VID Overclocking [i7 8700k]
VID Overclocking [i7 8700k]
Usually the issue is why VID varies so much and whether this has any significance.
I’m unfamiliar with this area; I haven’t previously tried overclocking.
I own an AORUS Z370 Gaming 7 motherboard and upgraded my lidded i7 8700K to 4.8ghz in the BIOS using default voltage settings, as suggested by both the manufacturer and online advice for achieving lower overclocks (such as 4.7–4.8ghz). Initially, I relied on Intel Extreme Tuning Utility, but after two weeks it began showing unstable performance—frequencies would drop by about 100mhz under load. Now, I’ve switched back to the default BIOS settings and the CPU runs steadily at 4800mhz under varying loads. (Temperatures are normal; my main concerns are power consumption and frequency stability.)
The VID keeps shifting unpredictably between 1.26 and 1.38V even when CPU usage is low or nonexistent. I’m using CoreTemp to track VID, temperature, usage, and clock speed, but HWiNFO64 revealed even more erratic changes (down to 1.20V) with that tool.
I’ve read about overclocking to a stable 1.34V, wondering if this is typical or normal for my setup. If so, why would adjusting voltages in the BIOS matter if the results are so inconsistent? I’ve also heard that for CPU longevity, keeping voltages under 1.4V is ideal, but I’m not sure how this is managed.
I ran Intel Burn Test 2.54, which forced cores to 100% and achieved a steady 1.3302V, though real-world performance occasionally spikes higher (not exceeding 1.38V yet).
My goal is to avoid damaging the chip while still getting the best performance from overclocking. I’ve found limited reliable information, with much conflicting or incomplete data. Despite my attempts, I’m not sure if pushing beyond 4.8ghz is safe or beneficial.
I might be overthinking it and searching for a reason why my overclocking stopped working without any hardware or software changes, but at the same time, I just want to confirm that my CPU remains healthy and won’t suffer damage.
Hi, I have the same configuration and don’t need to worry too much because VCore is what really matters. In short, VID refers to the state or data stored in the CPU, while VCore is the actual voltage it receives. Some people might know better, so if you have any advice, please share.
Hi, I have the same configuration and don’t need to worry too much because VCore is what really matters. In short, VID refers to the state or data stored in the CPU, while VCore is the actual voltage it receives. Some people might know better, so if you have any advice, please share.
Hi, I have the same configuration and don’t need to worry too much since vcore is what really matters. In short, VID refers to the state or data stored in the CPU, while vcore is the actual voltage it receives. Others might be more precise, but please let me know if you can clarify.
I’m using mine in adaptive/offset mode with a daily driver overclock of 4.9GHz and 5Ghz didn’t cause any problems, although the vcore was higher than I prefer at 1.365v—this is mainly for testing and benchmarking. For regular 24/7 use, 4.9GHz is ideal and at load it’s around 1.308v.
Thank you very much!
You helped me understand the difference between VID and vcore—I hadn’t seen any clear guidance before.
I realized that vcore relates to the motherboard, and using HWiNFO64 Sensor Status I could see my peak vcore at 1.320V during stress tests at 4.8GHz with default settings. With this insight, it’s much easier for me to investigate and adjust the voltage properly. Now I understand why my VID fluctuates so much and how I can manually tweak it effectively. Thanks for your help!
No issues at all, jerrylee22... It really confused me and honestly took a while to understand the offset/adaptive settings for the Gigabyte Gaming 7 through a lot of trial and error... Still I enjoy the motherboard though—it has drawn me into the world of RGBBBBBBB... Yes, I’ve become RGB obsessed... There must be a solution somewhere!!!