How do you overclock?

[CPU2016]

I currently have a i7 7700k on an ASUS maximsus IX HERO motherboard. I have a CX700 PSU. Is this suitable for overclocking and if it is, how can I Safely without frying my computer overclock it.

 

[MeanMachine41]

I currently have a i7 7700k on an ASUS maximsus IX HERO motherboard. I have a CX700 PSU. Is this suitable for overclocking and if it is, how can I Safely without frying my computer overclock it.

An excellent combo of MB and CPU meant for enthusiasts who wish to OC however the PSU is questionable and not rated very high as it's meant for the budget conscious builder so it may let you down when OCing.
To OC you should initially run a series of stress tests at stock default to establish a baseline for your target frequency.
This will determine temperatures and voltages and what you can do in Bios.
If you have no experience with your Bios then do some research here or at Overclockers.net forum.
Don't use Windows based Apps to OC.

 

[photonboy]

The PSU is probably fine. Remember the motherboard has voltage regulators that stabilize the 12V source anyway.

CPU's are unlikely to "fry" as they have a thermal shut-down diode for worst-case but should auto-throttle down before that anyway if they overheat.

*Plenty of guides, but between 4.5GHz and 4.8GHz seems doable depending on the silicon lottery (your CPU) and your CPU cooler.

You'll want at least a Cryorig H7 Ultimate for overclocking (4.6GHz?), or liquid cooler (i.e. 2x140mm).

**75degC is what Intel recommends for optimal life of the PC (you can go over, but preferably not very often).

You can use CPUID's Hardware monitor for the core temps then adjust overclock based on that (I'd use HANDBRAKE to convert a video as a real-world stress test, not Prime95... make sure all threads are at 100% usage or close for at least ten minutes and aim for 75degC, though if you don't stress the CPU like that much can use 80degC as gaming would be lower).

https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html

 

[photonboy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8ozBQfaJdc

His recommendation for 5GHz though you may not want to, or may not be able to get that high (depending on cooler etc).