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i7 3770K, struggling to OC past 4.2Ghz

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  • Overclocking
  • Intel i7
Last response: in Overclocking
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February 25, 2014 11:31:15 PM

My specs are:
Windows 8
ASUS p8z77-m
i7 3770k 3.5Ghz
8GB RAM
Stock cooling

I've been stress testing it with LinX and using CoreTemp to watch the temperatures.

I'm a beginner at overclocking CPUs and have been following a method which is quite common among beginner guides:
1) Increase multiplier and VCore
2) Stress test
3) Error or BSOD increase VCore and go back to 2)
4) Overheating (T>85*C) reduce voltage and go back to 2)
5) Go back to 1)

The highest I can increase the frequency without the system going unstable(BSOD or Error) is 4.2GHz. Does this seem like a reasonable limit? From the guides I've been reading (for i7 3770K specifically) I should be able to reach between 4.5-5.0. Or do I need better cooling to reach those frequencies?

Would better thermal paste have a significant impact?
I've cleaned out my case and the CPU fan and tried to ensure as much airflow as possible.

I'm trying to learn more about over clocking and so any help would be much appreciated.

More about : 3770k struggling past 2ghz

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February 26, 2014 12:18:00 AM

With the stock fan I wouldnt go higher than 4ghz. I also wouldn't increase the voltage at all with the stock fan.
You dont say how much voltage so I cant add any further comment.

better thermal paste will help shave a few degC off, and will be more effective on a larger after market heat sink.
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a b K Overclocking
February 26, 2014 1:15:38 AM

don't do anything with the stock cooler.

5GHz is very hard to reach, often dangerously high V is required along with delidding and water cooling. 4.4-4.5 is reasonable, up to 1.25v. Varies between CPUs and thermal conduction between the CPU and lid is a limiting factor. Some CPUs hit a brick wall above 4.5'ish.
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