The Overclocking Thread

[Olo401]

Starting this since I've never seen one, in case there's others who are interested in doing this sort of thing. Before you begin though, it's good to read up & learn what to do, because you can make your machine unstable, unbootable, fry your equipment or even start a fire if you do too much! Here's a couple links to get started:

View topic - Intro to Overclocking guide (read before you ask how!) - Maximum PC Forums
Beginners Guides: Overclocking the CPU, Motherboard and Memory - PCSTATS.com
CPU: Intel - HOWTO Overclock C2Q (Quads) and C2D (Duals) - A Guide v1.4 - EXTREME Overclocking Forums
CPU: AMD The Somewhat Complete AMD 64 Overclocking Guide. - EXTREME Overclocking Forums
Overclocking FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) - How to Overclock! - Overclockers Club


Anyways here's what I'm working with:

Intel C2D E8400 cpu (stepping C0), base 3.0gHz (333x9 @ 1.28v)
4GB DDR2-1066 memory (timings 5-5-5-15-2T)
Gigabyte EP-GA45-UD3P board
Power Supply rated for 550W
Sapphire Radeon 4870 512MB
Zerotherm BTF-90 cooling unit w/ 92mm fan
NZXT Apollo case, fans upgraded to 3x120mm Antec Tri-Cools

Been playing around with my machine's settings a lot this week, as well as putting in an upgrade or two. So far I've managed to get up to 3.735gHz (415x9) at stock voltage, with my memory running a noticeable underclock, with temps running around 45C at idle and 62 under a torture load (that's running kinda hot, so I'm putting on some better thermal goo & thinking about getting a better cooler).

I think I can make it to 4gHz if I bump the voltage a little bit, and I was thinking about the idea of going for 4.2 but only if I get better cooling.

[Cephius]

62C is just fine. It's well under the temperature threshold of the processor, and you'll never get up to that under normal circumstances. You can probably push it up to 4 without problems. 4.2 might be pushing it, though. Once you get up to around 70-75 under Prime95 or Orthos then it's time to call it quits. A new cooler isn't going to give you much help, IMO.

[Cheerios]

Your processor won't typically fry itself if it gets too hot. Most motherboards have a temperature threshold of 90C before your computer shuts itself off to prevent damage.