Help me with my over-clock!

[dude]

I would like your educated thoughts on whether my over-clock is suitable and safe for long term use. My motherboard is MSI Z77A-GD65 Gaming; my CPU is Intel Core i7 3770k; my heat-sink is Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 2; and my memory is Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB 1866MHz.

The CPU has been delided, and I have applied Coollaboratory Liquid Ultra between the die and the IHS. I'm using Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut between the IHS and the heat-sink.

I can over-clock the CPU to 4.8GHz with 1.30V, 4.9GHz with 1.35V, or 5.0GHz with 1.44V. These are constant voltages, as my motherboard does not support over-clocking with offset mode. Maximum temperatures are always reasonable. My concern is which voltage is safe for long term use.

My understanding is that 1.30V is safe for long term use. What about 1.35V? What about 1.44V? Many people seem to say that 1.30V should be the limit, but I have not heard of many reports of degradation at 1.35V, 1.44V, or even at Intel's stated maximum of 1.52V. If you have been using well over 1.3V for core voltage on Intel Core i7 3770k over a long period, then let me know what your thoughts are about your degradation (if any).

I can over-clock the memory to 2400MHz 12-13-12-35-1T with 1.60V. Given that this is over Intel's stated maximum of 1.50V±5%, I am somewhat concerned whether using 1.60V is safe for long term use.

My impression is that Intel's stated maximum of 1.50V±5% is merely copied from the JEDEC standard for DDR3, and that exceeding 1.5V can be done safely up to around 1.7V. Besides, many DDR3 memory modules are rated to 1.65V. If you have been using well over 1.5V for memory voltage on Intel Core i7 3770k over a long period, then let me know what your thoughts are about your degradation (if any).

Your comments and thoughts are welcome. Thank you.

 

[FR@NK]

Run it to the MAX!!!

If and when it dies just get a ryzen for a fraction of the price.

 

[MrGenius]

I use this as my guide for "safely" OCing my 3570K.

I run my 3570K @ 4.6GHz 24/7 w/1.336V. And my LV DDR3 2666 @ 2400MHz w/ 1.65V(what it's rated for) 10-12-12-32-1T. I can overclock my CPU to 5.0GHz with 1.656V. But it isn't 100% stable above 4.8GHz w/ 1.504V. Water cooled. Also delidded with CLU under and Cool Silver G4 over.

We've got the same mobo BTW.

 

[dude]

I use this as my guide for "safely" OCing my 3570K.

I run my 3570K @ 4.6GHz 24/7 w/1.336V. And my LV DDR3 2666 @ 2400MHz w/ 1.65V(what it's rated for) 10-12-12-32-1T. I can overclock my CPU to 5.0GHz with 1.656V. But it isn't 100% stable above 4.8GHz w/ 1.504V. Water cooled. Also delidded with CLU under and Cool Silver G4 over.

We've got the same mobo BTW.

Thanks for the information. Any clue why Intel states a maximum DDR voltage of 1.50V, but gives a recommended range that exceeds this maximum? I'm guessing a DDR voltage of 1.65V is perfectly safe. Any thoughts on whether a core voltage of 1.44V is safe for 24/7 use?

 

[MrGenius]

I wouldn't worry about either one. Just keep it cool and you should be fine. I run games @ 4.8GHz w/ 1.504V for hours on end. I even push it higher quite often for benchmarks(up to 5.0GHz @ 1.656V). And it's never caused any issues. I consider 24/7 use everything else. There's no need to web browse and such @ higher than 4.6GHz IMO.

I would recommend you keep it below 2.0V. I smoked my first 3570K in a hurry trying to run it that high. It took about 2 seconds @ 2.2V to kill it deader than shit.