Overclock Semi-new Build I7 3770k CPU

[stevenk92]

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper ATX Full Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified

I have had this rig for a little over 6 minutes and i've wanted to get into overclocking. As I read around posts and other forum sites, Hitting 4.5Ghz on this cpu is a no brainer. Over the course of the week I ran stress tests increasing my cpu multiplier while leaving my voltage in offset mode. I did indeed succeed in hitting 4.5Ghz while running Prime95 for min of 12 hours. My temps are relatively low with just air cooling of about 35C lowest and 80C as my high temp during the test. Is it ok to leave my Vcore as offset mode or should I put a fixed voltage? Does it matter?


*Might switch to a closed loop CPU watercooler soon.*

*Edit* Voltage was around 1.28-1.29 max

 

[ihog]

You can try a fixed voltage to see if you can keep 4.5 GHz stable at lower voltages. And don't get anything less than an H100 if you're looking to upgrade your cooler to a closed loop solution.

 

[stevenk92]

You can try a fixed voltage to see if you can keep 4.5 GHz stable at lower voltages. And don't get anything less than an H100 if you're looking to upgrade your cooler to a closed loop solution.

the H100 is exactly what I was shooting for. If I were to use a fixed amount, by how much should I lower my voltage by?

 

[ihog]

I'd do .05V, personally.

 

[stevenk92]

Is there a benefit between fixed voltage and offset mode?

 

[ihog]

With a fixed voltage, you can control what the limit is. Then, if you want the CPU to drop voltage at idle, you mess around with the LLC settings.

 

[stevenk92]

With a fixed voltage, you can control what the limit is. Then, if you want the CPU to drop voltage at idle, you mess around with the LLC settings.

i did do a few testing with llc with prime95 to see which settings is best with my 4.5Ghz OC cpu until i found the right value to not get a BSOD or failure.

 

[ihog]

Cool, cool. Did you manage to be able to use a lower voltage?

 

[stevenk92]

I haven't been around to tinker with it yet unfortunately. It seems to fluctuate between 1.2 to 1.24 though