This is my initial CPU overclocking adventure!
This is my initial CPU overclocking adventure!
Hello everyone!
I just updated my i7-6700k for the first time! I overclocked it to 4.4Ghz and kept the voltage at auto. The CPU cooler is the NZXT Kraken x41!
Prime95 has been running for around 30 minutes now. The maximum temperature on the package is 71°C, and one of the cores is also stable around 60-65°C. It's holding steady, not exceeding 1.260V.
How did I do? Are these results satisfactory?
Thanks in advance!
LightningKill
In simple terms, keep all voltages on auto and begin increasing the multiplier. Observe the resulting vcore. Up to 1.4 works fine. The naming conventions on motherboards will vary. However, you aim to enable speed step or C1e. This might need adaptive voltage control or a similar approach. Your goal is for the CPU to reduce the multiplier and voltage during idle or low activity.
It seems like you're suggesting a few adjustments. The best approach would be to gradually reduce the voltage one by one, aiming for the lowest stable voltage that keeps the CPU functioning well, which will help improve temperatures and extend the processor's lifespan.
Initially, prime95 is a challenging benchmark that skips standard commands. One possibility is using OCCT, which will halt the test at 85°C. In real scenarios you'll notice less impact. A temperature of 70°C is acceptable. Ensure your AIO cooler receives adequate fresh air to perform effectively. Your performance appears satisfactory, and the straightforward AUTO voltage setting is appreciated. Your success largely depends on obtaining a quality chip. As of May 2016, the percentage capable of overclocking at a reasonable 1.40v Vcore ranges from 2% to 100%. For the I7-6700K, the chances are 4.9%, 17%, 59%, 93% and 100% respectively. The Vcore setting will ultimately dictate the maximum achievable speed, not thermal constraints. You can keep things unchanged; the stock 6700K still performs well. However, you have the option to increase it further. Just keep an eye on vcore (CPU-Z) to see the trend. A safe upper bound is around 1.4v. Implementing speed steps and adaptive voltage will help reduce the multiplier and Vcore when the CPU is idle.
Because my BIOS indicated the Vcore was at 1.328 (though the CPU ID showed 1.260, realizing it was the VID I was checking rather than the VCore), I adjusted it to 1.3 and performed an OCCT for 15 minutes. The peak temperatures reached were 67°C. I'm weighing whether to boost the CPU to 4.5Ghz while keeping the current voltage or to reduce the voltage using my 4.4Ghz OC. What's your recommendation?
After adjusting the settings to 4,5Ghz @ 1,3V it failed, so I increased the voltage immediately. I performed an OCCT stress test for roughly ten minutes. Core temperatures ranged between 57 and 70°C. The clock speed dropped to 4.0Ghz during operation, while idle remains at 4.5Ghz. Is this typical? Should I take further actions?
After adjusting the settings to 4.5Ghz @ 1.32V, the system crashed and I increased the voltage immediately. I performed an OCCT stress test lasting around 10 minutes. Core temperatures ranged between 57 and 70°C. The clock speed dropped to 4.0Ghz during operation, while it remained at 4.5Ghz when idle. Is this typical behavior? Should I take further actions?
Thanks in advance!
I plan to extend the stress test and if it continues successfully, I’ll consider it a stable configuration. 4.5 @ <1.35 is ideal for continuous use.
In simple terms, keep all voltages on auto and begin increasing the multiplier. Observe the resulting vcore. Up to 1.4 works fine. The naming conventions on motherboards will vary. However, you aim to enable speed step or C1e. This might need adaptive voltage control or a similar approach. Your goal is for the CPU to reduce the multiplier and voltage during idle or low activity.
Another user reported issues after increasing the voltage to 1.32V, noting crashes and performance drops. They suggest running additional stress tests and recommend proceeding with caution. The original poster plans further testing and seems satisfied with the results so far.