ECS Implements CPU Multiplier-Based Overclocking on Mainstream Mainboards

From X-bit Labs: Elitegroup Computer Systems, a major maker of mainboards, has added a new BIOS feature to its motherboards based on Intel 8-series core-logic sets that allows to overclock microprocessors with unlocked multiplier on platforms that are not designed for overclocking in general. Last month the same feature was implemented by Asrock.

ECS has managed to add overclocking capability using processor’s unlocked multiplier (available only on Intel Core i7-4770K, i5-4570K) to mainboards based on Intel H87, B85, and H81 chipsets, none of which officially support the capability. Overclocking of Intel Core microprocessors in LGA1150 packaging by adjusting their multipliers is only officially supported by platforms based on Intel Z87 core-logic.

ECS said it had achieved the non-Z Series central processing unit (CPU) overclocking with H87, B85, and H81 motherboards by simply adjusting the CPU Ratio in BIOS setting, offering an extremely easy way of performing CPU overclocking.

The “Non-Z” feature allows to overclock any Intel Core i-series “Haswell” microprocessor with unlocked multiplier using processor’s ratio multipliers. Thus, a combination of select ECS mainboards and Intel Core i7-4770K/i5-4670K processors allows to get premium performance using a less advanced and costly mainboard. Unfortunately, ECS’s “non-Z OC” feature does not unlock multipliers on non-K microprocessors.

While the BIOS capability lets enjoy unlocked CPU multipliers on mainboards that are not supposed to support such feature, it should be noted that Intel H87, B85, and H81 chipsets do not support a number of other enthusiast-oriented capabilities (e.g., proper multi-GPU support) that are available on Intel Z87 platforms.

It should also be noted that because “non-Z OC” is related to Intel’s chipset, CPU and firmware, ECS cannot guarantee the availability of “non-Z OC” in the future.

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