i5-3570k @ 5GHz : Keep overclock or downclock to 4.5GHz?

DevHalo · Mar 2, 2014

I've been using the OC tuner on my P8Z77-V Pro motherboard and left me at a 4.2GHz overclock. I was satisfied until a few days ago I thought about pushing my i5 to the limit. After following some overclocking guides I managed to get a 5GHz overclock with about 1.395 volts. I've only done one Prime95 test and that was when I had 1.32 volts. After running the test I came back to my computer only for it to crash when I tried to restart it (oh well). I ended bumping up the volts to 1.395 in order to stop getting WHEA errors in my event viewer (Did not get one yet, still waiting though). Prime95 FFTs cooks my CPU to about 80-90c (Deviation between cores by about 5-10 degrees. Pretty bad thermal solution in the IHS). Blend allows me to maintain acceptable temps (60-70c). I also tried the IBT which gave me 126gflops and temps rose to 95c (Too toasty for my taste). I've done some gaming and general use with no errors or problems so far. I was wondering if I should back down to something I know for sure would be stable or keep the overclock I have now.

TL;DR
5GHz OC - 1.395v (HWMonitor reports 1.425v under 100% load)
IBT Temps : Max: 95c Average: 85-90c
Prime95 FFTs: Max: 85c Average: 70-80c (Only done 5-10m bursts)
Prime95 Blend: Max: 75c Average: 60-70c (Only done 5-10m bursts)

1.38v - Stable, but occasional WHEA's give me paranoia
1.36v - Boots into windows, applications crash on startup (except chrome)
1.32v - 8 hour Prime95 FFT test. Inspecting event log reveals WHEA spam

Should I keep the 5GHz overclock or downclock to something more stable (4.2GHz-4.5Ghz).

2nd post, I apologize for any inconsistencies. If you need more info let me know.

veladem · Mar 2, 2014

To get a real test if its stable run a bench/stress for 2+ hours.

Cons29 · Mar 2, 2014

if these are just for bench numbers then it's up to you. but for everyday use, personally 5ghz is too much. unless you need it for some reason

envy14tpe · Mar 2, 2014

There is no need to go to 5GHz but I applaud you for trying..especially since it is an Ivy Bridge CPU.

What is your cooler?

As mentioned a stress test should run for a couple hours to be a valid and stable overclock.

DevHalo · Mar 2, 2014

I'm running this on a H80i. Do those temps seem right for the cooler? I'll probably run prime until I get home from classes tomorrow. ~13 hours should be enough for a stress test. I only wanted to see if my chip could reach 5GHz stable and was pretty surprised with the temps being fair for how far I've been pushing the volts.

envy14tpe · Mar 2, 2014

I wouldn't expect a H80i to get you safely beyond 4.6GHz. I really suggest backing down. It's really way too much for it.

veladem · Mar 2, 2014

What are your ambient temps where you live??? You live in Alaska? x'D

DevHalo · Mar 2, 2014

I live in a Canadian basement. The temperatures are what confuses me. On average during gaming my temps only reach max 70c. When the speed kicks up to 5GHz I instantly go from about 30c (ambient is probably around 25-27c, but my rig is on the basement floor) to 50-60c. Is it possible the temps are giving off false readings? Give or take 10 degrees?

envy14tpe · Mar 3, 2014

What programs are you using to monitor temps? During normal use I use: Open Hardware Monitor or CPUID Hardware Monitor.

Your temps don't seem horrid but the issue is the crashing. You need a reasonable temp and lack of crashing to be considered ok.

Why don't you shoot for 4.6GHz? Beyond that you really should invest in a better cooler, however you won't benefit much in running 4.8GHz vs 4.6GHz.

DevHalo · Mar 3, 2014

Just got back. Ran Prime95 blend for 13 hours with no crashes or errors. Temps reached max 96c on some cores but average temps were around 60-75c.

veladem · Mar 3, 2014

I think it's fairly stable then lol

nikoli707 · Mar 3, 2014

96c is terribly too high, electromigration has likely already occured. simply put anything over 80c and your at your thermal limit. you should just start over with the overclocking and or use 4.5ghz at the lowest possible vcore. you will need a $250 240mm rad and d5 pump to get temps under control at 1.4v+ and 5.0ghz. with a little h80i i can tell you that you very likely are reading the right temps... 1.425v under load full throttle with prime or ibt will easily get intel k chips above 90c. im really afraid your damaging your chip. if you want you can leave it at this supposed 5.0ghz stable but in a couple months your going to bsod and the chip will start needing more vcore, and then more, and then more as electromigration takes hold.

DevHalo · Mar 3, 2014

Downclocked to 4.5Ghz with 1.31-1.34v and ran blend and FFT for a few minutes. Max temps were about 70c with the averages in low 60s. During gaming temps only reach a max of 75c on 5GHz. Do you think I should take the risk to keep the 5GHz stable or settle for 4.5GHz and continue to down volt?

envy14tpe · Mar 3, 2014

My vote is to stick with 4.5GHz. Games won't tell the difference between 4.5 and 5.0GHz. It's better to have a CPU that lasts longer than a year.

4.5GHz and 1.3V seems pretty good.

nikoli707 · Mar 4, 2014

anything intel sandy, ivy, or haswell with a max load vcore above 1.40v vcore better be in the under 70c max range for long term health. under 1.40v load then under 80c is fine. with above 1.40v not only is heat an issue but high voltage spikes that only an oscope can see may be present, the quality of your power supply and motherboard can compound this even more. ive honestly never heard of cases of ivy or haswell making it to 5.0ghz stable without a real watercooling loop. some lucky sandy bridge chips can make it there with top of the line air, but it is tough and requires lapping and a bunch of other factors all lining up.

you are more than welcome to keep trying games or other apps at that high vcore and clocks, but its not safe at all.

RobCrezz · Mar 4, 2014

I would either clock down or get a much better cooler. I wouldnt be happy with them temps.

Fair play though, thats some good clocking, you must have a great chip!

vmN · Mar 4, 2014

Sure the CPU isn't simply throttling itself.
With an H80 and ivy bridge you won't reach a stable 5GHz.

bicycle_repair_man · Mar 4, 2014

envy14tpe :

+1

Your temperatures at 5Ghz are dangerously close to maximum, stick to the 70C mark. Anything above 80C would set alarm bells ringing for me.

4Ryan6 · Mar 4, 2014

So much caution, OOOOOHHH!

First of all I commend you on the guts to go for it!

Running 5ghz will spoil you, whether anyone else is with you on the ride or not!

Necessary, is only relevant in a direct comparison, and in a direct comparison 4.5ghz is everyday lame, listen to the fear factor if you want but those of us running 5ghz Know!

Once you reach 5ghz it's hard to settle for less as 5ghz tends to spoil you, that's a very descent overclock of your 3570K, your stress load temperatures you won't be reaching with regular apps. so it's really up to you, as to whether you keep it like that.

I'm running about 1.365v for a 5ghz overclock with hyper threading disabled on my 3770K, so your voltage is in the ballpark, if your motherboard has any adjusting of LLC (Load Line Calibration) BIOS adjustments you can play around with a fixed set CPU voltage and high LLC, to lower the Fixed Voltage and still remain Operating system stable.

Of course if you're already running fixed voltage and a high LLC, you're there now already, I'm not sure what BIOS settings your particular motherboard has to work with.

You can also drop CPU temperature by not overclocking the CPU memory controller, meaning do not run your memory past a 1600mhz speed!

You have not mentioned the memory you're running or the memory speed you're running?

As far as previously mentioned electron migration I wouldn't worry about that as you'll more than likely upgrade to a new setup before that seriously affects your setup, it would be better if it was cooler running but you'd have to go much better cooling to accomplish that.

You have an excellent 3570K to even reach 5ghz without delidding it, many cannot get anywhere near that high a clock, so I say quit worrying about it and enjoy it's performance at 5ghz!

After All, It's Your Hardware, to do with as you please!

EDIT:::::::

I downloaded your manual and your BIOS settings are almost identical to mine, you have access to LLC settings under the DIGI+ Power Control, you can play around with LLC to lower your CPU voltage and still remain OP/SYS stable, thus lowering your load temperature as well.

I suggest fine tuning your 5ghz overclock by lowering raw CPU voltage and raising the LLC function and getting your load temps as low as you can, because I can run hyper threading enabled at 5ghz using less voltage than you are for your 5ghz overclock!

RobCrezz · Mar 4, 2014

+1 to what Ryan said. Although to maintain 5Ghz I would look into a better cooler.

A dual 120 might be a better option, like H100i or Kracken X60, CM Glacier 240L.

4Ryan6 · Mar 4, 2014

RobCrezz :

Taking into consideration of where he has already reached I find myself agreeing he should consider a better cooler with more radiator cooling field than what he presently has and these coolers I never recommend but in these circumstances!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181032

DevHalo · Mar 4, 2014

How much will the temps lower with a H100? I currently don't have any money right now to afford a new cooler. I'm currently running 8GB of corsair ram at 1600MHz

EDIT: I used this guide and only changed the vcore.
http://www.overclock.net/t/1291703/ivy-bridge-overclocking-guide-asus-motherboards

RobCrezz · Mar 5, 2014

DevHalo :

Looks like you have done everything fine, but I would bring it down to around 4.8 until you get a better cooler.

i5-3570k @ 5GHz : Keep overclock or downclock to 4.5GHz?

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