Help getting best performance out of i7 6700k before upgrade

[Bignut]

Hello all, I'm bored working from home so I've decided to take on overclocking my i7 6700k.

I'm learning it's less scary and complicated than I originally thought, which makes me regret not applying a light overclock when I bought my parts ~3 years ago.

 

Here are my relevant specs and what I'm at right now. Also please tell me if something looks off, I'm new to overclocking.

 

CPU: i7 6700k @ 4.6 ghz, 1.355v (Didn't mess with it a lot, pretty sure I can go slightly lower)

Cooler: Noctua NH-U9S (I have 2 fans on this in a push-pull config but I don't think it makes a difference)

RAM: Team T-Force DARK PRO 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 (using the xmp profile, 3200 mhz, 1.4v; Didn't push the timings)

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7

Case: HAF XB EVO

 

At 4.6 ghz, my cpu idles at about 35-40C, under load it tops at ~75C. (I think that's typical?)

I got it stable 4.7 ghz @ 1.375v, but it started getting up to 85C and I decided that was out of my comfort zone.

To test stability I'm running Prime95's torture test for 5 minutes. If it doesn't crash after I call it good and so far I haven't had any problems.

 

1. Is purchasing a Cryorig R1 Ultimate or a Noctua D15 cooler a good option if I want to get the most out of overclocking my current CPU with the possibility of re-using said cooler when I upgrade? (No idea when I'll upgrade but hopefully not this year.) Also I prefer air coolers, no AIO water shenanigans.
2. Is 1.4V for a CPU OC the "safe limit"? I haven't seen a consensus.

 

Thanks!

[SirWendall]

2 minutes ago, Bignut said:

Hello all, I'm bored working from home so I've decided to take on overclocking my i7 6700k.

I'm learning it's less scary and complicated than I originally thought, which makes me regret not applying a light overclock when I bought my parts ~3 years ago.

 

Here are my relevant specs and what I'm at right now. Also please tell me if something looks off, I'm new to overclocking.

 

CPU: i7 6700k @ 4.6 ghz, 1.355v (Didn't mess with it a lot, pretty sure I can go slightly lower)

Cooler: Noctua NH-U9S (I have 2 fans on this in a push-pull config but I don't think it makes a difference)

RAM: Team T-Force DARK PRO 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 (using the xmp profile, 3200 mhz, 1.4v; Didn't push the timings)

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7

Case: HAF XB EVO

 

At 4.6 ghz, my cpu idles at about 35-40C, under load it tops at ~75C. (I think that's typical?)

I got it stable 4.7 ghz @ 1.375v, but it started getting up to 85C and I decided that was out of my comfort zone.

To test stability I'm running Prime95's torture test for 5 minutes. If it doesn't crash after I call it good and so far I haven't had any problems.

 

1. Is purchasing a Cryorig R1 Ultimate or a Noctua D15 cooler a good option if I want to get the most out of overclocking my current CPU while the possibility of re-using said cooler when I upgrade? (No idea when I'll upgrade but hopefully not this year.)
2. Is 1.4V for a CPU OC the "safe limit"? I haven't seen a consensus.

 

Thanks!

Hey! So I'm running the same CPU/Mobo as you. I'm able to get 4.7GHz out of my chip and it runs stable. You can tweak these settings in the BIOS. I used this guide here ---> https://www.tweaktown.com/guides/7481/tweaktowns-ultimate-intel-skylake-overclocking-guide/index5.html

I'm also running the same XMP profile of RAM too, except mine is Corsair  Also 1.4 volts isn't the healthiest, but read more into the guide and it should help you with BIOS settings!

[Jurrunio]

1. Yes, also Dark Rock Pro4

 

2. Under full load with turbo LLC in your case, yes. You will probably be limited by thermals though, with paste under the IHS

[SirWendall]

3 minutes ago, Jurrunio said:

1. Yes, also Dark Rock Pro4

 

2. Under full load with turbo LLC in your case, yes. You will probably be limited by thermals though, with paste under the IHS

I just kept mine on AUTO cause anything other than that and it won't post. At least in my case, but my temps and tests are good! No crashing or anything so far. I've ran it in this config for awhile now and it hasn't failed yet!

[Jurrunio]

Just now, GamerMan said:

I just kept mine on AUTO cause anything other than that and it won't post. At least in my case, but my temps and tests are good! No crashing or anything so far. I've ran it in this config for awhile now and it hasn't failed yet!

it could default to extreme LLC which is awful for CPU's lifespan

[SirWendall]

1 minute ago, Jurrunio said:

it could default to extreme LLC which is awful for CPU's lifespan

That's true too. Mine hasn't done that, but also everyone's PC is different even if you have the same parts.