Intel builds in a thermal limiter that slows the clock as temps climb, and the i7 2600k can tolerate up to 95°C (203°F) before the limiter kicks in. You can run a CPU burn-in utility (I recommend the Linux-based ones that come on the UBCD) to determine if you exceed this with every core taxed.

Personally, I recommend keeping the chip closer to the 80°C mark. Gives better flexibility, as everyone has managed to get a dust bunny in the cooling system once or twice. And it can still happen with watercooling.

will it limiter work when over clocking?

Yes, the limiter is in place to prevent you from burning the CPU out, which was possible on older CPU types. A system that goes from super-fast to snail-slow is an indication that your OC is too aggressive and the cooling insufficient.

so your saying its safe to run a cpu at 90c 24/7???!?!?!?!?!

david179057 wrote:so your saying its safe to run a cpu at 90c 24/7???!?!?!?!?!

No, that type of stress will very quickly cause the cores to fail.

you can run it but not 10 years for sure !!! (running my Q6600 at 1.55V when the max is 1.5v in intel specs but it was one of the best chips in the times and roughly have 3-4 years of abuse and still manage to play all games and films without a bug... ;) (already had 1.7V for bench but i see dramatic failure and temp so no way to 24/7 at that voltage...) (Max temp are like 55 celsius Max is 69 in intel specs...)

PS: all chips are different but stay in the "Intel" limit and you should be OK... also i suggest you to invest in cooling, that's never a cash trap cause you'll have a longer life for your CPU whenever it's overclocked or not... (the cooler it will run the longer it will run too, proof have a Pentium 4 SL8K4 @ 4.35Ghz with a zalman CNPS9500 and still running in my garage for music and it now have like 5-6 years at this speed at this max rated voltage and still strong, no bug or BSOD... ;) Max temps on this config is 62-63 celsius... (max is 69.7 in intel specs sheet)

so keep it around 80c?

Yes around 80c is fine

Actually, an 80°C peak at full load, tops. At idle it should be much lower.

Peaking over 80c to often and getting close to 90C will shorten the life of your chip also, but not within the 3 year warranty im sure.