Overclocking?

  • Thread starter bergauk
  • 62 comments
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spunwicked
I have a Q6600 SLACR in my old PC at home - any good for overclocking?
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YES! Mine's overclocked pretty conservatively at 3.2GHz in a relatively cramped case (Lian-Li PC-A05N). It runs like a champ. A cheap, quick, stable champ. It's a great little case, just not the most efficient when it comes to airflow.
 
chug-a-bug
Watch out for temps, those babies run hot.
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This is true. Time for a good aftermarket CPU cooler if you haven't invested in one yet. And not a bad idea to revisit case airflow.
 
A very good cooler is the Corsair H50 LCLC.

It is basicly a sealed water cooler for the CPU, i run it and i get 25C idle and 40C load on my Q9300 that has a 750Mhz overclock.

The H70 is the newer and slightly better version.
 
Hyper 212+ is good for low to mid range overclocking (and very good price too - I have one), but if you want to seriously consider high overclocks I would buy something a bit more heavy duty.
 
:)

My pc is now running for a month with the 30% auto OC, and it runs like a charm. No errors, BSOD, nothing! 👍

Gave prime95 8 hours to wreck my PC, but nothing happened. 43c was the hottest temp I've seen.
 
So now i've built my rig, I feel like I want to overclock.

I have an i5 2500k, with a Coolermaster 212+ attached. I have heard that people routinely overclock these to 4.5GHz using stock coolers, but I cannot find a complete list of what settings I will need to adjust, and by what values (It probably varies depending on what Motherboard, RAM etc. you have). I'm aiming to get between 4GHz and 4.5GHz with mine, just to be safe (Even though It could probably handle 5GHz if I pushed it).

I just don't know where to start really, i've read up on it but because of the number of components out there, guides tend to be generalised and not specific to certain CPUs.
 
All you need to do is just move your multiplier up to 45 (4.5GHZ). If it BSOD's, then just raise your voltage by 0.05.
 
Seismica
So now i've built my rig, I feel like I want to overclock.

I have an i5 2500k, with a Coolermaster 212+ attached. I have heard that people routinely overclock these to 4.5GHz using stock coolers, but I cannot find a complete list of what settings I will need to adjust, and by what values (It probably varies depending on what Motherboard, RAM etc. you have). I'm aiming to get between 4GHz and 4.5GHz with mine, just to be safe (Even though It could probably handle 5GHz if I pushed it).

I just don't know where to start really, i've read up on it but because of the number of components out there, guides tend to be generalised and not specific to certain CPUs.
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One, never and I mean never dial in settings that works for someone else, even if they have the same hardware.

Two, find a review for your board and regardless of what CPU is used (it'll range from the 2500k to the 2600k in testing (unless the test rig is using a 990X or something) and take note of the general settings that were adjusted so you'll know what you're dealing with. Now, before you even think of doing that, manually dial in the RAM timings and voltage (have a look around the BIOS, unless you randomly dial in some unnecessary voltage like a dolt you won't break anything).

Three, read. I know you've mentioned having read already, but read some more. The more you read, the more you memorize. The more you memorize the better off you'll be.

Four, I don't know if Sandy Bridge uses GTL voltage like the Core 2's did (even if it's under a different name; which by the way is another thing you definitely should read up on -- what each OC-relative parameter does and how it does it) but that's something else you'd want to read up on. Gunning Transceiver Logic is what GTL is.

---

Overclocking is essentially a process of trial and error. Even if you up the Multi to 45 and it boots into Windows, it might not be stable. How will you know? Run Prime95 or IBT (although I prefer Prime). If it halts, a stop screen pops up, or it randomly restarts something is wrong, and this is where the head-scratching rolls in; you won't really have any way of knowing wha caused the problem, you can only increase the voltage; If I recall correctly I think DDR3 (paired with Sandy) has a limit of 1.65v as to not damage the onboard memory controller. But...yeah, it's something you don't want to go in to unarmed. It's incredibly addicting once you've gotten a handle on it, and despite this informative wall of text it is rather easy once you've gotten used to things.
 
I would say slowly up the multiplier, adjust voltages, ram timings, then stress.

Repeat.
 
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You should run short stress after every incremental change. If you know what your chip should do, bump the volts and up the multi and see if it sticks. It's not the proper way but always works for me.


The right way:
You would first loosen up the ram timings or put on a different ram ratio to take the memory out of the equation. Even without upping the fsb, ram might be bad out of the box and not run stock timings, you never know.
With the K series, just up the multi and run prime95 for 5 minutes to test stability. Keep upping the multi til you are no longer stable. Up the voltage and go again. Look at your temps to make sure you don't get the cores too hot.

Edit

Once you reach whatever speed you're happy with, you'd run prime small fft for 8hrs+. Some also prefer blend cause it simulates every day usage.
After that set the ram to stock timings and run another long prime session.
 
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..And don't touch the BLCK frequency. Also, you will need to remove Intel Turbo Boost, and might need to disable Speedstep.

As Grayfox said:

"I would say slowly up the multiplier, adjust voltages, ram timings, then stress.

Repeat."

Be careful with voltage, don't change it unless it is necessary to, and I doubt you will need to raise is more than an increment. Also, loosen up the RAM timings at first, then once you've gotten a good and stable overclock, I'd try to tighten the RAM back up. Once you've found a stable setting that Windows can boot into, then I would go for a stress test for a long period (8 hours). Watch your temps too.
 
NissanSkylineN1
..And don't touch the BLCK frequency.
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First off, I'm really new to this, so don't take this question as me challenging you.
Why do you not want to touch the BLCK frequency?

That was the only way I could actually get my RAM at 1600 like it was suppose to be. For some reason my MOBO seen it as 1066. The multipliers didn't work getting it to the speed I wanted at stock voltage and keep the ram at 1600, so I just moved my BLCK to 200 and then used the multiplier to get to 3.8ghz and have my ram at 1605 or something like that. The MOBO also had my timings wrong for some reason. It had 9-9-9-24 and it should have been 8-8-8-24
Should i go back and change the BLCK to the stock settings and just not have my ram be able to do 1600? Or was my MOBO setting the wrong BLCK in the first place for my RAM and CPU and needed it changed to something else?
 
Because the BLCK frequency in the the Sandy Bridge CPUs were not made to OC. Many have tried, but its only stable at 105 max, when the stock is only 100.

Other processors however, you can do whatever with them. For example, I had a Celeron D, and the BLCK frequency was the only thing I could overclock with, so I did it (Got up to 3.3Ghz from 2.53).
 
Seismica
So now i've built my rig, I feel like I want to overclock.

I have an i5 2500k, with a Coolermaster 212+ attached. I have heard that people routinely overclock these to 4.5GHz using stock coolers, but I cannot find a complete list of what settings I will need to adjust, and by what values (It probably varies depending on what Motherboard, RAM etc. you have). I'm aiming to get between 4GHz and 4.5GHz with mine, just to be safe (Even though It could probably handle 5GHz if I pushed it).

I just don't know where to start really, i've read up on it but because of the number of components out there, guides tend to be generalised and not specific to certain CPUs.
Click to expand...

So after numerous random screw-ups during the process of building your computer. You want to try and do the most dangerous thing you could ever do to your computer?

Why?
What reason do you have for overclocking? Is your processor not cutting it in stock config somehow?
 
bergauk
So after numerous random screw-ups during the process of building your computer. You want to try and do the most dangerous thing you could ever do to your computer?

Why?
What reason do you have for overclocking? Is your processor not cutting it in stock config somehow?
Click to expand...

Don't start up again. Please. You just bring negativity. He just wants to do it as an experiment, and possibly if it works fine, he will keep it. Its not the most dangerous thing you can do. How about getting hit by lightning? Isn't that mre dangerous to the PC? After all, YOU did start this thread...
 
NissanSkylineN1
Because the BLCK frequency in the the Sandy Bridge CPUs were not made to OC. Many have tried, but its only stable at 105 max, when the stock is only 100.

Other processors however, you can do whatever with them. For example, I had a Celeron D, and the BLCK frequency was the only thing I could overclock with, so I did it (Got up to 3.3Ghz from 2.53).
Click to expand...

So I'm good with my i7 950 then?

I have a question about LinX. What should I set the problem size and memory to ? and what is a decent Gflop score?
 
bergauk
So after numerous random screw-ups during the process of building your computer.
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Numerous? You mean having to swap the cooler over... right.

bergauk
You want to try and do the most dangerous thing you could ever do to your computer?
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I'm not stupid, i'm not going to walk into this blindly and if settings don't work then I can revert back to previous settings. I know that it can be risky hence why I am asking for some friendly advice from people who know what they are talking about.

bergauk
Why?
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The answer is simple:

Terronium-12
Free performance, basically. That's the simple version of an answer.
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.

bergauk
What reason do you have for overclocking? Is your processor not cutting it in stock config somehow?
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I bought the 2500k with the sole intention of overclocking from the start, otherwise I could have saved money and got the 2500 or even the 2400. I even stated this in my build thread;

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?p=5948086#post5948086

Seismica
Intel i5 2500k SandyBridge (The base for my system and the only component set in stone. Intend to overclock to 4.2GHz or higher) ~£155
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Quite frankly I find your comment insulting. You are insinuating that I personally am not capable of doing this without my computer going up in a puff of smoke. Last I checked I managed to get my computer up and running without any major problems (Having to re-apply thermal paste is hardly major). I'm sure I can adjust some values in the BIOS. I just need a clearer picture of which ones and how much, to give me a base to begin with.
 
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bergauk
So after numerous random screw-ups during the process of building your computer. You want to try and do the most dangerous thing you could ever do to your computer?

Why?
What reason do you have for overclocking? Is your processor not cutting it in stock config somehow?
Click to expand...

Because it's his computer and not yours. As he said, he only came here for that intention, overclocking. The problems he ran into were just minor and nothing major. Removing a motherboard that he installed in the first place to change to an aftermarket cooler is nothing to cry about. Which would be at the same level as crying about spilled milk. Just clean it up and do it right next time. Failures are all part of a learning experience.

When I overclocked my Core 2 Duo E7500 to 3.84GHz I did it by 100MHz each time and ran Prime95 for 40 minutes each time. My CPU is cooled by a Sythe Big Shuriken and the cooler sits completely over the RAM and half of the integrated GPU(not on them still has space over the parts but I would need to remove the cooler if I wanted to change the ram and the cooler took me 15 minutes to install due to the cramped space in a HTPC). It's incredible that I could get that stable clock speed with a system that has a 200watt PSU and a Mini-ITX motherboard. If you get a bluescreen or it does not go past POST after setting some clocks, remove the CMOS battery for 20 seconds while the computer is off and power cable removed, that will reset the BIOS.

Having the overclock is nice and boot speed increased(lost 3 seconds making it a 8 second boot from pressing the power button to windows) because of the higher clock(900MHz over stock). I've also seen better fps in my games and I've spent less time compressing video in Handbrake(10-15 minutes less waiting for it).
 
Seiesmica, just ignore Bergauk. He had the same attitude towards my build too. Nick is correct, just increase it by 100mhz each time (The base clock is 100, so you'll need to raise the multiplier by one), and test it. To be honest, I don't think you will need to start testing until you reach 4 GHZ. Also, the BOIS can be also reset by changing a jumper position for 5 seconds, and then putting it back to its original position. That will get around the hassle of resetting your time and date. I believe its called a CMOS Jumper.. should be in your manual.

Also.. have you thought of overclocking your GPU?

I wish I had a P67 mobo and an aftermarket cooler.... then my 2500K would be a beast too... (I didn't know H67 can't OC the CPU).
 
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He should test it every time not just after he's gone a certain length. Even a 5MHz OC can cause stability problems.
 
bergauk
So after numerous random screw-ups during the process of building your computer. You want to try and do the most dangerous thing you could ever do to your computer?

Why?
What reason do you have for overclocking? Is your processor not cutting it in stock config somehow?
Click to expand...

I'm really new to the custom PC scene too, and after having mine for a few months I also started learning about overclocking. The reason I wanted to learn was to get the most out of my system. For me I have increased my CPU from 3.0 to 3.8 without touching any voltage. It is a noticable difference, I also upped my GPU from 732 to 875, that gave me almost 10fps in BF3. With my GTX 570 I was getting in the mid 30's and sometimes dropping down into the 20's on the highest settings the Beta offered.. Now I never go in the 20's and rarely in to 30's.

It seems to me that the manufacturer sets their speeds and voltage very low to be on the super safe side. With all the temp and voltage monitoring programs out there, I feel safe doing mine.

Overclocking doesn't seem as hard, or as dangerous as many people think it is. I really don't see why everyone doesn't take a little time and learn how to get a modest OC out of their system.

If you had a car that went from 0-60 in 10 seconds and could get it doing it in 7 without buying another part, wouldn't you want to give it a try?

As far as it being dangerous. I think the majority of people do alot more dangerous things to their system then trying to up the performance. I bet 95% of PC owners never take their case apart and blow out the dust. Most would probably never, ever download any monitoring program for temps, or performance. With my i7-950 I didn't get a temp program until I thought about overclocking. The first time I used it, my CPU was idleing in the 50c range, and getting to 100c during games. I wondered why I kept having blue screens and crashes, and now I know.

If it wouldn't have been for trying to learn how to OC I would have never known that my CPU was running so hot and would have fought it, until it finally fried. The way I look at it now, is if I fry something, then so be it. If I hadn't tried to OC it, it would have never of ran right anyway, or fried itself anyway.
 
Terronium-12

Three, read. I know you've mentioned having read already, but read some more. The more you read, the more you memorize. The more you memorize the better off you'll be.
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bevo
I'm really new to the custom PC scene too, and after having mine for a few months I also started learning about overclocking. The reason I wanted to learn was to get the most out of my system. For me I have increased my CPU from 3.0 to 3.8 without touching any voltage.
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I would say that these are important things to always keep in mind. You can learn most of the stuff by reading. A good moderate overclock can most likely be achieved by not touching any of the voltages.

I would guess that to start off you have to just try moving the multiplier up. I don't think there is much in it except that.
 
ROAD_DOGG33J
A good moderate overclock can most likely be achieved by not touching any of the voltages.
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I would have to agree with that. I've obtained a stable 300MHz overclock on my Core 2 Duo E7500. To get 3.3GHz stable I had to increase the CPU Voltage by 0.02V due to the computer not going past POST without a little extra voltage.
 
bevo
As far as it being dangerous. I think the majority of people do alot more dangerous things to their system then trying to up the performance. I bet 95% of PC owners never take their case apart and blow out the dust.
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Amen.
 

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