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Looks Like I need Some Help With OverClocking, Anyone? :)

1K views 57 replies 4 participants last post by  Scotty Mac 
#1 ·
Hey everyone. I was wondering if I could get some help with the OC of my CPU. I read the overclocking guide on here and it is very detailed. Too much information for an OCer in training. I noticed the guide seemed to be geared more towards the gigabyte and asus motherboards. Different names of things confuse a noob like myself. I'm looking for someone who has the same CPU AND MOTHERBOARD as myself. That way I can know for certain what to change/do. I also have the gtx 760 card and read that guide as well. I believe I can handle that OC
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I was given some basic tips on where to start, but I don't think changing the multiplier and adjust the voltage as needed is all there is to it with haswell. I need to know things like, what exactly to start off on bios, I.e, set everything to default, disable xmp, etc. I'm hoping to get at least 4.5ghz or more. But that'll depend on how the standard OC goes (I hear it's 4.2 to start) and how my temps are with this build. I have pretty good airflow going. If need be, in the future, I can upgrade my cooler, just not right now
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. Sorry post is so long, just wanted to put out as much info to start as possible. Thanks!
 
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#2 ·
I have a friend running a 4670K that I overclocked very briefly. I'll text him to get the specifics but all I changed was the vCore and its solid as a rock at 4.2GHz I believe it was at 1.25vCore. I'd try that on your setup first and run prime95 to see what temps you were getting first !
 
#3 ·
Don't worry Scotty Mac while the guide indeed does look more Gigabyte focused the terms are easily explained.

First thing to remember is only overclock 1 thing at a time, otherwise troubleshooting is a nightmare.
So CPU on its own to start with, do not overclock the ram, set it at 1600MHz so turn off the XMP profile if you have that enabled.
Do the graphics card later on, too, for the sake of stability.

Have a quick search for overclocking MSI Z87 on the old Google, check out some of the videos, it won't take long for the terminology to hit home

Things that you may want to look up

Multiplier will often be split between core and uncore, uncore is all the bits of the cpu that aren't actually crunching the numbers, all the controllers etc are in Uncore, and these days (different from Ivy Bridge) it has been determined to leave the multipliers for uncore at stock where possible.

Core multiplier is where you will set the MHz you want.

Vcore, is pretty much the most important voltage setting, make sure this is manual and not auto so it doesn't go nuts, try I would stay below 1.3v unless you have some very serious cooling.

The multiplier and vcore can initiate an initial overclock that can then be tweaked.

Load Line Calibration of LLC is a setting to check out, I have personally found this useful to assist stability.

Dont forget to turn off SPREAD SPECTRUM as that will hinder the overclock.

make sure your CPUZ software is up to date and that you have something like HWMONITOR for keeping an eye on temperatures, the CPU will do 95 before it gets in the region of complaining, but of course that's not a great temperature to run at.
I have been happy with temperatures topping out around 72C under load (games etc) and about 80C when benchmarking/stress testing.

If any of the terms don't show up in your bios, do a quick search to see what the MSI equivalent is.

Good luck
smile.gif


p.s. the most common BSOD you may see is one with a number ending in 124, that usually means the system wants a little more VCORE voltage.
 
#4 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by BakerMan1971 View Post

Don't worry Scotty Mac while the guide indeed does look more Gigabyte focused the terms are easily explained.

First thing to remember is only overclock 1 thing at a time, otherwise troubleshooting is a nightmare.
So CPU on its own to start with, do not overclock the ram, set it at 1600MHz so turn off the XMP profile if you have that enabled.
Do the graphics card later on, too, for the sake of stability.

Have a quick search for overclocking MSI Z87 on the old Google, check out some of the videos, it won't take long for the terminology to hit home

Things that you may want to look up

Multiplier will often be split between core and uncore, uncore is all the bits of the cpu that aren't actually crunching the numbers, all the controllers etc are in Uncore, and these days (different from Ivy Bridge) it has been determined to leave the multipliers for uncore at stock where possible.

Core multiplier is where you will set the MHz you want.

Vcore, is pretty much the most important voltage setting, make sure this is manual and not auto so it doesn't go nuts, try I would stay below 1.3v unless you have some very serious cooling.

The multiplier and vcore can initiate an initial overclock that can then be tweaked.

Load Line Calibration of LLC is a setting to check out, I have personally found this useful to assist stability.

Dont forget to turn off SPREAD SPECTRUM as that will hinder the overclock.

make sure your CPUZ software is up to date and that you have something like HWMONITOR for keeping an eye on temperatures, the CPU will do 95 before it gets in the region of complaining, but of course that's not a great temperature to run at.
I have been happy with temperatures topping out around 72C under load (games etc) and about 80C when benchmarking/stress testing.

If any of the terms don't show up in your bios, do a quick search to see what the MSI equivalent is.

Good luck
smile.gif


p.s. the most common BSOD you may see is one with a number ending in 124, that usually means the system wants a little more VCORE voltage.
Thanks for the tips. I was toying with the GPU OC earlier. I got that down I believe lol. Now that I'm thinking about it.. Maybe not lol. Does the OC CPU have a roll on how much you can OC the GPU? I'll take your advise and wait on the GPU. Pretty sure I can handle that. I have watched a few (literally 3) you tube videos on the OC with my exact board and CPU. Only one that came close to helping was the "tech city yes"video. That was only about 12 minutes long. But the guy hasn't figured out what all the settings do at the time of the video. This is why I'm asking for help from someone that knows these boards and cpu's very well. I have googled and googled and there is nothing I can find that really helps ME. If I can get the step by step instructions, along with screenshots of the changes. I'd be all set to go. I can fine tweet it once I get it all down. Yes I'm more picture/video oriented than words lol.
 
#5 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deano12345 View Post

I have a friend running a 4670K that I overclocked very briefly. I'll text him to get the specifics but all I changed was the vCore and its solid as a rock at 4.2GHz I believe it was at 1.25vCore. I'd try that on your setup first and run prime95 to see what temps you were getting first !
From what I read, 4.2 is pretty standard without having to change voltage. I really do not want to go over 1.25v regardless. I know, it depends on my chip. I see so many programs for stress testing, but what about Aida 64? I hear that's a more realistic program for testing. Also it tests other things too. I watched a lot of videos with people using that. Won't using prime 95 void the warranty? (I know what you're gonna say, overclocking will do that anyways, but then what's the point of a K chip if you're not allowed to do it?) Right now my temps are good IMO on idle. I haven't seen them go over 48C on any cores under load. So if I use Aida 64, I'll need to have this oc done within 30 days. I refuse to pay for things like that lol. And what about IBT? Soo many choices lol
 
#6 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scotty Mac View Post

From what I read, 4.2 is pretty standard without having to change voltage. I really do not want to go over 1.25v regardless. I know, it depends on my chip. I see so many programs for stress testing, but what about Aida 64? I hear that's a more realistic program for testing. Also it tests other things too. I watched a lot of videos with people using that. Won't using prime 95 void the warranty? (I know what you're gonna say, overclocking will do that anyways, but then what's the point of a K chip if you're not allowed to do it?) Right now my temps are good IMO on idle. I haven't seen them go over 48C on any cores under load. So if I use Aida 64, I'll need to have this oc done within 30 days. I refuse to pay for things like that lol. And what about IBT? Soo many choices lol
IBT heats things up pointlessly high. Never used AIDA myself, Prime has been my go to temp/stability test for about 5 years now. My friend got back to me, 4.2 @ 1.21 on his chip. Highest temp was 68 on the hottest core.

If you want realistic testing though, Asus have a test suite, the names escapes me however, it does everything from photo edits to video encoding. Google should find it for you, I found that a good tool to see temps in a standard usage scenario.
 
#7 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deano12345 View Post

IBT heats things up pointlessly high. Never used AIDA myself, Prime has been my go to temp/stability test for about 5 years now. My friend got back to me, 4.2 @ 1.21 on his chip. Highest temp was 68 on the hottest core.

If you want realistic testing though, Asus have a test suite, the names escapes me however, it does everything from photo edits to video encoding. Google should find it for you, I found that a good tool to see temps in a standard usage scenario.
I haven't used anything lol. Will it work with an MSI board tho? My last attempt at overclocking was a couple years ago with my over 7 year old build. Come to find out the CPU was locked lol. But since times have changed since I built my last build. (over 7 years ago) , I'm lost. My preferences are 4.4, I'll settle for, 4.5 I'll be happy, and 4.6 and above I'll be jumping up and down. If I can achieve the higher end speeds.. And stable, just high temps, Then I'll have to get better cooling later. How long did y'all let prime 95 run for? And if it's overnight or anything like that.. Is it safe to let it run while I sleep, or at work? I just don't want anything to catch on fire during those times lol..
 
#8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scotty Mac View Post

I haven't used anything lol. Will it work with an MSI board tho? My last attempt at overclocking was a couple years ago with my over 7 year old build. Come to find out the CPU was locked lol. But since times have changed since I built my last build. (over 7 years ago) , I'm lost. My preferences are 4.4, I'll settle for, 4.5 I'll be happy, and 4.6 and above I'll be jumping up and down. If I can achieve the higher end speeds.. And stable, just high temps, Then I'll have to get better cooling later. How long did y'all let prime 95 run for? And if it's overnight or anything like that.. Is it safe to let it run while I sleep, or at work? I just don't want anything to catch on fire during those times lol..
The Asus software will work fine. I used it on my Gigabyte board. And yeah, 8 hours is probably the minimum. IF your worried about it running hot, just have it set to shutdown at a certain temp.
 
#9 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deano12345 View Post

The Asus software will work fine. I used it on my Gigabyte board. And yeah, 8 hours is probably the minimum. IF your worried about it running hot, just have it set to shutdown at a certain temp.
So as far as short term stability test, what should I use? I mean to see if it's stable before the stress test.
 
#11 ·
Hi Scotty Mac
yeah you should be fine if you have already oc'd the GPU and the system is running fine, I just know some people who have thrown overclocks at everything all at once and then can't troubleshoot when something isn't working quite right.

and Doug2507 has supplied the links you need, while it may look daunting and complicated, once you nail down the fact that you mainly just want to affect the Core multiplier and the Core Voltage for your overclock, the rest of the settings being tweaks for stability / extra performance and the like, you will be fine.
 
#12 ·
Quote:
Thanks for those links. I don't recognize a lot of those settings on that max power mobo. Maybe because it's a higher end board and has more options? My chip is from costa rica, but haven't found my batch number yet lol. Tried googling it too. LOL that was funny. Anyhow, looks like I have to do tons more reading of posts, rather than trying to overclock.
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by BakerMan1971 View Post

Hi Scotty Mac
yeah you should be fine if you have already oc'd the GPU and the system is running fine, I just know some people who have thrown overclocks at everything all at once and then can't troubleshoot when something isn't working quite right.

and Doug2507 has supplied the links you need, while it may look daunting and complicated, once you nail down the fact that you mainly just want to affect the Core multiplier and the Core Voltage for your overclock, the rest of the settings being tweaks for stability / extra performance and the like, you will be fine.
Yeah.. well the OC on my gpu didn't go so well. It passed everything on furmark.. but nearly instantly crashed on heaven. I don't know how to make a link for my post I have about it in the GTX 760 club. Anyhow.. looks like it's back to the drawing board for both oc's. I guess I'll do the OC first.. after a lot more reading
smile.gif
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scotty Mac View Post

Yeah.. well the OC on my gpu didn't go so well. It passed everything on furmark.. but nearly instantly crashed on heaven. I don't know how to make a link for my post I have about it in the GTX 760 club. Anyhow.. looks like it's back to the drawing board for both oc's. I guess I'll do the OC first.. after a lot more reading
smile.gif
I mean do the OC on the CPU first lol. Man My eyes hurt from so much reading.. it's hindering my typing too lol
 
#15 ·
So I have been looking at those MSI bios settings
its not too hard to work out

Don't mess with the base clock stuff as they have in the screen shots, that is the "auto overclock" stuff that has varying results, initially people were excited for this functionality to return to Intel CPU's but success has not been very good on many systems.

CPU Ratio is where you set your "multiplier" so 42 would be 4.2GHz

Ring Ratio is the "Uncore" stuff so that is good at default or auto for now, if you have stability issues you can set this to the stock 3.4GHz for the 4670k

Set the Dram frequency to 1600MHz, so you don't overwork the memory controller on the CPU while getting the core overclock done.

XMP profile should be disabled, if your ram has this it would automatically set the ram to the overclocked speed it is rated at. (If multiple XMP profiles are available, they can be helpful testing ram OC later)

VCCIN Voltage is CPU Input voltage, this can be tweaked and helped me a lot when trying to stabilise higher clocks on my less than mediocre CPU
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but for initial running it should be AUTO

CPU Core Voltage should be Manual set it to something like 1.2 for testing and turn off offset mode for now.

CPU Ring Voltage (VRING) should be on auto for now, this is the uncore stuff people talk about, again offset mode needs to be off for now.

Use this information at your own risk of course, but as far as I am aware this should get you on the road to a 4.2GHz test,
I have to say I don't like the range of options as much as ASUS or Gigabyte so I can see why OCN'ers generally prefer the other boards from what I have seen.

Good Luck
 
#16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by BakerMan1971 View Post

So I have been looking at those MSI bios settings
its not too hard to work out

Don't mess with the base clock stuff as they have in the screen shots, that is the "auto overclock" stuff that has varying results, initially people were excited for this functionality to return to Intel CPU's but success has not been very good on many systems.

CPU Ratio is where you set your "multiplier" so 42 would be 4.2GHz

Ring Ratio is the "Uncore" stuff so that is good at default or auto for now, if you have stability issues you can set this to the stock 3.4GHz for the 4670k

Set the Dram frequency to 1600MHz, so you don't overwork the memory controller on the CPU while getting the core overclock done.

XMP profile should be disabled, if your ram has this it would automatically set the ram to the overclocked speed it is rated at. (If multiple XMP profiles are available, they can be helpful testing ram OC later)

VCCIN Voltage is CPU Input voltage, this can be tweaked and helped me a lot when trying to stabilise higher clocks on my less than mediocre CPU
frown.gif
but for initial running it should be AUTO

CPU Core Voltage should be Manual set it to something like 1.2 for testing and turn off offset mode for now.

CPU Ring Voltage (VRING) should be on auto for now, this is the uncore stuff people talk about, again offset mode needs to be off for now.

Use this information at your own risk of course, but as far as I am aware this should get you on the road to a 4.2GHz test,
I have to say I don't like the range of options as much as ASUS or Gigabyte so I can see why OCN'ers generally prefer the other boards from what I have seen.

Good Luck
Thank you for this info! I believe this will be the step I need to get me going! I did try that "oc genie" before.. It got me blue screened lol. Maybe it pumped too much voltage through or something. I didn't even bother looking at the settings after it crashed, I just turn that "genie" off. Won't be able to try it until next weekend, well.... As far as testing goes at least. I'll keep ya posted.
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#18 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by BakerMan1971 View Post

No worries Scotty, I am subbed to this thread so anything you need just pop it in
smile.gif
Oh I definitely will, I'm a rookie lol. I'm trying to gather as much info as I can about this and the GPU OC. Which I think, with the CPU being overclocked, will help the overclocking on the GPU better? And since I spend a lot if time at work, I'm forced to use the forums from my phone, which is a pain in the carcass. Especially trying to sift thru all these forums. Here's a dumb question tho, is it better to OC when the computer just booted up or after it's been on for a while?
 
#19 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scotty Mac View Post

Oh I definitely will, I'm a rookie lol. I'm trying to gather as much info as I can about this and the GPU OC. Which I think, with the CPU being overclocked, will help the overclocking on the GPU better? And since I spend a lot if time at work, I'm forced to use the forums from my phone, which is a pain in the carcass. Especially trying to sift thru all these forums. Here's a dumb question tho, is it better to OC when the computer just booted up or after it's been on for a while?
CPU overclocking will have no impact on GPU overclocking, or vice versa.

When you overclock makes no difference either, I like to let the computer idle on desktop for a few minutes after I OC to let the temperatures settle before I stress test.
 
#20 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deano12345 View Post

CPU overclocking will have no impact on GPU overclocking, or vice versa.

When you overclock makes no difference either, I like to let the computer idle on desktop for a few minutes after I OC to let the temperatures settle before I stress test.
I asked because a friend of mine has his CPU over clocked and it made a difference in his benchmarking for his GPU. Although, he's got both both over clocked. Still improved GPU benchmarking better at stock speeds of the card. But that's irrelevant to me. I just wanted to know if it would be easier or better an you answered that for me
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Thanks.
 
#21 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scotty Mac View Post

I asked because a friend of mine has his CPU over clocked and it made a difference in his benchmarking for his GPU. Although, he's got both both over clocked. Still improved GPU benchmarking better at stock speeds of the card. But that's irrelevant to me. I just wanted to know if it would be easier or better an you answered that for me
smile.gif
Thanks.
Oh sorry, I misunderstood. In benchmarking yes, an overclocked CPU will improve your score even if you dont OC the GPU. I thought you meant if you overclocked your GPU, it would limit how much you could OC your CPU and vice versa. My bad
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#23 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by BakerMan1971 View Post

No worries Scotty, I am subbed to this thread so anything you need just pop it in
smile.gif
I forgot to ask, is there any other settings I need to turn off, like the turbo boost, or smart connect or anything of that nature? I read that leaving the turbo on can cause it to overclock itself higher and cause issues. I asked in the MSI forums and I swear.. Seems like over there if you're not a pro, they won't even comment back. Can't stand that. Everyone was a noob at 1 time or another.
 
#24 ·
just turn off spread spectrum (probably in advanced area)
turbo is part of your overclock, it should allow your CPU to drop back to 3.4GHz when not under load, cooling and saving power etc.
the overclock is in effect while turbo is being used.
 
#26 ·
I found Battlefield 3 and Grid 2 would let me know if my overclock was working
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I ran prime and aida a bit to see but it usually lets you know pretty quickly if its not happy

however, you can go a couple of weeks before it decides to BSOD

stability for me is using it as my gaming rig, which is normal use for me ,stress testing is not everyday
smile.gif
 
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