Overclocking Novice

TomElZ

TomElZ

TomElZ

Associate
Joined
7 Aug 2008
Posts
302
Hey guys.

Well I've had my system since last October and have just bought another 4GB of RAM to take me up to 8GB today.

Now originally when I bought the system I didn't plan on overclocking it however I feel like a bit of a challenge now just a tad uneasy as I'm scared I'll end up killing my PSU/Mobo/CPU or something.

Things I think you will need to know:

CPU: Intel Core i5 760 2.80GHz (Lynnfield) (Socket LGA1156) - Retail
Mobo: Asus P7P55D-E Intel P55 (Socket 1156) DDR3 Motherboard
Case: Cooler Master CM-690 II Advanced Dominator Case - Black
PSU: Corsair CX 400W ATX Power Supply (CMPSU-400CXUK)

Now from reading around I guess If I want to significantly increase the speed I will need a new CPU cooler. I am willing to pay probably around £50-60 for one I guess.

CPU-Z currently reads

Core Speed: 1543.3MHz (just browsing the net not doing anything strenous)
Multiplier: x 9.0
Bus Speed: 171.4MHz
QPI Link: 3086.7MHz

Realisticly what speed do you think I can obtain with a decent CPU cooler and overclocked quite high?

Cheers Lads.
 
Last edited:
How many of the ram slots are occupied?

have you got 4x2Gb sticks in, or 2x4Gb?

for that kind of money you can easily get some of the best air coolers on the planet

Namely the Thermalright Silver Arrow
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=hs-078-tr&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=1395
heres a brilliant review for it
Link to review

Or if you push your budget a little bit higher
a Noctua D14
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=hs-011-nc&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=1395
Link to Noctua Review

Or the Prolimatech Megahalems
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-005-PL&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=1395
Link to Prolimatech Review

Realistically, any overclock depends on your board and chip capabilities, i'd say it's a given that you'll achieve 4Ghz, anything more than that would be down to voltages and temps and sheer balls, ( namely yours to see how far your willing to push before things go pop :) )
 
I've currently got 2x4gb however I bought another 2x4gb yesterday to put in the remaining 2 slots.

I can have a maximum of 16GB however I'm more than happy with 8GB.

Would the 4GHz run stable under heavy load (i.e.in the 70's)

I ran a test last night (Intel Burn) on my Stock CPU and was quite surprised at how quickly the temperatures shot up to the 90's. Is this normal when using the Stock cooler? The test was on High however but still didn't expect it to be that high.

So you think I can quite easily get up to 4GHz without even having to change any voltages? The word voltages kind of makes me shiver a bit ahha.
 
Think I'm gonna go for the Thermalright one.

How easy is the installation procedure and will I have to take my Mobo out the case to install it?
 
I have currently got this:

Corsair Dominator 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (CMD4GX3M2A1600C9)

I also purchased this yesterday:

Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (CMX4GX3M2A1600C9)

So by the looks of it - they are exactly the same haha without me even realising it...weird.

Except the D for the X
 
You 'might' get away with any cooler if you put the xms3 in the first slots, and the dominator in the last slots.

Though I do believe noctua state the NH-D14 will fit over dominator memory with the heat spreaders removed (two small screws on the top).
 
having all the ram slots filled will make overclocking your chip harder in the long run, personally if you really need 8Gb, i would sell what you've got and invest in 2x4Gb

depending on your case, yes you might have to remove the motherboard to install nearly 90% of decent top end coolers,

The noctua will clear your ram slots by a little, i don't think the silver arrow would though.

70's i think ( quote think ) is ok for your chip, personally i'm not sure i'm an AMD man myself lol

most stock coolers are pants, they are not designed for the extra heat that an overclocked processor will produce

Can i ask why you wanted 8Gb? what do you use that uses that much memory, as most simple home gaming machines will happily run anything with just 4Gb :)
 
How come it will make it harder?

I'll be honest with you - I haven't touched the system since last year and I've just got my student loan and for £35 I just thought why not ahha.

TBH don't even use the PC for high performance stuff but I'm still in Uni and may start looking to do a bit more so thought handy to have!

I've gone ahead and ordered the Thermalright one but it's out of stock atm! Just my luck ey!

When installing is it best to strip everything out or just the mobo?
 
sorry for the late reply,

yeh, i think you will be able to clear the ram with that cooler.

The ram will do perfectly fine in all four slots and you should reach 4ghz.

I would recommend pulling out of that thermalright order and buy thermalrights venemous x

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-081-TR&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=

it will clear all ram heights, 3rd-4th best cpu cooler on the planet, i dont know why nobody mentioned it before. I supports all intel and amd sockets, however, you will need to buy 2 fans to go with it.

i recommend 2 x 120mm black apaches

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-057-AK



I use that and has been recommended to me by soo many people. It also looks very well but unfortuantely the total cost including the fans will be around 60 quid.


you would be safe to get it, you will easily get 4ghz, clear all ram heights, looks well and gives room to upgrade to future processors
 
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