Which scenario offers the optimal performance? CPU Voltage comparison.
Which scenario offers the optimal performance? CPU Voltage comparison.
The current setup with Vcore at AUTO causes the CPU voltage to peak at 1.392V during gaming and stay near 1.350V in idle, while manual at 1.275V keeps it stable but lower. With a 4.5mhz overclock on an i7 6700k, temperatures remain manageable around 60°C in both scenarios. Since the motherboard lacks manual Vcore options (Gigabyte Z170X Gaming 3), the best choice for long-term stability is to stick with AUTO unless you specifically want to adjust it.
I always run manual voltage. As long as it's a safe voltage and temps are good, then there are no worries. I'm pretty sure Intel designed these CPUs to be able to run under constant load, in which the CPU would have to stay at full voltage all the time. And 1.275 is actually at or slightly below stock voltage for a 6700K. I would feel extremely comfortable running your chip at around 4.6/1.30-1.32V, but the extra 100MHz is pretty meaningless anyway.
Situation 2 hands down. If you're stable on 1.275V, you have absolutely nothing to worry about with those temperatures.
You might choose option #3 with an offset of +0.100, allowing the CPU to reduce its voltage and slow down when idle. Constant voltage is suitable for long-term CPU health, while high voltage isn't recommended.
Your motherboard should support this feature—check the manual for details. I recommend updating the BIOS to ensure these capabilities are enabled.
I also reviewed the poor Gigabyte manual; it only mentioned an advanced CPU voltage section without further explanation. I’d look into your BIOS’s advanced CPU settings to confirm.
lrrelevant :
Situation 2 hands down. If you're stable on 1.275V, you have absolutely nothing to worry about with those temperatures.
People (like the guy who replied after you) say tho that such constant full load voltage is bad...how worried should i be about this?
iamacow :
You could go with #3 and use a offset of +.100 so the cpu can lower its voltage and downclock when not being used. Constant voltage 't good long term for the cpu, nor is high voltage.
[strike]Your motherboard should have it because they all do. I suggest looking at the manual to find out where the option is,[/strike] Also update the bios to make sure you have the features.
Well I take it back, I read the shitty manual gigabyte provided and it only said it had advance cpu voltage section, but didn't go into detail. I would dig around your bios in the advance cpu section.
Pretty sure there's only 2 options there, LLC and some other thing, i'm 99% sure there is no offset option on that motherboard.
Adjust your voltage manually and utilize the power-saving options on your motherboard to conserve energy when necessary.
MasterMace:
You should adjust the voltage yourself and take advantage of the power-saving options on your motherboard to conserve energy when necessary.
It doesn't affect the CPU if the Vcore stays between 1.272 and 1.260.
Power usage and heat generation aren't a concern here.
I always run manual voltage. As long as it's a safe voltage and temps are good, then there are no worries. I'm pretty sure Intel designed these CPUs to be able to run under constant load, in which the CPU would have to stay at full voltage all the time. And 1.275 is actually at or slightly below stock voltage for a 6700K. I would feel extremely comfortable running your chip at around 4.6/1.30-1.32V, but the extra 100MHz is pretty meaningless anyway.