What methods exist to lower the OC ratio on a Z690?
What methods exist to lower the OC ratio on a Z690?
Hello
I'm just starting with overclocking and have an i5-12600k with an Asus TUF Z690 Plus D4. My motherboard is already running my CPU at 4.9GHz by default, but I want to bring it down to around 4.4GHz. I checked the BIOS but couldn't find instructions and am a bit nervous about making mistakes.
Hey there,
That's completely typical for your CPU. It's actually indicating several positive aspects. The 4.9ghz you're observing is the boost speed of the CPU's performance cores. On lighter tasks it can easily reach up to 4.9ghz without any problems, which is normal. This is the expected behavior. When under heavier loads, it may drop back to around 4.6 or 4.4 across all cores. The CPU will adapt automatically using its own algorithms and the window thread scheduler, taking into account factors like CPU temperatures, cooling, and voltage.
Additionally, your CPU includes 'E' cores that operate more efficiently at lower speeds, assisting with background processes and other tasks.
TBH, you probably don't need to make any changes. The CPU will handle everything smoothly without requiring major adjustments.
Visit the Ai Tweaker page, scroll down to "Performance Core Ratio," adjust it to "Auto" if needed, then below that, change "Performance Core # Specific Ratio Limit" to 44.
Hey there,
So, that's entirely normal for your CPU. It's actually pointing to many good things. Firstly the 4.9ghz you're seeing is because that is the boost speed of the CPU's P cores (performance cores). Under light loads it can get up to 4.9ghz with ease and it doesn't cause issues. This is normal behaviour. Under a heavier load, it might go back to 4.6 or 4.4 on all cores. The CPU will adjust itself using an algorithm and windows thread scheduler, based on CPU temps, cooling, voltage.
However, your CPU also has 'E' cores which are more efficient and run at lower speeds to help with backround tasks amongst other things.
TBH you shouldn't really change anything. The CPU will adjust everything you need to think about, without having to think about it
As mentioned before, you can reduce the clocks by adjusting the ratio, etc.
But why would you wish to run your CPU at slower speeds than its intended settings and ensure safety? Unless there are overheating issues that can't be fixed quickly (like a failing cooler) and/or other problems that could make the clock/speed unreliable (system instability and crashes), I don't see a situation where lowering the CPU clock would be necessary in my opinion—something that would essentially be like hitting the CPU in the foot.
I would also agree to keep it as is.
Thank you for your assistance. Your feedback is appreciated. A 4.9ghz overclock indicates the system can manage it, but lowering it would help avoid excessive heat and stress on the CPU. Since my primary use is gaming—mainly older AAA titles like BF1, BF4, and Valorant—I consider myself okay with lower overclocks to preserve CPU health. I’ve already adjusted it using Asus' AI Suite 3, though I still manually tweak it each time I start the PC. My temperatures are generally between 50-55°C at 4.4ghz and 55-65°C at 4.9ghz.
What are your thoughts on these temperatures? I’m using a Cooler Master Master Air MA612.
Yes doing that in BIOS would be a permanent until changed but adjustment through AI Suite has to be done everytime it boots amnually.
Those are average temps and the change in CPU clocks results in a -/+ 10C bracket. If that 65C is the maximum it gets to under heavy load at 4.9Ghz it's quite safe and a long way from being dangerous.
I would say playing "lay less demanding and quite old AAA like BF1, BF4, and Valorant" is the more reason to leave the CPU do its thing. If you played more demanding titles and as a results of their load for example your CPU temp went over 70C or neared 80C that would somehow justify the clockdown.
Also keep in mind that those are averages. The load is everchanging so is the temperature. If the CPU (system) and the cooling works as it should -which in your case appears to do so - it is safe.
All that being said if it makes you feel better that your CPU is safer that way - and it's not really hampering its performance in the work you need it to do - by all means do it.
The 4.9 you observe is a turbo clock, not a general overclock for all cores. It activates only on a few cores and occurs under specific load and temperature conditions. Attempting to estimate it incorrectly would be pointless.
Thanks for the clarification, I'll keep it as is so the CPU can adjust its clock automatically according to the settings and performance needs. I'll also put some heavy load in and check the temperatures since your temps aren't a concern yet. Appreciate it.