Software overclocking vs Bios overclocking

[jimthenagual]

I know in the past that software overclocking has produced terrible results. This time around I am using Asus TurboV Evo to overclock.

My question to the O/C pros is, once I get a stable O/C using software, is it necessary to take those setting into bios?

I don't know if this is accurate or not, but having a software o/c feels better in that you don't have to have your CPU cranked up until it is needed, whereas a bios OC you are cranked up 24/7.

Thoughts?

 

[mcnumpty23]

software overclocking tends to use too much voltage

my 2600k is at 5ghz but still downclocks to 1600mhz when not under load

i just left the power saving features turned on in the bios

 

[jimthenagual]

In my current overclock, I used Asus AI Suite II

i7-3770K
Hyper 212 Evo air cooler

It has me set at:
CPU voltage: 1.345
105x42
4.4Ghz

That voltage doesn't seem too unreasonable, does it?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

BIOS - the only way to go to.

 

[jimthenagual]

BIOS - the only way to go to.

Is that an OC purist point of view, or is there something wrong with my overclock numbers?

Just trying to dip a toe in the world of OCing, and wondering if OC software has actually been improved to the point of being useful (in some applications anyway).

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Pure overclockers use BIOS tweaks.

 

[jimthenagual]

That's like 'pure porn stars don't wear condoms'. Wait, that is true...

All right, I digress. Would you recommend I take those stable oc numbers the OC software came up with (listed above) and plug them into the bios then? Would there be any difference at all?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

No,if it's working for your system stick with it.

I overclock on big air coolers and prefer the bios.

 

[chrisafp07]

Personally, I feel you should always use bios. I don't want any software upping voltages on my cpu, I don't trust it!

I also think it would be a good idea for you to aim for those numbers in bios but start in increments. Like the above poster said, sometimes it can just be upping your multiplier, maybe alittle voltage and leaving everything else as is. For my chip that never worked but Intel and AMD are different as are each individual cpu. Just make sure you read the stickies here and post abck with any questions once you start.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I have one of my FX8350 CHIPS AT 5.1 ghz and the other at 4.7 ghz. ,all done with bios adjustments.Like chrisafp07 stated with the BIOS you have full control,which i prefer.

 

[ihog]

It's easier for software to fail than the BIOS, I believe. Is that correct?

 

[NerdIT]

BIOS/MOBO SWITCHES (Like the EZ XMP and TPU switches on the new asus x99 boards) is FAR better than using software based overclocking (AI Suite, MSI, etc)

#Reasons to use BIOS based overclocking
In addition to what other posters have said in defense of hardware based overclocking; this has been my experience.

It removes the dependency of a consistent, constant, fully-functional, error free API/OS environment -which is unrealistic a lot of the time -especially with us hackers that are constantly tweaking crap. So, in other words, For AI Suite to function properly -i.e overclock your hardware- Windows does also. Unrelated system crashes due to application errors/in-compatibilities, overclocking GPUs/Display drive failures -all these can potentially (in my case WILL) cause crashes and in turn the AI Suite software to crash resetting your profile -your overclock settings.
Bummer gotta click and wait another 20-30 min..

**It adds an unnecessary layer of "places where crap can/will go wrong and effect the OC)**

#That being said, this is what I do;
1. Figure out a STABLE overclock that CPU/MOBO can handle -figure it out how you want..
2. Overclock to those specs using BIOS
3. Install fresh copy of Windows/*nix
4. Then use software to test and monitor Stability/Temps/Clocks/voltages using whatever software of choice (AIDA64 does it all really)
5. Win -more frags less math

Hope this helps