Using overclocking on an i5 4690k with a 500w EVGA PSU
Using overclocking on an i5 4690k with a 500w EVGA PSU
I purchased a 750w 80+ gold power supply, but it was too big for my older mid-sized tower, so I stuck with my 500w one. I'm using a Hyper T4 cooler with some artic thermal paste on the CPU. I'm wondering how much more I can upgrade the chip to, given its current stock rating of 3.5.
Deagleup :
... I'm curious about how much you can push the chip. The range is around 4.6GHz plus or minus 200MHz. Experienced overclockers are familiar with this, which means your question hints at a lack of experience. It's recommended to review the subject before attempting any changes, so you avoid damaging your equipment. Overclocking is constrained by two main aspects: voltage and temperature. Since each processor is different, its tolerance, heat management, and overclocking capacity vary—a phenomenon often called the "silicon lottery." As the core speed rises, the core voltage must also rise to keep things stable. This leads to higher power usage...
No place to find. The Hyper T4 isn't strong enough to handle any overclocking of the 4690k. As a basic upgrade from the standard cooler, it's fine in that regard. However, it isn't powerful enough to make overclocking worthwhile. Your 500w EVGA PSU might not be very good either, since there aren't many high-quality 500w power supplies available. If a PSU isn't reliable, it shouldn't be used for overclocking unless it's significantly more powerful than needed, which would depend on the graphics card and how aggressively you push the system.
Deagleup :
... I wonder how much further I can push the chip. ...
The range is different, so we should only refer to what’s standard for the i5 4690K, which is roughly around 4.6GHz plus or minus 200MHz. Experienced overclockers are aware of this, which means your question implies you’re not familiar with the process. It’s wise to review the subject before attempting any changes, to avoid harming your equipment.
Overclocking always depends on two main aspects: voltage and temperature. Since no two processors are exactly alike—each has its own tolerance for voltage, heat management, and overclock potential—the outcome is often described as a "silicon lottery."
As the core speed rises, the required core voltage must also increase to keep things stable. This leads to higher power usage, which in turn raises temperatures. Processors that are overclocked at higher voltages might exceed their rated thermal design power by more than 50%, which is a serious concern.
As pointed out earlier, using high-TDP air or liquid cooling is essential.
A Cryorig H7 model would be suitable—see the link below:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a...000U-00005
Don’t try to adjust Vcore in auto mode; the BIOS will apply more voltage than needed, increasing power and heat. We understand that too much heat over time can harm components, so even with manual settings, excessive Vcore and temperature may cause faster "electromigration" damage.
This can degrade the tiny traces and junctions inside the chip, eventually leading to more frequent blue-screen errors. Generally, CPUs are more prone to this issue as they shrink further. Notably, Intel’s 14nm microarchitecture has improved voltage tolerance thanks to better FinFET transistor design.
Below are recommended core voltages for different microarchitectures from 14 to 65 nanometers since 2006:
With strong cooling, you might hit the Vcore limit before reaching 85°C. With weaker cooling, you’ll reach that temperature sooner. In any case, stop at the lower safe threshold.
The maximum safe core temperature for your Devil’s Canyon 4690K is 100°C. For better stability, performance, and lifespan, aim to stay well below this value.
Keep in mind the importance of throttling temperature (Tj Max) to 100°C. It’s usually better to stay under this limit than to push beyond it.
The acceptable range for core temperatures is:
Above 85°C – not recommended
Below 80°C – ideal
Always consider your cooling solution carefully. A good balance between performance and stability is key.
For more details, check these resources:
- Beginners guide to overclocking your CPU
- Intel Temperature Guide
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