Historic GPU Overclocking Record Smashed at Computex 2025
In a jaw-dropping display at Computex 2025, overclocker SkatterBencher shattered the global GPU overclocking record. Leveraging integrated graphics from a Core Ultra 9 285K processor, he achieved a staggering 4.25 GHz. This record-setting feat highlights the immense potential of Arrow Lake processors, but its practical application remains limited due to extreme cooling requirements and potential lifespan reduction.
A Breakthrough in Overclocking
SkatterBencher surprised the crowd by not using a high-end discrete GPU like the GeForce RTX 5090. Instead, he pushed the integrated GPU of the Core Ultra 9 285K to new limits. By using liquid nitrogen to cool the chip to -170°C, he was able to safely increase the voltage to 1.7V, hitting the record-breaking frequency of 4.25 GHz.
Understanding the Overclocking Potential
Arrow Lake processors have long been known for their overclocking capabilities. The GPU frequency is tied to the chipset’s base clock, typically 100 MHz, multiplied by the GT ratio. By setting this ratio to 85, frequencies of 4.25 GHz are achievable. SkatterBencher found that reducing the temperature was more effective for increasing frequency than voltage hikes. At 1.3V and 30°C, he reached 3.1 GHz, which increased to 3.6 GHz as the temperature dropped to -150°C without raising voltage.
Performance Insights
For performance stability, the overclocked GPU was finalized at 3.9 GHz with 1.6V and -160°C. Tested with DDR5-8600 RAM, this setup doubled performance in Novabench and achieved a 57% boost in 3DMark Night Raid. In gaming tests, frame rates improved significantly: Counter-Strike 2 jumped from 50 to 86 fps, and Black Myth: Wukong from 25 to 42 fps.
Cautious Optimism
Beyond the 4 GHz mark, gains diminished due to Intel’s die-to-die bus limitations. Increasing the base clock from 100 MHz to 110 MHz offered little improvement. While the Core Ultra 9 285K’s 4.25 GHz overclock showcases what integrated GPUs can achieve, real-world applications are limited by continuous liquid nitrogen cooling and the risks to processor longevity.
