New Sandy Bridge build - power phases

[Teh Snowman]

Hi all,

I've been doing some research on my new build and started looking into power phases. After reading some articles, it seems like the less power phases you have, the more susceptible your motherboard is to failing, especially if you're overclocking. Plus you also have to worry about components on your motherboard overheating such as the mosfets. Is all of this something I should be worried about?

The motherboard I want to get has 8+2 power phases (Asrock P67 Extreme4 Gen3). So if I plan on overclocking, should I step up to a 12+2 or 16+2 motherboard or will I be safe at 8+2?

Thanks in advance

 

[Ritwik7]

The ASrock P67 Extreme4 Gen3 is an excellent board. It overclocks impressively. People have managed to hit the 5 GHz mark at around 1.45V with a good aftermarket HSF.

More power phases do not guarantee better performance. Generally, more phases should make for smoother voltage output, but it is only one of several factors in the design of the CPU voltage regulator.

 

[Teh Snowman]

Thanks for the info, that's good to know.