ASRock extends overclocking of non K processors to Coffee Lake

ASRock BFB (Base Frequency Boost) Technology

As usual at Intel, Comet Lake-S, the 10th generation desktop processor family, contains a few overclocking-unlocked parts with a K suffix. There are six of them in the Core i9, i7 and i5 ranges. According to previous information, Asrock allows overclocker of Comet Lake-S non-K processors on B460 and H470 chipsets thanks to its BFB (Base Frequency Boost) technology. The company is extending this feature to older-generation processors, the Coffee Lake, on chipset 300 motherboards, the Z390 and B365.

ASRock BFB (Base Frequency Boost) Technology

As a reminder, this BFB technology consists of increasing the processor power level 1 (PL1), to modify its nominal TDP and allow it to go higher in frequency. Thus, for a non-K model, with a nominal TDP of theoretically 65W, it is increased to 125W, as for the K chips. Of course, this increase requires having a suitable cooling solution.

To grapple valuable Mhz

In the examples given by Asrock, the Core i5-9600, i7-9700, i9-9900 see their base frequency increase from 3.2 to 4.3 Ghz, 3 to 4 Ghz and 2.9 to 3.9 Ghz respectively. Note that according to Intel specifications, the Core i5-9600 and Core i9-9900 both have a base frequency of 3.1 Ghz.

Asrock likens its BFB to Intel’s Turbo Boost technology, but held on for a longer time. You will agree, there is no question of offering overcloking possibilities as extensive as with K processors on suitable chipsets, but this BFB can nevertheless bring a small bonus not insignificant. Always keeping in mind that this results in increased energy consumption and therefore more heat released.

ASRock BFB breathes life into non K series CPUs and non Z series motherboards

At the moment, it is not known if other brands will offer the same type of features on their motherboards. As to how Intel views all of this, it is also a mystery. There is no reason why the company could end up banning this process.  full-width