Question Newbie to overclocking - I have a 12600K, where do I start from?

[dolama72]

I recently put together a new build around a 12600K on an Asus TUF Gaming Z690 motherboard, 32GB of DDR5 6000 RAM (2X16GB) and an Asus TUF Gaming RTX 3070 Ti.

I'd like to move my first steps into OC to squeeze my CPU and I tried playng around with the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility, with very poor results.
Actually, using the automatic performance enhancer I get lower scores in the bechmarks like Cinebench and 3D Mark.

Do you have some basic suggestions on where to start from if I want to OC manually?
Shall I use the Bios or a third party software?
And finally, how can I check how my CPU ranks in the silicon lottery?

I'm happy also to be pointed to reading material or videos online. There is so much trash around, I need some help to read or watch something decent.

Thanks!

 

[Hulk]

Zen 4 and 13th gen should be underclocked, sort of. Set the max wattage to something sane, and let it go as fast as it can without using more than that. For example, I have set my 7950x's to PBO CO -25 and it never goes over 142 watt vs stock can hit 230. It does 95% of the performance at that setting, still way faster than my 5950x's.

Edit: I just read that Intel has now killed this. Well, you can still do it on AMD.

You are describing lowering PL1/PL2, more so than undervolting I think. AFAIK Intel has not disabled the ability to set PL1/PL2 power settings or am I wrong?

 

[Markfw]

You are describing lowering PL1/PL2, more so than undervolting I think. AFAIK Intel has not disabled the ability to set PL1/PL2 power settings or am I wrong?

No idea, but that is what I am suggesting. If the power limits are set, the volts should be lower.

 

[Hulk]

No idea, but that is what I am suggesting. If the power limits are set, the volts should be lower.

I think changing PL1/PL2 leaves voltage settings and limits current.