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Quick voltage/heat question

smirk

Member
Aug 22, 2001
67
0
61
Hey guys, I have an E4500 @ 2.2GHz that I've overclocked to ~3.1GHz (280x11). CPU voltage is 1.392 in CPU-Z, 1.4-something in BIOS. It peaks around 67 degrees under load. This is with stock cooling.

My question is this: If I installed a better HSF, would the CPU require less voltage, or does that not have anything to do with it?

Thanks!
 

kalrith

Diamond Member
Aug 22, 2005
6,628
7
81
Hey guys, I have an E4500 @ 2.2GHz that I've overclocked to ~3.1GHz (280x11). CPU voltage is 1.392 in CPU-Z, 1.4-something in BIOS. It peaks around 67 degrees under load. This is with stock cooling.

My question is this: If I installed a better HSF, would the CPU require less voltage, or does that not have anything to do with it?

Thanks!

That has nothing to do with it. A better HSF would decrease your temps and possibly allow you to overclock and overvolt more, but the voltage required for a set overclock speed is not dependent on the HSF or temp.
 

Sp12

Senior member
Jun 12, 2010
799
0
76
Actually, as temps drop CPUs typically gain voltage resistance, that is, they can handle more volts without getting damaged (ignoring thermal concerns).
 

jtisgeek

Senior member
Jan 26, 2010
295
0
0
Actually, as temps drop CPUs typically gain voltage resistance, that is, they can handle more volts without getting damaged (ignoring thermal concerns).


That's how most of my stuff has been. But let my say that you will only see a big difference with a very large after market heatsink or a good water cooling setup.

FYI you need to think about cost of both will cost you more than buying a faster cpu.
 

smirk

Member
Aug 22, 2001
67
0
61
Cool, thanks a lot you guys. Do you think I should buy a better HSF just to keep the temps down a bit? 67 degrees is still under the 73 degree limit posted on Intel's site, but I don't want the CPU to burn out early!
 

jtisgeek

Senior member
Jan 26, 2010
295
0
0
Cool, thanks a lot you guys. Do you think I should buy a better HSF just to keep the temps down a bit? 67 degrees is still under the 73 degree limit posted on Intel's site, but I don't want the CPU to burn out early!

What are you using to get your max temps. What does your normal temp run usually I wouldn't worry to much as long as your normal load temps are under 60c on a hot day.
 

smirk

Member
Aug 22, 2001
67
0
61
I've been using Prime95 to stress-test it. I'm not sure what the normal temps are, I've always run this computer at 2.6GHz and stock settings. In preparation for upgrading to Windows 7 I thought I'd overclock it more, so I haven't actually used it at 3.1GHz yet.

Maybe I'll set CoreTemp to log and then just use it on a hot day, play some games, etc. You're right -- in real world use it probably never gets taxed that hard. I do crunch SETI all the time but only on one core.

Thanks!