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Overclocking The Core i7-7700K With DIP5

Chino
Level 15
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Overclocking is transitioning into the age of software automation. In the early stages, there was a certain reluctance to use such tools because they were producing underwhelming results. But software overclocking has evolved significantly over the past couple of years. In fact, ASUS' own AI Suite has come a long way since its first release. Thanks to its Dual Intelligent Processors 5 (DIP5) functionality, we can say goodbye to predefined overclocking profiles, which were basically a hit or miss, and say hello to a completely automated process that intelligently seeks out the highest speed possible with your individual CPU and cooling. Spending substantial time researching and modifying complicated settings in a boring BIOS interface is a thing of the past.

One of the Kaby Lake’s strong points is its high overclocking potential. Average Joes like you and I can potentially can overclock our processor at 5GHz and brag about it. We can’t really expect all Kaby Lake CPUs to operate that that frequency, but if yours has the potential to reach 5GHz, DIP5 will help you get there. But first of all, let’s go through our checklist to make sure you have the right gear for the job. To make this guide work, you must own an overclockable K-series processor (Core i7-7700K, i5-7600K, or i3-7350K). The second requirement is a Z270 motherboard that specifically supports the DIP5 functionality. Besides the Maximus IX Formula that’s featured in this guide, there are nine other models that you can choose from.

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The last thing on our checklist - but definitely not the least important - is cooling. An aftermarket cooling solution is indispensable if you’re targeting the highest overclock possible with your processor. I cool my i7-7700K with the EKWB Predator 240 because it is one of the better 240mm AIO liquid coolers on the market right now. It should also give you a very good idea of the overclock you can expect if you have a similar or better cooling solution.


Making AI Suite III Do What We Want

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Since we’ll be using the DIP5 functionality to overclock our processor, we will need to open AI Suite III. You will notice four panels located at the bottom of the utility which constantly display processor frequency, CPU Core Voltage, CPU temperature and fan speed. This is helpful information which will aid us in our overclocking endeavor. So let’s click the 5-Way Optimization icon to commence the DIP5 process.

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Most of the settings can be left alone. Only the Target CPU Voltage tuning option requires your attention. I would recommend 1.35V as the maximum value if you’re using a high-end air cooler, 240mm AIO liquid cooler, or better. For anything inferior, I suggest a value between 1.25V to 1.3V. Don’t forget to take your ambient temperature and case airflow into consideration as well. If neither is optimal in your situation, consider using a lower value than what's suggested here.

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We need to scroll down to uncheck a few more options. By default, AI Suite III will tune your fans and graphic card. If you’re focused on the CPU, you can untick those options. Leaving them ticked will add unnecessary tuning time to the overclocking process.

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Once we’re done configuring the options how we like, we can proceed to pressing the red Start button. A new window will pop up describing the whole DIP5 process. Press the Yes button, and the system restart to initiate the DIP5 tuning process.

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At this point, DIP5’s built-in algorithm incrementally raises the processor’s frequency and core voltage while testing stability along the way. Overclocking results vary depending on the potential of your individual processor and the performance of your cooling system, so this is the best approach to finding the highest attainable frequency for your specific combination. Sit back and let DIP5 do its thing.

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The entire tuning process typically takes less than 10 minutes. However, it can take longer if you let DIP5 tweak other aspects of your system—or if you extend the duration of the built-in stability test. When the process is completed, DIP5 provides a detailed report. It successfully pushed my CPU to 4.9GHz with one or two active cores and 4.8GHz with three of four active cores. Processors are typically capable of running at higher speeds when fewer cores are active, and DIP5 takes this into account by default.


The Dreaded Stability Test

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Everyone has their own preference regarding which software is best for stability testing. So, by all means feel free to use the one of your choice. I prefer ROG Realbench over other alternatives because, unlike most stress tests which put a synthetic workload on the system, Realbench uses real-world applications instead. In most situations, running Realbench’s stress test for two to four hours is a good indication that your system is stable for everyday usage. However, I only run it for an hour and call it a day. The rest of my stability testing is done outside the program with real-world usage. When you’ve chosen your desired duration for the stress test and the amount of memory corresponding to your system, press the Start button.

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It is important to monitor the processor’s temperature during the stress test. Ideally you would want to keep it below 80C. But there is no need to be alarmed if it’s slightly higher. Few of us run our processors at 100% utilization for prolonged periods of time. You should see lower operating temperatures in normal daily usage. As a preventive measure, you can monitor your processor’s temperature while using the system as you normally would.

Once you’re greeted with the Stress Test Passed! message from ROG RealBench, you’re basically done. You can go and enjoy your system… or pursue higher speeds by overclocking the processor manually.
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40 REPLIES 40

chiilin
Level 10
My temperatures seem fine in every stress test I do. I'd say its been peaking in mid-80's for very brief periods from time to time under the heaviest loads. That is according to DIP5 readings and/or readings within a stress test program, such as AIDA64. As mentioned, HWMonitor reported about 10C higher on average, which I guess makes sense since you stated it was measuring core temp. vs. socket temp. I'll stop using HWMOnitor I guess, since it could cause polling errors as you said. My CPU Temp. is sitting between 32 and 34C right now (according to DIP5) at idle as I write this.

So I would think those temps are acceptable, wouldn't you?

I'll probably run DIP5 again after I get my GPU OC'd and see what I get on the next run.

chiilin
Level 10
So does DIP5 OC the RAM too? Or does it leave that alone and only focus on the CPU?

Chino
Level 15
I usually take temperatures from stress test with a pinch of salt. Since you normally don't hit those temperatures on daily usage. But your temperatures look fine.

Regarding sensors, it's a matter of preference. Most users prefer core temperatures. So it's your call.

chiilin
Level 10
Understood and agreed about the stress test temps. That's why I'm not concerned when they hit relatively high temps for only very brief periods: under normal conditions I'll probably never get temps that high.

But regarding core vs. socket temps: aren't we basically at the mercy of what program we are using?

I mean, you said HWMonitor takes temps at the core, and DIP5 uses socket temp. And we aren't supposed to have more than one program measuring temps at one time (rule of thumb). So, if I'm monitoring with DIP5, which also has the convenience of having Fan Xpert 4 running, etc. Then I'm going to be seeing socket temps since that is what that program polls, right?

Chino
Level 15
Pretty much. So it all comes down to which type of monitoring you prefer and then choose the program that offers that reading.

Hi to all , new to this forum 🙂

I use 7700K stock 4.2 -4.5 boost , Windows 10 energy saving set to performance and my cpu at 100% load has 1.206v-1.208v to all cores and I have Maximum Temps on stress test Silverbence I open the program 2 times in 2 different windows and run them at the same time , even the mouse is lagging 🙂
So after 30 minites of stress test I got 80c is that normal ???

My Cpu Cooler is Noctua DH9L using Noctua thermal paste, ( I was using Artic silver 5 and I got 83 max temp)

I understand that this cooler is way to small but I use it with 3770K 4.2 on all cores and I never got more than 70c.
So is this normal ?
Thanks !!!

Chino
Level 15
Your temperature looks normal given that you're using the Noctua NH-D9L. It should suffice in normal usage, but if you're planning to overclock, you should invest in a bigger heatsink.

Thanks for you reply .. I will not overclock , 7700k on this corsair air 240 and the biggest air cooler that it fits on this case and mobo its already way to much.
So I will stay using default clocks , and maybe I will change my case and use Noctua D15 next time.
I feel ok for now listening what you said

MrAgapiGC
Level 14
****! now i have to scratch myself from the comments.... let me try it. it has being a wile. 6700k with a hero ix should not be a problem right? I just make a clean install since i change 960 evo. has all current new drivers. any notes or observations before installing the only version of the heroIX that is Version V1.01.56 2017/01/05 200.16 MBytes. please let me know quick since i am on my screen now.
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