Overvolting CPU

[Kyle]

Hi, I managed tog et my 3570K to 4.4Ghz stable without changing the voltage from auto. I'd just like to reassure myself be asking if overvolting can damage/shorten the lifespan of my cpu/motherboard. I'm under the impression that damage only occurs via heat. In other words, hypothetically, if I get 3v (lol) on my CPU but it never goes above 70C, am I safe?

 

[jamesriley94]

Hi, I managed tog et my 3570K to 4.4Ghz stable without changing the voltage from auto. I'd just like to reassure myself be asking if overvolting can damage/shorten the lifespan of my cpu/motherboard. I'm under the impression that damage only occurs via heat. In other words, hypothetically, if I get 3v (lol) on my CPU but it never goes above 70C, am I safe?

No, you're wrong there dude.

The more the volts, the faster the silicone inside the processor degrades and so it does reduce the life.

On a 3570k, stay below 1.3v and you won't notice a decrease in life so to speak. Much higher, and you may start needing more and more volts to keep the processor stable at that voltage - ie - it's stable at 4.7ghz @ 1.35v, but after 2 months of being at that, it'll start bluescreening, and you suddenly need 1.36v to keep it stable at that clock speed.

Obviously figures here are hypothetical, but you get the picture.

 

[TUiZHD]

Found this over at another forum someone was asking similar question thought it would awnser your question

FACT: heat kills your CPU
--the cooler you keep it the better

FACT: Overvolting shortens CPU life [generally] exponentially faster than simple OC'ing without it
--So, the less overvoltage to reach your OC, the better

FACT: Even a simple OC speeds electromigration
-most of us find this no problem if temps are also kept low

i had a quick look at electromigration and it was a bit too much for me too read in this heat but yes it seems overclocking does shorten aswell...

 

[Kyle]

So even leaving the voltage on auto and upping the frequency shortens life? Shiet... Well, let's say, in theory, UNDERVOLTING should increase your life span? Also, what is the usual cause for failure in a cpu? (even locked ones)

 

[vorticalbox]

So even leaving the voltage on auto and upping the frequency shortens life? Shiet... Well, let's say, in theory, UNDERVOLTING should increase your life span? Also, what is the usual cause for failure in a cpu? (even locked ones)

i would get off auto volts buts a lot more than you need.

go back to stock clock and set the voltage then lower it till it's not stable, then you will have the lowest volts for stock then work on your overclock.

tom has made a pretty good overclocking guide you should definitely watch it

 

[GoogalyMoogaly]

My understanding is that (and it may vary based on motherboard) that Auto volt just means that the voltage is increased automatically. So Even if you leave cpu voltage on auto but then crank the overclock up too high it could result in exceeding the recommended limit for the chip.

While I think heat can kill a cpu I think voltage (and current?) is also dangerous. Using LN2 you can push more volts than normal through a CPU but I think you still need to be careful (admittedly these overclock aren't for 24/7 use).