Overclocking the Devil's Canyon

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ayb88

ayb88

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Jan 2, 2013
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Hello all,

I've recently done a complete overhaul of my system.

I've been reading a lot about overclocking, and the person at microcenter insisted that I MUST overclock this CPU, because that's what it was designed to it.

My primary use is games, mainly battlefield 4, Arma 3, insurgency and etc.

Here are my specs:

-i7 4790K
-Asus Sabertooth Mark II z97
-EVGA GTX 670 in 2-way SLI
-Corsair Vengence 16 GB DDR3 (2x8GB) @1600 mHz
-Corsair HX850 PSU
-Corsair H80i CPU Cooler
-Corsair Obsidian 650D Case
-2 x 128GB Samsung EVO 840 SSD
-Western Digital 1TB HDD @7200rpm

I'm playing on a 27" Asus PB278Q 2560x1440 monitor


I have never overclocked anything. I don't think I ever really needed to, if my system was "good enough". My previous setup was a 3770k with another sabertooth.

I purchased the warranties for the mobo and CPU from Microcenter, and the rep told me you can overclock it, and if something goes wrong with the CPU, I could exchange it with a new one or get store credit.

I'm thinking, I should really overclock, especially since I already have a good CPU cooling solution. The reason I bought the H80i, was because I figured temperatures inside the case would get pretty warm once I start 2-way SLI with the GTX670. Figured this would at least help the CPU keep cool, without spreading more heat into the case.

If I'm going to overclock, I want something conservative. Nothing crazy that would require me having to constantly worry about it. Does anyone have a similar setup as mine?

What's a stable, safe overclocking rate/speed for this CPU?

Thanks!
 
Solution
DubbleClick


Fuck no, 1.2v is way too much for 4.0ghz. 1.1v is more than enough.

Also, that doesn't help for overclocking at all.

@OP: 4.4ghz is already a fairly high clock, so your first step would be to disable turbo but set 44 base multiplier. Voltage can stay on what it currently uses, if it's auto setting then something about 1.15-1.25v will be enough. Try to push down the voltage as much as you can in 0.01v steps, when you get unstable add 0.015v to be safe. 1.2...
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Alex Kelly

Alex Kelly

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Oct 12, 2013
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First, go to the BIOS and raise your Vcore to 1.2. Then, set the multiplier to 4.0Ghz.
Run Intel Burn Test on very high for 10 passes, and monitor the temperatures with HWmonitor.
Good luck :) let me know how it goes. To find the software I've mentioned simply google it.
 
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DubbleClick

DubbleClick

Admirable
Jun 16, 2014
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Fuck no, 1.2v is way too much for 4.0ghz. 1.1v is more than enough.

Also, that doesn't help for overclocking at all.

@OP: 4.4ghz is already a fairly high clock, so your first step would be to disable turbo but set 44 base multiplier. Voltage can stay on what it currently uses, if it's auto setting then something about 1.15-1.25v will be enough. Try to push down the voltage as much as you can in 0.01v steps, when you get unstable add 0.015v to be safe. 1.2 should be a starting point, if it's stable.

From then on, if you want some more or less serious overclock, you can fix your voltage to 1.25v and then push the multiplier up in +1 steps until you aren't stable anymore. On 1.25v, with a decent aftermarket cooler, you shouldn't run into heat issues. However, always monitor your temperatures with something like realtemp/coretemp/hwinfo. If you feel they're too high, post here again.

However, you do not need to overclock the i7 4790k. It's k series, that meant that it's unlocked for overclocking, but doesn't force you to do so. It's baseclock is already really high.
 
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Solution
Alex Kelly

Alex Kelly

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Oct 12, 2013
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^ I know this. It's to stay safe for a first OC. After he can confirm it's stable, he can go lower on the voltage.
You haven't said anything helpful, and don't swear without any decent reason. Thanks.

Knowing his temps with the voltage at 1.2 will give me a good idea of his OC headroom.
 
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Y

Y0GI

Splendid
Jul 22, 2013
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First, just because you bought an unlocked CPU there is no rule that says that you MUST OC it. Your CPU is very strong at stock clocks and if you are the least bit concerned or apprehensive about it, don't bother.

Next, your i7 stock clock is 4.0 GHz and Turbo is 4.4 GHz, so an OC to 4.0 GHz would be an underclock in some situations. Don't do this!

Yogi
 
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Alex Kelly

Alex Kelly

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Oct 12, 2013
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MY BAD. I mistaking thought it was the 4690K. I'm really tired, very sorry.
Keep the voltage at what I suggested, but try 4.5Ghz.
You're right Y0gi, it's not necessary to OC, but if he wants to try it there's nothing wrong with that. :)
 
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ayb88

ayb88

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Jan 2, 2013
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You all have given valid points, and a good start off.

I think disabling Turbo mode, and keeping it at 4.4 ghz is a good and conservative OC, without having to sacrifice too much heat loss. I will start off at 1.2V and work my way down to a stable sweet spot. I think with a good CPU cooler like the H80i, I should be in okay with retrospect of slight temperature increase.

 
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ayb88

ayb88

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Jan 2, 2013
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This doesn't sound all too complicated. I'm reading different opinions on the net regarding which benchmark applications, and stress tools I should be using. Do you guys have any recommendation as far as monitoring/testing software is concerned?

 
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