Newbie to overclocking

[TechRookie16]

I'm using a Sabertooth P67, I read that you can overclock minimally without adjusting voltage.

I set multiplier by 44
BCLK/PEG Frequency 100
Internal PLL Overvoltage: Auto
Load-Line: Ultra-High
VRM: 350
Phase Control: Extreme
Duty Control: Extreme
CPU Voltage: Unchanged (Partially because I couldn't figure out how) :?

I boot up, and everything is working correctly.

Running Prime 95 right now I'm running at a core speed of 4533.80 MHZ
Core Voltage is bouncing between 1.348 and 1.352 (occasionally a 1.360 will pop up)

Using AI Suite II, my CPU is running at 56 C and my VCORE-1 is running at 65 C, VCORE-2 is at 62.

*This is about 25 minutes into running but my question is should I go back in and adjust voltage (I know 1.35 is around the big no-no) and if so could somebody assist me in exactly how to do it. I've looked on a couple of forums but when I clicked manual, I didn't see exactly where to make that adjustment.

Thanks

 

[Yuriman]

What processor? 2500k? 3570k?

You should disable spread-spectrum, it's likely why you aren't at 4400mhz with 44x100. Spread spectrum allows the base clock to vary a few percent.

I post this guide for overclocking occasionally:

I recommend you try the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility for your first overclock. You don't need to reboot when changing multipliers/voltages, and it works a LOT better than the software included by motherboard manufacturers.

Start with everything default in bios.

First you need to go into bios and change vcore to offset mode, but don't change the voltage (I set mine to +.005v because +0v wasn't available). In power saving features, disable C3/C6 and Package C states, but make sure you leave C1E enabled. Disable spread spectrum. Basically everything else can be left at default.

Once in windows, load up the Intel utility and max out the Turbo Boost Power Max and Core Current Limit, like so:

This basically turns off TDP limitations (your chip is rated at 77w TDP but you want to be able to draw more power than that when overclocked).

To overclock, drag the multiplier sliders up and hit apply. Do not play with the reference clock, only multipliers. You'll probably want to go up 1x at a time and run Prime95 or IBT to test for errors. When you reach a threshold where you're no longer stable, you can either increase the voltage, or drop your multiplier back down.

The max safe voltage for day-to-day usage is arguably about 1.3v, which on my board is about +132mv. I can get up to around 4.6ghz on my chip without going over 1.3v but your mileage may vary.

Programs I typically use for stability testing are Prime95, IntelBurnTest, and the Dolphin Gamecube emulator (it crashes for me before P95 or IBT throw an error). I use RealTemp to monitor temperatures, and CPU-Z to monitor voltages.

 

[TechRookie16]

I apologize it's a i5 2500k

And you say it isn't running at 4400mhz but while running prime I was seeing 4500mhz as I mentioned in my first post.. or am I missing something?

 

[TechRookie16]

Ok not to say I didn't neglect your advice but I decided to atleast try to finish what I started. I went back and kept all adjustments except I changed voltage to 1.34, but it's running at 1.352. Is that normal and is it safe?

I've noticed my temperatures are slightly down. (I've only ran Prime95 for about 25 minutes) but it shows CPU at 53 C

 

[TechRookie16]

Just to keep updated I lied I'm actually able to get voltage down to 1.32. I just started Prime95 test. Everything seems to be running stable at this voltage.

 

[Yuriman]

And you say it isn't running at 4400mhz but while running prime I was seeing 4500mhz as I mentioned in my first post.. or am I missing something?

Spread spectrum is causing your CPU to end up at a slightly different speed than you select. Picking 44x100 would result in 4400mhz without spread spectrum. With SS, your baseclock can vary and it's probably going up to 103, which results in 44x103 = 4532mhz. I recommend disabling spread spectrum and trying out 45x100 or 46x100.

Ok not to say I didn't neglect your advice but I decided to atleast try to finish what I started. I went back and kept all adjustments except I changed voltage to 1.34, but it's running at 1.352. Is that normal and is it safe?

I've noticed my temperatures are slightly down. (I've only ran Prime95 for about 25 minutes) but it shows CPU at 53 C

LLC is why your load voltage is higher than what you requested. Normally (without LLC) when you load your CPU it will experience vdroop, which is when the voltage sags. LLC compensates for that sag, and in your case with LLC set on ultra-high it's actually overcompensating and you're ending up with a voltage higher than you request. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, there's a lot of debate on whether LLC is good to use or not. If it's working fine for you for now, don't worry about changing it. I personally overclock with LLC disabled because I found I was able to have a slightly lower stable voltage at full load.

53c is fine, especially at your overclock.

__________

To adjust the voltage, you're probably going to want to use "additional turbo voltage" in bios. By using that instead of vcore, you don't increase your voltages at idle.

 

[Shmee]

53 C is very good for full load. What is your cooler?

 

[TechRookie16]

I'm using a H60 (blowing out) for my CPU cooler and while I just got around to read this I did disable Spectrum and you're right Yuriman, immediately all my previous problems were fixed plus I was occasionally seeing work stations in Prime, showing errors. Now it's run flawlessly for like 4-5 hours.

As the name mentions I'm still quite new to all this but I really like the ease of overclocking these CPU's