New to Overclocking, General Questions

OwensJ480

Honorable
Dec 27, 2012
71
0
10,640
I finally have my first build up and running great (except some RAM issues mentioned in a minute) with, in my opinion, impressive results. I also have all my liquid cooling parts ordered and will be putting it together this weekend. For Reference everything will be cooled besides the SouthBridge. Couldn't find any waterblocks for it on the Asus Crosshair Formula-Z.

Anyways, my plan is to start with overclocking! I've read through alot of guides and general information about overclocking and I believe I have enough knowledge to start the fun. Although, I do have a few questions I couldn't find in the information I've found.

When first putting my build together and running tests, I couldn't get my computer to run my RAM at it's rated 2400MHz. I have to set the MB to manual/detect, and it keeps it at 1600MHz or something like that. From these forums it seems to be because it's too high for my CPU speeds and what not.

So my question starts with this; is it more ideal to increase my BCLK until I reach my rated RAM speeds (if my CPU can handle that) then once at rated RAM speeds start increasing the CPU frequency until I reach max stable speeds within rated temps? (I know RAM speeds don't make much of a difference, but I think OCers will understand doing it just for the sake of it)

Also, is it more logical when going for an entire system overclock, to increase all components, in small intervals of course, at the same time? Or is it best to OC one component at a time?

My theory is that if I were to OC one component at a time, i'd reach my cooling capasities making the next component much more difficult to OC while staying within temp ranges. I could be completely wrong.

Lol hope that wasn't too long. Any help will be much appreciated. I also listed my main components below. Don't think it'll matter for my questions, but I did just in case. Thank you!

AMD FX-8120
ASUS Crosshair Formula-Z (EK CPU & NB Blocks)
EVGA GTX 680 (EK Block)
 
Solution
I'd say if you're doing this for your first time, then OC'ing one component at a time

is the safest choice. Because if something doesn't work, then at least you'll have an idea

where the problem might be at. Whereas if you OC everything a bit at the same time

Then problem-solving might become more of a hassle. Later on, you could do it the other

Way around, if you feel like it.

X79

Honorable
I'd say if you're doing this for your first time, then OC'ing one component at a time

is the safest choice. Because if something doesn't work, then at least you'll have an idea

where the problem might be at. Whereas if you OC everything a bit at the same time

Then problem-solving might become more of a hassle. Later on, you could do it the other

Way around, if you feel like it.
 
Solution

OwensJ480

Honorable
Dec 27, 2012
71
0
10,640


That sounds like a great idea. I think I'll start there then. Do you know much about CPU & RAM speeds? Still curious if I should increase my BCLK until I reach my RAMs rated speed, then just switch over to only the CPU.

Also, when it comes to WC, if I were to hit my cool threshold with my CPU by chance, would I have to back it down to increase other components? Or is WC just too good to even have this scenario as a factor?
 

OwensJ480

Honorable
Dec 27, 2012
71
0
10,640
Lol I still can't get an answer on increasing the BCLK! Guess I'm going to have to do it like everyone else, just start plugging away and see what I get :) Think my plan will be to increase the BCLK until I hit my RAM's rated speeds (if I can of course) then work directly on the processor, then off to the GPU and back down my CPU if my temps are going out of range. Anyone think this sounds like a bad idea?

Also, lol and this is probably a dumb question, if I can get an stable overclock as close as possible to my hardware's rated temps, will that be good for 24/7 gaming?
 

OwensJ480

Honorable
Dec 27, 2012
71
0
10,640


I know most games don't use much of the processor. I should of stated it as "24/7 use". Most guides I've read never really specify if really never specify if high volts while maintaining reasonable temps are real bad. They only touch on temps. A few I've ran into said hi volts are so I was curious.
 

OwensJ480

Honorable
Dec 27, 2012
71
0
10,640
Well I just jumped into the process like suggested! And the stats are in. Maintaining solid overclock of 4.8GHz @1.5v staying right in the threshold of 58C-60C. Personally I'm pretty happy with the overclock since this is my first build ever. I have to say too, the LC loop is insane, keeps my temps ridiculously low. Even after all the suggestions of people saying no one should do it without a few builds under their belt :)

Couldn't get much out of the FSB. Got it to 220 wich bumped my RAM right around to 2000MHz, still 400 less than what it's rated for. But I was scared to add voltage anywhere else and I was happy with the 4.8GHz.