I'm trying to get more performance from my PC by overclocking my CPU and RAM, but I'm a bit anxious about the safety and effectiveness of my setup. I have an AMD Ryzen 5 8400F processor paired with an ROG Strix B650E-F motherboard. I set the Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) with a thermal limit of 90C and applied a -25 curve optimizer across all cores. As a result, my CPU can hit 4.9GHz instead of 4.7GHz. However, during an OCCT CPU extreme test, my CPU temperature hit 89C, which concerns me. On the RAM side, I have T-Force 6400MHz CL32-39-39-84 in 1:2 mode; I switched it to 6000MHz CL30-38-38-76 in 1:1 mode, and it performed fine in memory tests. My RAM voltage is set to 1.35V, and SOC voltage is at 1.25V. Despite all these adjustments, I don't feel any noticeable improvement in performance, especially since I'm trying to hit an average of 300 FPS in CS2, but I'm still averaging around 250 FPS on my 300Hz monitor. What should I consider changing to optimize my overclocking settings, and is my current setup safe?
4 Answers
Honestly, overclocking's not what it used to be. Most modern CPUs are already factory-overclocked, meaning they manage their performance on their own without the risk of instability. You might only see minor improvements, and in many cases, it’s just about achieving higher numbers on benchmarks. So, don’t sweat it too much—just enjoy the ride!
Check out resources like Buildzoid for better RAM tweaks. Also, consider upgrading to a 7500F, 7600, or 7700 CPU if you can—they provide a much better performance boost. By the way, you didn't mention your GPU, but it's usually good to have a capable one when overclocking your CPU for gaming.
My GPU is an RTX 3060 Ti. I didn’t mention it because I thought it wouldn’t affect CPU benchmarks too much; is that correct?
Yo, sounds like you're really pushing your rig! Just a heads-up, hitting 90C is serious business. You don't want to endanger your hardware for potentially minimal performance gains. Not all games, especially CS2, will see huge benefits from overclocking. Instead, focus on optimizing your cooling and game settings first—this could make a bigger difference for you in the long run!
Gemini mentioned that my CPU starts throttling at 95C. I've heard that 1:2 mode for RAM might not be great. What changes can I make to my overclock settings to improve safety and performance?
You're probably overestimating how much these overclocks will boost your FPS—usually, it’s only a few percentage points at max. What you might notice instead is better stability for your minimum FPS, which means fewer drops during gameplay! Just keep that in mind while you're tweaking things.
Thanks! Is there a safe overclock setup I could aim for without risking my hardware?
Is my overclock safe for my CPU and RAM? I want to avoid issues but shifting my RAM from 1:2 mode is a priority.