Simple Overclock in the i7-6700K

[Sekeira]

Hello everyone!

So a couple of days ago I've ordered an I7-6700K for my new build and, since I have NEVER overclocked a cpu before, I have a few questions.

To start I am aiming for a small overclock, I was aiming at 4.4 or 4.5ghz.

My main question is:

Can I just go and set the multiplier to x 44/45 (leaving the base clock at 100.0) and leave the voltage setting on automatic and expect it to go well?

I wouldn't want to fiddle with voltage just yet and also I would like voltage and clocks to not always be on a high value when I am not gaming.

I know there are a ton of in-depth overclocking guides out there but they seem to be aimed at users who want to overclock to higher clocks like 4.6, 4.7 and above which implies setting fixed voltage values. I wouldn't want a constant high voltage running into my cpu since sometimes i am just web browsing or downloading and I want to keep the noise footprint of my PC as low as possible.

I would be happy, for now at least, with a 4.4ghz oc.

So would I be fine just by altering these setting? Would it bring instability? Should i fiddle with some other settings?

My motherboard will be an Asus ROG Maximus VIII Gene.
As cooler I will run a Swfitech H-220x.


Thank you all!

 

[urishima]

You should fiddle with voltage even with a moderate overclock. It's really not a big deal, it just takes time. If you are a bit skittish, just up the multiplier to the desired value (since it is quite conservative in your case) and leave the voltage as is. Then start testing and gradually up the voltage in small steps until you get your system running stable.

 

[Sekeira]

You should fiddle with voltage even with a moderate overclock. It's really not a big deal, it just takes time. If you are a bit skittish, just up the multiplier to the desired value (since it is quite conservative in your case) and leave the voltage as is. Then start testing and gradually up the voltage in small steps until you get your system running stable.

Thank you for your reply.

So, if i leave it at "Auto" it won't adjust the voltage to the cpu needs?

Also if i do adjust the multiplier (independent of voltage) will it run constantly at max clock and max voltage that it is set or will it adjust to load? Meaning it will reduce voltage and clock at idle?

 

[urishima]

Oh, it'll probably work just fine on auto with such a mild overclock. It's just that when you leave it at auto, afaik the CPU will often actually get more than it really needs, especially when under load. That's why people often adjust it, it's the desire to min/max their rig.

I am probably biased towards tinkering, I love that stuff.

But yes, when you give it a fixed voltage, that is where it'll stay. It won't run at max clock all the time though.

Just go for it. Up the multiplier, do your stress tests, and if your temps are fine without having to touch vcore settings (on auto), then you will be fine.

 

[Sekeira]

Oh, it'll probably work just fine on auto with such a mild overclock. It's just that when you leave it at auto, afaik the CPU will often actually get more than it really needs, especially when under load. That's why people often adjust it, it's the desire to min/max their rig.

I am probably biased towards tinkering, I love that stuff.

But yes, when you give it a fixed voltage, that is where it'll stay. It won't run at max clock all the time though.

Just go for it. Up the multiplier, do your stress tests, and if your temps are fine without having to touch vcore settings (on auto), then you will be fine.

Thank you very much!

I will do exactly so and I will keep an eye on voltage to see what it is doing. If it is putting it too high i will try some values myself.

Thanks again