i3 530 how far can I push it?

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Hi there.

I currently have a i3 530 set up with a Gigabyte H55N-USB3 inside a SG05 case.

Due to the small size of the case I have been using the stock cooler but have just had the Samuel 17 delivered which I will be installing tonight.

Currently have it clocked @ 3.5Ghz but with better cooling I am hoping to get it higher.

How far do you think I could push it?

At the moment on idle the temps are around 30c and under load have seen them go up to around 58c.

Many thanks.
 
The cooler is "ok" but ain't the greatest. I would have done for something a bit more like the Gelid Tranquillo, but depends on the side of your case tbh.

Should be able to hit 3.7ish I would suspect.
 
Yeah the size of the case is a big factor in what cooler I was going to go for.

It is the Sugo SG05 and there is very little space between the motherboard and the PSU.

I am going to try and push it to 4Ghz and see what the temps are like.

At the moment @ 3.5Ghz I have not had to touch the volts so hopefully there should be plenty of headroom there.

Thank you for the reply.
 
Yea if you haven't messed around with the voltage much then you should be able to hit your target hopefully.

Also benchmark for a good few hours mind to make sure it's stable.

IntelburnIn or LinX are good to bench with... set for 20 loops with all available memory running and leave and watch the temps. Anything above 70C, lower the OC or volts.

Prime95 is awesome too, but will stress that little dual core to the limit!
 
I am using HWmonitor to monitor the temps. Should I be taking more notice of the core temps or the CPU temp?
 
Right that is great thank you.

First Intel chip for a couple of years so sorry about all the questions.
 
I have the very similar i3 540 and run it at 3.8Ghz with very little effort and with a bit of tweaking with voltages will run at 4.0Ghz for bench runs.

System below, i3 540 cooled by Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro Rev2

Great chips for the money.

Hope this gives you an idea of what to aim for.
 
Thank you for the reply.

I have a better cooler here so I would be able to push it past 4Ghz but wanting to keep in SFF.
 
Well got the new cooler fitted. Managed to get it up to 4Ghz with 1.25v. Not ran any stress tests yet and temps are spot on.

Idling at 20c at the moment.
 
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