F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Overclocking Tips for boosting a 9900k processor using Z390 Aorus Pro with Dark Rock Pro 4

Tips for boosting a 9900k processor using Z390 Aorus Pro with Dark Rock Pro 4

Tips for boosting a 9900k processor using Z390 Aorus Pro with Dark Rock Pro 4

U
UnicornPegasus
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10-10-2018, 02:41 AM
#1
Hi everyone,
I’m still getting comfortable with overclocking but have watched some tutorials and done a bit of research. I currently have a Z390 Aorus Pro with a 9900k CPU cooled by a Dark Rock Pro 4. I understand it’s not ideal for heavy overclocks, but it’s the only setup I have before considering an upgrade.

Regarding overclocking, I left my settings defaulted except for XMP enabled on RAM and I increased the clock to 4.7ghz + 1.280v. During a few hours of Aida 64 stress testing, maximum temperatures reached around 80°C on some cores, which seems acceptable.

I’ve run some benchmarks and noticed that lowering certain cores (like 5.2ghz core 1 or 5.1ghz core 2) to 4.7ghz actually reduces performance because the benchmark is locked at that speed. The system still runs stably with boost enabled, but I’m curious—should I keep boosting all cores as I tried with flat overclocking? Probably not enough for good results, likely due to my cooler’s limitations.

I’d like to know if most people recommend aiming for around 5ghz across all cores, though I know that’s probably not realistic.

Thanks in advance for your advice!
EDIT
Also, any suggestions for a better cooler would be great. I have limited experience with water cooling and would appreciate a straightforward option. I’m considering the Corsair H100i—any thoughts?
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U
UnicornPegasus
10-10-2018, 02:41 AM #1

Hi everyone,
I’m still getting comfortable with overclocking but have watched some tutorials and done a bit of research. I currently have a Z390 Aorus Pro with a 9900k CPU cooled by a Dark Rock Pro 4. I understand it’s not ideal for heavy overclocks, but it’s the only setup I have before considering an upgrade.

Regarding overclocking, I left my settings defaulted except for XMP enabled on RAM and I increased the clock to 4.7ghz + 1.280v. During a few hours of Aida 64 stress testing, maximum temperatures reached around 80°C on some cores, which seems acceptable.

I’ve run some benchmarks and noticed that lowering certain cores (like 5.2ghz core 1 or 5.1ghz core 2) to 4.7ghz actually reduces performance because the benchmark is locked at that speed. The system still runs stably with boost enabled, but I’m curious—should I keep boosting all cores as I tried with flat overclocking? Probably not enough for good results, likely due to my cooler’s limitations.

I’d like to know if most people recommend aiming for around 5ghz across all cores, though I know that’s probably not realistic.

Thanks in advance for your advice!
EDIT
Also, any suggestions for a better cooler would be great. I have limited experience with water cooling and would appreciate a straightforward option. I’m considering the Corsair H100i—any thoughts?

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L
lilgameplay
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194
10-17-2018, 11:36 AM
#2
Liquid seems to be the sole choice for achieving 9900K overclocking. Stock air coolers struggle to cope with such high temperatures. Running 4.8ghz on the DRP 4 will get you into the upper 80s, possibly even below 90C. The DRP 4 probably matches or exceeds the performance of the H100i, a 240mm AIO, and comes closer to a 280mm model. The top recommendation is to opt for a full 360mm AIO such as the Corsair H150, NZXT Kraken X72, or Cooler Master ML360R.
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L
lilgameplay
10-17-2018, 11:36 AM #2

Liquid seems to be the sole choice for achieving 9900K overclocking. Stock air coolers struggle to cope with such high temperatures. Running 4.8ghz on the DRP 4 will get you into the upper 80s, possibly even below 90C. The DRP 4 probably matches or exceeds the performance of the H100i, a 240mm AIO, and comes closer to a 280mm model. The top recommendation is to opt for a full 360mm AIO such as the Corsair H150, NZXT Kraken X72, or Cooler Master ML360R.

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T
tasman9
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51
11-02-2018, 01:23 AM
#3
Liquid seems to be the sole choice for achieving 9900K overclocking. Stock air coolers struggle to cope with such high temperatures. Running 4.8ghz on the DRP 4 will get you into the upper 80s, possibly even below 90C. The DRP 4 probably matches or exceeds the performance of the H100i, a 240mm AIO, and comes closer to a 280mm model. The top recommendation is to opt for a full 360mm AIO such as the Corsair H150, NZXT Kraken X72, or Cooler Master ML360R.
Reply
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T
tasman9
11-02-2018, 01:23 AM #3

Liquid seems to be the sole choice for achieving 9900K overclocking. Stock air coolers struggle to cope with such high temperatures. Running 4.8ghz on the DRP 4 will get you into the upper 80s, possibly even below 90C. The DRP 4 probably matches or exceeds the performance of the H100i, a 240mm AIO, and comes closer to a 280mm model. The top recommendation is to opt for a full 360mm AIO such as the Corsair H150, NZXT Kraken X72, or Cooler Master ML360R.

Reply
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