Better combo: No LLC + higher set voltage or Mid-LLC + lower set voltage?

skaughtz · September 21, 2020

I have a 3770k I'm playing around with. Right now I have it at 4.5GHz on a +0.08V offset with no LLC. It is cooled by a Cryorig M9, so my temps are about as high as I want them to go right now. The motherboard VCore reads 1.112V, and the load VID/VCore under Prime95 is 1.271V/1.216V, respectively.

I understand how LLC works in general, and have no intention of applying anything over a mid (50%) setting. My understanding is that with high/extreme LLC settings, the reported voltage through CPU-Z and the like may possibly be significantly lower than what is actually being supplied to the CPU (and therefore potentially damaging to the CPU). Thus, what I am curious about is if running a mid LLC would allow me to lessen the positive offset voltage for improved stability without the total voltage being pushed higher than the 1.216V that is currently reported? Or, if it is just better to keep the current settings without touching LLC. In essence, what is the better combination for keeping total VCore (and subsequently heat) down? Running a mid-LLC with lower set voltages, or eliminating the LLC and finding stability strictly through voltage settings?

This isn't necessarily specific to the 3770k, but rather a general question about the combination of LLC and voltages. I have some other intel CPUs that I would like to tweak based on this advice.

Thanks for the help.

Hairless Monkey Boy · September 21, 2020

27 minutes ago, skaughtz said:

with no LLC

This is not a thing, there is always a load line calibration. I assume you mean you are using the Intel default spec.

29 minutes ago, skaughtz said:

the reported voltage through CPU-Z and the like may possibly be significantly lower than what is actually being supplied to the CPU

This is definitely a simplification. High LLC can result in voltage spikes (and dips) that won't be captured by software voltage reporting.

31 minutes ago, skaughtz said:

what is the better combination for keeping total VCore (and subsequently heat) down?

Running lower LLC is better. You can achieve the same overclock with lower Vcore, due to smaller transient spikes and dips. Basically, Vdroop is good, and it is okay to set a higher voltage in the BIOS with a lower LLC.

Here is a good visualization and demonstration from Buildzoid:

Jurrunio · September 21, 2020

use mid LLC. Modern boards do well with voltage regulation up to this point, after that it depends on how good your board is.

skaughtz · September 21, 2020

1 hour ago, HairlessMonkeyBoy said:

This is not a thing, there is always a load line calibration. I assume you mean you are using the Intel default spec.

This is definitely a simplification. High LLC can result in voltage spikes (and dips) that won't be captured by software voltage reporting.

Running lower LLC is better. You can achieve the same overclock with lower Vcore, due to smaller transient spikes and dips. Basically, Vdroop is good, and it is okay to set a higher voltage in the BIOS with a lower LLC.

Here is a good visualization and demonstration from Buildzoid:

Thanks for the explanation. This GN/Buildzoid video explaining LLC is where the majority of my understanding of LLC comes from. It is something of a basic overview, but helpful in understanding nonetheless for anyone interested.

Since the Cryorig M9 is basically on level with a 212 EVO, I can't go for an absurdly high overclock anyway. But I can't get a stable overclock with offset voltage above 4.5, so I thought maybe LLC could be of help without torching the chip.