First Overclock

[Dale7920]

Hi All,

 

I built my own computer mid this year for my final year of university (started this September). I decided to overclock it and get it stable before using it for work.

 

I had a go at overclocking it after building, but couldn't get it stable above 3.8GHz. I tried again today, and so far it's stable at 4.1GHz :-) I am currently running Prime95 to check stability, here's hoping it passes.

 

I have overclocked it using the multiplier, set to 20.5, and the Vcore set to 1.39V (although computer says its 1.4V)

 

I have a cheapo case (as I said I didn't build it with the intention of overclocking), it is stock CPU cooling with 3 extra 80mm fans, and 1 120mm fan that came with the case in the front. It idles around mid - high 30's Celsius, and currently max temp reached is 57 Celsius on Prime95.

 

My processor is an AMD Phenom II 970 BE, on an Asus motherboard.

 

I am just wondering, do you think this is a good overclock for this processor? What you think I could push it to on stock cooling (I am aware the safe temp is 62 Celsius)? and how much would a decent/good CPU cooler cost? I did buy a new CPU cooler, but it seemed to increase my temps both on idle and under load?!?

 

Thanks

Edited October 20, 2011 by Dale7920

[SpikeSoprano]

the hyper 212+ is a good cooler at a good price, it all depends on where you are from if you can get it , your temps are average for that cpu but I would not want to see it go much higher. What model mb is it, better boards oc higher.

[Boinker]

The oc looks good except for it being way to close to max temps. You could try to push it further then 4.0 to 4.1 to 4.3 but I agree and urge a cooling upgrade. That will help in the long run. The coolermaster hyper 212+ is a great cooler but cm just made the coolermaster hyper 212 evo. It performs a lot better then the older 212 plus and is quieter so I would go that direction. The hyper 212 evolution is around 35 dollars I believe. Good of on the stock cooler. Just make sure you clean the processor and use Tim.

[Dale7920]

Thanks I will look into it.

 

What sort of temps is it safe to run for long periods, bearing in mind, it will not be under 100% load most of the time?

[Boinker]

I would Just set my goal to be after 4-10 hour of a stability test the processor be no hotter then 50c - 55c or ever seen those temps. You are close to this. Doing it that way in the long run without a stability test such as prime95 running you wont see those temps if you implement that. Taking into account extra heat load and the situation of a long gaming session it may see 50 but never set Max temps.

[SpikeSoprano]

Yes ,you don't really want tp pass 55c, 50 is the perfect load temp, I have the phenom2 550 and My max temp is 70c, I keep forgetting the phenom x4 max is 62.

[Tjj226_Angel]

you might also want a better case too. The hyper master isn't going to be fully taken advantage of if you don't have ample airflow, and with more and more good quality budget cases being made these days, it too is also something you should into. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146061. This is my old case and with the hyper master and a cheap fan upgrade. it kept everything nice and frosty. It actually did a good job chilling a can of soda in the case, thats how good it was. Perfect for your over-clocking and future upgrades up might want to include. Just my two cents. : )