What are poorly binned CPUs?

[Zeroark]

Hi, I'm very new to overclocking and computers in general but from what I've read, there are some people who have oc'ed their i5 6600k to 4.5ghz @ 1.3v, whilst others require higher voltages to achieve the same results. Is this a result of having a poorly binned cpu?

Thanks in advance. I am curious to know why because I thought all cpus were designed consistently, but maybe not too cons

 

[Sakkura]

Yeah. When chips are made, the quality varies. The process of measuring what voltages each chip requires, what clocks it can hit, and whether it has defects (which can either render the chip useless, or require disabling part of it and selling it as a lower-end model), is called binning.

The reason there's some variance is that they're etching circuits that are so incredibly tiny, and into silicon wafers that are very pure but might still have a tiny imperfection here and there. A few atoms in the wrong place is enough to affect performance.

 

[skitszo]

its the binned lottery..... yes.

 

[skitszo]

well.. PSU and motherboard probly to some extent...

 

[Daniel_Khazaei]

well I have a 6600K which can be easily overclocked to 4.5GHz @ 1.245v, the max temp @full load reaches to 61C! (fans are set to 80%)
However for long term use, I have it set to 4.2GHz @ 1.14v (max temp 51C)

MB: ASUS Z170 pro gaming, air cooled!