This processor typically benefits from some form of voltage adjustment to optimize performance and efficiency.
This processor typically benefits from some form of voltage adjustment to optimize performance and efficiency.
Hi, you're right about the 13700k being power-hungry. Since you're new to overclocking, undervolting could help manage heat and improve stability. It's not necessary for this model but might be worth trying. For gaming at 1080p to 1440p, an i7-13700 should perform well. If you're unsure, consider sticking with the original specs unless you want extra performance gains.
It is possible. Boards vary widely in their temperature and power characteristics. I've observed more than 50W variations in power usage during Cinebench between two models on my 13700K, such as MSI (Unify-X and B660M-A Pro), resulting in over a 10°C difference despite identical cooling solutions. I'm uncertain about the Z790 Tomahawk's performance, as I haven't tested it yet. The price gap between them is around $20-30, which is relatively small. The 13700K offers superior features in every aspect (better binning, improved IMC, higher clock speeds, etc.). If you're not interested in undervolting to maintain temperatures, consider setting lower power limits for similar temperatures and better performance. As far as I see, the 13th gen SKUs are the only ones worth purchasing at this generation; otherwise, opt for a last-gen 12600K or a 12th-gen non-K model. It depends on your motherboard's voltage requirements. If you have a board with a high stock voltage like the B660M-A Pro, undervolting can boost performance and control temps. For boards such as my Unify-X, it might still be useful but won't make much difference. Regardless of default settings, don't assume they're necessary just to save power—understanding your starting point is key. There are several approaches, none overly complex. MSI offers Lite Load, which may enable undervolting without manual steps, though I haven't tried it. The most common methods are static voltage or offset voltage. An offset is the simplest; you adjust a negative voltage offset, gradually increase it, stress-test for stability, and then fine-tune. You can apply this in software (like XTU) or BIOS, and it's usually the fastest way. I've noticed some unusual behavior when tweaking, so I prefer the software method unless you're comfortable with BIOS changes. The static approach resembles a static overclock and may lower overall voltage slightly for better stability. It's more involved but can be effective. I recommend starting with the easiest route first.
The 13700 offers significant savings over the 13700k, but the difference is modest when considering the overall cost of the system. It might be wise to opt for the 13700k and evaluate the situation further. Regarding the Z790 MOBO, a B760 could still work, though it may not be the best choice depending on your needs.
It's a bit tricky. If you're not planning to overclock, a B760 chipset works fine if it has a solid VRM. The main issue is that some unusual behavior can appear when undervolting, so unless you're doing more than basic power limits, I'd skip tuning. The video shows some of these effects, using a 12th-gen setup with a B660 board, but the pattern should apply to a 13th-gen and B760 board as well.
I received the Z790 Tomahawk and it’s quite problematic. At launch, it was drawing 1.38 volts and more than 230 watts. After an upgrade to 100C, it dropped to 1.1 volts and 66 watts at 140 watts.
It performs better than the B660M-A Pro I owned, operating at 1.42V when tested with SuperIO. The slight delay in reaching full 100°C was due to using custom water cooling, which handled the higher power draw of over 300W. This is still closer to the less reliable boards than the more stable ones, but it remains manageable.
That's really strange! It seems like some folks can't lower the voltage on boards, leaving them with higher voltages.