MSI Z97 Gaming 3 & i5 4690K Overclock

[MrGrim999]

Hey guys. I've never fooled around with overclocking in the past but I built a decent gaming rig a few months ago that makes it seem like overclocking is a bit easier nowadays and would like to try it out...

I found this overclocking guide on this site here... ...http://www.anandtech.com/show/8227/devils-canyon-review-intel-core-i7-4790k-and-i5-4690k/2

A few questions right off the bat. Am I just adjusting the cpu ratio and voltage or is there anything else?

Also, I've watched a few videos on youtube and they mention that the voltage setting might vary. How do you know what the voltage should be set to??

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Hey guys. I've never fooled around with overclocking in the past but I built a decent gaming rig a few months ago that makes it seem like overclocking is a bit easier nowadays and would like to try it out...

I found this overclocking guide on this site here... ...http://www.anandtech.com/show/8227/devils-canyon-review-intel-core-i7-4790k-and-i5-4690k/2

A few questions right off the bat. Am I just adjusting the cpu ratio and voltage or is there anything else?

Also, I've watched a few videos on youtube and they mention that the voltage setting might vary. How do you know what the voltage should be set to??

When you reach a limit with VCORE and multiplier, there are a few more things which can assist with stability. I assume that the Z97 boards include a load-line calibration adjustment -- LLC. You may have to tweak the RAM settings, but that should be easier with newer-gen boards.

Read the Anandtech guide or review a few times, and look for more similar reviews and guides with web-searches. Usually there will be a forum at the board manufacturer's web-site, and more material specific to your board model.

Make sure everything runs tip-top at stock and auto settings; run some stress-tests to assure everything is basically kosher before you start making changes to the voltage or clocks.