I5 2500k 4.5GHz [Configuration opinions]

[i5gtx560ti]

Hi everyone, i'm new in overcloking so i don't know alot, but i read some "guides" and saw some youtube videos before i actually do something. I'm here to show what i did and maybe get some thoughts on what i did.

My spec...
- i5 2500k
- asrock p67 extreme4
- evga gtx 560 ti fpb
- corsair gs 700
- 8 GB ram

- zalman z9 plus ( 4 fans )
- zalman cnps10x performa ( 2 fans) - so 6 fans, alot of airflow and noise

- windows 7 professional 64bits ( with all updates )

- lg ips226 ( dvi hd )

So, we will see what i changed on my UEFI. (i won't show pictures because i dont got camera, so i'll write everything :S)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UEFI Version P67 Extreme 4 P3.10 (latest update)

Load optimized cpu oc setting : ................ Disabled
CPU ratio : ................ All core <-
All Core: ................ 45 <-
Host Clock Override (BCLK): ................ 100.0
Spread Spectrum: ................ Disabled <-
Intel SpeedStep Technology: ................ Enabled
Intel Turbo Boost Technology: ................ Enabled
Additional Turbo Voltage: ................ Auto
Internal PLL Overvoltage: ................ Enabled
Long Duration Powerlimit: ................ 200 <-
Long Duration Maintained: ................ 1sec <-
Shot Duration Powerlimit: ................ 230 <-
Primary Plane Current Limit: ................ Auto

DRAM Timing Configuration ( Didn't change anything here)

CPU Core Voltage: ................ Offset Mode <-
Offset Voltage: ................ -0.025V <-
CPU Load-Line Calibration: ................ Level 5 <-
DRAM Voltage: ....... 1.500V ................ Auto
VTT Voltage: .......... 1.051V ................ Auto
PCH Voltage: ......... 1.059V ................ Auto
CPU PPL Voltage: .. 1.750V ................ 1.750V <-
VCCSA Voltage:...... 0.925V ................ Auto


CPU Configuration

Active Processor Cores: ................ All
Enhanced Halt State (C1E): ............... Enabled
CPU C3 State Support: ................ Disabled <-
CPU C6 State Support: ................ Disabled <-
Package C-State Support: ................ Auto

CPU Thermal Throttling: ................ Enabled
No-Execute Memory Protection: ................ Disabled <-
Intel Virtualization Technology: ................ Enabled
Hardware Prefetcher: ................ Enabled
Adjecent Cacheline Prefetcher: ................ Enabled

<- ( things that i changed)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After i have done this configuration i ran prime95, with "1344-1344" and "1792-1792" for 20min with 6500 ram and 1min to run each FFT size, then "Blend" for 2hours and i didn't get any error, blue screen, anything.
I don't want to run the "Blend" test for more than 2 hours because i read somewhere that can bring problems to the cpu and 2h is enough to get most of the errors.
So, in full load i was getting temps between 60-70c ( and i did this at morning, therefore it would be a bit more for the middle of the day, thats the disadvantage of living in the equator line).
CPU-Z was showing a core voltage of 1.264, 1,274 and 1.280 (most of the time 1.280) with the -0.025V, i did try the -0.030V but i got an error when doing the 1792-1792 test...



Questions:

Should i do less than 4.5ghz to get lower temps cuz it may reduce the lifetime of my cpu?
Its fine my configuration? Or should i enable/disable something, like the CPU C3/C6 State Support option.

Check out my 3DMARK 11 score, http://3dmark.com/3dm11/3551165 isn't this a litle low to my system spec? 🙁

Well i guess is everything, Thanks everyone & GOOD LUCK OVERCLOCKING 😀

 

[venjhammet]

As long as you don't hit more than 70C at 100% your good to go. Anyways daily used or gaming, your cpu wouldn't climb more than 65C. I live in the Phils and I had it at 4.5 too but too risky and I settle at 4.2ghz 1.25v @ 65C 100% on Prime95. But now I reverted it to stock. A 2500k w a GTX570 rocks even at stock @ 1080p

 

[i5gtx560ti]

As long as you don't hit more than 70C at 100% your good to go. Anyways daily used or gaming, your cpu wouldn't climb more than 65C. I live in the Phils and I had it at 4.5 too but too risky and I settle at 4.2ghz 1.25v @ 65C 100% on Prime95. But now I reverted it to stock. A 2500k w a GTX570 rocks even at stock @ 1080p

why to risky? 🙁

 

[dragonsamus]

Do you have an after market CPU cooler? I had my 2500k at 4.5 with voltage at 1.29 and my temps for the core package was 65C after one hour of prime95 but I have a cooler Master hyper 212 plus. I've turned down the overclock to 4.0 with voltage on auto and after 1 hour of prime95 my core temp is 58C.

 

[geekapproved]

You have ONE midrange graphics card, why do you need to overclock to 4.5ghz? Bigger e-peen?

 

[catatafish]

I overclock to 4.5 because its fun. Same reason I have a car that goes over 65 mph. I don't know why you need to crap on his fun for no reason. If you don't have anything nice to say........

To answer the OP, I've got a similar set up with slightly higher voltage in the 1.3 neighborhood.

I get similar temperatures, like you, just depends on the room temperature. The reason you don't worry about those temps (which I think are fine), is because you will rarely see that kind of load for more than a few seconds, or at worst, a few minutes.

What is the ambient temp in that room during that test? Also, have you toyed around with the fan speed profile on the Zalman?

@Dragon, he's got the Zalman CPU cooler. "zalman cnps10x performa "

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

I overclock to 4.5 because its fun. Same reason I have a car that goes over 65 mph. I don't know why you need to crap on his fun for no reason. If you don't have anything nice to say........

He's tried to argue with me a couple of times about my OC... Just let it go, lol.

 

[i5gtx560ti]

I overclock to 4.5 because its fun. Same reason I have a car that goes over 65 mph. I don't know why you need to crap on his fun for no reason. If you don't have anything nice to say........

To answer the OP, I've got a similar set up with slightly higher voltage in the 1.3 neighborhood.

I get similar temperatures, like you, just depends on the room temperature. The reason you don't worry about those temps (which I think are fine), is because you will rarely see that kind of load for more than a few seconds, or at worst, a few minutes.

What is the ambient temp in that room during that test? Also, have you toyed around with the fan speed profile on the Zalman?

@Dragon, he's got the Zalman CPU cooler. "zalman cnps10x performa "

The temperature on my room was between 18ºc and 22ºc, i did some changes in the fans rpm, i target the cpu fans to 45ºc level9, but just one of the fans was on the max... 2000rpm the other isn't. Maybe i can increase the temperature target.

I got better fps on bf3 when i was playing my GPU was on 60ºc - 70ºc and my CPU 39ºc. With ultra settings, and 1080p.

And yes, i just did the oc for fun, see how much i would get on 3dmark11, and my bf3 fps, but never to show my pc... im thinking if i will turn it to default again, but if the oc doesnt damage the cpu i will keep it.

 

[catatafish]

The temperature on my room was between 18ºc and 22ºc, i did some changes in the fans rpm, i target the cpu fans to 45ºc level9, but just one of the fans was on the max... 2000rpm the other isn't. Maybe i can increase the temperature target.

I got better fps on bf3 when i was playing my GPU was on 60ºc - 70ºc and my CPU 39ºc. With ultra settings, and 1080p.

And yes, i just did the oc for fun, see how much i would get on 3dmark11, and my bf3 fps, but never to show my pc... im thinking if i will turn it to default again, but if the oc doesnt damage the cpu i will keep it.

When you OC something it doesn't just "damage it or not damage it". It's more like, the hotter something gets the less life it will have. It's really true with anything. I don't worry about this because I will most likely replace the CPU long before it runs out of life, even if its life was shortened by half due to my overclocking.

You could still overclock it to something less than 4.5. I change mine sometimes down to 4.2 or 4.0. I just like playing around with it for the learning and hobby experience. GPU at 60-70 is very typical and CPU at 39 is more than safe. When I play BF3 I notice the load on my CPU never really hits 100% unless the level is loading but usually sits around 50-60% during heavy multiplayer gameplay.

Here's a good link with some healthy discussion on overclocking the 2500k
http://www.overclock.net/t/1246746/overclocked-2500k-4-8-ghz-what-are-safe-24-7-temps

See you on the battlefield! (p.s. I hate snipers 🙁 )
Col_W_Kurtz

 

[4Ryan6]

To the OP, why don't you drop to 4.0ghz, your longevity increases your temperatures decrease, and your computer will still do everything you want and need for it to do.

If you do not have the cooling to support your overclock, either drop down the overclock or get better cooling.

 

[i5gtx560ti]

yh i just droped to 4.0ghz and left everything default temps are fine, if i need someday more processsing power i already know how to do it 😀

 

[i5gtx560ti]

guys just a question can i increase ratio to 40 and leave vcore on auto? i did that and my vcore is at 1.288 full load. maybe i should see what is the default vcore and set manualy right?