Did I get really unlucky?

[Calneon]

I built a watercooled PC a month ago, expecting really nice over-clocking potential. However it seems to have been a waste of money as people on air seem to be having a better time than me. I know components vary in overclockability so did I just get really unlucky?

I have a 4770k that requires over 1.31v to get 4.5Ghz. I can do 4.4Ghz on 1.265v so I have it at that for now, but I've seen most people are getting 4.6Ghz+ while still under 1.3v.

My R9 290X is limited to 1150 core with +100mv, and there's no way to increase voltage more than that without flashing (which I might do, just scared of breaking something). I've seen people get that with the stock cooler, and without having to increase voltage at all.

Granted, my rig is fairly silent (bar the 290X coil whine which sounds worse than fans IMO). Can't help but feel slightly disappointed when I could have spent the ~£500 I spent on a custom loop, on two GTX 780s.

 

[GefGz]

Unless you've specifically bought a binned processor/GPU you're playing roulette whenever you buy something to OC it.

Seems like you've lost the silicon draw a bit there.

 

[elJarmen]

Agree ^^. If it makes you feel better I only managed 4.5 on 1.322 and 1.25 vRing (4670K). I know other people who have even worse chips. I don't see the point in watercooling as I do not shoot for extreme OCs, but if I were I would first make sure I won the silicon lottery with the CPU (not to underestimate the effect of high-end mobos here) and then water-cool. Tough luck mate.

 

[cypto]

Unfortunately we are all subject to the silicon lottery when trying to push them past stock clocks. Not even sure aside from the OCUK overclocked bundles where you can buy a binned cpu for overclocking (if any where).

 

[OLDPHART]

Yip the Haswell lottery.

 

[cypto]

One good thing however is only the OEM cpus can be binned by OCUK as far as I know for their overclocked systems. So any retail box cpu you buy has a slightly higher chance of being a good if not golden chip.

 

[setter]

Indeed it is a bit of a lottery. Mine is pretty ok voltage wise. But its probably the hottest runner ive seen on here, 94c under p95.

 

[cypto]

Indeed it is a bit of a lottery. Mine is pretty ok voltage wise. But its probably the hottest runner ive seen on here, 94c under p95.

Take it that's your 4770k? that is running hot for 4.5 good job prime95 is synthetic so when gaming it's much cooler.

 

[setter]

It is yes, i don't bother with stress tests now. Game temps are 67c max in a case with no front air intake.

 

[Rroff]

One good thing however is only the OEM cpus can be binned by OCUK as far as I know for their overclocked systems. So any retail box cpu you buy has a slightly higher chance of being a good if not golden chip.

AFAIK though I can't say for definite I think OcUK purchase the CPUs for pre-built/overclocked systems seperately to the OEM chips they sell individually.

 

[cypto]

AFAIK though I can't say for definite I think OcUK purchase the CPUs for pre-built/overclocked systems seperately to the OEM chips they sell individually.

Wasn't 100% sure on that, but I'm sure I've read something along those lines when someone was asking if OCUK sold binned cpu's on their own for overclocking.

Would need either 8pack or someone from OCUK to confirm that.

This pretty much explains it,

Scottib, 8 pack and gibbo went over this a while ago.

Under no circumstances are retail chips screened in any which way, they arrive on orders and go direct in to stock for public consumption.

Oem chips are purchased by two separate departments, gibbo buys for stock Oem sales, these are untouched and go direct into stock or lower spec bundles and systems (those with a very mild oc). Scottib/8 pack and the builds team order in their own oem chips, these are often selected from specific batches and are then binned to fit certain high oc bundles and systems.

If you want a good chip, don't bother with the lottery and buy the 4770k extreme 4.6 bundle, not only is the chip binned it is also delidded and liquid pro fitted for better temps while carrying a 2 year warranty.

 

[setter]

Yep separate purchasing for systems/bundles. And specially binned delidded chips for extreme bundles.

 

[snedie]

Yep, if you want a CPU/GPU for pure overclocking it's always worth while looking around on forums for people selling ones they have had at the clocks you want. If not you play the lottery like the rest of us

 

[weewyum]

Mine is no better, its just pure luck. I cannot get 4.6ghz at 1.3v but am so determined to reach it I will be delidding it later for its christmas treat