The 8700k OC model can handle Prime95 small FFT CPU temperatures up to a certain point.
The 8700k OC model can handle Prime95 small FFT CPU temperatures up to a certain point.
Hello everyone,
This is my first PC build. I’ve installed an OC on the 8700k to reach 4.7ghz. The setup includes a Dark Rock 3 cooler, an Asus ROG STRIX Z370e, 16GB DDR4 RAM at 2333mhz, a 250GB SSD, a 2TB 7200rpm HDD, and an EVGA GTX 1080 sc. I’m really looking forward to it (EXCITED!!!).
MCE is off, the vcore is set in the BIOS at 1.235 (VDOOP drops to 1.216 under load), and LLC is enabled because of unusual Vdroop behavior. CPU benchmark peaks at 67°C, while the XTU stress test reaches 65-68°C. Prime95 26.6 Small FFT will average temperatures between 83-85°C, and CPU idle stays around 26-30°C.
To achieve stable 4.8ghz performance with Prime95 small FFT, I’d need a vcore between 1.27 and 1.28, but those temps for small FFT would be much higher (90-93°C). Other stress tests and Prime95 blends are more manageable.
My question is: based on this data, should I:
A. keep at 4.7ghz with acceptable temperatures, or
B. push up to 4.8ghz and accept higher small FFT temps, which might not be possible in other programs?
Thanks for your patience, everyone!
Unless you're using a 144 Hz monitor at 1080P, you're probably constrained by your GPU if you're playing most games. Extra CPU clock speeds won't make much difference... If your work relies on CPU performance, the situation changes. However, even an 8700K chip, running at normal speeds (especially with MCE enabled), isn't expected to be surpassed soon. It might take 3 to 5 years before it's commonly called just 'adequate' for gaming. For instance, Battlefield 1 can only run smoothly at 135-140 fps with current GPUs at 1080P, and the 8700K lags behind the 7700K by 2-3 fps due to GPU limitations.
Unless you're using a 144 Hz monitor at 1080P, you're probably constrained by your GPU if you're playing most games. Extra CPU clock speeds won't make much difference... If your work relies on CPU speed for timing or outcomes, that changes the game. For instance, Battlefield 1 can only run smoothly at 135-140 fps with current GPUs at full resolution, and the 8700K lags behind the 7700K by 2-3 fps due to GPU limitations. I'm not trying to overclock for more speed; the jump from 4.7ghz to 5ghz doesn't matter much. What matters is how far I can safely push the system without issues.
It's not about pushing performance for more speed. I understand the gap between 4.7ghz and 5ghz isn't huge, but I'm curious how much I can safely increase things without damaging the hardware.
ROFL :lol:
I do it to see what's possible within safe limits. Overclocking gives me extra gains beyond just games that rely on graphics cards. Even for CPU-dependent titles like Flight Simulator 10, a 6-core processor can deliver big improvements—especially if you manage the heat well. The difference between 4.7ghz and 5ghz on the 8700K is noticeable, as long as it stays stable.
It’s not about pushing performance for its own sake. I’m just curious how much I can safely increase things without risking damage.
ROFL :lol:
I overclock to see what’s possible without breaking anything. The jump from 4.7ghz to 5ghz isn’t huge, but I want to understand the limits.
There’s a real difference between 4.7ghz and 5ghz on the 8700K, especially if you manage heat so the CPU doesn’t overheat itself.
For my main purpose, keeping things steady at around 83°C in small FFTs is what keeps me at 4.7ghz. You’re the first to suggest focusing on overclocking, so feel free to jump in and answer my original question.
Do you think going up to 4.8ghz means it’s okay to accept temps in the late 80s to early 90s, as long as they stay manageable outside of gaming?
I’ve found two perspectives:
A. Stability above FFT is key, but temps could reach 90 on a solid chip—just as long as everything else works.
B. Stability above FFT must remain stable, but you should aim for reasonable temps to allow room for future upgrades.
Concerning A and B, standard applications won't raise temperatures significantly compared to the stress testing results; you should focus on using the most demanding applications to identify where your temperatures peak. Then determine the appropriate actions—my application temperatures are currently around 40°C, which is acceptable for a 5GHz OC of my 8700K.
4Ryan6 shared his experience with A and B applications. He mentioned that regular use won't significantly raise temperatures beyond what stress testing shows, and he recommends using the most demanding apps to check actual performance. He noted his current temps are around 40°C for a 5GHz OC on his 8700K, which is acceptable. He adjusted a screw on his CPU's backplate, lowering temperatures by about 5°C. Recent tests show average package temps between 77-78°C at 4.7GHz, with idle temps in the mid to high 60s. He found that pushing to 4.8GHz without freezing the Intel XTU benchmark would need a 1.285 vCore, raising temps by roughly 10 degrees—something he isn't ready to do now. He plans to stick with 4.7GHz for now and consider custom builds later, possibly using unused space in his system. He also mentioned a deli option if he can handle the heat. Thanks for your advice.