Issues with overclocking and i5-4690K with an ASRock Z97 Killer motherboard

Krabban

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Jan 16, 2014
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Hi guys!

So yesterday I upgraded to an i5-4690K with a ASRock Z97 Killer MoBo, and was looking forward to some overclocking fun. Well, over the past 24 hours, that fun has turned into pure frustration.

I just can't seem to get this chip stable even at a meager 4.3 GHz without getting temps way too high, and I'm really hoping that there is something that I am doing wrong, rather than the chip being bad. I was hoping you guys could look at my settings and tell me if there is something obvious I have missed.

Specs:

CM EVO 212
2 x 4 GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz
Radeon R9 270X
ASRock Z97 Killer
i5-4690K
XFX Pro 550W

BIOS settings:
The settings in bold is the ones I have changed.

CPU configuration:

Load Optimized CPU OC Setting: Disabled
CPU Ratio: All core
All Core: 43
CPU Cache Ratio: 39
BCLK Frequency: 100

BCLK/PCIE Ratio: Auto
Spread Spectrum: Disabled
CPU OC Fixed Mode: Disabled
Intel Speedstep Technology: Enabled
Intel Turbo Boost Technology: Enabled
Filter PLL Frequency: Low BCLK Mode
Internal PLL Overvoltage: Disabled
PCIE PLL Selection: SB PLL
Long Duration Power Limit: Max (1000)

Long Duration Maintained: Auto
Short Duration Power Limit: Max (1000)
Primary Plane Current Limit: Max (1000)


DRAM Timing Configuration:

Load XMP Setting: Auto
DRAM Reference Clock: Auto
DRAM Frequency: DDR3-1333
DRAM Performance Mode: Auto

FIVR Configuration:

FIVR Switch Frequency Signature: Auto
FIVR Switch Frequency Offset: Auto
CPU Vcore Voltage Mode: Override Mode
Vcore Override Voltage: 1.270
Vcore Voltage Additional Offset: 0.001
CPU Cache Voltage Mode: Override Mode
CPU Cache Override Voltage: 1.270
CPU Cache Voltage Offset: 0.001

System Agent Voltage Offset: Auto
CPU Analog IO Voltage Offset: Auto
CPU Digital IO Voltage Offset: Auto
CPU Integrated VR Faults: Disabled
CPU Integrated VR Efficiency Mode: Disabled


Voltage Configuration:

CPU Input Voltage: Fixed Mode
Fixed Voltage: 1.900V
CPU Load-Line Calibration: Enabled
DRAM Voltage: Auto (1.5V)
PCH 1.05V Voltage: Auto (1.082V)
PCH 1.5V Voltage: Auto (1.506V)

C1E is the only C state enabled.

So with this abnormally high Vcore for 4.3 GHz, I was able to run OCCT for an hour, but it froze when I tried to run the physics test in 3DMark 11, and I know that this is because of too high clocks/too low voltage.
I tried with the Vcore at 1.3, but then the temps hit 95C in IBT.

So, is this my fault or have I gotten the worst 4690K produced yet?

Uhm, I also see that my BIOS says that Hyperthreading is "not supported" (Don't know if this is relevant)

I really need your help guys, just ask if something is unclear, anything is appreciated!
 
Solution


Thats the silicon lottery unfortunately, another chip might run totally stable at the same settings.

I would either leave it at 4.2Ghz, or get a better cpu cooler and push it higher.


Nope. I found that weird too, only Disabled or Enabled. And it seems to go back to disabled when I get BSOD.
 


Thats the silicon lottery unfortunately, another chip might run totally stable at the same settings.

I would either leave it at 4.2Ghz, or get a better cpu cooler and push it higher.
 
Solution


Hello Rabban.

Unfortunately, Core i5 does not support Hyperthreading. That is for Core i7s only.

Btw, the CM 212 Evo, is NOT a OC-ing cooler. It's a mainstream cooler (at best).

I agree with Rob that you lost the silicon lottery but you will be able to push your i5 to higher clocks with higher voltages with a good AIO. If you choose this route try the CM Nepton 240M.
 


I was hoping for some tomshardware-magic here, but I fear you might be right. I'll try a bit more at 4.3GHz, but I will buy a new cooler anyways I guess.
 



Its certainly possible that you could squeeze a little more with fine tuning, but it might take a long while for minimal results.

That said, dont be too unhappy, your i5 at 4.2Ghz is still extremely powerful, more than enough for any game and can handle a much better graphics card than your current one without bottlenecking.
 


Yeah, you're right. Right now I am just too focused on it not working "properly". Anyways, thanks for your help!
 


Oh really, I did not know that. Thanks! As for the cooler, yeah I know. I will be ordering a new one asap!