Clock Frequencies

The following chart shows how well the processor is able to sustain its clock frequency, and what boost clock speeds are achieved at various thread counts. This test uses a custom-coded application that mimics real-life performance (not a stress test like Prime95). Modern processors change their clocking behavior depending on the type of load, which is why we provide three plots with classic floating point math, SSE SIMD code, and the modern AVX vector instructions. Each of the three test runs calculates the same result using the same algorithm, just with a different CPU instruction set.

Overclocking

The Core i7-10700K comes with an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is effortless, as you can set the desired CPU frequency directly. Getting higher clocks out of the the Core i7-10700K was easier than with the Core i7-10900K because heat wasn't such a big problem, and the CPU won't run into various power limits as quickly. With my Noctua NH-U14S and 1.4 V, temperatures were high but manageable, although right at the edge of thermal throttling.

The maximum overclock of 5.1 GHz was very easy to reach and incredibly stable. I feel like the voltage could be dropped a bit further to improve efficiency and heat output. 5.2 GHz was almost stable on air with the same voltage, only the most demanding tests failed from time to time, so I settled on 5.1 GHz. Using a 240 mm AIO, 5.2 GHz was stable, too, because that solution is able to more efficiently move heat away from the CPU.