Unable to pass IBT with maximum score despite using default settings.
Unable to pass IBT with maximum score despite using default settings.
I have been losing my mind trying to learn about overclocking and overclock my rig the last few weeks and it has been slowly driving me insane. The latest frustration is that I have discovered that even on 100% stock settings, with everything I possibly can close in windows closed, I still cannot manage to get past 2 runs of IBT on Max and I keep seeing all these overclockers online saying that if a build doesnt pass 10+ runs on max then its not stable. How am I supposed to get a stable overclock if my optimized default settings can't even get past 2 runs? I am really becoming seriously discouraged. My temperatures are completely within normal ranges. Never went past 64c.
Here's my rig
* Case: Azza Hurrican 2000 Full Tower Gaming Case w/ 4x230mm fans and 4x120mm fans
* CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K 3.40 GHz 8M Intel Smart Cache LGA1155
* Cooling System: Asetek 570LX Liquid Cooling system w/ 240MM Radiator and Dual
Fans mounted under the top 2 120mm fans
* Motherboard: GigaByte GA-Z68XP-UD4 Intel Z68 Chipset
* Video Card: 2x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570 HD 2.5GB 16X PCIe Video Cards in SLI
* Memory: Corsair Vengeance Blue 16 GB DDR3 SDRAM Dual Channel Memory Kit
* Hard Drive 1: Crucial M4 128gb SSD
* Hard Drive 2: Hitachi 2TB SATA III 7200RPM 64MB cache
* Hard Drive 3: Seagate Baracuda 3TB SATA III 7200RPM 64MB cache
* Hard Drive 4: Western Digital Cavier Green 3TB SATA III, 7200 RPM, 64MB Cache
* Power Supply: Thermaltake TRX 1200W Modular Power Supply
* Optical Drive: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD+-R/+-RW + CD-R/RW Drive
* Extra Thermal Display: Aerocool Touch 1000 5.25\" Touch Screen Fan
Control
* Flash Media Reader/Writer: Internal 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer
* Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit Edition)
I am definitely willing to hear suggestions for new liquid coolers that match this case/socket configuration. Thank you for the details. I will follow up tomorrow. Please note my recommendation: use the info you shared and test how much performance you can achieve before thinking about a replacement cooler, since your current cooler should handle at least a 4.5ghz overclock with the right BIOS settings.
Is this your power supply unit?
If it matches the link provided, it might not be ideal and could influence your performance. It's a 5th tier model (not recommended).
However, avoid running IBT at maximum settings. This isn't the same as using Prime95. IBT puts a lot of strain on the CPU. I usually run it with default settings (10 passes) without issues on my systems.
But if your PC struggles to pass IBT at normal speeds, the PSU could be the problem.
It’s a delicate adjustment when attempting to boost performance while overclocking. You need to monitor several factors alongside the CPU speed through its multiplier setting, especially if the CPU is unlocked. Consider the memory capacity and bus speed as well. If you’re adjusting via BIOS without auto-overclocking features enabled, think carefully about your approach. Raising the FSB can influence memory performance while increasing the CPU’s frequency, but pushing either too high may lead to instability. Lowering the working speed slightly—such as from 1600Mhz to 1333Mhz—can restore stability. Also, manual voltage tweaks for both CPU and memory might be necessary depending on their original settings. When memory speeds increase, its timing latency must also be adjusted upward to match the higher frequency. If timing becomes too off, errors may occur or tests can fail. Focus your efforts one at a time: start with the CPU, then move to memory, adjusting voltage and timing as needed. Only when under load should you apply small voltage increments of 0.250Mv, testing stability after each change.
This version of the processor has a flaw that only appears with very complex algorithms. It seems to occur only on this particular model. Likely, that's why it fails after two attempts on IBT. You should try AIDA or Prime to properly assess its stability. Whether it runs at all depends on whether it's overclocked or not. With this issue, I can't confirm it will function at all. However, your setup is quite good.
This appears to be your PSU?
Check out this link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6817153119
If it matches, it might not be ideal and could impact your performance. It's a 5th tier model (not recommended).
https://community.newegg.com/eggxpert/co...ected=true
However, avoid running IBT at maximum settings—it behaves differently than Prime95. IBT places a heavy strain on the CPU. I stick to the default (10 passes) and haven’t encountered any issues with my systems.
On any of my machines, though... if you can't complete IBT at stock speeds, it might point to a hardware problem. The PSU could be the issue.
That's the unit I own. Do you have any suggestions for testing programs or tools that could assess its stability and performance?
Also, by default, do you mean a standard stress level?
What concerns me most is the type of workload my rig handles—working with Autodesk Maya and Mudbox for 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering. These tasks are quite processor-heavy. That’s why I’m convinced that if I can’t run 10 tests at full speed, the build isn’t worth it.
Additionally, I’ve tried various configurations while overclocking in UEFI BIOS to get through standard and high speeds without issues, but high loads still caused overheating or failures. Eventually, I downgraded to a non-UEFI BIOS (F6) to regain some flexibility, though this introduced new complications—like the multiplier option resetting unexpectedly. Even when I lowered it further or changed BIOS versions, the problem persisted.
It’s been a frustrating process, and I’m eager to hear more opinions from others in the community.
If you’re looking for alternatives, I’m open to suggestions on other models that could handle this workload without breaking the bank.
That's the PSU you're using. Do you have any suggestions for testing programs or something to evaluate its stability and performance? Also, with the default settings, are you referring to the standard stress level? Yes, the standard level. If it meets that requirement, it should be stable for regular use and gaming. I haven't experienced a crash or BSOD under normal conditions even when using the default in IBT. Of course, some people might push their CPUs too much. Normal operation won't produce the stress IBT generates at even basic settings. IBT is tough.
It's a quite effective method when attempting to boost performance.
What aspects need attention alongside the CPU speed using a multiplier if it's unlocked?
Consider your RAM and bus frequency as well.
If you're adjusting the overclock manually through the BIOS without auto-overclocking features enabled,
And are you employing other techniques besides increasing the CPU multiplier?
For instance, raising the FSB impacts system memory while boosting its speed.
However, pushing memory or FSB too high can lead to instability.
Thus, it's wise to reduce the target speed—perhaps from 1600Mhz to 1333Mhz—to restore stability.
Also note that manual voltage tweaks for both CPU and memory modules might be necessary depending on their stock configurations.
Increasing memory speed also requires adjusting its timing values to handle higher frequencies.
If timing becomes too off, errors may occur or the system could fail during operation.
Focus your efforts on one adjustment at a time:
First, the CPU—adjust multiplier and voltage.
Then, memory—apply similar tweaks and modify timing if needed.
Be aware that pushing each component harder often demands more voltage for stability.
When under load testing, make small voltage increments of 0.250Mv if possible.
Test regularly to ensure the system remains stable.
This processor is built to prevent direct manipulation of FSB/BCLK; altering it can risk damaging drives.
Your best choices are static overclocking using only multiplier adjustments or modifying Turbo boost settings, depending on your priorities for speed versus power and longevity.
I've tried both approaches, but achieving a stable 4.5ghz has proven difficult. I've adjusted many parameters—DRAM voltage, core voltage, etc.—but none worked consistently.
Memory testing is another challenge; the manufacturer claims it's tested up to 2133 MHz, yet I haven't reached 1866 despite tuning timings. It functions at 1333 or 1666 but fails beyond that.
It seems you're aiming for small voltage steps of 0.0250Mhz. Given my processor only supports up to 1.52 and runs at 1.24 on stock speed, a 0.250 increase would jump it from standard to maximum in one step.
I've generally followed the standard process, changing just one setting at a time.
What frustrates me most is reverting to settings that passed IBT but no longer work after adjustments. I saved those before experimenting further, even though they previously ran successfully.
That version of processor has a flaw that only appears when using very complicated algorithms. It seems to be present on the exact model you're using, which likely explains why you haven't succeeded in more than two attempts on IBT. You should try AIDA or Prime to properly evaluate its stability. Whether it's overclocked or not, with this issue I can't confirm it will function at all. Your setup is quite good though. I'm not sure what the exact problem is, but could you clarify what kind of bug you're seeing? Also, do you know anything about stress testing with Prime95?