Bug In Intel H87 Chipset Allows Ratio-Based Overclocking
Intel thought it was helping out enthusiasts by giving Haswell-based K-series SKUs access to a handful of BCLK straps. Instead, the hotter-running, voltage regulator-integrating parts tend to underperform Ivy Bridge-based air-cooled CPUs when it comes to overclocking headroom. As a result, we really didn’t see any reason to upgrade in The Core i7-4770K Review: Haswell Is Faster; Desktop Enthusiasts Yawn, particularly since you’re forced to buy a new motherboard as well.
Previously, you needed a Z-family platform for access to overclocking functionality. That was supposed to carry over to Intel’s Lynx Point chipsets. However, we noticed a BIOS option called “Non-Z OC” in ASRock’s H87 Performance motherboard that suggested Intel might have forgotten to turn unlocked ratios off in one of its lower-end platforms.
It turns out that you can drop a K-series CPU into the well-equipped $105 motherboard and overclock it using the processor’s ratio multipliers. The cost savings compared to Z87 is almost large enough to make up for the fact that Intel charges an extra $40 for its -4770K over the locked-up -4770.
We still think the Haswell-based flagship is priced poorly at $350 when you can get a Core i7-3770K for $320. However, it’s also pretty funny that, despite Intel’s attempts to charge enthusiasts extra for their hobby, the company seems to have left the back door wide open on its less expensive H87 Express platform controller hub.
It’ll be interesting to see if other motherboard vendors come out with enthusiast-oriented boards centering on H87 Express to capitalize. Although H87 still prevents you from splitting the processor’s PCI Express connectivity into multiple links, powerful single-GPU cards like Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 770 and AMD’s Radeon HD 7970 still make it possible to build an affordable gaming machine using the lower-end platform.
We're also trying to confirm whether this works using Core i5-4670K, which is a lot more affordable at $240. That could end up being a value favorite you see show up in next quarter's System Builder Marathon.





It's not a bug, it's a feature!
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unless.
intel forces motherboard vendors to release a bios/uefi patch to lock down non-z o.c. intel hates o.c.ers.
edit:
could you guys test non-k core i5 cpus along with the core i5 4670k? i know intel locked out non-k cpus off bclk o.c. but they also locked out h87 off bclk o.c.
Unintentionally on purpose, perhaps ?
Does this mean we can figure out the bug and apply it to an older non-Z chipset to make Sandy and Ivy chips in slower boards run faster?
You guys also sound like idiots recommending a 3770K over a 4770K juat to save $30. The haswell chip will give you anywhere between 5% to 10% better perfornance. Who cares if it overclocks an extra 100 Mhz for a given temperature.
I wonder how long before they release a bios update that closes it.
You guys also sound like idiots recommending a 3770K over a 4770K juat to save $30. The haswell chip will give you anywhere between 5% to 10% better perfornance. Who cares if it overclocks an extra 100 Mhz for a given temperature.
On the flip side that 1% probably accounts for half of computer sales from recommendations and constantly upgrading and expanding their collection. So why not make them happy?
Only the k-SKU chips (i5-4670K and i7-4770K) are unlocked.
Whether this trick works on non-k SKUs appears undetermined.
On the flip side that 1% probably accounts for half of computer sales from recommendations and constantly upgrading and expanding their collection. So why not make them happy?
You severely overestimate your importance.
It was the 1% 15 years ago that are impacting mainstream sales today. Your opinion won't impact intel's name recognition for a good decade. All intel has to do is continue to be the best. Failing to please the 1% doesn't change the fact they are the best right now. You may complain about intel's pricing structure, but all the mainstream will hear is that they are the fastest processor.