PSU good enough for overclocking?

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theAngeLs

theAngeLs

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I might buy Asus M5A97 EVO R2.0 soon, but I'm not sure if my PSU is good enough to overclock my CPU, which is FX-6300 (running currently 3,5 GHz @ stock), and I have a bottleneck. I want to overclock it to 4,0 - 4,1 GHz, which should be enough to minimize it, that's what people say atleast. I have done research on my current mobo and ppl don't recommend to overclock with it, so please no questions about it. :) My PSU is Corsair 600W +80 Bronze. Honestly, I'm a bit scared of overclocking, and here are my full computer specifications:
M5A78L-LE (Mobo)
GTX 670 Mini (Factory Overclocked) 2GB (GPU)
FX-6300 Black Edition @ 3,5 GHz Stock
8GB Hyper-X RAM (CL9, 1600MHz)
Am I able to overclock my CPU to 4,0 - 4,1 GHz with Asus M5A97 EVO R2.0?
Thank you!
 
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yanis31
well from what i can gather online FX-6300 should have about the same limits as FX-6350 since it's prettymuch the same cpu,
and actually people often end up running similar clocks with lower voltage on the 6300 which is quite surprising... my cpu comes at around 1.41 volts stock... as far as longevity goes - noone can guarantee anything but the "general consensus" is that you'll be safe until 1.5volts or even 1.55 as long as you keep the temperatures in check.. but i personally try not to go that high... and you shouldnt need to on a 6300
you only need as much voltage as required to keep the cpu stable and nothing more...
the LLC (load line calibration) setting is what dumps more voltage in your cpu under load
because "Vdroop" happens...
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theAngeLs

theAngeLs

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I saw a tutorial with the same motherboard, and ppl say it's fine. It would be easier to follow the tutorial because the bio looks the same, and I don't want to screw anything up. My PSU is Corsair 600W 80+ Bronze V2.
I'm a bit paranoid about overclocking but it's a must. I paid a lot for these parts and I get horrible FPS on example Assassin's Creed Black Flag (around 25-30).
Tutorial I mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9uXysmgPi8
 
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DonQuixoteMC

DonQuixoteMC

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It's hard to break stuff when OCing, especially if you take your time and are smart about it.

HOWEVER, if you use your current motherboard (M5A78L-LE) you run a very good risk of damaging your hardware.

The M5A78L-LE will not stand up to any sort of overclock with the 6300. Just don't do it.

Possibly the best OCing board, for your money is the gigabyte that bignastyid suggested. I highly recommend that motherboard if you're going to be getting a new motherboard anyway.

As for your PSU, it'll be fine. Your system won't be drawing anywhere near max capacity, which is the danger zone for any power supply (especially mediocre ones, like Corsair's builder series).

Recap:
If you upgrade your motherboard
and if you stick with your current system configuration
You shouldn't run into any problems overclocking

Final question: What cooler are you using?
 
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theAngeLs

theAngeLs

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I don't really know. the website I ordered it from said this: Includes CPU-cooler.
The cpu heatsink is surrounded with these: http://pcmarket.net.au/sites/default/files/styles/product_item/public/cpu/amd-fx-processors-box-contents.jpg?itok=c06nyoIm
P.S If i buy the motherboard that other guy suggested, am i able to overclock it to 4,1 GHz safely?
 
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theAngeLs

theAngeLs

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Alright, that went a lot over my price range, since I'm going to buy 144hz 1ms monitor with SS Rival and Qck+ mousepad too. I'll try to get Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO too then, I'll try to get more work to do (summer). The negative side is that the cooler costs around 25€ more on the website I'm ordering all this stuff. I hope this is worth it and I hope I won't screw up my system. I never understood this stress test thing, monitoring, etc.
P.S since I can't afford any more fans to cool down my pc, is it safe to use a literal fan next to my pc to make the airflow? Also, is it normal that my Core Speed and Voltage keeps jumping up and down allthetime? (CPU-Z) for example in this format:
First its like this:
Clocks (Core #0)
Core Speed: 3816.80MHz
Multiplier: x 19.0 (7 - 20.5)
Bus Speed: 200.88 MHz
HT Link: 2209.72Mhz
Then:
Clocks (Core #0)
Core Speed: 1436.00MHz
Multiplier: x 7.0 (7 - 20.5)
Bus Speed: 200.88 MHz
HT Link: 2209.72Mhz
and Core Voltage keeps jumping up and down between 1.100 - 1.452 every second
 
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theAngeLs

theAngeLs

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Gigabyte
GA-970A-UD3P has a poor thermal design? Hyper 212 evo isn't going to help at all? I thought Corsair was a good manufacturer, but seems like I was wrong then.
 
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DonQuixoteMC

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SR-71 was referring to your current setup. While Corsair does offer some nice units, their budget series of PSUs aren't anything to bet the farm on. They are especially bad when taxed near full capacity. Your current motherboard would be a nightmare to OC with.

On a different note, with the 970 UD3P and a Hyper 212 EVO, you should easily be able to hit 4.5GHz.
 
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theAngeLs

theAngeLs

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I would try to hit 4.5 GHz, but I'm way too afraid to do it that high. 4,1GHz feels lot safer as a start I think.
 
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yanis31

yanis31

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Hi i use a GA-970A-UD3P motherboard and a Fx-6350 so i can answer some questions about it...
i am on the impression the Asus R2.0 EVO board might even be better than this one... but maybe not,
maybe my CPU didn't win the silicon lottery or it's just a 970 chipset limitation and maybe you want 990fx for better results-
i don't know, but here's what i can do:
4.5 ghz 24hours Prime95 stable by just upping the multiplier, disabling power saving features, and setting LLC to extreme (for security just bump voltage up by one smallest bump)
4.7 ghz on a FSB and multiplier combo and voltage around 1.44 ... LLC still to extreme which means it actually jumps to about 1.5volts under full stress - every stress test passes except prime95 that tends to knock out 1st and/or 2nd core after a moment
anything past 4.8 ghz doesn't boot into windows...
i use a Zalman CNPS12X cooler which is expensive but only a little better than the 212 EVO ... (or so i heard)
but this can keep temps under 62c while being very silent in a closed case with 3 intake and 1 exhaust fans
 
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yanis31

yanis31

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oh - speaking about PSU's - i have a Corsair CX600M
(it's a tiny bit stronger than the non-modular version on the 12v rail / unless that has been updated too)
and it can handle my overclock + an overclocked GTX770 that boosts over 1300mhz... ran it for a month or so and got no issues ever.
however if i bought a new one i would go a little higher up the chain just to be on the safe side... but if you calculate the loads it's not really that bad
 
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theAngeLs

theAngeLs

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So, the voltages are the biggest problem if we talk about safety and not frying your hardware? Do you know any video linked to this overclocking process, when someone keeps increasing voltages, running tests etc? I decided I'll buy the cooler and the motherboard on this years christmast, and I have around 30-40€ more to spend on the motherboard (GA-970A-UD3P costs 95€)/cooler/something else related to overclocking if needed to. Your reply made me feel lot more confident that I won't destroy my hardware, lol. How much would the CPUs lifetime decrease if I overclock it to around 4,3 - 4,5 GHz? I don't make money that easily (I'm 15-yearsold), and I rarely get any money most of the time. So getting new parts after these is a long trip. Also thanks for tuning in, yanis31.

 
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yanis31

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well from what i can gather online FX-6300 should have about the same limits as FX-6350 since it's prettymuch the same cpu,
and actually people often end up running similar clocks with lower voltage on the 6300 which is quite surprising... my cpu comes at around 1.41 volts stock... as far as longevity goes - noone can guarantee anything but the "general consensus" is that you'll be safe until 1.5volts or even 1.55 as long as you keep the temperatures in check.. but i personally try not to go that high... and you shouldnt need to on a 6300
you only need as much voltage as required to keep the cpu stable and nothing more...
the LLC (load line calibration) setting is what dumps more voltage in your cpu under load
because "Vdroop" happens and voltage drops on all cpu's as soon as they get a good load -
this setting fights that and gives it more to keep it stable...so you find the right voltage by experimenting and doing stresstests
prime95 is very good for these cpus because it will be the first to show a core/cores fail... intel burn test can be pretty torturous on intel cpu's but it doesn't appear to work as well on amd - prime95 is always the first to go on my machine,
i wouldn't worry about 4.5 ghz to be fair... mine turbo's to 4.2 stock... and most if not all of them overclock extra 500mhz on stock voltage (mine included) there are slightly cheaper gigabyte models from same 970 series but the UD3/UD3P has 8+2 power phases which you ideally want for stable overclocking and longer motherboard's life (less strain/heat on the power circuitry and more precise voltage delivery)

here's some reading material that should sort out all of your quetions:

http://www.overclock.net/a/about-vrms-mosfets-motherboard-safety-with-high-tdp-processors

http://www.overclock.net/t/1348623/amd-bulldozer-and-piledriver-overclocking-guide-asus-motherboard

http://www.ronwoods.us/2014/02/what-does-amd-application-power.html

this is a pretty good - easy to understand video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MckeAmnDeTk
however he's using a better motherboard.. some settings might be a bit difference but generally it's all the same|


also read this about the gigabyte motherboard - just don't take most of it too seriously -
the author has some pretty stupid complaints and he's also talking about the old blue "non-p" version
this board is actually really nice lookin' and feelin'
but he brings up one point about LLC that i'm also a bit pissed off about
- all settings have vdroop .. some bigger some smaller... only "extreme" prevents that - but it does so by dumping so much voltage it's crazy -
there needs to be a middle ground but there isn't ... 1.41v will be around 1.47 when cpu is under full load, 1.44 volts will go way over 1.5 etc. - it's crazy
http://forums.duke4.net/topic/6787-what-a-piece-of-shit-gigabyte-ga-970a-ud3-review/
this and the fact that the 2nd pci-express slot is only 4x are my only problems with this board...
but then again you buy a 990fx board for more pci lanes....

also if you'll buy only around christmas we might have some new choices out as well - i think intel's 5th gen broadwell processors will already be out by then...
 
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theAngeLs

theAngeLs

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I was looking around overclocking videos with FX-6300 and saw this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_bxFCeD1sI
Do you think that would apply well to the UD3P motherboard? Thanks for the links and info!
UPDATE:I could spend another 30-60€ on a motherboard, and you recommended me 990FX, but what do you think about this: http://www.jimms.fi/tuote/90-MXGST0-A0UAYZ Its a finnish site but should say desc in english.
UPDATE: Also, I found a nice looking case which has 2 fans for cooling http://www.jimms.fi/tuote/CC-9011050-WW and its from Corsair. I might get around 200-300€ (most likely around 250€) on christmast, so I could spend for a case too, because I'm stuck with this weird case which doesn't look that amusing. Of course I won't keep staring at my computer how beautiful it is, but cooling would be nice too, especially for overclocking, right? Every gamer wants to have a nice case, at least most of them. :) Would these fit in that case?
Fatal1ty 990FX KILLER AM3+, AMD990FX, DDR3, ATX (If I buy this, mostly would depend on your opinion. Great looking motherboard and looks promising to me at least.)
Optiarc DVD-RW AD.7241S ATA Device (6 years old, its ok, but not that good.)
GTX 670 Factory O.C Mini 2GB (7 months old)
FX-6300 (7 months old)
8GB Hyper-X RAM (CL9, 1600MHz)
Corsair 600W V2 80+ Bronze
ST3500418AS ATA Device (HDD) (around 6 years old now, still works like charm! 450GB)
P.S I could delay my 144hz 1ms monitor for christmast, and buy SS Rival + NiP Qck+ mousepad with the case, motherboard and cooler to get into the subject faster. If i find good cheap 7200rpm hdd, I may buy it if I can afford it.
 
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theAngeLs

theAngeLs

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I searched a bit and someone said this about FX8350 (I know I have FX-6300 but it might apply too?) to someone. (He has the 990FX Killer motherboard)
"If it is your first time overclocking why not just use the built in CPU overdrive in the Catalyst Control Center? It will test the system until it becomes unstable and then let you choose the frequency that you find to be most stable and which your cooling solution can handle under load. Just note that the max temp for that CPU is 62 degrees c at the core, I was using the Hyper 212 with my 8120 but ended up switching to water cooling. Was able to boost it on water from a stock 3.1Ghz to 4.2Ghz with a max core temp running Prime95 for 2 hours at 54 degrees c stable as can be."
Will this be safer than BIOS if its my first time overclocking?
If I buy this HDD, will it take way too much power? Western Digital 1TB Caviar Blue SATA III, 64MB (7200RPM) I really need space, because I always run out of it. Currently I have 30gb available which is not that good.
 
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yanis31

yanis31

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well if you study the links i posted you will be on the right path for bios overclocking... i never used any software oc tools and doubt they can be as good but maybe ill test it out a bit later and just check what it can do and report back ;)
in general i trust gigabyte and asus more than asrock and msi but then again every board is different...
ill check on it a bit later
 
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yanis31

yanis31

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just tried AMD Overdrive ...
it adds 500mhz (4.4 ghz) in a couple of seconds and is done -
you can do the same thing with a few clicks in bios.. this can be done with most vishera cpu's

then i ticked "voltage boost" and ran again
and it took a longer time and went up to 4.5ghz ( 200mhz x 22.5 multiplier )
but it does so with 1.536 (according to cpu-z / 1.512 in overdrive) volts which vdroop to 1.5 volts under load
and NB VID to 1.3 volts which is overkill for this setting... i haven't seen a need of more than 1.25 and only past 4.5 ... until 4.5 ghz i can leave these alone
and on top of it all its not 100% stable...

basically avoid all of this and tune in bios...
you can get slightly better performance if you do a FSB and Multiplier combo where overdrive only does multiplier and it overvolts it...
with the LLC extreme setting i can atleast go for a lower idle voltage and get a boost under load only when it's necessary so it's not too bad...

with fsb and multi combo i can get 4.7 ghz and possibly even more if i really wanted to test it for days on end... trouble is - it can be very time consuming to stresstest every new setting you found...
 
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theAngeLs

theAngeLs

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I still have 1 month and 8 days holiday, so I have time to do tests to get it stable. So I'll follow JayzTwoCents overclocking guide step by step and do the same stress tests? Also, do you think I should buy that 990FX Killer motherboard? I'll read all those guides soon, because I want to make sure I don't damage my hardware. So, 15 minutes of stress test on each change? My voltage is max 1.368 what I've seen so far while PAYDAY 2 runs on the background (dont know if that affects it lol) (CPU-Z) and CPU usage is aroud 12-35% while gaming, GPU usage around 42%, and GPU temparature is 65 while payday 2 ran, now its 51. Also, thanks again yanis31.
UPDATE: Am I supposed to use the settings in bulldozer overclock guide or JayzTwoCents video?
 
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theAngeLs

theAngeLs

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Are these really necessary or can I survive with 990FX Killer? I could drop off the HDD , so I could afford Extreme9, and buy it on christmast along with the monitor.
 
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