Stock 2500K runs at 3600MHz?

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RealityClash

192 posts

Master Geek

#86623 10-Jul-2011 15:45

Hey all,

Several weeks ago I built a new system with an i5 2500K CPU and Ive noticed that it often runs at around 3600MHz when doing things such as playing games etc. The strange thing is that I havn't changed anything in the BIOS except XMP and I havnt knowingly overclocked the CPU.

I had XMP enabled in the BIOS under the memory settings for a while as my RAM was running under its specified 1600MHz speed but decided to re-disable it as I didnt know enough about what it did (I was recommended by someone else to enable it) Any ideas on whats going on here?

Also when should I be beginning to get worried about temps? Im currently usng the stock cooler and Ive seen the CPU get as hot as 70'C during games, is this ok?

https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=2bcb1d04ea4650c3&sc=photos#cid=2BCB1D04EA4650C3&id=2BCB1D04EA4650C3%21159&sc=photos

nakedmolerat

4631 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#491679 10-Jul-2011 16:11

RealityClash: Hey all,

Several weeks ago I built a new system with an i5 2500K CPU and Ive noticed that it often runs at around 3600MHz when doing things such as playing games etc. The strange thing is that I havn't changed anything in the BIOS except XMP and I havnt knowingly overclocked the CPU.

I had XMP enabled in the BIOS under the memory settings for a while as my RAM was running under its specified 1600MHz speed but decided to re-disable it as I didnt know enough about what it did (I was recommended by someone else to enable it) Any ideas on whats going on here?

Also when should I be beginning to get worried about temps? Im currently usng the stock cooler and Ive seen the CPU get as hot as 70'C during games, is this ok?

https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=2bcb1d04ea4650c3&sc=photos#cid=2BCB1D04EA4650C3&id=2BCB1D04EA4650C3%21159&sc=photos

70 is 'okay' but not ideal. i highly recommend megahalem

michaelt

425 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 8

#491685 10-Jul-2011 16:18

3600MHz is normal, it's part of what intel calls 'Turbo Core'.

Basically, the 2500K normally runs at 3.3GHz. When all 4 cores are under load, it increase by 100MHz. When 3 are under load, it increases by 200MHz. For 2 it increases by 300MHz and for 1 by 400MHz.

So basically what's happening is that your workload is heavily stressing 2 cores, while 2 are sitting idle (or at least your CPU thinks so). In response it shuts down two cores and increases the frequency of the other two by 300MHz.

This is default behaviour. if you were to overclock then the frequencies would increase further.

kyhwana2

2572 posts

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#491718 10-Jul-2011 18:17

^ What michaelt said.

I OC my 2500K to (1/2/3/4) 4.2/4.2/4.1/4.0ghz and I hit ~70C while playing BF2:BC2 and a few other games that use more than 1-2 cores.

I have a low profile COoler Master Vertex Pro on mine, though.

RealityClash

192 posts

Master Geek

#492122 11-Jul-2011 16:43

Oh that makes sense, I thought that Turbo Boost was for only when one core was being used. I'll probably look at getting an aftermarket cooler in the next month or so as I'd like to be able to OC the little beast.

Any more recommendations for a mid range air or cheap water cooling solution? (Would I really notice that much of a difference between air and water cooling?)

Ragnor

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#492270 12-Jul-2011 03:08

Decent after market cooling doesn't come that cheap these days ~$100-200.

Corsair do a nice close loop water system
http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=14846

The Prolimatech would be my pick for air cooler
http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=9795

There are some interesting looking coolers in the $60-80 range but I'd be suspicious about whether they perform much better than the stock cooler, hit some reviews I guess.

RealityClash

192 posts

Master Geek

#493469 14-Jul-2011 18:26

Looks like I'm going to have to have a decent look at one of these Megahalems then, thanks for the help guys :)

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

RealityClash

192 posts

Master Geek

#493473 14-Jul-2011 18:32

Just had a look at the comparison graph on CL's Megahalems' page and I'm guessing that green bars are stock coolers, meaning that in general a cooler like this would only decrease temps by around 3'C.

Is this correct as I can't really seem to justify spending $110 for such a minimal decrease in temps?

Ragnor

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#493570 15-Jul-2011 02:03

The graph is Megahalem vs ThemeralAlright True which was the best air cooler for quite awhile. Stock is no way near either.

If you want a cheaper cooler Cooler Master 212 is apparently great bang for buck but hard to get in NZ I think.

RealityClash

192 posts

Master Geek

#493905 16-Jul-2011 00:15

Ah thanks for clearing that up, looks like ill be going with Megahalem then. Do you know of any graphs comparing the Megahalem with the stock cooler?