Second Generation Intel Core CPUs
Three CPU models here, Intel Core 2500K, 2600K and 2700K while the difference between them is the HyperThreading factor, meaning that 2500K has 4 cores /4 threads and 2600K has 4 cores/ 8 threads. Notice that the “K” skew means “overclockable”, thus you need a “K” version of these processors. Speaking of “stepping” codes the existing Intel Sandybridge CPU has been classified into three categories:
- Full unlocked (i.e. the K series)
- Partial unlocked (the non-K 4 core)
- Locked (dual core) processors (like Core i3)
Intel simplified things so there is not really too much work involved to maximize the overclock capability of these three unloacked processors. Let’s start with the key power options:
[tabs tab1=”VCore” tab2=”VCCIO” tab3=”VCCSA” tab4=”VDRAM” tab5=”PLL” tab6=”PCH”]
[tab]
Obviously, this is the main power source of the CPU, where 99% of CPU overclocking is dependent on. This is also the most vital voltage option for all overclockers on this platform. Sweet sport of voltage range for air /watercooling rig: 1.45 – 1.55 V
[/tab]
[tab]The power supplied to the CPU integrated memory controller and the PCI Express controller. This option has the default voltage of 1.05V, act very similar to what ex-VTT does, but much less important. The raise of this voltage can help to improve the stability when pushing the full 4 DIMM configuration to its max, such as 4x4GB@DDRIII-2300+ configuration. Sweet sport of voltage range for air /watercooling rig: 1.1V-1.2V[/tab]
[tab]
This is the power to the system agent inside the CPU, which act as the supplement power for the memory controller and PCI Express controller. This option has the default voltage of 0.95V, however with no importance with respect to the overclock capability of the system regardless if it has been raised or lowered. You may as well drop this voltage to save some power for your system. After all, every little bit of power has their own share on your power bill. Sweet sport of voltage range for air /watercooling rig: <0.95V to as low as you can get without effecting system stability
[/tab]
[tab]
This is the main power source for your DRAM, with the same characteristics as what it used to be on P55/X58 platform. Sweet sport of voltage range for air /watercooling rig: 1.65 V
[/tab]
[tab]
This is the power of the internal PLL on the CPU. This option has the default voltage of 1.8V however, with no importance with respect to the overclock capability of the system regardless if it has been raised or lowered. You may as well drop this voltage to save some power for your system. Sweet sport of voltage range for air /watercooling rig: < 1.8V to as low as you can get without effecting system’s stability.
[/tab]
[tab]
This is the power of the PCH controller. This option has default voltage of 1.05V, with no importance with respect to the overclock capability of the system regardless if it has been raised or lowered. You may as well drop this voltage to save some power for your system. Sweet sport of voltage range for air /watercooling rig: < 1.05V to as low as you can get without effecting system’s stability.[/tab]
[/tabs]
Now, get into BIOS and setup your system ready for overclocking.
[toggle title=”BIOS Enable/Disable”]
Disable:
- Limit CPUID Maximum
- Power Technology
- C1E Support
- OverSpeed Protection
- Spread Spectrum
Enable:
- Internal PLL Overvoltage
- Execute Disable Bit
- Intel Virtualization Tech
[/toggle]
Utappia 