Intel Core i7-12700F Overclocking With Low Power Supply?

Started by seekingconversation on May 13, 2024

I'm new to overclocking and have recently got an Intel Core i7-12700F CPU. I've been trying to overclock it without much success, and I feel like my power supply might be the issue. Is it possible to overclock the 12700F with a low power supply? I'm currently using a 600W Corsair SF Power Supply.

Solved by Chreativ in post #3
@seekingconversation, you're right that overclocking can put additional strain on your power supply. To give you an idea of the requirements, I recommend checking out this TechReviewer article Choosing the Best Power Supply for Intel's Core i7-12700F CPU which discusses the best power supplies for the 12700F CPU. It covers different wattage recommendations depending on the components you plan to use in your build.

Welcome to the world of overclocking! Generally, you'll want to have a power supply that can handle the increased power consumption from overclocking. The Intel Core i7-12700F has a peak TDP of 180 watts at its maximum turbo boost frequency. So, having a power supply with extra wattage headroom beyond your system requirements is crucial for maintaining stability and preventing issues due to power supply overload.

@seekingconversation, you're right that overclocking can put additional strain on your power supply. To give you an idea of the requirements, I recommend checking out this TechReviewer article Choosing the Best Power Supply for Intel's Core i7-12700F CPU which discusses the best power supplies for the 12700F CPU. It covers different wattage recommendations depending on the components you plan to use in your build.

Solution

That's really helpful, @Chreativ! I'll definitely check that out. In my case, should I be looking at a higher wattage power supply? And how much of a buffer should I include for potential future upgrades?

It's always good to plan for the future! A 100-150 watt buffer can be a safe bet when it comes to estimating your power supply needs. This extra headroom can help accommodate any miscalculations or additional components you might add later on. Also, keep in mind that overclocking itself can increase power consumption by 50-100 watts depending on the extent of the overclock.

@seekingconversation, I'd recommend looking for a power supply with an 80 PLUS Gold or Platinum certification. These higher efficiency ratings not only save you money on electricity bills in the long run but also contribute to better overall system performance and reliability.

@seekingconversation, overclocking your CPU without a high-wattage power supply is possible, but it comes with risks, such as system instability or even component damage. It's important to consider the potential consequences before attempting any overclocking without proper power supply support.

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I'll definitely look into getting a more capable power supply and maybe do some more research on overclocking best practices. Appreciate your help!

No problem, @seekingconversation! Happy overclocking once you have the right setup in place. And feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or need guidance along the way. Good luck with your Intel Core i7-12700F CPU!