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Necesity of overclocking?

Hi guys.

 

Recently building an mini itx build, some parts.

Bitfenix Prodigy Mini itx / Seasonic 750 gold 80 plus Ps.

 

So thats just the background, but im looking for the necesity for overclocking an CPU.

 

This is for an gaming build so im probably either getting an i5 4690k or just an 4690.

 

If i am going to watercool it, im going to go with an closed loop, probably the H100i.

 

This build is going to be for gaming etc etc, so im looking to know if "overclocking" is going to give me any real performances or is it just an marketing/benchmark performance.

 

I mean blah blah blah 5.0 ghz on paper, but does it perform faster than lets say an 3.5 ghz i5 at stock speed?

 

If so how much is the gains? and how hard is overclocking in general, for i am an novice but trying to DIY.

 

Thanks guys.

 

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There isn't much benefit with only 1 GPU. When you get up to 3-4 GPU's overclocking on the CPU stars becoming more relevant/necessary. 

 

That being said, there IS a performance increase. I just don't think it's worth it with 1 GPU. 

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It will make a bit of difference. But if you get a 4690 non k, you won't be able to overclock at all. So if you go that route, don't get a 100i, there is no real point unless you plan to overclock.

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There isn't much benefit with only 1 GPU. When you get up to 3-4 GPU's overclocking on the CPU stars becoming more relevant/necessary. 

 

That being said, there IS a performance increase. I just don't think it's worth it with 1 GPU. 

I agree, anything beyond 4.0 GHz will bring little performance increase, unless of course your doing some CPU intensive work like encoding video or stuff. If you want to OC it though, it is fun and you get this sort of high when doing it.

My System Specs: (Short list) i7 4770k, GTX 780, many SSD's, a 2 TB HDD(deceased :( ), Corsair 650D. Full list: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/kchriz6097/saved/8dh7YJ


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Most games are GPU bound, meaning that even if you overclocked your CPU to high heavens it would still perform the same (Maybe a 2%-3% difference). Overclocking is not a necessity, not at all. It's just fun to tinker around with and it gives you a bit of flexibility and may increase the useful lifespan of your CPU a bit. If you decide to go with the 4690 non k then make sure to get a cheaper mobo (you don't need Z97 if you're not overclocking) and a lower tier cooler as well. You can save quite a bit if you don't plan on overclocking at all.

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 With cpus having boosts now they overclock themselves if things are set up right in the BIOS.  As for it being worth it or not well each and every time I overclock I learn something new.  In my most recent overclocking experience which is going on now I saw features in the BIOS that I questioned whether or not they were set right and found things I wanted to understand more so overclocking I guess can be good for the mind for some.  It made me think.  I need more of that.  LOL In regards to learning to overclock with so much help on this site and other sites with guides and videos it makes it much easier to do than in the distant past.  The thing is to properly test an overclock it is very time consuming so if you don't have a second pc to use while you are overclocking one you might be annoyed.  Now if you know in your heart there is no chance in hell you will ever overclock then don't get a 4690k.  Still I say get one and have some fun overclocking.

Too many ****ing games!  Back log 4 life! :S

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What GPU do you have? CPU overclocking is relevant under the circumstances mentioned above. GPU overclocking however is mandatory and should be done immediatley out of the box, as it is super safe, stupid easy and 1:1 free performance.

who cares...

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Funny story guys as I was typing my post above about overclocking my pc blue screened for like the fifth or sixth time in a month or so. This pc is overclocked. The difference is though with the pc I am currrently overclocking which is my son's AMD FX 6300 based system I am doing it step by step right. For my pc well while I like to think I did everything I could to make sure the overclock was proper but I am 100% sure I didn't do that. LOL The thing is the blue screens never happen when I am gaming. Not once has it happened then. Just to share with the OP the scare of a blue screen here is the one I got ...
 

Problem signature:
  Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
  OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.1
  Locale ID: 1033
 
Additional information about the problem:
  BCCode: 116
  BCP1: FFFFFA800AF0B010
  BCP2: FFFFF8800F21293C
  BCP3: 0000000000000000
  BCP4: 0000000000000002
  OS Version: 6_1_7601
  Service Pack: 1_0
  Product: 256_1


I have yet to look up what the problem is but recent ones have pointed to hardware possibly being the problem.  I tested my hard drives and there are no issues so it has to be something else if it is hardware.  I looked inside the case and knew that going into looking I had done maintenance twice in 6 months so I expected to find no problems relating to dust and there was not and I also know my cpu temps are good so whatever.  Anyway with all this said OP if things go bad with an overclock you can always put everything back to stock which is what I will be doing with this pc for the time being.

Too many ****ing games!  Back log 4 life! :S

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So if im going to be gaming or even to the extent of "minor" editting pictures and all I dont need an unlocked K cpu.

And after reading all the comments, since im getting an mini itx board, its useless to overclock the CPU since games are more GPU bound, but in that regards could i overclock the GPU while not overclocking the Cpu? and what are the chances cpu-bound games are going to be out?

Stock cooler is enough if you're not going to overclock?

And what would be examples of an "lower end"motherboard if i dont overclock?

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I have a 4690 (Always @ 3.9Turbo) Even at Load it doesnt declock like normal Turbo mode (Thanks to my Asus Z97-K Mobo)

The Asrock H97 or likewise H97 boards in the $90-120 range and the ever so powerful yet cool as ice 4690 would set you straight. Look up 4690 (non-K) reviews and have a look at the Gaming ability, and then the encoding ability............. comparing PRICE to performance.

With stock cooling, it instantly hit 72*c and furthered to 75*c in SHORT TIME.

With a Hyper212 and a single fan it has never gone above 61*c AT ALL. Usually sitting around 58-59*c Max while I'm encoding video's /w 95% Constant CPU load.

 

I'd invest in a cheap allround cooler, the stock cooling is so much louder. Plus it won't be as hot, and most likely will make your machine in-audible.

Maximums - Asus Z97-K /w i5 4690 Bclk @106.9Mhz * x39 = 4.17Ghz, 8GB of 2600Mhz DDR3,.. Gigabyte GTX970 G1-Gaming @ 1550Mhz

 

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I have a 4690 (Always @ 3.9Turbo) Even at Load it doesnt declock like normal Turbo mode (Thanks to my Asus Z97-K Mobo)

The Asrock H97 or likewise H97 boards in the $90-120 range and the ever so powerful yet cool as ice 4690 would set you straight. Look up 4690 (non-K) reviews and have a look at the Gaming ability, and then the encoding ability............. comparing PRICE to performance.

With stock cooling, it instantly hit 72*c and furthered to 75*c in SHORT TIME.

With a Hyper212 and a single fan it has never gone above 61*c AT ALL. Usually sitting around 58-59*c Max while I'm encoding video's /w 95% Constant CPU load.

 

I'd invest in a cheap allround cooler, the stock cooling is so much louder. Plus it won't be as hot, and most likely will make your machine in-audible.

So does that mean if i dont have an Asus z97 K mobo, its going to declock the turbo mode?

and if the price is relatively near the same, lets say $10 diffference between the i5 4690 and 4690k, you would get the K'd version correct? like an hyper evo 212 would be sufficent enough?

Could i overclock  the Gpu if i dont overclock the Cpu?

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Hi guys.

 

Recently building an mini itx build, some parts.

Bitfenix Prodigy Mini itx / Seasonic 750 gold 80 plus Ps.

 

So thats just the background, but im looking for the necesity for overclocking an CPU.

 

This is for an gaming build so im probably either getting an i5 4690k or just an 4690.

 

If i am going to watercool it, im going to go with an closed loop, probably the H100i.

 

This build is going to be for gaming etc etc, so im looking to know if "overclocking" is going to give me any real performances or is it just an marketing/benchmark performance.

 

I mean blah blah blah 5.0 ghz on paper, but does it perform faster than lets say an 3.5 ghz i5 at stock speed?

 

If so how much is the gains? and how hard is overclocking in general, for i am an novice but trying to DIY.

 

Thanks guys.

You can pick up some serious gains with a good chip overclocking. Be it a unlocked i5, i7 or Black Edition AMD chip. That being said you need a good aftermarket hsf, good airflow in your case to pull in cool ambient temp air and expel hot air, and a good motherboard with heatsinked mosfets, good phase power delivery system of 6+2 or better yet 8+2. Mini and Micro ATX boards are not in this category. They are mostly 3+1 or 4+2. Overclocking is something you learn how to do. There is a lot more to it than changing your cpu multiplier.

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@Rexchaos

My H97 Board that I had to RMA (Before it died however) Didn't allow me to do that, no..

The price when so low.. is always worth it, you can decide in say.. two-three years to Overclock and NOT need buying into a new platform for a little while longer.

You can say.. I'll not use it now, until years down the line.. when Windows is bloated and slower, when Games are using 90%+ of your CPU in gaming and such.. But doubtful its needed now.

The Hyper is VERY sufficient in cooling an i5, stock clocks of most models in the 3.2-3.8 range with a bit extra for their turbo.. the Hyper keeps them all cool, I have been using this Hyper on my older i7 2600K @ 4.8Ghz and it held up nicely under 85*c easily.

With my 4690 I've not seen above 65*c /w the Hyper either gaming or encoding with relative full CPU usage and the stock cooler that came with it would exceed 70*c and climb in less than 5s at the same situations.

Maximums - Asus Z97-K /w i5 4690 Bclk @106.9Mhz * x39 = 4.17Ghz, 8GB of 2600Mhz DDR3,.. Gigabyte GTX970 G1-Gaming @ 1550Mhz

 

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Hi guys.

 

Recently building an mini itx build, some parts.

Bitfenix Prodigy Mini itx / Seasonic 750 gold 80 plus Ps.

 

So thats just the background, but im looking for the necesity for overclocking an CPU.

 

This is for an gaming build so im probably either getting an i5 4690k or just an 4690.

 

If i am going to watercool it, im going to go with an closed loop, probably the H100i.

 

This build is going to be for gaming etc etc, so im looking to know if "overclocking" is going to give me any real performances or is it just an marketing/benchmark performance.

 

I mean blah blah blah 5.0 ghz on paper, but does it perform faster than lets say an 3.5 ghz i5 at stock speed?

 

If so how much is the gains? and how hard is overclocking in general, for i am an novice but trying to DIY.

 

Thanks guys.

You don't want to overclock with a Mini ITX. To be honest I don't think there any overclockable boards in that form factor. In a nutshell the mobo can't deliver the power needed for a overclock as you need much more juice. Also a case that size can't hold enough fans to cool the build.

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You can pick up some serious gains with a good chip overclocking. Be it a unlocked i5, i7 or Black Edition AMD chip. That being said you need a good aftermarket hsf, good airflow in your case to pull in cool ambient temp air and expel hot air, and a good motherboard with heatsinked mosfets, good phase power delivery system of 6+2 or better yet 8+2. Mini and Micro ATX boards are not in this category. They are mostly 3+1 or 4+2. Overclocking is something you learn how to do. There is a lot more to it than changing your cpu multiplier.

What do you mean by "serious gains" cause if im gaming and with the 1% chance of video editting, even if i overclock the CPU it'd still be useless no? For gaming there arent if any at all cpu bound games and if its pointless, theres no point of paying extra for something that actually doesnt benefit you.

 

@Rexchaos

My H97 Board that I had to RMA (Before it died however) Didn't allow me to do that, no..

The price when so low.. is always worth it, you can decide in say.. two-three years to Overclock and NOT need buying into a new platform for a little while longer.

You can say.. I'll not use it now, until years down the line.. when Windows is bloated and slower, when Games are using 90%+ of your CPU in gaming and such.. But doubtful its needed now.

The Hyper is VERY sufficient in cooling an i5, stock clocks of most models in the 3.2-3.8 range with a bit extra for their turbo.. the Hyper keeps them all cool, I have been using this Hyper on my older i7 2600K @ 4.8Ghz and it held up nicely under 85*c easily.

With my 4690 I've not seen above 65*c /w the Hyper either gaming or encoding with relative full CPU usage and the stock cooler that came with it would exceed 70*c and climb in less than 5s at the same situations.

So if i get an K cpu it might be future proof, "might" but it wouldnt even be "future proof" though to that extent.

 

You don't want to overclock with a Mini ITX. To be honest I don't think there any overclockable boards in that form factor. In a nutshell the mobo can't deliver the power needed for a overclock as you need much more juice. Also a case that size can't hold enough fans to cool the build.

Thats actually false i believe, the ROG Impact for mini itx's have that sort of power apparently. and if anything i'd be having an h100i for the cpu so the necesity of fans would be more for the gpu.

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You don't want to overclock with a Mini ITX. To be honest I don't think there any overclockable boards in that form factor. In a nutshell the mobo can't deliver the power needed for a overclock as you need much more juice. Also a case that size can't hold enough fans to cool the build.

False. Haswell is not a power hog. There are plenty of smartly designed ITX cases that provide adequate airflow to cool the CPU.

 

Source: my rig.

 

@Rexchaos unless buying z97 and a 4690k will really hurt your rig in other areas (bad gpu, ssd whatever) I'd go for it as you never know :) i7 920 users find their cpu good again 4 years later after overclocking them.

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False. Haswell is not a power hog. There are plenty of smartly designed ITX cases that provide adequate airflow to cool the CPU.

 

Source: my rig.

 

@Rexchaos unless buying z97 and a 4690k will really hurt your rig in other areas (bad gpu, ssd whatever) I'd go for it as you never know :) i7 920 users find their cpu good again 4 years later after overclocking them.

I have no problem getting an z97 board, the Impact seems too extreme so ill probably be getting the asus z97i plus or something similar to that like the Msi versions. but what do you mean i7 920 users?

I mean as far as i know overclocking the GPU has no real benefits, its just bragging rights if you're gaming no? unless theres something i don't know about overclocking, you could enlighten me. pretty novice at this.

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I have no problem getting an z97 board, the Impact seems too extreme so ill probably be getting the asus z97i plus or something similar to that like the Msi versions. but what do you mean i7 920 users?

I mean as far as i know overclocking the GPU has no real benefits, its just bragging rights if you're gaming no? unless theres something i don't know about overclocking, you could enlighten me. pretty novice at this.

I have a Z97i-Plus, it works fantastically. I run 4.7GHz on it.

 

By i7 920 users I mean, it came out in 2008, and without overclocking is basically too slow, but people have overclocked them to 4ghz now and they're relevant because of that. So it can "increase" the useful life of the CPU.  

 

GPU overclocking can help in games, I personally overclocked mine from the stock 880 to 1100mhz and I get quite a nice performance bump in many scenarios. It's also at stock voltage so basically no extra heat etc.

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I have a Z97i-Plus, it works fantastically. I run 4.7GHz on it.

 

By i7 920 users I mean, it came out in 2008, and without overclocking is basically too slow, but people have overclocked them to 4ghz now and they're relevant because of that. So it can "increase" the useful life of the CPU.  

 

GPU overclocking can help in games, I personally overclocked mine from the stock 880 to 1100mhz and I get quite a nice performance bump in many scenarios. It's also at stock voltage so basically no extra heat etc.

Ah i see, so having the K'd version would be useful, but its not necessary as of now. Its more of a future proofing thing yes? but while GPU overclocking would be better due to it increasing the frames and all.

Also how much would you think i can overclock an cpu without turning up the voltage and all?

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If you have a good cooler overclocking is free performance.  Do it.  All cpus are different so you at least want to see what your chip is capable of.  It may be that you can up the clocks a little without even adding voltage, but who knows you have to try.

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Overclocking for Gaming still brings benefits.

Your FPS dips (Or MINFPS) will rise with More MHZ / CPU Frequency.

Maximums - Asus Z97-K /w i5 4690 Bclk @106.9Mhz * x39 = 4.17Ghz, 8GB of 2600Mhz DDR3,.. Gigabyte GTX970 G1-Gaming @ 1550Mhz

 

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Overclocking for Gaming still brings benefits.

Your FPS dips (Or MINFPS) will rise with More MHZ / CPU Frequency.

Is that a fact? or what you observed. and if so thats an pretty interesting information to whether im getting the K'ed version or not!

If you have a good cooler overclocking is free performance. Do it. All cpus are different so you at least want to see what your chip is capable of. It may be that you can up the clocks a little without even adding voltage, but who knows you have to try.

Yeah i know, its all about luck apparently.

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CPU's and Games, 4-8 Cores being the sweet spot ,. But they usually react better again to increased core frequency.
 

Another thing to mention is generational improvements to IPC or processing power @ the same frequencies over time.

You may absolutely NEED to overclock older CPU's, but not the latest and greatest ones you can buy today, as their ample for Gaming.

This was just made/released today and shows little to zero difference (bar 5% GPU load fluctuations) with 3.4Ghz>4.8Ghz in some of todays modern games.

Obviously other games will vary, and older CPU's may suffer more (as he's using a 3570K) and thats easily enough @ stock to not limit any game to date.

But overall, having the ability to lengthen the life down the line, doesnt hurt.

Maximums - Asus Z97-K /w i5 4690 Bclk @106.9Mhz * x39 = 4.17Ghz, 8GB of 2600Mhz DDR3,.. Gigabyte GTX970 G1-Gaming @ 1550Mhz

 

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Ah i see, so having the K'd version would be useful, but its not necessary as of now. Its more of a future proofing thing yes? but while GPU overclocking would be better due to it increasing the frames and all.

Also how much would you think i can overclock an cpu without turning up the voltage and all?

Well that would of course depend on your CPU, I think with a 4690K as it does 3.9GHz at ~1.1v (mine is 0.987v stock and it applies around 100mV "oc voltage" (which isn't necessary).

 

You could probably be doing 4.2 or so at 1.1v

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You may as well. If you're going to spend any amount of money on a CPU you may as well get the performance out of it that it's capable of, voltage and temperature limiting. It just comes down to how much you want to spend on a cooler and work within that.

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