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

[Krabban]

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!

 

[RobCrezz]

Sounds like thats as good as you can do with that chip. Do you have any other LLC settings other than "enabled"?

If you want to go higher you may have to do better than the 212 evo, which although its ok, is still a budget cooler.

 

[Krabban]

Sounds like thats as good as you can do with that chip. Do you have any other LLC settings other than "enabled"?

If you want to go higher you may have to do better than the 212 evo, which although its ok, is still a budget cooler.

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

 

[RobCrezz]

Sounds like thats as good as you can do with that chip. Do you have any other LLC settings other than "enabled"?

If you want to go higher you may have to do better than the 212 evo, which although its ok, is still a budget cooler.

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.

 

[Mugglensu1984]

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!

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.

 

[Krabban]

Sounds like thats as good as you can do with that chip. Do you have any other LLC settings other than "enabled"?

If you want to go higher you may have to do better than the 212 evo, which although its ok, is still a budget cooler.

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.

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.

 

[RobCrezz]

Sounds like thats as good as you can do with that chip. Do you have any other LLC settings other than "enabled"?

If you want to go higher you may have to do better than the 212 evo, which although its ok, is still a budget cooler.

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.

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.

 

[Krabban]

Sounds like thats as good as you can do with that chip. Do you have any other LLC settings other than "enabled"?

If you want to go higher you may have to do better than the 212 evo, which although its ok, is still a budget cooler.

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.

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!

 

[Krabban]

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!

Hello Rabban.

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

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