Hi xCaptKirk, and welcome
Prime 95 runs the CPU very hot and still isn't a very stringent stability test. XTU is mostly another implementation of Prime95. I recommend Realbench to test for stabilty of most overclocks and OCCT for competitive profiles. OCCT is a high temperature test, but it really checks the stability. Realbench tests the whole system in a real-world way that holds down temperatures. The Realbench benchmark is also a friendly competition. Download Realbench from this forum - the Realbench section.
What CPU clock was running at 1.25 Vcore? That has something to do with heat, too. Also, what TIM?
With my 4790K, not delidded, with MX-4 TIM and water cooling, OCCT burned 137 watts and temperature rose to 91C. That was at 4.4GHz Core clock and 1.25 Vcore. That's close to your situation, from what I'm reading. A better TIM, or thin full-cover application may improve cooling a little. To make a big difference, the CPU would have to be delidded and the internal TIM replaced with liquid metal. That's not recommended unless you're really into benchmarking. Liquid metal TIM and delidding are each risky steps.
These two guides from the ROG site will help fill in more about overclocking. They are for Maximus VI series boards and the 4770K, but apply equally to Maximus VII and the 4790K.
http://rog.asus.com/254052013/maximus-motherboards/recommended-settings-for-overclocking-maximus-vi-...
http://rog.asus.com/242142013/labels/rog-exclusive/maximus-vi-series-uefi-guide-for-overclocking/
Jeff
Prime 95 runs the CPU very hot and still isn't a very stringent stability test. XTU is mostly another implementation of Prime95. I recommend Realbench to test for stabilty of most overclocks and OCCT for competitive profiles. OCCT is a high temperature test, but it really checks the stability. Realbench tests the whole system in a real-world way that holds down temperatures. The Realbench benchmark is also a friendly competition. Download Realbench from this forum - the Realbench section.
What CPU clock was running at 1.25 Vcore? That has something to do with heat, too. Also, what TIM?
With my 4790K, not delidded, with MX-4 TIM and water cooling, OCCT burned 137 watts and temperature rose to 91C. That was at 4.4GHz Core clock and 1.25 Vcore. That's close to your situation, from what I'm reading. A better TIM, or thin full-cover application may improve cooling a little. To make a big difference, the CPU would have to be delidded and the internal TIM replaced with liquid metal. That's not recommended unless you're really into benchmarking. Liquid metal TIM and delidding are each risky steps.
These two guides from the ROG site will help fill in more about overclocking. They are for Maximus VI series boards and the 4770K, but apply equally to Maximus VII and the 4790K.
http://rog.asus.com/254052013/maximus-motherboards/recommended-settings-for-overclocking-maximus-vi-...
http://rog.asus.com/242142013/labels/rog-exclusive/maximus-vi-series-uefi-guide-for-overclocking/
Jeff
With the core ratio at that voltage, you probably have an above average CPU. The pre-programmed boost works for many CPUs, but is the right setting for very few that are average or just below. You can leave it with the settings you have, but when speed drops it needs less voltage, power and heat. The guides - the ones I cited and others on the subject of offset power - can get you to either higher clocks or lower voltage.
The general process starting where you are is to lower voltage in small steps until some stability test fails - usually a blue screen.
The other way is to raise the ratio, then step voltage up taking blue screen after blue screen until a stability test passes.
Raise the voltage to a point where the test passed and run normal operation for a while - the real stability test is in doing the things you normally do. Power saving can be had by enabling EIST - speedstep, which you may already have, turbo and offset core voltage mode. Core voltage would then track CPU load.
Unfortunately there is too much variation among Haswell CPUs for OC profiles to be interchangeable. I can't tell an exact figure for either voltage or ratio that will work on your CPU. Most of the... fun of overclocking is homing in on the right point for that one CPU.
Jeff
The general process starting where you are is to lower voltage in small steps until some stability test fails - usually a blue screen.
The other way is to raise the ratio, then step voltage up taking blue screen after blue screen until a stability test passes.
Raise the voltage to a point where the test passed and run normal operation for a while - the real stability test is in doing the things you normally do. Power saving can be had by enabling EIST - speedstep, which you may already have, turbo and offset core voltage mode. Core voltage would then track CPU load.
Unfortunately there is too much variation among Haswell CPUs for OC profiles to be interchangeable. I can't tell an exact figure for either voltage or ratio that will work on your CPU. Most of the
Jeff
4.6GHz with Vcore less than 1.20 is a VERY good CPU. Rises to 1.23 or so in heavy stress can be expected with those offset settings. The temperatures in the upper 70Cs during Realbench stress are okay, too. Some of us think the Realbench benchmark is a better stability test. Have you tried it?
Jeff
Jeff
