Overclocking New System...

[MrFu709]

Hello everyone. I recently built a new system, and last night I did some overclocking. I'm fairly new to OC, and I'm curious as to what should be the limit for overclocking my 4 GB (2x2GB) of OCZ DDR2 800 SLI Ram. Right now I've got them clocked to 960, but I'd love to go higher if you believe it to be safe. To the touch, they barely feel warm, so as of yet, heat is not an issue. Here is my system and OC so far:

Motherboard: XFX 780i
Processor: Intel E8400 3.0 Ghz @ 3.6 Ghz / Thermaltake Big Typhoon
Memory: 4GB (2x2GB) OCZ DDR2 800 SLI Ready @ 960
PSU: OCZ GameXStream 700W
Graphics: XFX 9800 GX2 Black Edition
Case: Thermaltake BachVx

9 x 400 = 3.6 Ghz
Memory linked @ 5:6
DDR2 960 @ (5.5.5.18 2T)

Temps:
CPU: Both cores idle at 45c / Between 53-58c under load (with Prime95)
System: 41c
Chipset: 53c


So far it's completely stable. I haven't had a single BSOD since I got the clock stable, and no other crashes. Please let me know if this OC sounds alright to you, as I don't want to be overlooking something potentially dangerous to my system. I would LOVE to go higher if you guys believe it to be safe. Thanks!!

-Tim

[jellyrole]

It's not dangerous, as long as your temps are good. Please look at Coretemp and tell us what your temps are on each core. Thanks & welcome to the forums!!

[MrFu709]

As of right now, when I type this (only Mozilla is open), both cores are sitting at about 45c. The system temp is reading 41c. Everything seems to be in the green to me...but of course...I'd LOVE to get my computer in the high green....low yellow area with a badass overclock. Haha, wouldn't we all...

[darkorb]

Nice rig!
How many volts u use to get to that speed?

Also try doing Prime95 for 8 hours or so and see if it passes. And Memtest for ur ram! Test #4 i believe.

Also be watching ur temps

[MrFu709]

So far I've only done an hour long Prime95 test...I'll do a longer session when I have the time. In that hour, everything passed.

CPU under load (with Prime95) sits between 53-58c, and idles around 45. Doesn't seem too bad, right?

CPU core voltage is at 1.32v

[werty316]

58°C is quite high. Try and stay under 60°C.

[darkorb]

i would keep it under 60C full load as werty said, thats coretemp not CPU temp.

I would think the Big Typhoon would cool it better, so if u can maybe re-mount the cooler, and just place a DOT in the centre of ur CPU. (the paste that is)

[werty316]

The Big Typhoon is a good cooler but when it comes to dissipating heat, its not as good as you might think I would have thought it would keep the further down than 58°C.

I suggest checking the Big Typhoons contact to the CPU and re-applying some TIM.

[MrFu709]

When I initially applied the thermal paste, I spread it around as explained in an online article, to evenly disperse it across the surface. Is that a bad idea? Would re-setting the cooler really make that much of a difference? What temps do you guys think I SHOULD be getting at 3.6 Ghz at idle and load? Lastly, to clean off the existing thermal compound, what to you guys suggest? Are there any cleaners that would be a good idea, or just keep wiping it off? Thanks so much for all your help.

[jellyrole]

Both times I have had to remove it, I just left in locked onto the motherboard, and used a paper towel with one finger in it and just rub in circles, but other people have suggested rubbing alcohol. Just a paper towel worked for me though.

[srpeters18]

>90% isopropyl alcohol with q-tips. And whether you spread it or just use a dot depends on which paste you're using.

[darkorb]

using a papertowl is also fine, but then to get it completely clean (doesnt matter TBH) use the alcohol as mentioned.

place a small dot (1-2 rice grain sized) squirt of TIM on the middle of the cpu and then put on the heatsink

[MrFu709]

Well, I took apart my system this evening, dismantled the big typhoon, reapplied the TIM (Arctic Silver 5), and then put the whole thing together. Actually, it was a good idea for me to do that anyway, since I actually managed my cables really well this time, allowing for much better airflow throughout the system.

BUT...

I'm still getting close to the same temp readings. I have no idea what could be wrong then... Anyone have any ideas? The cores are still idling at about 45c, and now stay between 53-56c at load. That's only 2c lower than before. Do you think it's high enough temps for me to down-clock at all?

-Tim

[MrFu709]

So...evidently...I was being a complete noob, and I was using the Nvidia Monitor that installs with Ntune to monitor my temps. Well, apparently those readings were over 10c higher than the actual temps...Because I downloaded RealTemp, and my cpu core idles around 30c, sometimes lower. I guess I reseated my cooler for no reason...

BUT

Has anyone ever heard of a reseating causing a temp sensor in a core to freeze? Ever since I re-installed the cooler, my cpu core 0 temp sits at 36c, no matter what. Is there any way to un-freeze it, or should I simply RMA the processor? I'd rather not have to RMA...as that is a long pain-in-the-arse process. I guess my third option is just to ignore it, as the other core monitors just fine, and it's only logical that the other core wouldn't be too far off temp wise. What do you guys think??

[jellyrole]

IMO I wouldn't want to mess with RMA. Just ignore it, and subtract 2 to 3 degrees from Core 1 and thats what your temp is on Core 0(at least that's how it is with mine). You should download Core Temp, that's what just about everyone uses and see if it shows any different temperature readings than RealTemp.

[MrFu709]

Thanks, but I just happened to stumble upon several articles and forums dealing with this problem. Apparently HUGE batches of 45nm chips have this problem... core2s and quads all over... Really frustrating!! I don't want to be without my computer for the AGES it'll take them to send me a new one! But GRRR....it frustrates me so much that one of them doesn't move!!!

[foxmobouser]

I'll just add a few of my own tips :P

Alcohol with q-tip works fine for removing thermal paste.

In addition to reapplying the paste if you really want to get into overclocking i suggest reading up on "lapping" your cpu works really well for lowering temps, I'd also check if you have good case ventilation and fans that move air well.

As far as memory overclocking, most ppl prefer running a memory ratio of 1:1 for optimal performance some suggest having memory a bit higher I personally like the 1:1 or stock memory speed and tweek the latency for faster performance.