Base frequency Vs. Turbo Freqency

[Prometheus_1]

I know it may seem like a stupid question but ive never been CPU savvy, I'm going to build a new pc sooner or later, i'm probably going to end up getting the i7-8700k. But for some reason this has always confused me, the CPU has a 3.7Ghz "base frequency", and a 4.7Ghz "max turbo frequency" does this mean that the CPU will automatically boost itself when i'm gaming to 4.7Ghz, or will I have to manually change it. I'll have a 280mm liquid cooler so temperature shouldn't be a problem. Idk why Ive just never gotten a clear answer to this question lol. Sorry if I sound stupid.

 

[sizzling]

Yes the cpu can boost itself but the 4.7Ghz is the maximum based on a single core being used, the more cores that are in use by a program the lower the boost speed. It also depends on cpu temperature. Seeing as you are looking at a 'k' cpu you should be able to overclock to 5.0Ghz where all cores run at 5.0Ghz assuming good cooling & PSU.

 

[madmatt30]

Boost is automatic.
That 4.7ghz max speed is single core turbo for if only a single core was stressed substantially.

Under gaming load with more than 4 cores stressed turbo is 4.3/4.4ghz generally.

All of this is automatic for you as a user , nothing for you to do manually.

 

[Prometheus_1]

Yes the cpu can boost itself but the 4.7Ghz is the maximum based on a single core being used, the more cores that are in use by a program the lower the boost speed. It also depends on cpu temperature. Seeing as you are looking at a 'k' cpu you should be able to overclock to 5.0Ghz where all cores run at 5.0Ghz assuming good cooling & PSU.

Boost is automatic.
That 4.7ghz max speed is single core turbo for if only a single core was stressed substantially.

Under gaming load with more than 4 cores stressed turbo is 4.3/4.4ghz generally.

All of this is automatic for you as a user , nothing for you to do manually.

So while in game, and only a game, (no other programs running) It will only go up to 4.3-4.4? would I have to manually push it to 4.7 if I wanted that extra power? Or is that .3-.4Ghz not even worth overclocking for? I'm usually the type of guy to not overclock simply because i don't feel like breaking shit tbh, i know i wont break anything but I'm just paranoid

 

[madmatt30]

The performance at stock on a 8700k is honestly that strong that you just don't 'need' to overclock it at all.


Its one simply for the enthusiasts on a 'my CPU is faster than yours' bragging scenario.

 

[tomek398]

Hi

I have 8700k and it is my first processor with turbo boost. I've noticed that it never works at base frequency (3.7GHz). Its minimum frequency is alwas 4.3GHz. It can boost it to 4.7GHz for single core but I've never seen it working at 3.7. It is normal?

Tom

 

[tomek398]

I'll reply to myself CPU frequency didn't decrease below 4.3GHz since I had Performance plan set in Windows 10. After changing it to balanced it works as it should