I7-2600K and 2X Asus HD 6970 Direct Cu II Overclocking

I'm trying to overclock my computer and ı have couple of questions in my mind.


System Specs:

Cpu : İntel Core-i7 2600k (@4430Mhz 1.368V 9:9:9:24) (%100 Fan speed)
Ram : Kingston 8GB(2x4) 1600 Mhz 1.65V
Gpu : 2x Asus HD 6970 Direct Cu II 2Gb (@ Core:960Mhz Memory:1425Mhz Stock Voltage) (%100 Fan speed)
Mainboard: Asus p8z68-V
Powersupply: Highpower Absolute 1000W
Soundcard: Creative X-Fi Titanium
MOnitor: (1920x 1080) @60hz Led Tv
Chasis: Aerocool XPredator(With full of fans)
Storage: 2TB Western Digital Caviar Black 7200 Rpm 64mb Cache Sata-III (With 60Gb SSD as cache, İntel smart respnse technology)

All of the drivers are up-to-date and bios is up-to-date.

My first question is, as you see i overclocked gpus to 960mhz Core clock and 1425mhz memory clock at stock voltage. My 3DMark 11 score slightly increases but i don't gain any important performance in game benchmarks.
Should i use these gpus with these clock speeds for daily use? Will these clock speeds cause damage ? (All temps are good and ı dont change voltages). İf there is any possibility to couse damage to gpus , i will revert
back to default clocks because the performance difference is very small.



I have done a lot of benchmark test and i'm posting the results, is there any problem in these results ?





BENCHMARKS


[#ff0048]((((Gpu @Stock Speed)))) Core: 890mhz - Memory: 1375mhz[/#ff0048]

3D Mark 2011 (Minimum Settings)
Graphics Score= 29244 Physics Score=10082 Combined Score=8434 Gt1 = 115.46 Gt2 = 184.62 Gt3 = 171.46 Gt4 = 86.59 Pt = 32.01 Ct= 39.23 Total = _____

Cpu Max Temp:62C CPU VCORE MAX:1.39V SYS TEMP MAX:30C AUX TEMP MAX: 40C CPU Power Max: 84.97W Gpu Max Voltage: 1.1750V GPU TEMP1 MAX:59.5C GPU TEMP2 MAX:62C GPU TEMP3 MAX: 61.5C GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DEDİCATED):535MB GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DYNAMİC):193MB

3D Mark 2011 (Entry Level)
Graphics Score= 18753 Physics Score=10078 Combined Score=8417 Gt1 = 85.86 Gt2 = 94.41 Gt3 = 109.06 Gt4 = 56.66 Pt = 31.99 Ct= 39.15 Total = E14481

Cpu Max Temp:62C CPU VCORE MAX:1.38V SYS TEMP MAX:30C AUX TEMP MAX: 39C CPU Power Max: 84.92W Gpu Max Voltage: 1.1750V GPU TEMP1 MAX:62C GPU TEMP2 MAX:65C GPU TEMP3 MAX: 64C GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DEDİCATED):596MB GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DYNAMİC):203MB

3D Mark 2011 (Performance Level)
Graphics Score= 11098 Physics Score=10052 Combined Score=8403 Gt1 = 51.39 Gt2 = 56.26 Gt3 = 66.35 Gt4 = 32.69 Pt = 31.91 Ct= 39.09 Total = P10592

Cpu Max Temp:62C CPU VCORE MAX:1.39V SYS TEMP MAX:30C AUX TEMP MAX: 39C CPU Power Max: 84.60W Gpu Max Voltage: 1.1750V GPU TEMP1 MAX:63C GPU TEMP2 MAX:65.5C GPU TEMP3 MAX: 65C GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DEDİCATED):673MB GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DYNAMİC):193MB


3D Mark 2011 (Performance Level)With Triple Buffering
Graphics Score= 11080 Physics Score=10098 Combined Score=8400 Gt1 = 51.27 Gt2 = 56.06 Gt3 = 65.89 Gt4 = 32.77 Pt = 32.06 Ct= 39.07 Total = ______

Cpu Max Temp:62C CPU VCORE MAX:1.39V SYS TEMP MAX:31C AUX TEMP MAX: 39C CPU Power Max: 85.02W Gpu Max Voltage: 1.1750V GPU TEMP1 MAX:63C GPU TEMP2 MAX:66C GPU TEMP3 MAX: 64C GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DEDİCATED):681MB GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DYNAMİC):188MB

3D Mark 2011 (Performance Level)With Vsync
Graphics Score= 6828 Physics Score=10029 Combined Score=6421 Gt1 = 29.86 Gt2 = 29.90 Gt3 = 29.97 Gt4 = 26.04 Pt = 31.84 Ct= 29.87 Total = ______

Cpu Max Temp:62C CPU VCORE MAX:1.39V SYS TEMP MAX:30C AUX TEMP MAX: 39C CPU Power Max: 84.89W Gpu Max Voltage: 1.1750V GPU TEMP1 MAX:59.5C GPU TEMP2 MAX:62C GPU TEMP3 MAX: 61C GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DEDİCATED):673MB GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DYNAMİC):197MB

3D Mark 2011 (Performance Level)With Vsync and Triple Buffering
Graphics Score= 6828 Physics Score=10101 Combined Score=6393 Gt1 = 29.90 Gt2 = 29.90 Gt3 = 29.90 Gt4 = 29.08 Pt = 32.07 Ct= 29.74 Total = ______

Cpu Max Temp:61C CPU VCORE MAX:1.39V SYS TEMP MAX:30C AUX TEMP MAX: 39C CPU Power Max: 84.95W Gpu Max Voltage: 1.1750V GPU TEMP1 MAX:59.5C GPU TEMP2 MAX:62C GPU TEMP3 MAX: 61.5C GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DEDİCATED):680MB GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DYNAMİC):184MB

3D Mark 2011 (Extreme Level)
Graphics Score= 3384 Physics Score=10082 Combined Score=3799 Gt1 = 17.60 Gt2 = 18.65 Gt3 = 16.03 Gt4 = 10.04 Pt = 32.01 Ct= 17.67 Total = X3667

Cpu Max Temp:62C CPU VCORE MAX:1.38V SYS TEMP MAX:30C AUX TEMP MAX: 39C CPU Power Max: 84.96W Gpu Max Voltage: 1.1750V GPU TEMP1 MAX:62C GPU TEMP2 MAX:64.5C GPU TEMP3 MAX: 63.5C GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DEDİCATED):1229MB GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DYNAMİC):246MB

3D Mark 2011 (Maximum Settings)
Graphics Score= 2267 Physics Score=10096 Combined Score=2870 Gt1 = 12.18 Gt2 = 12.60 Gt3 = 10.79 Gt4 = 6.59 Pt = 32.05 Ct= 13.35 Total = ______

Cpu Max Temp:62C CPU VCORE MAX:1.39V SYS TEMP MAX:30C AUX TEMP MAX: 38C CPU Power Max: 84.81W Gpu Max Voltage: 1.1750V GPU TEMP1 MAX:60C GPU TEMP2 MAX:62C GPU TEMP3 MAX: 62C GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DEDİCATED):1589MB GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DYNAMİC):273MB

Dirt 3 (1920x1080 Highest Settings - Vsync Off) ==>> Avarage Fps = 116.16 Minimum Fps = 95.08

Dirt 3 (1920x1080 Highest Settings - Vsync on) ==>> Avarage Fps = 62.35 Minimum Fps = 59.52 Gpu Max Temp = 66 C

Metro 2033 (1920x1080 Highest Settings Directx 11) ==>> Avarage Fps = 43.99 Minimum Fps = 7.45 (@Frame 14) Maximum Fps = 146.91 (@Frame 2589) Gpu Max Temp = 59C


Metro 2033 (1920x1080 Highest Settings Directx 9) ==>> Avarage Fps = 74.92 Minimum Fps = 17.10 (@Frame 1985) Maximum Fps = 227.84 (@Frame 4326) Gpu Max Temp = 58C

Batman Arkham City (1920x1080 Highest Settings) ==> Minimum Fps = 78 Maximum Fps = 237 Avarage Fps = 154 Gpu Max Temp = 60C

Batman Arkham City (1920x1080 Highest Settings With Directx 11) ==> Minimum Fps = 16 Maximum Fps = 83 Avarage Fps = 53 Gpu Max Temp = 59C


(((((Single Card @ Stock Speeds))))Core: 890mhz , Memory: 1375mhz

3D Mark 2011 (Performance Level)
Graphics Score= 5548 Physics Score=10286 Combined Score=5503 Gt1 = 25.67 Gt2 = 28.04 Gt3 = 33.25 Gt4 = 16.37 Pt = 32.66 Ct= 25.60 Total = P5954

Dirt 3 (1920x1080 Highest Settings - Vsync Off) ==>> Avarage Fps = 62.28 Minimum Fps = 50.64




((((Gpus Overclocked Core: 940mhz Memory: 1400mhz ))))



3D Mark 2011 (Performance Level)
Graphics Score= 11577 Physics Score=10056 Combined Score=8371 Gt1 = 53.63 Gt2 = 58.65 Gt3 = 69.05 Gt4 = 34.15 Pt = 31.92 Ct= 38.94 Total = P10911

Cpu Max Temp:61C CPU VCORE MAX:1.39V SYS TEMP MAX:30C AUX TEMP MAX: 39C CPU Power Max: 84.77W Gpu Max Voltage: 1.1750V GPU TEMP1 MAX:63.5C GPU TEMP2 MAX:67C GPU TEMP3 MAX: 65C GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DEDİCATED):673MB GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DYNAMİC):193MB


((((Gpus Overclocked Core: 960mhz Memory: 1425mhz ))))

3D Mark 2011 (Performance Level) ==>>Graphics Score= 11820 Physics Score=10025 Combined Score=8298 Gt1 = 54.76 Gt2 = 59.88 Gt3 = 70.33 Gt4 = 34.90 Pt = 31.83 Ct= 38.60 Total = P11053

Cpu Max Temp:62C CPU VCORE MAX:1.39V SYS TEMP MAX:31C AUX TEMP MAX: 40C CPU Power Max: 84.80W Gpu Max Voltage: 1.1750V GPU TEMP1 MAX:64.5C GPU TEMP2 MAX:68C GPU TEMP3 MAX: 66C GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DEDİCATED):673MB GPU MAX MEMORY USAGE(DYNAMİC):183MB

Dirt 3 (1920x1080 Highest Settings - Vsync Off) ==>> Avarage Fps = 120.47 Minimum Fps = 100.11

Batman Arkham City (1920x1080 Highest Settings)==> Minimum Fps = 77 Maximum Fps = 247 Avarage Fps = 156


Batman Arkham City (1920x1080 Highest Settings - Directx 11)==> Minimum Fps = 15 Maximum Fps = 87 Avarage Fps = 56


Furmark 1920x1080 Dynamic Background , Burn in , Post fx , 8xMSAA , Fullscreen Max temp = 80C, Fps= 64


My second question is, as you can see in my system specs i overclocked the cpu to 4400 mhz @1.368V . I can't increase core speed to above 4400mhz(X43.0 multiplier). If i increase it i'm facing with blue screen of death in prime95 test.
i'm posting Bios Settings, what settings should i change in bios to reach above 4400mhz ? ( I read a lot of guides on the internet but non of them helped me)


Bios Settings:::


Ai Oveclock Tuner: Manuel
BCLK/PCIE Frequency: 103.0
Turbo Ratio: By All Cores
By All Cores: 43
Internal PLL Voltage: Enabled
Memory Frequency: DDR3-1648Mhz
Epu Power Saving Mode: Disabled
DRAm Timings: All Auto
Enhanced Intel Speed Step: Disabled
Turbo Mode: Enabled
Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor: Enabled
Hyper Threading: Enabled
Active Proccessor Cores: All
Limit CPUID Maximum: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Enabled
Intel Virtualization Technology: Enbaled
Cpu C1E: Disabled
Cpu C3 Report: Disabled
Cpu c6 Report: Disabled
Load Line Callibration: Extreme
VRM Frequency: Auto
Phase Control: Extreme
Duty Control: T.Probe
Cpu Current Capability: %100
Cpu Voltage: Manuel Mode
Cpu Manuel Voltage: 1.380 V
Dram Voltage: 1.600
VCCIO Voltage: Auto
Cpu PLL Voltage: Auto
PCH Voltage: Auto
Cpu Spread Spectrum: Disabled
Initiate Graphic Adapter: PCIE/PCI
Igpu Memory: 64M
Render Standby: Enabled
Igpu Multi Monitor: Disabled
High Precision Timer: Enabled
Sata Mode: Raid Mode
S.M.A.R.T Status Check: Enabled
EHCI Hand-Off: Disabled
JMB Storage Controller: Enabled
JMB Storage OPROM: Enabled
Display Option Rom In Post: Enabled
Intel PXE OPROM: Disabled
Restore AC Power Loss: Power OFF
Power On By PCI: Disabled
Power On By PCIE: Enabled
Power On By RTC: Disabled



My last question is, when i start my computer sometimes it makes double boot . (All fans starting to spin and at that time nothing on the screen , after few seconds it completely turns off and start again without any problem.) But its annoying.
Bios is up-to-date. What can i do about this problem?



Thank you.

Your benchmark results are fine, overclocked and at stock.

You'd see a good boost in your 3DMark11 score with a higher CPU frequency.

You've got to keep in mind that you're cards are only overclocked by less than 10% so you have to expect less than 10% performance improvement.


What is the Bluescreen code?
It will tell you why the overclock failed.

If your PC restarts before you are able to note the bluescreen code and are using Windows 7, go to Start > Computer > System Properties > Advanced System Settings > Start up and recovery settings > Untick Automatically restart.

They code will look something like 0x00000101

does the double post issue still happen at stock clocks?

Yeah 1.380V is pretty high for a SB @ 4.6Ghz, unfortunately the BSOD refers to lack of Vcore so the only thing you can do if you want it stable is to increase the Vcore.
Doesn't look like you won the silicon lottery.

Your cards will be fine so long as you don't increase the voltage too much (I'd stay below 1.25V for 24/7) and if your temps are below 90C under load.

Not got a clue about the double posting issue, maybe someone else will

Well then I guess it depends on your setup and CPU, I had no such luck with CPU PLL unfortunately

I changed VRM Freq to 350Mhz, BCLK to 100Mhz ,Multi to 45 and Dram voltage to 1.65V and testing it now for nearly 1 hour without any problem but if i change multi to 46 , in Prime test after ~15 minutes computer simply freezes without any BSOD s .

In bios , change Duty Control has only two options T.Probe(Thermal balance) and Extreme(Current balance) . Now T.Probe selected.

So, i'm now @4500 mhz and seems like there is no problem.

Note: In bios , cpu voltage manuelly set to 1.380 . But while prime95 is running a blend test cpu-Z shows that cpu working with 1.367 V.

Edit: As a result jumped 4430.7mhz to 4500mhz

I post a new topic like

İf i can be sure about 1.480 Vcore won't harm my cpu , i will simple increase Vcore up to 1.480 for 24/7 daily use.

And if i m rigth , if i simply increase Vcore i don't have to change any other settings like Cpu Capability or PLL voltage . Am i right ?