are misinformed concerning Intel's Thermal Specifications, which are very confusing at best, so don't feel singled out. Here's why: Tcase Specifications are factory only measurements on the surface of the Integrated Heat Spreader, so Tcase is not Core temperature, which is about 5°C higher on CPU's with a soldered Integrated Heat Spreader. Tcase values are also calculated based on stock cooler TDP and processor TDP. Cooler models with different TDP values are packaged with different TDP processors. Several Generations of Quad Core CPU's at 77, 84, 88 and 95 Watts were packaged with a universal 95 Watt cooler. 6th and 7th Generation i5 and i7 "K" processors are 91 Watts, but the cooler is 130 Watts and is sold separately: Intel’s Skylake Cooler - http://vr-zone.com/articles/this-is-what...97189.html Compared below are three Intel processor / cooler combinations with respect to TDP and Tcase Specifications: Example 1: i7 2700K 95 Watts TDP / Cooler 95 Watts TDP / Difference 0 Watts / Tcase 72 °C. Example 2: i7 3770K 77 Watts TDP / Cooler 95 Watts TDP / Difference 18 Watts / Tcase 67 °C. Example 3: i7 6700K 91 Watts TDP / Cooler 130 Watts TDP / Difference 39 Watts / Tcase 64 °C. The higher the cooler TDP is from the processor TDP, the lower the Tcase Specification, just as when the stock cooler is replaced with a higher TDP aftermarket cooler, Core temperatures are lower. Tcase is based on different combinations of stock coolers and CPU's, which is why Specifications vary. The examples above suggest the 6700K is less thermally capable than the 2700K, which is misleading, because the 6700K has a higher Throttle temperature (2700K 98°C, 6700K 100°C). As you're aware, Intel changed the Thermal Specification for 7th Generation Desktop processors from Tcase to Tjunction (Tj Max), which standardizes Desktop and Mobile (laptop) Specifications. Intel's long overdue change signifies that Tj Max has always been the limiting Thermal Specification; not Tcase. Also, Intel still provides the Tcase Thermal Specification for the 7700K in their Datasheets, and the 6700K and 7700K both have exactly the same Tcase and Tj Max values. Although Intel's Tcase Thermal Specification for the 2700K / 2600K is 72°C, Intel's Tj Max Specification is 98°C, so once again, Tj Max is the limiting Thermal Specification; not Tcase. Consequently, operating the 2600K at Core temperatures of 80°C is not exceedingly hot. Tj Max Specifications vary from 80°C to 105°C. Some processors Throttle at 80°C, while others become unstable over 80°C. Core i 6th and 7th Generation CPU's have Configurable TDP (cTDP) and Scenario Design Power (SDP) which can trigger Throttling as low as 80°C. Although most processors Throttle at 100°C (212°F), it’s not advisable to push your CPU to the thermal limit, just as you wouldn't operate a vehicle with the temperature gauge pegged in the red “hot” zone. If your hottest Core is within a few degrees of Throttle temperature, your CPU is already too hot. The consensus among highly experienced and well informed system builders and overclockers, is that cooler is better for ultimate stability, performance and longevity. As such, all agree it's wise to observe a reasonable thermal limit below Tj Max. So regardless of your rig's environmental conditions, system configuration, workloads or any other variables, sustained Core temperatures above 80°C aren't recommended. Concerning Vcore; as a rule, CPU's become more susceptible to Electromigration with each Die-shrink. The exception is Intel's 14 nanometer Microarchitecture, where advances in FinFET technology have improved voltage tolerance. I realize that some users may consider the Vcore table I posted to be a bit on the conservative side for certain variants. However, since most folks work hard for the money to buy CPU's, (not all of which are created equal), out of respect for their labors, and as a Moderator and author, I can not in good conscience responsibly suggest that it's OK to run their processors at higher than recommended Vcore settings. I'm sure you can appreciate this position. CT
Dylan
,
Appreciate the note, but images aren't useful here. Intel does include signal descriptions in their LGA connection datasheets, yet I haven't found any open-source diagrams for the SMD components on the processor's board. Moreover, even if a missing part is identified and a replacement is acquired, without a suitable micro-miniature workstation, it's impractical to solder the component using standard methods without risking damage to nearby parts.
Regarding a 2600K overclocked at 4.4 GHz acting as a bottleneck for an R9 Fury, most games are more reliant on GPU power, though some CPU-heavy titles could see minor effects. Still, remember that your 2600K with all cores running at 4.4 GHz remains a solid performer, matching a 4770K with all cores overclocked to 4.0 GHz. The gap between 4.4 and 4.6 GHz is just 4.5%, which could be noticeable in tests but wouldn't significantly affect overall system performance.
Just wiped everything off the CPU socket (figured out why it got so dirty), and it really improved things. Now the CPU is running at 1.280 with an LLC level 6, hitting a max vcore of 1.350 at 4.4ghz. Who would've thought cleaning the socket would make such a difference?