i7-4790k safe voltages?

[Kolbe Howard]

Here is the situation: I recently just dealt with installing ram incorrectly and spent 4-5 hours resetting my bios constantly until it finally recognized my ram again.

As soon as I started up a game, I noticed a MASSIVE FPS boost, like 20-30 fps over what I was getting before. At first I was like "This is fantastic maybe I had something plugged in wrong." Then my brain started to work, I checked my CPU usage and it was at 90% This is a 4790k, it's not supposed to be that high.

So I checked my Bios and noticed that my voltages have been cranked up considerably.

I'm wondering what is the recommended "safe" voltage for this CPU. Currently the CPU Core Voltage is at: 1.072v. The CPU Cache at: 1.195v. And the CPU Input Voltage is at: 1.776v (which seems very high.)

I'm not going to be using the PC until I get this figured out, I don't want to burn up my CPU but I do need help here. What voltages would you recommend and what are the maximum safe voltages you would recommend for the 4790k?

 

[glamdringfh]

You are going to kill your CPU if it is above 1.5V for long. Around 1.4V is a safe primary voltage to shoot for.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

1.3v for everday use is the highest I would be , make sure your BIOS is current.

 

[Kolbe Howard]

You are going to kill your CPU if it is above 1.5V for long. Between 1.4V and 1.5V is a safe primary voltage to shoot for.

But what is the difference between CPU Core, Cache, and Input voltage? Because the core voltage is only at 1.072, it's the input voltage that's at 1.776 which seems crazy high to me.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

http://www.masterslair.com/vcore-vtt-dram-pll-pch-voltages-explained-core-i7-i5-i3
Vcore, VTT, DRAM, PLL, PCH - Voltages Explained - Core i7, i5, i3

 

[jimmysmitty]

The CPU Input is probably the CPU PLL which is default at 1.8v. Some programs read voltages as different names.

The difference is the components themselves. Each part is slightly different. Most DDR3 is 1.5V and so the IMC will be pulling 1.5V (it is part of the CPU) while the CPU cores will only pull 1.1-1.2v normally on stock settings.

 

[Kolbe Howard]

The CPU Input is probably the CPU PLL which is default at 1.8v. Some programs read voltages as different names.

The difference is the components themselves. Each part is slightly different. Most DDR3 is 1.5V and so the IMC will be pulling 1.5V (it is part of the CPU) while the CPU cores will only pull 1.1-1.2v normally on stock settings.

So you're saying these Voltages are safe? Because I just find it skeptical that I would receive such a massive performance boost from simply resetting my Bios.

 

[jimmysmitty]

You are equating a lot of things which are different. For one voltages have nothing to do with CPU utilization, that depends on the program. While the voltage will go up if the CPU is maxed out that is normal as power saving allows for the CPU to drop voltage and speed when not being fully utilized.

And yes the voltages look like they could be proper, it depends on the program and how it identifies them. There is no way you would be running a CPU at 1.8v to the VCore. It would shut down before it allowed it. Thst is the CPU PLL voltage which is separate from the VCore voltage.

 

[Kolbe Howard]

Alright my voltages are safe, it also might be that I had to reinstall my graphics card drivers. Thank you for the help everyone, I appreciate it.

 

[ko888]

... CPU Input Voltage is at: 1.776v (which seems very high.)

Intel's Datasheet for the processor states that the Typical voltage is 1.75V. The minimum is 1.65V and the maximum is 1.86V.

Your CPU input voltage is well within Intel's specs.