Unable to achieve a steady overclock above 4.2 Ghz on the X5660 chipset
Unable to achieve a steady overclock above 4.2 Ghz on the X5660 chipset
Hello, I attempted to push my X5660 overclock for approximately a year without achieving speeds beyond 4.2GHZ, consistently encountering blue screens. I experimented with various voltages, multipliers, reduced RAM speed, watched numerous tutorials, and tried to replicate every configuration, yet stability remained elusive above 4.2GHZ. Even at 4.2GHZ, the required core voltage was at least 1.41875VCore, which contradicts some videos showing successful runs at 4.4GHZ with lower voltages. Initially, I suspected the RAM issue, but after installing an additional 8GB, it turned out to be the same. Overheating wasn’t the cause either; I’m using a decent thermal paste and running an air cooler with three fans spinning at 2800RPM. I’m seeking advice from others since this system is quite outdated and I aim to extract maximum performance.
My PC specifications:
CPU: Xeon X5660 (currently at 4.150GHZ)
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB
Motherboard: ASUS ROG Rampage 3 Extreme
RAM: 16GB 1444MHz (4GB Hynix, 4GB Nanya, 8GB KLLISRE)
Storage: 360GB SSD, 300GB HDD, 720GB HDD
OS: Windows 10 64Bit
Please find attached photos of my BIOS settings if you need them.
A working server pull like X5670 is available for $20 with shipping, and x2675 for $25 with shipping. These options are preferable to x5660 due to a higher multiplier, which reduces the need for a high Bclk. You might also find a W3680/90 with an unlocked multiplier.
the cpu xeon x5660 isn't built for 4.2ghz and overclocking is a tough battle. If you've already tried fixes and are seeing blue screens stop or your system is failing, it's clear you're in the wrong situation. If others can reach 4.4ghz with different specs, then you definitely have an issue.
the fact that you purchased quality thermal paste and have fans operating at high speeds does not guarantee the temperatures your system achieves.
you need to observe and measure the actual temperatures during intense usage and idle periods.
overclocking largely depends on "luck of the draw"; CPUs vary in their ability to handle it, with some being more resilient than others.
the motherboard could also be a factor, as certain boards may not regulate voltage efficiently enough.
review your ASUS motherboard control software—it might offer auto-overclock features tailored for specific system setups.
generally, I wouldn't advise this approach, but it can assist in assessing whether manual overclocking is feasible.
Thank you for your response. The system currently supports CPU or RAM auto-overclocking up to around 3.5 ghz, but it doesn't go beyond that. If you plan to replace the system in about a year, its capabilities are already fully utilized, and stability is not a major concern. You might want to consider adjusting certain settings to aid overclocking, or you could decide whether to proceed with this option.
Getting 1Ghz beyond the maximum boost built-in is great, but it often depends on luck when trying to overclock those older Xeon CPUs (they weren't made for OC). Start by setting the RAM back to its default speed since changing its speed can lead to instability. Bring everything back to the original settings and work one step at a time. Initially, try overclocking to see how far you can push it without BSOD or freezing. Once you achieve success in OC, you can begin making adjustments to the RAM. Again, overclocking relies on some luck with the silicon.
I'm doing well at 4.8 until I burn out the PSU. These CPUs are really tough on the power supply, so make sure you have a solid, stable one to really push overclocking. Some multipliers don't play well with these chips, so experiment a bit. You should be able to hit 4.5 easily, but invest in a good 240mm watercooler if you want any chance. Your CPU will burn out before the air cooler kicks in—watercoolers are much better for handling the heat. Good luck!
Turn off turboBoost or else your overclocked CPU might push itself even higher leading to instability. When purchasing RAM, ensure you buy a full stack matching the number of sticks required; this guarantees all sticks are synchronized within the same batch, which is crucial for smooth communication without errors. This step really counts, even if it doesn’t seem important—it significantly boosts stability for the same price. Aim for at least 3 sticks in triple channel mode for optimal performance (you can use up to 48GB, though it may not be officially supported; your CPU will still function as expected).
Hi, thanks for your response! I believe I have a sufficient PSU, the DW650W Deepcool 80 Silver, so it shouldn't be an issue. However, I'm not an expert, and I'm unsure if that's actually the situation. When I first purchased this system, it came with 8 GB of RAM, but from various companies, and then I bought another 8 from a different one. I don't think RAM is the main problem. I've tried different speeds and multipliers using 1 GB, 4 GB sticks, and combined 4 and 8. Unfortunately, I can't get triple channel because my CPU fan is too large and it takes about 3 RAM slots. 😊
Regarding cooling, water cooling isn't affordable for me, but I got a decent CPU cooler—though it's quite bulky, with three fans and a temperature of around 80°C in about 5 minutes, reaching about 90°C after roughly 30 minutes. I think that's fine for this CPU.