Overclocking - Your knowledge is required.

[sprite-]

Long time lurker, first post since i registered back in 2009 (crikey!)

I've recently purchased the following;

- i7 4770k
- Asus Z87-PRO
- Corsair H80

Now at the risk of looking stupid (quite easy for me), i've not the foggiest how to overclock a CPU. The last time i did it was back with a Q6600 and even then it was with a step by step guide for my BIOS.

I hear stuff like 'vcore' and draw a blank, i did tried to look for the setting label vcore in the UEFI Bios of the Asus Z87-PRO but had no luck.. So i really need one of your rather intelligent chaps to assist.

I used the AI Suite III and it automatically overclocked my CPU to 4.8ghz but i reset the BIOS back to optimized defaults, just don't feel confident having software do that tbh.

I want to know a few things really

- How to gradually over-clock using the BIOS, with what settings to change. Basically i'd like to step up gradually, 4.2ghz, then check temps, 4.3ghz and then check temps etc etc.
- What temperatures would you deem 'comfortable' at idle and 100% load. So i can decide when my overclock has reached a level i'm happy with heat wise. I don't want to go near any limits, just reach a comfortable overclock with a comfortable temperature.

Below is what my CPU temps look like currently at stock speed using the H80 in performance mode

Idle (15 mins)

It had a spike of load for some reason, so max temps are not reflective. It pretty much stayed around mid to low 20s for the entire run.

100% Load (15 mins of Prime95 Small FFTs);

Generally stayed around 49-50 for the entire run.

 

[snips86x]

From previous encountered with AI, it seems to do ok at overclocking. You should he abke to use it to reach your required overclock quite safety.

As it stands, Intel's thermal throttling will kick in at 100c or possibly shutdown the PC to avoid damage. From my run at overclocking yesterday, safe recommended temps were 70-80c. My only concern with your setup would be the fans as the stock ones are not great.

I would replace them with some Corsair SP120's in push/pull for max effect.

Does this help?

 

[scotsdragon]

You should always do your own overclocking the AI suite while getting better is not perfect im sure someone with OCing knowledge on the z87 will come along soon you should also check out the ask 8 pack section he has helped a few people there so his and their posts could help get you started

 

[MagicBoy]

Performance of the stock fans are fine, if a little noisy. Benchmarks prove that swapping them often as not increases the temperatures.