Overclocking CPU & GPU.

[DotoreN]

To start off, i've got no experience in overclocking at all, so i'd like your advice.

 

My specs:
 

Intel - i7 4790k 4ghz + cooling noctua dh-14

GPU - GTX 970 MSI

Mobo - Asus z97-P

 

Everything is running at stock, I haven't upped anything yet. 

If I want a performance boost, do you guys recommend me overclocking both my CPU & GPU? and if yes, how should I do it, I don't want to push them to the max, but i'd like to slightly OC them to start off (and to build experience in oc'ing). 

 

Any advice in how I should oc?

[Tim Drake]

CPU - Try 1.3v and try 4.8GHz, if unstable then bump down to 4.7GHz and lower. When stable start to fiddle with voltage a bit.

 

GPU - Max out Power Limit in MSI Afterburner, add enough coreclock to hit 1500MHz under load and maybe around +400 to memory clock

 

Note: This is basic overclocking and is all I really know about

[DimasRMDO]

CPU: BIOS

GPU: Many (MSI Afterburner, EVGA Precision, ASUS GPU Tweak, etc.) but I prefer MSI Afterburner.

 

Push it slowly (use common sense), overclocking is different between GPU and CPU, for CPU you mess around with multiplier (normal way) or base clock (not recommended) also voltages while GPU you mess around with core clock, memory clock and voltage. Push these slowly (for CPU I'd recommend changing the multiplier only, GPU start with core clock then proceed with memory clock), and check their stability using stress tester. GPU can be MSI Kombustor and CPU you can use Unigine Heaven, if you see artifacts then you're pushing your part (CPU or GPU) too hard. There are 2 ways, downclock to previous stable clock or increase voltage, increasing voltage allows you to overclock higher with cost of higher temperature and reduced lifespan.

Example of artifacts:

If you still hesitate then you can watch these videos (at least to give you some ideas):

CPU Overclocking:

GPU Overclocking:

[DotoreN]

CPU: BIOS

GPU: Many (MSI Afterburner, EVGA Precision, ASUS GPU Tweak, etc.) but I prefer MSI Afterburner.

 

Push it slowly (use common sense), overclocking is different between GPU and CPU, for CPU you mess around with multiplier (normal way) or base clock (not recommended) also voltages while GPU you mess around with core clock, memory clock and voltage. Push these slowly (for CPU I'd recommend changing the multiplier only, GPU start with core clock then proceed with memory clock), and check their stability using stress tester. GPU can be MSI Kombustor and CPU you can use Unigine Heaven, if you see artifacts then you're pushing your part (CPU or GPU) too hard. There are 2 ways, downclock to previous stable clock or increase voltage, increasing voltage allows you to overclock higher with cost of higher temperature and reduced lifespan.

Example of artifacts:

 

what's the downside of maxing the powerlimit of the GPU?

 

Is it just free performance or does it come with reduced lifespan of the gpu?

[DimasRMDO]

what's the downside of maxing the powerlimit of the GPU?

 

Is it just free performance or does it come with reduced lifespan of the gpu?

Increasing power limit will allow your GPU to pull more power, you can max it out. It doesn't give you free performance.

[DotoreN]

Increasing power limit will allow your GPU to pull more power, you can max it out. It doesn't give you free performance.

 

So if I understand correctly, this will make the GPU use more watts (and thus higher electricity bills) but you get a performance boost if you do this; and this won't decrease the lifespan of the gpu?

[DimasRMDO]

So if I understand correctly, this will make the GPU use more watts (and thus higher electricity bills) but you get a performance boost if you do this; and this won't decrease the lifespan of the gpu?

It doesn't give your performance boost, well it can make your overclock better but power limit doesn't give you performance, only allow you to overclock better. Core clock and memory clock do affect performance, it doesn't reduce lifespan in much of "noticeable" way. Unlike voltage.

[DotoreN]

It doesn't give your performance boost, well it can make your overclock better but power limit doesn't give you performance, only allow you to overclock better. Core clock and memory clock do affect performance, it doesn't reduce lifespan in much of "noticeable" way.

 

Ah I see.

 

And what do you mean with "noticleable way". I know you mean like it barely affects the lifespan. But should I wait with upping core & memory on my gtx 970 as it's only a few days old? 

I guess it doesn't affect the lifespan that bad?

 

Also as CPU goes, if I up the voltages to 1.3v and make it ~4.8ghz and it runs smoothly and on safe temps, does it still reduce the lifespan?

 

Sorry for the "newbie" questions, but my components are fairly new, and i'd like to be on the safe side