When overclocking, focus on the temperatures closely. Monitor them regularly to ensure stability and prevent damage.
When overclocking, focus on the temperatures closely. Monitor them regularly to ensure stability and prevent damage.
I've recently assembled a new gaming setup. I plan to perform a modest CPU overclock. Since I prefer compact cases, I opted for an SFX configuration.
Intel 6600k
ASUS Z170I Pro Gaming
16gb (2x8) Corsair DDR4 2400
EVGA 970 GTX
Samsung 950 Pro 512gb (considered excessive for this build but useful for future projects)
2 x 2TB Samsung Spinpoint drives
Noctua NH-L9I
Silverstone 500w SFX-L PSU
Silverstone Raven RVZ02 case
I attempted to use the ASUS auto-overclock tool, but it didn't perform well. It identified a stable limit of 4.7ghz, yet the cooling constraints caused the CPU to exceed its thermal threshold shortly after.
I've discovered that operating games at 4.3ghz is feasible without issues, keeping temperatures below 65-70°C even after extended play sessions. However, Prime95 tests often push temperatures to around 85°C within 7-10 minutes under full load. Should I look for a multiplier that aligns better with these readings, or should I disregard Prime95 since my typical workloads involve games and video up to 1080p?
Be honest about gaming, even an i5 6500 wouldn't restrict you much.
It's probably best to keep it at stock clocks until you really need that extra CPU power. This reduces wear and power use.
For your needs, make sure to lower it back to 4.2GHz so it stays cool even during demanding situations like hot summer games.
You shouldn't let your CPU exceed 80 degrees during a stress test, regardless of what the results say. In reality, temperatures recorded during heavy CPU use are a more accurate indicator. Although the stress test suggests your overclock is slightly too high, you definitely don't want an Intel CPU overheating for more than a short time.
If your main activities are gaming and streaming in 1080p, then don't even try to overclock the CPU. It won't make a difference in your performance. A processor with a lower clock speed, like 6400, would be sufficient for what you do. It's unclear why people rush into overclocking right after building a new PC.
Be honest about gaming, even an i5 6500 wouldn't restrict you much.
It's probably best to keep it at stock clocks until you really need that extra CPU power. This reduces wear and power use.
For your needs, make sure to lower it back to 4.2GHz so it stays cool even during demanding situations like hot summer games.
You shouldn't let your CPU exceed 80 degrees during a stress test, regardless of what the results say. In reality, temperatures recorded during heavy CPU use are a more accurate indicator. Although the stress test suggests your overclock is slightly too high, you definitely don't want an Intel CPU overheating for more than a short time.
I just noticed your power supply is only 500w. Even though Silverstone offers some excellent Power Supply Units, it's best not to let the extra power draw from large overclocks on your CPU and GPU put a strain on your supply. This shouldn't be a big issue with small overclocks, but it's worth keeping an eye on.
Justin Millard noted the power supply is limited to 500w, emphasizing that even high-end units like Silverstone can strain it with excessive overclocking. He mentioned experimenting with thermal paste application and achieving better temperatures, planning to benchmark further before reducing the clock speed.