Overclocking the intel i7 4790k?

[AlleLalle]

Hello! I've got an Intel Core i7 4790k on an MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC motherboard, and the processor is cooled by an Corsair H60 Liquid cooler. I haven't changed the clock at all on the cpu, and it's on 4Ghz. How do I overclock it?

 

[Sergeant_Sneaky]

You need to change the core multiplier in the BIOS, it should already be boosting to 4.4Ghz, you could try turning off Turbo Boost and put the multiplier to 44 so it would run at 4.4Ghz, instead of boosting to it.

 

[barto]

Please read an overclocking guide. There's more to overclocking than just increasing the multiplier. Stress testing and monitoring temps are key aspects.
http://www.overclock.net/t/1490324/the-intel-devils-canyon-owners-club

 

[AlleLalle]

Is it already automatically changing to 4.4 GHz by stock you mean, or did I missunderstand? Also, I will read about it tomorrow when I have time, thanks for the link

 

[Sergeant_Sneaky]

Is it already automatically changing to 4.4 GHz by stock you mean, or did I missunderstand? Also, I will read about it tomorrow when I have time, thanks for the link

It should be boosting to 4.4Ghz when it needs to, if the temps are okay.

 

[barto]

Turbo Boost and overclocking are two different things. Turbo Boost does increase the frequency of the CPU but it varies based on the number of cores. For example, 1 core will use a Turbo Boost of up to 4.4 GHz. However, the other 3 cores will not operate at that frequency. There are a few Turbo Boost steps that activate the cores and increase the frequency based on the active cores. A Turbo Boost with all four cores will not have a frequency of 4.4 GHz.

Turbo Boost:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Turbo_Boost


Overclocking is pushing all the cores at the same time to a higher frequency. This will increase the temps of the CPU and motherboard and power draw higher than the standard Turbo Boost. You also have to deal with stability with higher frequencies. Since you've never overclocked read a couple guides and then ask questions. Don't focus on the difference in motherboards. Focus on the theory and process. That doesn't change.

Considering you are using a water cooler, make sure you have air flow across the motherboard.

 

[AlleLalle]

Okay, thanks for the answers! My I7 4790k is running around 28-29 degrees Celsius when idle and at a max of around 55 degrees celcius when gaming. Is there an easy way to overclock it or should I really follow those instructions? I really appreciate the help allot guys!

 

[Sergeant_Sneaky]

Okay, thanks for the answers! My I7 4790k is running around 28-29 degrees Celsius when idle and at a max of around 55 degrees celcius when gaming. Is there an easy way to overclock it or should I really follow those instructions? I really appreciate the help allot guys!

Following the instructions should be okay, if you use something like CPU-Z to check the load core voltage of your CPU, you can raise it slightly, I think an average i7 4790K is around 1.2v stock, you could try 1.23 or 1.25, I personally turned turbo boost off and raised the multiplier by one and stress tested the overclock with Prime95 for an hour (you can do more if you'd like to), keep an eye on your temps and if it doesn't get too hot or produce any blue screens or errors, it's probably stable and you can raise the multiplier by 1 and repeat. Once you reach a speed you are happy with that is stable, you can try a slightly lower voltage and test if it stable.

 

[barto]

Technically, there's only one way to overclock. If you're not going by that process, you're cutting corners. It's actually very easy to overclock but it's time consuming.

1. Increase multiplier, stress test.
2. If stress test passes, increase multiplier.
3. If the stress test fails (computer crashes or programs crash), you have an unstable clock. First try increasing the multiplier by one and stress test again. If that doesn't work, increase voltage slightly. Stress test again.

That's overclocking. Do it right so you don't damage components. Watch those temps.

Edit: One last thing, every chip is different. Just because someone was able to reach 4.7 doesn't mean you'll be able to. There is a frequency where your CPU said that's enough.

 

[AlleLalle]

Okay, thank you guys allot! I'll ask if I run into any problem! 😀