If you're using any Motherboard's automatic configurations, the voltage is most likely higher than it actually needs to be. However, 1.25v isn't a dangerous level. Most users don't want to go above 1.3V. I am currently running an I5-4690k @ 4.6Ghz with 1.25V on the Vcore.
If you're still a beginner, I'll make you a simple overclocking guide that won't be too complicated and should allow you to find your true CPU's limit.
Note that this isn't the most in-depth guide and you might want to read more about it on your own.
1. In your Bios, go to AI tweaker and find the Ai Overclock tuner. Set it to manual
2. Then, find CPU core ratio and set it to ''sync all cores''
3. Below that last field, you should find all cores multiplier. This is the key for the Turbo overclock. They multiply your base clock frequency (Often 100). If you're running Stock, you should see them all at 38, which is your current turbo clock. If BCLK isn't at 100, set it to 100 manually.
You can modify these to get higher performances when it counts.
Not quite done yet, but almost.
4. Below that, you should find a field called : CPU CORE VOLTAGE. This is important, because you will be modifying the speed of your processor. Set it to manual and change the value to : 1.225, which is what I start with and then work my way to the best settings.
Now, start by changing the value of your first core (3rd point) to 40. This means a clock speed of 4.0Ghz. Save the parameters and restart the computer. The system will go in POST (Power-On Self-Test) and if everything is fine, you'll get a normal start-up. If it boots for 2-3 seconds before shutting down, simply turn off the system and power it back on, Asus automatic recovery feature will the system back to the last working parameters.
Even if you get a normal start-up, I recommend that you use HWmonitor64 and Prime95 to verify the system's temperature and stability. Once you've done it once and it worked, you can go back and try pushing it further.
Overclocking is the art of pushing a computer past its limit and then optimizing it
Hope it helped,
-Sky