6700k unstable at 4.4GHz, 15 degree variation in core temps at stock/OC

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
redlight

redlight

Distinguished
May 31, 2013
65
0
18,630
I just picked up a 6700k the other day and started the overclocking process. I set the multiplier to 44 and the Vcore to 1.3v and ran x264 for stability testing. After about 5-10 minutes I BSOD'd, so I raised the Vcore incrementally up to where it was stable at 1.4v but my temps were too high. I saw one core would hit 85C while another core was 71C. I reverted my mobo back to defaults and even under normal PC use, my core temps vary that much. One core may be 32C and another is 55C. I checked my CPU block (from H60) and the thermal paste is completely and evenly spread on the CPU and block itself. The pump itself is tightly screwed onto the motherboard and pressing on the CPU. I know the H60 is a weak cooling solution but I don't think this is normal. Are there any other suggestions of what could be going on (besides my CPU is a dud)? Here are my full specs:

CPU: i7-6700k
Cooler: Corsair H60 (push/pull)
MB: Gigabyte Z170X-UD3
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX DD4-2400
GPU: EVGA GTX 980
Windows 10
 
Solution
dalauder
My core temps are 32, 24, 31, 29. So obviously my cooler isn't seated perfectly. However, it's a 8 degree difference, not 17 and when the whole package heats up, I think it's more like 4 or 5 degrees.

At idle, your temperatures are at least 10 degrees too high if it's around 70 degrees F inside your house with normal humidity (I lived in Guam and it would be 87F inside and 80% humidity, my temps at idle were MUCH higher). Is that at stock temperatures?

As you add voltage, the poor CPU seating issue is exacerbated and more so as you stress test. Personally, those vCores on that guide sound a little higher than I'd expect for longterm usage. But it sounds like your limiter is your heatsink mount. Look around a little bit to find what...
Sort by date Sort by votes
dalauder

dalauder

Splendid
Aug 30, 2010
4,361
187
23,490
The immediate thought is what you already looked at: the thermal paste is not evenly spread or the copper plate is making poor/uneven contact with the CPU. That has been the case EVERY time I have encountered significant temperature variations.

But the thing you need to look at first is your temperatures. With a decent, especially water, cooling solution, you are seeing FAR too high of temperatures. How much experience do you have with overclocking? I'm not well acquainted with the 6700K, but double-check what a safe core voltage is for it. Can you link the overclocking guide you're using? 10tacle had some good advice for that chip here: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2946975/6700k-safe-overclocking.html

As far as stability, a multiplier of 44 is just a little high to start with and you shouldn't need near 1.4V for it. HOWEVER, if the chip gets too hot, that affects stability. I highly recommend you don't do any more overclocking or stress testing until you get your CPU cooler seated correctly.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
redlight

redlight

Distinguished
May 31, 2013
65
0
18,630


I was using this guide: http://www.overclock.net/t/1570313/skylake-overclocking-guide-with-statistics. It states "Skylake CPUs so far can hit 4.4GHz. Try 4.4GHz at ~1.35v. It should work and be stable. If not, apply 1.4v.". I know 1.4v is high, at this point I'd set the Vcore to 1.35v at max because my cooling solution simply can't handle the heat. I don't have a lot of experience overclocking. I'll try reseating my CPU cooler again and re-apply thermal paste. That kind of variation on stock settings at idle is very concerning. As I type this my core temps are: 38/38/55/47C.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
dalauder

dalauder

Splendid
Aug 30, 2010
4,361
187
23,490
My core temps are 32, 24, 31, 29. So obviously my cooler isn't seated perfectly. However, it's a 8 degree difference, not 17 and when the whole package heats up, I think it's more like 4 or 5 degrees.

At idle, your temperatures are at least 10 degrees too high if it's around 70 degrees F inside your house with normal humidity (I lived in Guam and it would be 87F inside and 80% humidity, my temps at idle were MUCH higher). Is that at stock temperatures?

As you add voltage, the poor CPU seating issue is exacerbated and more so as you stress test. Personally, those vCores on that guide sound a little higher than I'd expect for longterm usage. But it sounds like your limiter is your heatsink mount. Look around a little bit to find what overclock speeds and voltages people post online (most will be a little better than most chips will do as people like to share great accomplishments).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom