Totaly New to OCing...

[jeffsback]

Okay, so I’m TOTALLY new to overclocking; and though it’s really interesting and I want to learn more about it, I’m really doing this to squeeze a reasonable and safe amount of extra GAMING performance out of the best computer I was able to AFFORD to build.

My component specs are listed below:

I have been reading and reading and reading some more about overclocking, though I’m still more than a little confused since I have a very adjustable Mobo/BIOS. I recently learned that the CPU that I have, (AM3 X2 550) could be unlocked to enable all cores, which I’ve done successfully after updating the BIOS, and by enabling ALL CORES (AUTO would not work) in the ACC feature of my BIOS then selecting +4% (0 & +2 didn’t work [I don’t even know what this means! [how high should I take this?]) and enabling UNLEASHED MODE.

CPU-Z now shows all 4 cores and a slight increase in the core speed 3111 MHZ and the system seems to be stable.

I've also changed the memory voltage from auto to 1.8V as it's labeled, and adjusted the freq. from auto to 1600 Mhz.

All other BIOS settings are at their defalt settings.

Even though I have read a lot, and studied my BIOS reasonably well, I’m still unsure how to proceed from here.

So, what should I do next? Thanks in advance.

JEFF

ASUS M4A78T-E AMD 790GX Socket AM3 Motherboard

AMD Phenom II X2 550 3.1Ghz Black Edition AM3 CPU

Corsair 4096MB PC12800 DDR3 1600MHz (2x2048MB) (with heat sinks & Fans)

EVGA GeForce GTX 280 Superclocked 1GB PCIe (not yet installed)

{Currently running on Radeon HD 3300 integrated graphics}

Cooler Master 750W PS

Cooler Master V8 CPU Cooler

 

[Mul.]

First of all, congrats for a successful CPU unlock!

The next step in my opinion would be to run a stress test for an extended period of time to verify that all four cores are stable. It's my understanding that as a consequence of unlocking the other cores, the temperature sensors for the CPU are now inoperative? Just something to check out.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Others/Home-Education/Prime95.shtml

Prime95 is a very good application to verify stability. The test that you're after is the Small FFT's test. A fair run would be 6 to 8 hours. Indications of stability will include one or more cores failing the test (it'll flash on the screen) or a BSOD/Restart/System Lock Up. In the event of this happening, the next thing I'd do is consider raising the CPU voltage slightly and trying again.

Now assuming that the test passes with flying colours, the next step would be to begin overclocking (duh ). On the Phenom II Black Editions, the two ways to overclock are by means of the base HTT clock (default of 200) and the CPU Multiplier (default of 15.5).

Personally, I'd start off easy and raise the multiplier in 0.5x increments each time and saving settings in BIOS. Run the Prime95 test for 5minutes and if it goes alright, try again and keep going until it fails. At this point, you start raising the CPU voltage until it is stable and then run a long duration test again.

There lies a issue in that you may not be able to read CPU temperatures and this can be a bit of a concern when raising voltages (this causes temp rises more than clock speed increases) and as such, with the V8 CPU Cooler would not recommend pushing any more than 1.475-1.500V max through the CPU with all four cores running.

Once you've found the max CPU clock using the CPU Multi, begin to play with lower multi's and higher base HTT clocks as this will optimise performance better. Also start having a play with CPU Northbridge Multipliers to reach higher northbridge frequencies as well. Around 2400-2800MHz is the sweetspot for Northbridge frequency.

 

[daniSAUR]

+Reps to Mul, useful for me (sorry hi-jackign thread momentarily! ) as I am also going to start overclocking.

 

[theelusiveyoda]

don't rush yourself when your pushing hardware past its saftey zone, not all cpu's will do the same oc as others, run 3dmark o6 and report back with the score, also get speedfan to monitor your cpu temps anything above 50-60 on Full load then stop

 

[jeffsback]

First of all, congrats for a successful CPU unlock!

The next step in my opinion would be to run a stress test for an extended period of time to verify that all four cores are stable. It's my understanding that as a consequence of unlocking the other cores, the temperature sensors for the CPU are now inoperative? Just something to check out.

Prime95 is a very good application to verify stability. The test that you're after is the Small FFT's test. A fair run would be 6 to 8 hours. Indications of stability will include one or more cores failing the test (it'll flash on the screen) or a BSOD/Restart/System Lock Up. In the event of this happening, the next thing I'd do is consider raising the CPU voltage slightly and trying again.

Now assuming that the test passes with flying colours, the next step would be to begin overclocking (duh ). On the Phenom II Black Editions, the two ways to overclock are by means of the base HTT clock (default of 200) and the CPU Multiplier (default of 15.5).

Personally, I'd start off easy and raise the multiplier in 0.5x increments each time and saving settings in BIOS. Run the Prime95 test for 5minutes and if it goes alright, try again and keep going until it fails. At this point, you start raising the CPU voltage until it is stable and then run a long duration test again.

There lies a issue in that you may not be able to read CPU temperatures and this can be a bit of a concern when raising voltages (this causes temp rises more than clock speed increases) and as such, with the V8 CPU Cooler would not recommend pushing any more than 1.475-1.500V max through the CPU with all four cores running.

Once you've found the max CPU clock using the CPU Multi, begin to play with lower multi's and higher base HTT clocks as this will optimise performance better. Also start having a play with CPU Northbridge Multipliers to reach higher northbridge frequencies as well. Around 2400-2800MHz is the sweetspot for Northbridge frequency.

Wow, THANKS! I finally feel like I finally got a straight answer as far as a step-by-step method. Though after my original post I've noticed a few irregularities while booting with all cores enabled so I’ve gone back to dual core operation to get a handle on overclocking this model before I try all four cores again.

I’ve also read about the temp issue; though by your question-marked comment I suspect you’re not the best person to ask if the sensors are permanently disabled, or if they’re back on line if I disable the second set of cores. I do notice the readings fluctuating from 34c (idle) – 47c (under load/not overclocked) so I suspect they're still active.

Thanks again!

JEFF

 

[Mul.]

My understanding is that the temperature sensors are fully functional and active without the unlock applied and issues with temperature sensors will only occur with the other two cores unlocked.

Feel free to add me on MSN if you need further assistance