9800X3D: 5.4 GHz @ 1.19 V or 5.2 GHz @ 1.145 V for long-term reliability?
I’m using a Ryzen 7 9800X3D with a manual fixed clock and fixed voltage (not PBO or Curve Optimizer).
Both settings are 100% stable after stress testing:
5.4 GHz @ 1.19 V (fixed)
5.2 GHz @ 1.145 V (fixed)
Cooling isn’t an issue:
Gaming: under 55°C(5.4ghz)
Heavier profile: ~155 W at 71°C(5.4ghz)
My question is about long-term silicon degradation, not performance.
I know that, in general, higher voltage can accelerate silicon aging over time. Since I’m using a constant/manual voltage instead of stock boosting, would you choose 5.4 GHz @ 1.19 V or 5.2 GHz @ 1.145 V if your goal was to keep the CPU reliable for 4–5+ years?
Does a fixed 1.19 V present any meaningful long-term downside compared to 1.145 V, or is the voltage difference so small that, because my temperatures are already very low, it won’t make any meaningful difference to the CPU’s lifespan?
Also, before anyone suggests it: I know about PBO and Curve Optimizer. I’ve used both extensively, but I prefer not to use them because they cause sudden voltage and temperature spikes on my system. I’m happy with a fixed clock and fixed voltage, so I’m not looking to switch back to PBO/CO.