Unable to achieve 5GHz speed (last 4.9GHz) at 4790k
Unable to achieve 5GHz speed (last 4.9GHz) at 4790k
Hi everyone
Here are the details of my system:
Processor: Intel Core i7 4790k
Graphics: AORUS Geforce GTX1060 Xtreme Edition 6GB (Rev 2.0)
Cooler: CORSAIR H100i V2 Liquid Cooler
Power Supply: FSP Epsilon 600Watts 80Plus White
Case: CORSAIR Crystal 570X
Monitor: BenQ GW2270H 22" 1080p LED - no flicker
Recent upgrades: Delidded CPU, reached up to 4.9Ghz @1.316v
Passed tests with RealBench, Cinebench, and Intel Burn Test.
Playing CPU-heavy games such as AC Odyssey, NFS Payback, and Agents of Mayhem...
At 4.9Ghz with max temp 1.316v, reached up to 63°C.
However, in BIOS I set voltage at 1.316v, but during Cinebench it was 1.314v or 1.315v. Not sure why. You can see the difference in the picture.
I attempted to reach 5Ghz using various voltages (1.375v, 1.4v, 1.425v, 1.45v, 1.475v) but failed despite passing CPU-Z benchmark.
Here is the link: http://
But Cinebench isn’t working – it starts and after 2-3 seconds shows a BSOD with the error "Clock_Watchdog_Timeout".
I changed BIOS settings, booted into Windows 10, and tried overclocking with INTEL XTU (5Ghz @1.425v). When I used INTEL XTU to run a benchmark, the system shut down instantly after one second and restarted.
Regarding the power supply: FSP Epsilon 600Watts 80Plus White (4-5 years old). Is it suitable for heavy overclocking of CPU and GPU?
Let me know what steps I should take to reach 5Ghz, or if there are any BIOS settings I should adjust. Thanks for your help!
They reference the silicon lottery, indicating you cannot overcome it by adjusting voltage. Return to 1.316 at 4.9ghz. A good benchmark, doubling single-core performance and three times multicore.
You want to keep it as it is. However, you need to remember that adjusting clock speed per core—such as 50, 50, 49, and 48—and using a voltage of 1.365V makes it pass Cinebench easily, but the maximum clock reaches only 4.8GHz, which is the lower setting. You mentioned others suggest changing VCCIN and LLC settings. You’re unsure about how to configure these in BIOS.
The CPU isn't expected to last much longer, according to general guidelines. Most 4790K chips can handle up to 5GHz, but few support 4.9GHz; typically, you'll get around 4.7 to 4.8GHz. To keep them reliable and avoid constant overheating during gaming, it's best to stay within the 1.29v maximum. This advice comes from someone with experience running a 4790K OC'ed at 4.8GHz for five years.
Processor remains stable at 1.316v @4.9Ghz.
Regarding your power supply, it seems adequate for the current setup. The PSU listed in the first post shows a combined output of 575 Watts with an 85% efficiency rating.
If you increase the CPU to 4.8Ghz and the GPU to 1873Mhz along with memory speeds, will your power supply still function properly?
I’ve seen discussions suggesting that overclocking requires more power.
You mentioned the 85% efficiency means roughly 489 Watts at full load on 12V rails. The GPU typically needs around 400 Watts, though it uses less in practice.
CPU demands more power when overclocked.
Do all components begin to struggle with power delivery or lack sufficient headroom?
What advice do you have?
I checked FSPlifestyle.,com (your PSu website) and noticed none of the power supplies they offer actually use the label you have in your system. This makes me wonder how old your power supply is—if it's more than three years, I'd really think about stopping OC or replacing it before pushing on OC.
I purchased this power supply 4 to 5 years ago. I have these available here officially. Which one should I choose: Corsair TX750M 750W 80 Plus Gold Semi-Modular or FSP Hydro G HG750 750W 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Active PFC?
I plan to try the FSP Hydro G, Corsair is a solid brand and produces excellent power supplies, and both are 80 plus gold. From an efficiency standpoint, they should deliver similar results. The decision then comes down to aesthetics and cooling performance—FSP offers a fdb (fluid dynamic) design while Corsair uses a rb (rifled bearing) fan, with the fdb lasting longer. I’d lean toward FSP for its cables, which feature smooth flat single-row ribbon cables, whereas Corsair’s are more generic plastic webbing sleeved ones, though they’re black. Still, I’d stick with FSP.
Additionally, regarding your overclocking, coming from someone who’s moderately overclocked before—without experience in L2 or cryogenic fluids—I’ve seen that 4790K rarely hits 5GHz, typically around 4.7GHz. Reaching 4.9 is impressive, so you’re in a good position. The silicone lottery has helped, and your PSU should support it (PSU specs are fine for the 1060 and 4790K). Overclocking can affect performance, but if you’re not overclocking aggressively, the pressure shouldn’t be too high.
The voltage drop from VRM to CPU is around 100-200 millivolts, which is normal. You can try adjusting the VDROOP offset and disabling C-states to mitigate this. For your 4790K, 1.316V is sufficient; temperatures are stable, and the CPU should run smoothly without damaging its lifespan.
However, if you’re concerned about crashes under these settings, increasing the voltage might be necessary. Raising the voltage can help ensure a steady voltage supply to the CPU, preventing instability. But be cautious—excessive voltage can cause damage.
The watchdog timeout in Windows indicates an overclock failure. While I’m eager to experiment and push beyond current limits, it’s clear your hardware has its boundaries (unless you’re using advanced cooling like dry ice or L2). Unless you’re willing to fine-tune deeply into the BIOS, 1.316V on a 4790K is a solid choice. It will keep temperatures in check, CPU performance stable, and longevity intact.
If you’re unsure about the process, feel free to ask more questions—I’m here to help!
Thank you John_Fishyy for the brief reply. I will go with FSP Hydro G but people says review says that Fan is noisy (never heard that FSP has noisy fan).
OK. I am stop here @4.9Ghz..........
But for daily usage and gaming, I am running at 4.6Ghz @1.225v and heavy games i.e. CPU Intensive games like Agent of Mayhem, AC Odyssey, NSF Payback etc etc...... I am getting hardly 37c - 40c (Spike upto 43c - 44c for a second) in AC Odyssey......
Tell me is my PSU good enough if I set 4.6Ghz for daily usage and heavy gaming or should I change it because its 4 - 5 years old?
Last I played at 4.8ghz and got max temp 46c CPU Package but that was just for checking purpose (Pic) Just informing
Regarding (Vdroop), I don't know much about it except that this is something related with (LLC settings) in BIOS. Sadly, I don't know how to do fine tuning in BIOS. I asked several person who are champ in OC but there is no reply.
I saw videos where people also set VCCIN etc etc with LLC settings.........