Overclock recommendations (Maximus V Formula & i7 3770K)

[Moises2018]

Hello everyone! :cool:

I just purchased the Maximus V Formula with an Intel i7 3770K CPU and want to overclock, but this will be my first time ever doing so… So I’m a virgin, please be gentle… LOL

I’ve been reading several threads for the last few days and saw several guides which I am reading and trying to get familiar with and understand, but before I go any further I just have a few simple questions.

1. I only want to do a mild to moderate overclock (due to fearing the unknown), so would you say going to 4.0 GHz is a mild to moderate overclock??

2. If I read correctly on a thread, there are a couple of ways of overclocking, but the best way to overclock a system would be Offset Mode, is that correct? If so, why would this be the best way to overclock a system? Is it harder to overclock using the Offset Mode?

3. How would Speedstep factor in the overclock equation? In other words, if I enable it does that mean I could have the i7 3770K run at its default clock speed of 3.5 GHz and then the system would automatically go to my overclock speed (4.0 GHz or whatever else I overclocked it to) as needed?

Thanks in advance for all your input!

P.S.

If you have any other suggestions before I get dirty please feel free to comment…:p:D

[Arne_Saknussemm]

1. Yes, I would say 4.0 is a mild OC even 4.2

2 and 3. Speedstep and offset are kind of linked. Speedstep allows your processor to down-clock when it is not running at full speed i.e. to idle. (it is turbo that boosts frequencies above stock speed and adjusting turbo level will give you your OC so you will want it enabled too) Offset mode allows the processor to downclock not only in terms of speed but also in terms of voltage. This means that, at idle, the CPU is running at lower frequency and with lower volts. This makes for a happy longer lived CPU.

If you OC using manual voltage the CPU can downclock it's frequency using speedstep but the voltage stays the same always so even at idle the CPU is recieving the voltage it would use at load...obviously not ideal.

There is a good guide to offset in the Maximus section.

The only suggestion I have is watch your temperatures closely and cool your VRMs


link http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?2162-Overclocking-Using-Offset-Mode-for-CPU-Core-Voltage&co...

[Krindor]

Depends on CPU and cooling, if you're lucky a easy OC might be 4.3 with standard cooler. 4.0 is almost a too mild OC.

Offset mode is made so when the CPU is not loaded the voltage decreases saving some money on the electrical bill. Offset is pretty easy to overclock with follow the guide on it here on the forum.

Speedstep will lower the CPU core speed to 1.6 when it's not used and the load is very low which as well will decrease the electrical bill.

[Moises2018]

Hi guys, thanks for your response. I have a few other questions:

1. Does Speedstep always lower the CPU to 1.6 GHz when it’s at idle or can it be set to the CPU’s default clock speed? In this case my i7 3770K default would be 3.5 GHz.

2. I use my system for heavy duty CPU intense gaming with all settings maxed out, have you heard any lag problems or glitches with Speedstep going quickly to its overclocked state (Ex 4.0 GHz)?

3. Will I create a problem and confusion for myself if I read the different overclocking guides posted on the forum?

4. What would be ideal or great temperatures to have for overclocking?

Thanks again in advance for your input!

[Chino]

My personal point of view. 😛

Moises2018 wrote:

1. Does Speedstep always lower the CPU to 1.6 GHz when it’s at idle or can it be set to the CPU’s default clock speed? In this case my i7 3770K default would be 3.5 GHz.
Yes. Speedstep will always lower the frequency to 1.6Ghz unless you disable it then it would always run at 3.5Ghz default.

2. I use my system for heavy duty CPU intense gaming with all settings maxed out, have you heard any lag problems or glitches with Speedstep going quickly to its overclocked state (Ex 4.0 GHz)?
No. The multiplier jumps up so quickly you won't even notice it.

3. Will I create a problem and confusion for myself if I read the different overclocking guides posted on the forum?
No. Reading is a healthy thing. If you get confused at any point, there are a lot of expert OCers here that would help you with your overclocking journey.

4. What would be ideal or great temperatures to have for overclocking?
Ideal temperatures are subjective. There aren't any official safe temperatures per say. Personally I try to maintain my temperatures below 65C. But 70C is acceptable. But then again, I've always been a conservative person. lol

[Arne_Saknussemm]

you can set the minimum clock speed in the windows power plans. But typical downclocks are 1.2GHz or 1.6GHz. I'm pretty sure though that capping your CPU at it's stock speed is unnecessary for gaming in terms of "lag" etc.

I'm with Chino on the temps...I don't mind hitting 80 for a minute benching at high clocks but for everyday use I don't want temps anywhere near even 60

If you create a confusion for yourself reading don't overclock mate 😛 ask some questions here first;)

[HiVizMan]

I build systems for gamers. And at first they all were on the mind that their set ups needed to be at the highest stable overclock all the time. Many discussions and then pure physical intimidation and threat of violence on my part convinced two of my guys to try it my way. No disrespect to Frank. And there was no difference in competitive game at all. Systems were less prone to freeze and lock up over a three month period that we trailed this. So my advice is keep Speedstep on, and let the CPU do what it was designed to do.

[Area_66]

HiVizMan wrote:
Many discussions and then pure physical intimidation and threat of violence on my part convinced two of my guys to try it my way

What happen to the guy you don't convince ? For gaming a mild 4.0 -4.5 with auto setting is the best way to go. You are probably using you PC to do other thing, it don't need to run full throttle all the time. I have never check, but is a CPU throttle when you get in a map like, example BF3, I don't think so

[HiVizMan]

Area 66 wrote:
What happen to the guy you don't convince ?

He bought the beers afterwards. 😛

[Moises2018]

Thanks for your advice really appreciate all your insight! 😉 I'm trying to gather as much info as I can before taking the plunge into the scary world of overclocking!

Wow... Arne you have over 2,000 posts and HiVizMan over 10,000... Yikes!!! :rolleyes: You guys rock!

By the way how do i get emails sent to me whenever someone replies to my thread? I thought I set that up properly in my settings section, but apparently I have not.