Overclocking too far - What to expect?

Aderes Devorah · 6 Oct 2012 at 18:22

Hi all

I've just started overclocking my CPU (only slightly) and it's been successful.

But what should I expect if I go too far?

Are we talking BSD, crashing (without BSD), graphics architecture problems, freezing, or any of the above?

Any Overclockers that went a bit too far and had to take a back step: would you help me by listing what happened?

Best

SeraphX · 6 Oct 2012 at 18:53

possibly all of the above, but generally the first sign of trouble if you're clocking via the Bios will be the machine just won't boot. if you continue pushing harder after that, The last and most costly thing that can happen is one fried chip and or motherboard

Aderes Devorah · 6 Oct 2012 at 19:25

I am using AMD Overdrive.

So far I've only gone from 3.4GHz to 3.7GHz, but not a whimper.

I have also just got Orthos Prime, so I guess I could run some tests.

I am also keeping a check on the temps, so I suppose I am covering my rear as much as possible.

Instead of going mental with the CPU I am getting a new graphics card soon, so if I get one that I can OC I could do a bit with the CPU and a bit with the GPU.

Cheers for the reply!

AD

Aderes Devorah · 6 Oct 2012 at 19:26

Quick reply below...

SeraphX said:
possibly all of the above, but generally the first sign of trouble if you're clocking via the Bios will be the machine just won't boot. if you continue pushing harder after that, The last and most costly thing that can happen is one fried chip and or motherboard

pob9 · 6 Oct 2012 at 23:22

looks like your on the right track. take it slow an easy learn what temps and volts and clock speeds your set up is capable of. as long as your careful with the temps you should do no permanent damage to your chips.

Aderes Devorah · 7 Oct 2012 at 02:00

Last post (and thanks)

pob9 said:
looks like your on the right track. take it slow an easy learn what temps and volts and clock speeds your set up is capable of. as long as your careful with the temps you should do no permanent damage to your chips.

When I went to 4GHz, Windows Explorer restarted, but no crash. So I put the voltage up slightly, and it was fine. My temps only went from 31 to 35 DegC.

The Corsair cooling paying off, I guess.

Regardless, I can't see the point in overclocking when one isn't doing something that needs it. Like doing a crazy OC and then experimenting with the bleeding edge of Microsoft Word. So I'll save it for FPS.

Thanks for your help.

Best

james_2k · 7 Oct 2012 at 09:35

well i for one cant be bothered overclocking just to play games.

besides, most cpus reduce the voltage and clock speed when not playing games anyway.

i.e. mine runs at around 2.5 ghz 1.112v when on desktop/youtube etc

and goes to the full 4.4 @ 1.45 when in games

koooowweeee · 7 Oct 2012 at 09:42

Normally it starts with fire, earthquakes and big explosions ha ha

Just download real temp and monitor your heat. Computer will shut down before you damage it

atpbx · 7 Oct 2012 at 20:18

Aye the system will hang or just fail to boot at all if you ask it to do something stupid.

Aderes Devorah · 8 Oct 2012 at 00:56

i7s or AMDs as well?

james_2k said:
well i for one cant be bothered overclocking just to play games.

besides, most cpus reduce the voltage and clock speed when not playing games anyway.

i.e. mine runs at around 2.5 ghz 1.112v when on desktop/youtube etc

and goes to the full 4.4 @ 1.45 when in games

Hi

I didn't know CPUs change their speed when they need to. I just assumed that they ran at a constant speed because that is what they are built to do.

Is this just i7s, some others, or all?

I'm gonna search myself now. I don't want you thinking I want people to do my work for me (which I don't).

Thank you for replying.

My best

chipachap · 8 Oct 2012 at 05:11

Aderes Devorah said:
Hi

I didn't know CPUs change their speed when they need to. I just assumed that they ran at a constant speed because that is what they are built to do.

Is this just i7s, some others, or all?

I'm gonna search myself now. I don't want you thinking I want people to do my work for me (which I don't).

Thank you for replying.

My best

Intel's variety is called Speedstep and C1E or something, not sure what AMD's is called but they have a similar function AFAIK.