Overclocking Range Intel CPU

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Silviu Tulbya

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Apr 16, 2013
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Hello,

I am interested in overclocking my CPU for gaming purposes, by about .4 Ghz. Most games like you to have a 3ghz processor or better, and I have a:

2.66Ghz Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 LGA775 CPU
------overclock>> 3-3.2Ghz
So that's about a 15-20% increase.

1. Would I be putting too much stress on my System?
2. Is it possible to do this without a professional. I have done some work on my computer?
3. What kind of life shortening of the CPU Life am I looking at?
4. What other aspects are tweaked when overclocking CPU?
- RAM?
- Power output?
(Do I need to back up files?)
4. Where can I get detailed information on overclocking?

The system I have looks like this:

OS: Windows 8 64-bit
Motherboard: ASUS P5N-E SLI
RAM: 6GB (2GBx3)
power: 600W
- dependents: (1 DVD/CD drive, about 4 USB devices)
Video Card: nvidia GTX660 (Max power 140W)
Storage: (Main) SSD 120GB
Secondary: HDD
Fans: Intel CPU Fan
-----2 box/case fans
NOTE: Open-wall case....the open wall faces the side of my desk and therefore computer has access to cold air.


Note: No Win8 drivers for Motherboard, regular BIOS/never updated as far as I know

Again, I really would like to overclock it to 3Ghz. It may not seem like a big deal but it would help a lot since it's the only thing keeping my video card from performing at par.

Your help is much appreciated,


Silviu

 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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The big deal is if you've got sufficient cooling - If you're using a stock cooler, go buy a Hyper 212 EVO. There are plenty of video guides on how to install it if you don't know how; it's pretty easy.

Other than that, as long as you're willing to GO SLOWLY step by step, it's pretty easy to do; you shouldn't have to shorten the CPU life at all (again, unless you're trying to do it without keeping it cool) and you won't be putting hardly any worse stress on your system.

The only question I'd have for you is this: what brand and make is your power supply? If it's a shoddy one, then I'd be very careful about doing anything before replacing it.
 
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Silviu Tulbya

Honorable
Apr 16, 2013
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DarkSable,

Thank you for the response. My power supply isn't a gaming variety- It's a Thermaltake TR2 600W ATX 12V 2.3.

Could you tell me what are the basic functions that overclocking involves? Also do you know where I can finda good guide to doing it?

Thanks again



 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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Gaming variety doesn't matter - it's simply the quality of the build. Unfortunately, that's not a very good one you've got there. It'll suffice for what you're trying to do, but next time you upgrade anything, the power supply should be first.

Overclocking involves making the processor run faster, and giving git more voltage so that it can do so. For an excellent guide, look no further than Tom's forums! http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/259899-29-core-overclocking-guide
 
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Silviu Tulbya

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Apr 16, 2013
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Oh, okay. I admit I was trying to save money on the Power supply at the time.

Thanks for the link. how much time should it take, about, say 3 hours to set aside doing it?



 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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Yeah, everyone's first thought is to save money on the PSU, but it's a mistake - the power supply is the most important part of your computer, as if it goes bad, it could explode, fry components, or set the computer on fire. I've seen all three.

For the modest overclock you're wanting to be running, it shouldn't take more than a couple hours.
 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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He's doing it right, but you cannot copy him. Every chip is different, which means if you're going to overclock, you have to do it with your chip, not just copy someone else's. (Sadly.)
 
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Silviu Tulbya

Honorable
Apr 16, 2013
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10,510
Oh, I see.

So it looks like there are more resources for doing this than I originally thought. Thanks for the help. I'll leave this open for another couple of days in case anyone wants to add anything then I'll mark the answer.



 
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