SandyBridge OC guidelines
SandyBridge OC guidelines
Hello, I'm seeking some practical suggestions based on what I've seen. Since I don't have much experience, your advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to maximize my CPU performance. The system specs are: ASUS P8Z68-V PRO, i7-2600K 3.4GHz with Deepcool Maelstrom 120T cooler, GTX 970 4GB, 4x Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1600MHz 4GB RAM, Antec HCG-900W PSU, voltage set at 1365V, DRAMV to 1.5, multiplier at 45, VRM at 350, LLC at ultra high. I'm aiming for a max temperature of 90-94°C using IntelBurntest (high).
The temperature is a bit higher than ideal, isn't it? There might be some room for adjusting the core voltage, maybe? (Core voltage really impacts heat near the top of its range...; some assumptions about it growing faster than voltage squared, etc.) It could also help to compare this temperature with other 2600K models running at similar speeds but using different coolers—your unit might be handling it a bit differently. Smaller AIOs are more prone to thermal runaway, where warmer fluid cools the system, causing a feedback loop of higher temperatures.
90-94C is a bit too warm, isn't it? There might be some room for adjusting the core voltage, maybe? (Core voltage really impacts heat near the top of its range...; some assumptions about it growing faster than voltage squared, etc.) You could also check if this temperature matches other 2600K models running at similar speeds but with different coolers—your unit might just be handling it a bit better. Smaller AIOs are prone to thermal runaway, where hotter fluid cools the system, causing more heat...
I don't know if this is true or not, but i heard maxing out the LLC is bad. It can cause vboost that isn't recorded by monitoring software, from what I've heard of other overclockers, having a little bit of vdroop is actually a good thing.
With Sandy Bridge, you should be able to hit at least 4.8ghz I think on cheap coolers. Are you sure you have the cooler installed properly?
Yeah, I think that's right. Boost the CPU header and set the radiator fan on the chassis header. Using the radiator as an exhaust makes sense because it doesn't reach the front of my case.
Running RealTemp helped me lower the max temps to 87-90°C. The 1365Vcore manual looks like the lowest voltage I can use without BSOD at startup or under stress.
Airflow might be a factor—currently I have two intakes and about 20 CFM positive airflow.
Edit: I've adjusted offsets from 0.015 to 0.040, but still getting BSODs.
purchased a 280mm radiator cooler, currently at 4.8 stable, 1472v with +0.155 offset. core temps span 76-81c during full load and 29-33c idle. lowered llc to 110% and set cpu to 120%, sealed the deal. thanks.