Sure, I can help with CPU overclocking. Let me know what you need!
Sure, I can help with CPU overclocking. Let me know what you need!
Hello, I have an i5-4670K CPU paired with a Hyper 212X cooler, an Asrock RX 7800 XT Challenger OC GPU, a Gigabyte Z87X-U3 motherboard, BIOS version F10b, Corsair RAM 4x4GB @1600MHz dual channel, and a Crucia MX 500 500GB SSD. My CPU feels like it's been around for a while. I haven't overclocked before, but now I'm trying to boost its performance slightly. I set the Vcore to 1.220V and used a 42 ratio with Turboboost on all four cores. Should I stick with a fixed ratio instead of disabling Turboboost so my CPU always runs at around 4.2GHz? I didn't want to keep pushing it to max frequency constantly. However, I'm encountering uncorrectable errors and a clock watchdog timeout during startup or shortly after. Are these issues connected to overclocking? Also, should I lower my RAM speed to 1330MHz for better stability? It's currently running at 1600MHz in dual channel with XMP enabled. Updated: November 19, 2023 by EzioWar
On most boards, enabling Turbo Boost is necessary to overclock, although some Gigabyte models allow you to disable it. It doesn’t really matter which setting you choose, though keeping it on works fine. A 4670K typically runs at around 1.22V, which is low—my machine often stayed above 1.4V. For higher speeds like 4.7GHz, you might need to boost the voltage to 4.7GHz if your chip isn’t very stable.
You should consider an upgrade, though it won’t be costly. Used Ryzen 3600(x) models range from $50 to $60, while the 5600(x) sits between $80 and $100. Used B3/450 units are around $50, and a new 2x16 RAM kit is about $50. Overclocking to roughly 3800 is feasible.
Regarding your CPU configuration, set the vcore to 1.35v, enable LLC off, use a ratio of 46 across all cores, and disable exit bios. For stress testing, use Prime95 with the smallest FFTs, gradually increasing frequency and voltage until the TIM under the IHS becomes the bottleneck. This usually means cutting the adhesive from the IHS with a thin razor, cleaning it off, and replacing it with liquid metal. Then reseal using silicone-based adhesive like gasket maker or builders silicon.
For CPU overclocking, Haswell offers excellent IMC performance, so also consider boosting RAM speeds. It’s quite straightforward to achieve high-frequency DDR3 operation. Just send a screenshot showing the RAM label and a photo of the board with the TIM exposed.
A bare minimum around $2400 should suffice, aiming for $2800–3200 depending on configuration. The 4x4 setup may hit board limits due to clock constraints, but 3000+ should work with 4GB or more RAM and high-speed modules. If you’re using Samsung, expect performance to plateau around 2400 unless you use dual 2GB DRAM. For Hyundai, the IMC is strong, so overclocking RAM speeds should be manageable.
Keep in mind that voltage limits are mainly set by the RAM; once you exceed ~1.6–1.8V, scaling stops. You can generally keep around 1.6–1.8V for ~3000 DDR3 with 4GB modules. The 3600+ range is achievable with the right components and tuning.
Thanks a lot. My RAM is a 4GB Corsair Vengeance CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9. It's running at 1600MHz (stock), dual channel, 1.5V with XM P enabled.
Please share the thaiphoon burner screen or version info so I can check the configuration. This will help confirm whether it's a proper 4x4 setup or a mix of 2x4 units.
Are you certain you're getting the files from the official source? Here’s the download link. I’m unsure about the differences between freeware and shareware, but I’ll go with freeware since it seems more stable. Since the two kits were combined, please send me four screenshots of each to check. It shouldn’t be too much of a problem if there are just minor revisions, as all Hynix 4Gbit files can handle over 3000 and Samsung 4Gbit files are generally average. Mixing Hynix and Samsung will definitely pose a challenge for OC, especially since Samsung is likely the biggest hurdle. Plus, you’ll need to run two or more virtual machines to get them to perform well, and they’re not great at clock speed either—ask me how I know!
It doesn't matter how bad the files are, it still runs like garbage. I have around 3100 MHz with some basic 1GB Samsung sticks (M378B2873GB0, 1Gbit G die). It might get even better if my i7-930 hits an IMC limit. Here are some timing details: Looks like 4GB Hynix should handle roughly 3000 MHz at 12-14-15 around 1.65V. That means pushing beyond 1.8V probably won't help much, since the CL doesn't really affect performance. I don’t think you should aim for more than 2.2V just for daily use based on my Hynix specs—it seems to hold up better at 2.3-2.5V. Newer boards are pretty weak and usually don’t tolerate big voltage swings much. Probably won’t last well above 2400V, unless you run some real tests. If you skip checking the files, just use some basic timing like 12-14-15 in CMD 2T, leave other options on, and see what you get. For voltages, a jump of about +0.1 VCC is a good starting point. Aim for around 1.45V max, then check if it scales. If it doesn’t, they’re likely Hynix chips, and you should stick to around 1.6V or less.
According to Reddit thats 2gbit nanyas which is pretty apparent by the stick being double sided Yea i have absolutely no clue as to how nanya ddr3 clock but someone seems to have tested that particular ram and it couldnt hit 2400 which is pretty depressing Welp this is exactly why i dont buy generic heatspreader rams cause they come with random ics and they have a price markup, but atleast with corsair you can just ask for a pic of the label to know what particular ic incase it happens to be a good one since non oem bare pcbs tend to have better pcbs which doesnt really matter till you start hitting higher clocks (quite abit past 3000 ddr3) What about the second kit of ram? Id assume that has a diff version number so maybe its something thatll actually clock