Is my i7 920 core voltage too high? Should I lower it?

[StealthyShadow8]

Why is my pre-built HP e9290f desktop from Bestbuy with i7 920 @ 2.67GHz (default) running a "Core Voltage" of 1.656 V? I've never overclocked anything in my life (don't know how, although would like to). Should I lower the voltage or just leave it where it's at and overclock to higher speeds (after learning first of course). I'm only asking because i've just began my research in how to overclock CPU's and continuously keep running into the statement that 1.6V is too high and will burn out the CPU quickly. Thanks for any response ahead of time!

 

[jprahman]

That voltage is way too high. You need to go into your BIOS and lower it to something reasonable like 1.2v, immediately. Voltages over 1.35-1.4v is considered too high for routine use for a i7-920, and 1.6v is dangerous, if that value is correct.

Unfortunately, since you have a OEM machine I'm not sure how much the BIOS will allow you to adjust voltage settings.

 

[StealthyShadow8]

That voltage is way too high. You need to go into your BIOS and lower it to something reasonable like 1.2v, immediately. Voltages over 1.35-1.4v is considered too high for routine use for a i7-920, and 1.6v is dangerous, if that value is correct.

Unfortunately, since you have a OEM machine I'm not sure how much the BIOS will allow you to adjust voltage settings.

1.656V can't be dangerous if my PC has been at this setting for over a year now, i've never had not a single issue. Plus there's gotta be some logical reason why HP would configure there PC's this way, it's gotta be right. Just boggles me that how is it that i'm getting the same temps as everyone else at this voltage that's running around 1.2V. I'm still using stock cooling that came with PC (heatsink with fan). Here's my PC...

Motherboard
Intel X58

CPU
i7 920 @ 2.67GHz

Memory
9.00 GB DDR3-SDRAM (1333MHz)

Hard Drive
Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB @ 7200 RPM

Video Card
GeForce GTX 260 1.75 GB

Power Supply (Crappy PSU I know...currently upgrading)
Delta Electronics DPS-460DB A 385W ATX Power Supply MAX OUTPUT 460W
+5 / 13A
+12Va / 16A
+12Vb / 15A
+12Vc / 8A
+3.3V / 17A
-12V / 0.8A
+5Vstb /2A

Monitor
ASUS VW266H 25.5" 2ms 1920 x 1200 (32-bit) (59 Hz)

Operating System
Win 7 Home Premium (64-bit)

 

[spike15_mk]

You are very wrong my friend. According to Intel maximum i7 920 voltage is 1.375 http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=37147 .But this is official Intel safe specs without OC'-ing. With good Mobo maybe you can go up to 1.45-1.50, but 1.65 is way to high. Try removing battery from your MoBo, and re-enter BIOS settings again

 

[jprahman]

The only other possibility, other than your voltages being too high, is that CPU-Z is reporting the voltage incorrectly. I would go into the BIOS and see what CPU voltages it is reporting. If the BIOS also reports those high values you should lower them as necessary.