my 1st overclock

[RedStarRiot]

ok ive had a few problems with my 1st attempt at overclocking. I chose my hardware based on reviews and what from what i could gather would make up a good rig for overclocking (always wanted a high spec system!) so got myself a haf 932 i7 930 corsair 1600 ram h50 cooler and a 5870. so overclocked my cpu to a stable 3.6 running prime95 for around an hour when i attempt 4ghz the temps were hitting the high 80's so stop the test and set back to 3.2( got a little scared!) reading a few other articles could it be that the h50 isnt actually all that great? i know overclocking is very personal to each system but surely i should get over 3.6 with this set up,no?

 

[1234543212345]

A few people seem to be getting similiar problems, and the h50 is quite good, but some of the high end air coolers out perform it, i think you should be able to get 3.8GHz.

 

[M1k3H]

What I'd do is OC to a certain point where the cpu is stable and I am satisfied and then start running 30 min tests to note down the temps. Then lower the cpu voltage a little, run 30 min test again, see if it's stable with that voltage and note temps. This is done until I reach a point where a 30 minute test makes my computer unstable. Then I put the voltage to the previous one that the system was stable. Doing this should get you the lowest temp for that overclock. If your temps are still high, check your airflow.
Anyway the H50 is not that good. My Noctua NH-12 has lower temps on my i7 920 when its at 3.7GHz than a stock 920 with a H50. Both PCs have exactly the same components besides the cpu cooler and I've built them myself.