The CPU receives a strong electrical boost during operation at high voltage levels.
The CPU receives a strong electrical boost during operation at high voltage levels.
Recently I've observed my CPU drawing excessive voltage (up to 1,487V) during idle. Could this be the reason my CPU can't reach OC beyond 3.8GHz and is thus affected? Specs: Asrock B450M HDV Ryzen 5 2600 Corsair Vengeance LPX 2x16 @2400MHz MSI Ventus 2x RTX 3060 12GB Corsair TX550M
This refers to VID, the voltage the CPU asks for. That value isn't the actual one being delivered. Avoid tools like HWMonitor—they often misreport readings on newer systems, particularly with Ryzen processors. Zen+ managed to handle higher voltages (around 1.43V continuously wasn’t unusual), and 1.48V is reasonable for that chip, especially during idle when current draw is low. I’d lean toward the motherboard being the issue; it’s a poor component and it’s likely the voltage regulation problems are restricting your overclocking potential, not the chip itself.
It’s not surprising a 5600X would face challenges, especially on the lowest-end boards from ASRock. The voltage regulation system there feels similar to what you’d expect. I’m not sure if Zen+ behaved differently during those overclocking sessions. From what I recall, running at 4.1GHz typically required around 1.35 to 1.4V, though my memory might be off now.