Intel Suggests i7-7700k Users To Stop Overclocking

Intel’s latest generation of CPUs improve upon their last-generation predecessors. Released in early 2017, Intel’s Core i7 7th Generation of unlocked SKUs raised temperature levels to uncomfortable heights.

Being a former 7700k user, I could definitely agree on the cause that the 7700k is a very hot CPU, especially when we overclocked it above 4.8GHz. Temperature soar above 90° at times and could be very concerning. In fact, our first unit of the 7700k overclocked to 5181MHz remained stable for a week before dying on us. Thankfully, Intel replaced it for us.

While we had our unit of the 7700k, we consulted Intel about these high temperatures while the 7700k was new. Intel disregarded and didn’t give a response on the subject. However, once our CPU was dead, Intel was fast to respond and replace our processor without asking if our unit was overclocked or not.

With the ongoing issues with the processor, Intel took it to their forums and gave an official response on the subject. Intel said:

“We appreciate the feedback you have provided, and your patience as we investigated this behavior. The reported behavior of the 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7700K Processor, showing momentary temperature changes from the idle temperature, is normal while completing a task (like opening a browser or an application or a program).

In our internal investigation, we did not observe temperature variation outside of the expected behavior and recommended specifications. For processor specifications, please refer to the Intel Core i7-7700K Processor Product Specifications. 

Most motherboard manufacturers offer customizable fan speed control settings that may allow for smoother transition of fan revolutions per minute (rpm). Please consult your motherboard manufacturer’s manual or website for instructions on how to change default fan speed control settings.

We do not recommend running outside the processor specifications, such as by exceeding processor frequency or voltage specifications, or removing of the integrated heat spreader (sometimes called ‘de-lidding’). These actions will void the processor warranty.”

Despite Intel unlocking these CPUs, Intel is suggesting users to stop overclocking their CPU as it voids the warranty of their processor. Intel is also aware of the whole de-lidding subject that started trending with the release of the 7700k.

As a part of overclocking, Intel offers a warranty programming as an add-on for a cost to replace their overclocked processors.

Users aren’t happy with Intel’s response to stop overclocking. But on Intel’s side its normal for them to void the warranty of the CPU and that’s okay. With our 7700k we didn’t go with very high voltages in the first place, its just that our chip was very unlucky.

With Intel’s 7700k being de-lid, many users found out how bad their pre-applied TIM performs. In fact, users who delidded their processor as seeing huge decreases in temperatures. This isn’t the case for a few users, but almost every user that has delidded their processor is seeing huge decreases in temperatures with goes to show what type of TIM Intel applied on their unlocked SKUs. Perhaps get rid of everyone’s warranty? Who knows.