Is it ok to keep running my PC even if the overclock fails the stress test

LegateLanius

Prominent
May 16, 2017
4
0
510
Overclocking a AMD FX-6300 (3.5ghz) to 4.0ghz

I ran prime95 for about 3 hours and 2 of the workers/cores failed the test. I was wondering if it is PHYSICALLY ok to keep running my computer at this clock and voltage despite that. What i mean is that if i keep running at this clock, will my pc actually get damaged over time or will i just risk crashes from time to time?

Other info:
- Played fallout 4 for about 6 hours, no crash.
- Using the msi 970a-g43 for overclocking (terrible MoBo for that I know, but at least I have a liquid cpu cooler, northbridge cooler, and 4 case fans to try and combat the poor thermal regulation on it.
 
Solution
Provided your voltages are safe for the chip, then physically you *should* be fine - but random crashes/shutdowns are not ideal for long-term use of your other components.

Stress tests put unrealistic loads on the CPU/VRMs that you'll never see in daily use (at least not likely to).

Personally, I'd want a stable OC - but if you're happy that it can serve you well for what you want to do as is (and can live with the occassional crash), you're not likely to do any significant harm.

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Provided your voltages are safe for the chip, then physically you *should* be fine - but random crashes/shutdowns are not ideal for long-term use of your other components.

Stress tests put unrealistic loads on the CPU/VRMs that you'll never see in daily use (at least not likely to).

Personally, I'd want a stable OC - but if you're happy that it can serve you well for what you want to do as is (and can live with the occassional crash), you're not likely to do any significant harm.

 
Solution

lodders

Admirable
You risk crashes from time to time. Also, your games and apps might get a bit buggy. Apparently it is possible for a processor running at the edge of stability to give occasional errors without actually crashing. This is why people do stress tests.
My experience of AMD overclocking is that turning the speed down slightly will make it stable. if 4Ghz is no good 3.95GHz is probably OK... Just turn the master clock down from 200 to 198
 

LegateLanius

Prominent
May 16, 2017
4
0
510


The FSB you mean? Ok so I'll turn that down and keep my voltages the same then?
Appreciate the responses you guys, I feel safer now and I'm going to keep shooting for a stable OC!

EDIT: Figured I'd post a HWMonitor report in case it might help: http://imgur.com/a/ebHJm