How much of a difference does power phase make?

[futurefields]

The motherboard I ordered is Z77 the power phase is only 4+2, what is that going to mean to me in terms of getting my 2500k to what I consider the "standard" overclock of 4.5ghz (with coolermaster hyper 212+)

Should I have gone with an 8+2 or 8+4 phase board or will the 4+2 be fine? What does all of this mean?

Thanks.

Btw this is the board I ordered - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157296

 

[Rifter]

Its going to depend on the quality of comonents used. More is usually better but not always. For example a top quality 4 phase board could very well provide cleaner/more power than a cheap 12 phase board.

Generally speaking though more will be better and provide more stable voltage under extream loads, especially if comparing boards from the same maker and the same line/price range.

 

[Puppies04]

I doubt you will have problems hitting 4.5ghz on that board. The hardware reviews I read show the max overclocks dropping from 5.0ish to around 4.8ish when cheaper boards with less power phases are used.

 

[ShintaiDK]

More phases is a marketing thing mainly. Just look on all the phases on those mission critical servers...or rather..those few phases.