Benchmarks: Overclocking
It would be rude not to overclock the processor, especially as it's cooled by a huge Noctua NH-D15 heatsink. We managed to get up to 4.6GHz using 1.3V. Running higher was possible, with 4.7/4.8GHz semi-stable at 1.375V, but we chose to knock it down to a stable, 24/7 speed we'd be happy with.
Almost breaking through the 1,000-mark barrier with a bit of overclocking. You'd need a six- or eight-core chip to go faster.
Cranking all cores to 4.6GHz provides just over 10 per cent more performance. Bear in mind that system-wide power consumption rises from 99W to 156W and average under-load temperature from 57°C to 74°C.
Is extra performance worth it for games? Based on the fairly CPU reliant Grand Theft Auto V, we'd say no.
