First time overclocker questions

[Ashok0]

Hi,

First time overclocker here. I have an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (Stepping B G0) with a Gigabyte P35-DS3P and 6GB of PC6400 (5-5-5-18) Memory. I just picked up a Megahalem + 2 Cooler Master R4 fans to overclock the stock CPU from stock 2.4Ghz to 3.2Ghz.

After installing the Megahalem I went into the BIOS and made the following changes under M.I.T (Motherboard Intelligent Tweaker):

Robust Graphics Booster = Auto
CPU Clock Ration = 8X
CPU Frequency = 3.20Ghz (400x8)
CPU Host Clock Control = Enabled
CPU Host Frequency = 400
PCI Express Frequency = 100
CIA2 = Disabled
System Memory Multiplier = 2.0
Memory Frequency = 800
-------------------------------------------------------
System Voltage Control = Manual
DDR2 Over Voltage Control = Normal
PCI-E DDR2 Over Voltage Control = Normal
FSB DDR2 Over Voltage Control = Normal
G(MCH) DDR2 Over Voltage Control = Normal
LoadLine Calibration = Auto
CPU Voltage Control = 1.4V
Normal CPU Vcore = 1.28750V

After making the above changes, I rebooted and the system reported a clockspeed of 3.2Ghz on POST. CPUZ reports the CPU @ 3.2 and with Core Temp I'm seeing readings of:

Processor #, Temp Readings, Low, High, Load
Core 0 -------- 51 ----------------- 49C 54C 100%
Core 1 -------- 52 ----------------- 49C 54C 100%
Core 2 -------- 52 ----------------- 44C 47C 100%
Core 3 -------- 50 ----------------- 49C 51C 100%

So far everything is running fine and my games have gotten a noticeable FPS boost. For a first time overclock I was surprised at how smoothly things seem to have went. I was just curious if anyone saw any issues with anything. Is it okay to leave the Over Voltage Controls in the BIOS at Normal? And should I leave LoadLine Calibration at Auto? Or can I safely just call it a day?

 

[Tsumi]

You can leave the voltage controls at auto, but it might run your CPU at a higher voltage than necessary. Of course, pretty much the only thing this would lead to is a slightly decreased CPU lifespan and somewhat higher temps than what you can get. But at 50 C approximately under load, I wouldn't worry about it. What program are you using to stress out your computer?

 

[Ashok0]

Thanks for the reply Tsumi. I ran Prime95 overnight to put the system under load. I've got it idling now and my highs are ~34/34/34/46. I might try to go up to 3.7 later, but for now I think it's safe to assume my settings are safe.