temperatures using i5 6600k at base clock with a h100i gtx water cooler
temperatures using i5 6600k at base clock with a h100i gtx water cooler
I recently received the H100i GTX cooler for my CPU. When I first powered on my PC, the temperature was about 19°C and it remained stable until I restarted the computer. After restarting, it rose to around 25°C at idle and reached 40°C during Prime95 and full load tests. Are these temperatures acceptable? Can I improve them? Also, I’m considering starting overclocking but don’t know where to begin with the clock speed or if Intel’s overclock warranty is worth the cost for $25. Thanks,
Sincerely, a console noob who just switched to PC
When you open it up, the display will clearly show the readings. I usually rely on hottest core, which is placed in my start bar. It starts automatically and can be minimized if needed.
Though those temperatures might seem unrealistic, sometimes the actual readings aren't precise. If you notice cores at 14,17 etc., add 10 for a more accurate measurement. Think of the load temps as likely being in the 50s rather than the 40s—this is completely normal for a 240/280mm AIO.
25C idle performance is excellent. Verify core temperatures with software such as HWMonitor or HWInfo 64. Also, ensure prime95 version 26 is installed. Refer to the guide at for temperature recommendations. For overclocking, proceed if desired; expect speeds between 4.5 to 5Ghz based on CPU performance. Begin by setting the CPU voltage to manual mode at 1.2v and multiplier at 4.5GHz. If it boots into Windows, increase clock slightly; if not, reduce the multiplier. From there, adjust voltage around 0.05V per 100MHz additional. Adding more voltage indicates you're near the limit. Further overclocking is possible but usually needs higher voltages, which may affect daily use. Keep final voltage below 1.4v. This should help you stay on track (Skylake behavior is similar).
yes, starting at 1.2v to boot is acceptable. it mainly shows the CPU performance level. for stress testing, it should be higher. my 4770K operates at [email protected], but around 4.6 it needs nearly 1.4v.
Notes: 25C idle is excellent. You should monitor the core temperature using software such as SW (HWMonitor or HWInfo 64). Also, ensure Prime95 version 26 is installed. Refer to this guide: For overclocking, you may proceed if desired, aiming for speeds between 4.5 to 5Ghz based on your CPU's performance. Begin by setting the CPU voltage to 1.2v manual and the multiplier to 4.5GHz. If the system boots into Windows, increase the clock slightly; if not, reduce the multiplier. From there, adjust the voltage—approximately 0.05V for every additional 100MHz. If you need more voltage, it means you've reached the limit. Further overclocking is possible but usually demands higher voltages, which isn't ideal for regular use. Keep the final voltage below 1.4v. This serves as a reference (Skylake behaves similarly) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-oAf2tVDcg Notes: Yes, starting at 1.2v for booting is acceptable—it just shows how well your CPU handles load. For stress testing, try higher values; my 4770K operates at [email protected], but 4.6GHz needs nearly 1.4v. I checked my core temperatures at idle: core #0 17°C, #1 20°C, #2 14°C, #3 18°C, and the package lists 22°C.
Every CPU demands unique voltage settings, but you need a starting point. I prefer to begin from the higher side. I’ll begin at 1.4v and conduct stability checks as I increase the multiplier and use different components. Temperature isn’t my priority yet. I’ll continue until I reach a point where nothing improves stability. Then I’ll reduce the multiplier, revert to the last known stable setting, and gradually lower the voltage until it stabilizes at its lowest safe level. This approach should help me achieve the best performance with the least power consumption. My i7-3770K runs smoothly at 1.32v for 4.9GHz at 72°C, achieving a p95 of 26.6 on Kraken X61. At 1.108v for 4.3GHz, my i5-3570k performs at 1.114v, which is also its maximum overclock limit. Running it at 4.4GHz even at 1.45v would likely cause instability. Several reports mention 1.4v as a safe threshold for stability at standard speeds.
What one CPU interprets as too high can vary greatly depending on the specific model.
$25 offers basic protection. You weigh this against the risk of damaging the CPU. Since I lack extensive overclocking experience, that risk is significantly higher than someone with more practice. It’s an investment we make, just in case it’s needed.
Just a note, what's the room temperature? I need to make sure my CPU stays between 3 and 7 degrees above the ambient, even though I have an older 4770K that's been overclocked.