First time overclock - need some help

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ChrisTheMa5TeR

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Apr 28, 2014
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Hey everyone! I'm kind of new here. I've been reading this forum for a long time but I didn't find the proper guide for my system so I'm asking for your assistance. I want to overclock my CPU, but I have never done this before and I don't know where to start. I'd appreciate if someone could help me.

My specs:
MoBo: Gigabyte Z87-HD3
CPU: Intel i5-4670k (Haswell)
GPU: Gigabyte GTX760 Windforce OC
Memory: Kingston HyperX 2x4GB
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
Plus I have 2 fans installed in my case it's a Coolermaster HAF 912 Plus.
Power Source: Thermaltake Evo Blue 650W(v1.0)

I hope these information are enough. :)
 
Solution
bicycle_repair_man
Hi and welcome.

The good news is that you already have everything you need to get started. There's a good guide here http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/272214-29-wolfram-beginner-guide-overclocking but I'll throw in my two pence.

To start with, go into the BIOS and find the CPU multiplier and base clock (BCLK). At the moment, the multiplier will be set to 34 and the base clock will be set to 100Mhz (multiplier x base clock = clock speed). All you need to do is increase the multiplier to increase the clock speed. Don't touch the base clock as this will overclock other components such as the RAM and PCI slots, which will lead to BSODs.

You should also download a couple of monitoring and testing tools; HWMonitor and Prime95. HWMonitor...
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bicycle_repair_man

bicycle_repair_man

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Jan 10, 2014
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Hi and welcome.

The good news is that you already have everything you need to get started. There's a good guide here http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/272214-29-wolfram-beginner-guide-overclocking but I'll throw in my two pence.

To start with, go into the BIOS and find the CPU multiplier and base clock (BCLK). At the moment, the multiplier will be set to 34 and the base clock will be set to 100Mhz (multiplier x base clock = clock speed). All you need to do is increase the multiplier to increase the clock speed. Don't touch the base clock as this will overclock other components such as the RAM and PCI slots, which will lead to BSODs.

You should also download a couple of monitoring and testing tools; HWMonitor and Prime95. HWMonitor will let you monitor the CPU temperature, which you shouldn't let exceed 75C. Prime95 has a Small FFTs Torture Test, which will push the CPU to 100% load. Whilst this sounds dangerous, it's to ensure that the overclocked CPU will remain stable in a worst-case scenario.

I'd suggest you start with a CPU multiplier of 40 (4Ghz). Run a Prime95 test, launch HWMonitor and keep an eye on the CPU temperature. Do this for about 10 minutes. If the temperature remains below 75C and the computer doesn't crash or BSOD, then increase the multiplier in small stages. Once the temperature gets too high or the computer starts to crash, it's time to stop.

Once you're comfortable with adjusting the CPU multiplier and running the tests, then you can look at adjusting the CPU voltage to bring the temperature down, but that's for another time.

Overclocking is all about trial and error.
 
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ChrisTheMa5TeR

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Apr 28, 2014
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Hurray! I managed to do a 4.0Ghz overclock. I'm thrilled, but the temperature rates are a bit too high in min. 62C and max. 76-80C. I think I need to apply thermal compound because I last did that in December. Thanks for the tips btw! :)

I have pictures, but I don't know how can I link them into the post. :\
 
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bicycle_repair_man

bicycle_repair_man

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Jan 10, 2014
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Good stuff.

Those temperatures do seem a little high, particularly with your cooler, but a fresh blob of thermal paste is a good idea. Obviously, clean off the existing amount first. I'd also check that your cooler is mounted correctly and isn't raised above the CPU.

I don't think you can upload pictures directly, you have to host them elsewhere and post the link.
 
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ChrisTheMa5TeR

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Apr 28, 2014
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Okay I uploaded the pictures elswhere. Here they are:
cpuz_www.kepfeltoltes.hu_.png

hwmon_www.kepfeltoltes.hu_.png
 
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bicycle_repair_man

bicycle_repair_man

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Looking at HWMonitor, the first thing I've noticed is that some of the case fans aren't running. Should that be the case?

The core temperatures are within an acceptable limit so you could begin to adjust the voltage and bring the temperature down. With any luck, you may also be able to overclock the processor a little more.
 
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ChrisTheMa5TeR

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Apr 28, 2014
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Those are not the case fans. The case fans are listed a little bit above those 0% values. They are working fine at 300-600 RPM. I really want to go and adjust the voltage but I don't know which voltages should I adjust and how. And where should be the peak voltage.
 
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bicycle_repair_man

bicycle_repair_man

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Jan 10, 2014
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OK, here's how to go about adjusting the voltage.

Access your BIOS and look for CPU voltage (VCORE), which will currently be set to auto. To adjust it manually, you simply enter a value.

HWMonitor says that the current VCORE is 1.26V. Typically, the PSU will assign more than is actually needed, but this gives you a good starting point. Start with 1.25V, run a Prime95 Small FFTs Torture Test for half an hour and keep an eye on the temperature. If the computer doesn't crash and none of the threads fail in Prime95, then you can reduce the VCORE a little more. Keep repeating this process until you start to encounter instability.

Once you've reached a stable VCORE and temperature, you should run an extended Prime95 test for a few hours. If you encounter any instability, raise the VCORE slightly. If you don't, and the temperature is still within an acceptable limit, then you can increase the CPU multiplier.

In essence, you want to achieve the highest overclock with the lowest possible voltage and temperature. I generally find that for every increase in multiplier, I need to increase my VCORE by .01V, but every processor is different.
 
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