Overclocking Unlocked Intel

Core Processors for High

Performance Gaming and
Content Creation
Michael Moen Sr. System Engineer, Intel Corporation
Dan Ragland Sr. System Engineer, Intel Corporation
JJ Guerrero Sr. Technical Marketing Specialist, Asus

AIOS001
1

Agenda

Overclocking Theory and Trends

High-end Desktop Overclocking Architecture
Overclocking Design Tips
Desktop and Mobile Overclocking Architecture
Harnessing Overclocking
Summary

Risk Reminder

WARNING: Altering clock frequency and/or voltage

may: (i) reduce system stability and useful life of the
system and processor; (ii) cause the processor and other
system components to fail; (iii) cause reductions in system
performance; (iv) cause additional heat or other damage; and
(v) affect system data integrity. Intel has not tested, and does
not warranty, the operation of the processor beyond its
specifications. Intel assumes no responsibility that the
processor, including if used with altered clock frequencies
and/or voltages, will be fit for any particular purpose. For more
information, visit:
http://www.intel.com/consumer/game/gaming-power.htm

Agenda

Overclocking Theory and Trends

High-end Desktop Overclocking Architecture
Overclocking Design Tips
Desktop and Mobile Overclocking Architecture
Harnessing Overclocking
Summary

Defining Overclocking
What is Overclocking (OC)?

The process of increasing clock rates beyond

specification

Why Overclock?

Increase performance for compute intensive tasks,

e.g., transcode, gaming, rendering
Compete, Promote, Socialize

How is this done?

Obtain a motherboard optimized for Intel unlocked

processors
Change unlocked ratios or platform clock frequency
Increase voltage on relevant interfaces
Improve cooling on overclocked/overvoltaged
components

Overclocking Theory
General Principles

The Rule: Maximize frequency, minimize voltage/current and

maximize heat dissipation to meet personal stability requirements
Benefits

How

Processor
Cores

Rendering, Music, Photo

and Video editing,
Transcode, Gaming
Physics, AI, Compute
Intensive

Increase Power Limits and Max

Current
Raise Core voltage
Increase active Core ratios

Processor
Integrated
Graphics
(pGfx)

Gaming frame rates,

Media Transcode

Increase Power Limits and Max

Current
Raise pGfx voltage
Raise pGfx max ratio

Memory

Processor Graphics
performance,
Sound engineering, Photo
and Video editing

Platform
Base Clock

All of the above

Increase all domain voltages

Reduce weakest domain
frequency via ratios

pGfx utilizes Intel Iris Pro., Intel Iris , or Intel HD Graphics

Increase memory ratio

Raise memory IO voltage
Change timings
Increase system agent voltage

Increasing Complexity

What

Observed Frequency Trends in OC

Q: How much OC can I expect from my CPU?
A: There are many factors
Every CPU is designed to meet nominal requirements with
intentional guardband not specifically for OC
Overclocking is the act of tapping into the intentional guardband
+ design conservatism + Si process conservatism
This changes with each CPU process stepping, architecture change
and overall design targets

HEDT = High End Desktop. Today this includes Socket LGA2011.

This data was collected from overclocking forums and should be considered approximate for illustrative purposes only.

Agenda

Overclocking Theory and Trends

High-end Desktop Overclocking Architecture
Overclocking Design Tips
Desktop and Mobile Overclocking Architecture
Harnessing Overclocking
Summary

Intel Core i7 Desktop Processors Based on

Socket LGA2011 with Intel X79 Express Chipset
C

Processor
1

Memory

DMICLK

Unlocked Intel Turbo Boost

Technology limits
Unlocked core ratios up to 63 in
100MHz increments
Programmable voltage offset

M Memory

PCIE
P

PEG

DMI

Core Frequency

Memory Ratio
Unlocked memory controller
Granularity in 266MHz steps
Ratios supported up to 2400Hz

DMICLK (aka BCLK)

R
DMI

R
1

Fine Grain range 5-7%

BCLK ratios = 1.0, 1.25, 1.67

PEG and DMI Ratios

P

DB1200

CK505

PEG/DMI ratios = 80/50, 64/40,

48/30
Ratio option must reflect selected
BCLK coarse ratio

Example : Core Freq x 1.25 R requires PEG/DMI ratios

at 64/40 x 1.25 R to keep at 8 GHz/5 GHz nominal
9

Only some processors enable part or all of these features. Consult processor documentation for details.

Intel Core i7 Desktop Processors Based on

Socket LGA2011 with Intel X79 Express Chipset
Feature Overview

SKU

i7-4960X

i7-4930K

i7-4820K

6/15M

6/12M

4/10M

Up to 63

Up to 63

Up to 63

PL1, PL2, Tau, ICCMax Overrides

Real-time Core Overclocking (in

OS)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Up to 2400

Up to 2400

Up to 2400

Cores/Cache
Turbo Ratio Overrides (100MHz
Steps)

DDR Frequency Overrides

(266MHz Steps)
DDR Timing Overrides
Coarse BCLK Ratios supported
with PEG, DMI ratios

Enhanced Ratio Enhanced Ratio

Support (1.0,
Support (1.0,
1.25, 1.67)
1.25, 1.67)

Memory ratio not fuse limited, but support above 2400 via ratio not
guaranteed. Use BCLK for higher frequencies.
10

Enhanced Ratio
Support (1.0,
1.25, 1.67)

Agenda

11

Overclocking Theory and Trends

High-end Desktop Overclocking Architecture
Overclocking Design Tips
Desktop and Mobile Overclocking Architecture
Harnessing Overclocking
Summary

Overclocking Design Tips

What board designers consider for unlocked

Processors
COLLABORATION

Work closely with Intel to understand the platform architecture and gauge
hardware requirements. This helps to define customized overclocking
options for different segments.

POWER DESIGN

Ensuring that onboard power delivery circuitry is capable of exceeding

processor power requirements under extreme loading conditions.

CIRCUITRY DESIGN

Tuning of trace layouts and platform microcode to extend overclocking

headroom for CPU and DRAM.

CUSTOM SETUP

Utilize customized hardware to mitigate platform overclocking obstacles.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Develop software and hardware solutions to provide automated overclocking

features.
12

These recommendations are the sole opinion of an expert overclocker based on experience. Intel does not endorse or support these recommendations. Intel
has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of the processor beyond its specifications

Overclocking Design Tips

How enthusiast board/system designs

influence overclockability
High Quality Components

Long-life solid polymer & MLCC Capacitors

High current MOSFETs
Low DCR inductors
Advanced digital buck controllers
More copper in power plane

Efficient Cooling Through Layout Design

Careful Analysis of Signal Integrity:

Tight control of trace impedance on PCB, more

layers, shorter lengths & length matching
Tuning of MRC to improve signal margins and
memory compatibility

Dedicated hardware and software solutions:

Hardware and software features that allow realtime changes to overclocking parameters and
improve system stability for smooth overclocking
experience

Intuitive UEFI

13

Intuitive layout with customizable menus,

overclocking profiles (presets and user configured)
and extensive auto-rules for all parameters
OC recovery with low-level UEFI flashing
capabilities

Live Demo:
Optimization of Core, Memory and
BCLK to achieve visibly better
performance experience on
content creation with a Intel
Core i7-4960X Extreme Edition
Processor

14

Agenda

15

Overclocking Theory and Trends

High-end Desktop Overclocking Architecture
Overclocking Design Tips
Desktop and Mobile Overclocking Architecture
Harnessing Overclocking
Summary

Next Generation Intel Haswell Microarchitecture

C

CPU
1

Unlocked Intel Turbo Boost

Technology limits
Unlocked core ratios up to 80 in
100MHz increments
Programmable voltage via iVR

Memory
2

M Memory

C
3

PCIe*
pGfx

DMICLK

Unlocked graphics ratios up to 60 in

50MHz increments
Programmable voltage via iVR

D DMI

DMICLK/BCLK

Memory Ratio
Unlocked memory controller
Options for 200 and 266MHz steps
Logical ratios up to 2933MHz

DMI

OC
BCLK
Non-OC
100MHz

Graphics Frequency (pGfx)

Unlocked Intel HD Graphics limits

P PEG

Core Frequency

DMICLK (aka BCLK)

Unlocked PCH clock controller (1MHz
increments upwards of 200MHz)
PCIe

PEG and DMI Ratios

Variable ratios (must reflect selected
BCLK frequency)

16

PCIe = PCI Express*

Only some processors enable part or all of these features.

OC VR Design on Legacy Platforms

VCORE
VGFX

VPLL

CPU

VSA

VIO
External VRs

External VRs

In current generation platforms, CPU VRs are on the

motherboard
Often, a separate VR exists for each rail to the CPU
Voltage margining is accomplished using platform VRs

4th Generation Intel Core processor

changes this dramatically with integrated
voltage regulation
17

Next Generation Intel Haswell Microarchitecture

Voltage Planes for Performance Tuning

DDR

Core

VCCIN

iVR

Last Level Cache

Ring

Cores

Ring
pGfx

pGfx
IOA,IOD

System
Agent

1.5V Nom
for DDR3

<=1.65V
for XMP

1.35V
Nom for
DDR3L

VSA, VIOA,
VIOD: Up
to 500mV
Offset V
from
nominal

DMI

VCCIN: SVID 1.8V Nom up to 2.3V+, static V up to 3.04V

VCORE: dynamic additional V, static V up to 2.0 V

VRING: dynamic additional V, static V up to 2.0 V

VGT: dynamic additional V, static V up to 2.0 V

PCIe* = PCI Express*

PCIe*

SA

18

VDDQ

Next Generation Intel Haswell Microarchitecture

Voltage Override Modes

XE

turbo

non-turbo

Interpolation
(adaptive) in the
overclocking
region

Override applied
to the entire
curve.
Important for
extreme OC.

volts
volts

XE

XE

turbo

Override V/f
non-turbo

Offset V/f

freq

19

XE

turbo

freq

turbo

Positive /
Negative offset
applied to the
entire curve.
Important for
mainstream
overclocking.

freq

non-turbo

Default V/f curve

(SVID operation)

volts

Interpolation V/f

volts

non-turbo

Fused V/f

freq

iVR provides flexibility consistent with all

margining modes generally supported by
19
current
generation external VR designs

Next Generation Intel Haswell Microarchitecture

Clock Tree

BCLK @100, 125 or 167

MHz +/1 5-7%
DDR

Single BCLK input comes

from PCH in <1MHz steps

Acceptable input to CPU

limited by PIC Express*
(PCIe) and DMI PLL interface:

Cores

Cache

Ring

Last Level

100MHz x 5-7% PEG/DMI @ 5:5

Agent
PCIe*
DMI

pGfx

125MHz x 5-7% PEG/DMI @ 5:4

System

167MHz x 5-7% PEG/DMI @ 5:3

Frequency Relationships
f(GT) = BCLK/2*GT Ratio
f(Core) = BCLK*Core Ratio
f(Ring) = BCLK*Ring Ratio
f(DDR) = BCLK*1.33*DDR Ratio
-Orf(DDR) = BCLK*1.00*DDR Ratio

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Enhanced BCLK Capabilities

Key Differences Between Generations

Intel Core i7
processors on
LGA2011
Coarse
Adjustment

Fine

Range Peak
Observed

3rd Gen Intel Core

processors on
LGA1155

Next Gen Intel

Haswell
Microarchitecture

BCLK multipliers
{1.0,1.25,1.67} input
to CPU
CPU adjusts PEG/DMI
ratios {5:5,5:4,5:3}
based on BCLK multi

None

Select CPU PEG/DMI

ratios of {5:5,5:4,5:3}
depending on what
clock frequency you
request from PCH

External clock device

output adjustment 57% over nominal
100MHz

PCH output
adjustment 5-7%
over nominal 100MHz

PCH output 5-7%

around frequency
points 100MHz,
125MHz, 167MHz

168 MHz
(non-continuous)

116.95 MHz

>167 MHz
(non-continuous)

4th Generation Intel Core processors deliver BCLK

overclocking experience consistent with current
generation high-end platforms based on LGA2011
This data was collected from overclocking forums and should be considered approximate for illustrative purposes only.

21

Next Generation Intel Haswell Microarchitecture

Available Performance Tuning Ratios

Core
Turbo
Ratios

DDR

Core ratios up
to 80

Unlocked Turbo
Limits

Current Limit
Override

Graphics ratios
up to 60

pGfx
Ratios

22

PCIe* = PCI Express*

Cores

System

Last Level Cache

PCIe*

Agent
Ring

PEG, DMI
Ratios

DDR Ratios

DMI

266MHz Steps
up to 2933MHz

200MHz steps
up to 2800MHz

Timing
Overrides

Manual or can
be automated
through XMP
1.3

PEG
DMI
Ratios

pGfx

BIOS sets based on requested BCLK f

100MHz: 80/50

125MHz: 64/40

167MHz: 48/30

(PEG/DMI Ratios)
= Changeable at OS Level

Ring
Ratios

Ring Ratios up
to 80

Ring Ratio
typically <=
Core or GT

Desktop: 4th Generation Intel Core i7/i5

Processors Based on Socket LGA 1150
Intel Z87 Express Chipset

Unlocked K

Intel H87 Express Chipset

Others

Unlocked
Processors:

Turbo Ratio Overrides

DDR Frequency Overrides

Fine BCLK Overrides

Intel Core i7
Processors
4770K

Coarse BCLK Ratios

iVR Overvoltage

Intel Core i5
Processors
4670K

PL1, PL2, Tau, ICCMax Overrides

This includes Intel Core i3, Intel

Pentium, and Intel Celeron
1

23

DDR Timing Overrides

pGfx Ratio Overrides

Actual Fine BCLK frequency adjustments

will be limited. ~5%

Coarse BCLK Ratios (1.0, 1.25, 1.67)

are unlocked with K SKU processors only

Note: Actual overclocking results will vary

and capabilities are subject to change.

Turbo ratios and power, pGfx Ratios, iVR voltages are updateable real-time in OS
Fine BCLK, DDR timings are changeable real-time over very small range
Larger changes can be made with reset. BCLK range highly limited.
DDR Frequency requires reset

Mobile: 4th Generation Intel Core

Processor Overclocking
Summary:
Core overclocking on select Intel Core i7 SKUs
Graphics and memory overclocking on all Intel Core i7 and Core i5 based -H, -M, and -U series processors
Turbo
iVR OverBCLK
Ratio
voltage
Coarse(1)
Overrides
-H and
i7-4930MX
-M Series i7-4900MQ
i7-4950HQ
i7-4800MQ
i7-4850HQ
i7-4702MQ
i7-4700MQ
i7-4750HQ
i5
i3

DDR Ratio & Processor

Timing
Gfx Ratio
Overrides
Overrides

Unlimited
6 bins
6 bins
4 bins
4 bins
2 bins
2 bins
2 bins
None
None

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No

Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No

-U Series

i7-4600U
i7-4650U
i7-4558U
i5
i3

4 bins
4 bins
4 bins
None
None

Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No

No
No
No
No
No

No
No
No
No
No

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No

-Y Series

All

None

No

No

No

No

No

24

BCLK
Fine(1)

Requires Intel HM87 or QM87 chipsets and results will vary.

Actual overclocking results will vary and capabilities are subject to change.

Live Demo:
Mobile Overclocking using the
Intel Core i7-4950HQ processor
in the Clevo W740SU Notebook

25

Agenda

26

Overclocking Theory and Trends

High-end Desktop Overclocking Architecture
Overclocking Design Tips
Desktop and Mobile Overclocking Architecture
Harnessing Overclocking
Summary

Intel Extreme Memory Profile (Intel XMP)

Expansion of the standard DDR3 memory
specification. Enables speeds, latencies
outside of JEDEC Specification.
Easy, robust, overclocking solution designed
to take advantage of the unlocked capability
of Intel Core Processors
Predefined and tested Intel XMP profiles can
be loaded via BIOS or a specific operating
system-level tuning application

Intel XMP compliant DIMMs available

Supports all Intel Core i7, i5 Processors
Corsair*, G.Skil*, Kingston*, Patriot*, Crucial*
and others
XMP Ready: Module has been programmed
with an uncertified profile GOOD
XMP Certified: Module has passed supplier
test and submission process for specific CPU
and motherboard BEST
Certifications posted at:

System boots
with highest
supported
JEDEC defined
parameters by
default

Select XMP
profile via
enabled BIOS
or tuning app
and profile and
reset

http://www.intel.com/consumer/game/extreme-memory.htm

27

CPU must support unlocked memory multiplier and be paired with

correct chipset. Intel XMP is overclocking

Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel XTU)

Simple-to-use
Windows*
application
Exposes CPU and
PCH knobs for
performance
tuning by user
Real-time
adjustment of key
settings without
rebooting1
Version 4.2 now
available for
download from
Intel or other
motherboard
suppliers

http://www.intel.com/go/xtu

Motherboard BIOS must be configured correctly to work with XTU. Contact your motherboard supplier for more information.
1 Available select 3rd and 4th Generation Intel Core Processor SKUs.
28

Intel XTU and HWBot.org*

Combined Features

Upload/Download overclocking
settings reliably
Export/Import XTU overclocking
settings
Compare benchmark scores and
configurations with others
Link other benchmark scores to XTU
profiles
Compete with others for higher
scores
Integrated with existing social
networks: Facebook* and Twitter*
29

Live Demo:
Intel Extreme Tuning Utility
v4.2 with AppTune Beta
Feature using a Intel Core
i7-4770K Processor

30

Live Demo:
SSD Overclocking Technology

31

Agenda

32

Overclocking Theory and Trends

High-end Desktop Overclocking Architecture
Overclocking Design Tips
Desktop and Mobile Overclocking Architecture
Harnessing Overclocking
Summary

Summary
Intel Core i7 Processors based on Socket LGA2011 offer
Core, DDR and BCLK overclocking experience on processors
with the highest core count and memory capacity
Desktop and Mobile 4th Generation Intel Core processors offer
select SKUs with unlocked core, memory and graphics ratios
Real-time overclocking offers an improved user experience for
content creation and gaming users
The AppTune beta feature, in Intel Extreme Tuning Utility v4.2,
is an exciting new way to tune system performance dynamically
and uniquely for each specific application
Intel has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of
the processor beyond its specifications
For designers wanting to develop overclocking platforms,
documentation is available under NDA that details all tuning
knobs. Contact your Intel field representative.

33

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34

Legal Disclaimer

35

Overclocking Disclaimer WARNING: Altering clock frequency and/or voltage may: (i) reduce system stability and useful
life of the system and processor; (ii) cause the processor and other system components to fail; (iii) cause reductions in
system performance; (iv) cause additional heat or other damage; and (v) affect system data integrity. Intel has not
tested, and does not warranty, the operation of the processor beyond its specifications. Intel assumes no responsibility
that the processor, including if used with altered clock frequencies and/or voltages, will be fit for any particular purpose.
For more information, visit Overclocking Intel Processors.
Overclocked Memory Warning: Altering PC memory frequency and/or voltage may (i) reduce system stability and use
life of the system, memory and processor; (ii) cause the processor and other system components to fail; (iii) cause
reductions in system performance; (iv) cause additional heat or other damage; and (v) affect system data
integrity. Intel assumes no responsibility that the memory, included if used with altered clock frequencies and/or
voltages, will be fit for any particular purpose. Check with memory manufacturer for warranty and additional details.
Overspeed Protection Removed Warning: Altering clock frequency and/or voltage may (i) reduce system stability and
useful life of the system and processor; (ii) cause the processor and other system components to fail; (iii) cause
reductions in system performance; (iv) cause additional heat or other damage; and (v) affect system data
integrity. Intel has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of the processor beyond its specifications.
Processor Numbering Notice: Intel processor numbers are not a measure of performance. Processor numbers
differentiate features within each processor family, not across different processor families: Go to:
Learn About Intel Processor Numbers
Intel Turbo Boost Technology requires a system with Intel Turbo Boost Technology. Intel Turbo Boost Technology and
Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 are only available on select Intel processors. Consult your PC
manufacturer. Performance varies depending on hardware, software, and system configuration. For more information,
visit http://www.intel.com/go/turbo.

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Rev. 7/17/13

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