First time overclocking need help

marquitalks

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Jun 18, 2015
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Hey guys,

I've been a long time "lurker" first time poster on this site so I defer to your expertise about overclocking. Im having trouble and I'd like to overclock to 4.3-4.5, here is my build

Case: Nzxt source elite
Psu: 750watt power supply, (the ONLY thing I don't have the exact name and model for off the top of my head sorry, let me know if you NEED this and I'll respond with it)
Cpu: Amd fx-6300 at stock
Cooler: cooler master hyper 212 evo
Mobo: asus m5a97 r2.0
Ram: g skill 8gb 4x2 ddr3 1600
Hdd: western digital 7200 rpm 1tb
Gpu: 2 amd radeon r9 280x running in crossfire


What are the steps and settings I need to be able to achieve my desired overclock? Please keep in mind I'm a total newb. Any help is appreciated, thanks ahead of time guys.

(Ps, I have NO problems posting pics of my bios if need be, just let me know what you guys need, you have a great community here and I can't wait to be a part of it)


 

QuadRings

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Jan 14, 2015
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I would raise the multiplier as far as the bios can go without throttling, then run a stress test. If it thermal throttles or crashes, lower the multiplier back down a bit. As for psu, as long as it's at least 80+ bronze, you should be fine.
 

marquitalks

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Jun 18, 2015
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4,510



Thanks man, I'll try that as soon as I can tonight, I appreciate your help, I'll respond to let you know how I make out. Just so were clear your talking about the "cpu ratio"?
 

Soulage

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Apr 14, 2015
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I'm sorry but it doesn't sound like you've got much experience at all.
Also just because a manufacturor says their product is 80+ bronze, a standard that has no real universal guidelines, doesn't mean it is in fact any good.
Some use poor components, it may have 80+ efficiency but for how long?

OP;
This is a rough draft of something I started writing a while ago but never polished, it covers quite a bit in a short ish time but you should probably do a little research aswell, it kind of assumes you know a few things 1st but it should help. (Tried to add a few extra bits before posting but quite tired.)

To start with disable turbo and any power saving features, and if you're thottling when running a stress test and there are no thermal issues try again with APM disabled and then again with HPC enabled if it persists. If it's still happening after that it's something else.

After disabling the above settings, start by raising the multiplier 100MHz at a time from stock values, each time running Intel Burn Test on standard untill it fails. Once it fails move on to voltage, raise that a notch at a time untill you can pass a standard test. Once you can pass standard you have a base to work from but aren't finished yet, run the test on very high and repeat with voltage untill you can pass that. If you want to achieve a higher overclock (thermal and voltage headroom allowing) carry on raising the multi and voltage as I mentioned. Once you've found what you're happy with run a different stress test such as Prime95, OCCT, Aida64 for at least an hour, applying small bumps in voltage as necessary for stability. Voltage shouldn't exceed 1.55 at the most but this is for higher end overclocking with water cooling.

All the while you should be monitoring temps with something like AMD Overdrive Utility, HWMonitor or HWInfo. Also check your clock speeds are what is set and look for voltage drops. Going by what I've seen posted most often, don't exceed 62c for running a 24/7 OC, you can go over in the stress test as long as you aren't throttling but when running your most intensive games/software you should aim to be under the 62c. It's about finding a balance.
If you see the voltage dropping below what you have set in BIOS, apply some Load Line Calibration. Aim to have it as close to the BIOS value as possible while under stress test conditions.

After you get all that done and think you are stable, run heaven or valley benchmark a couple of times, in some instances you may still get some errors / crash and require a bit more tweaking. You could also run a memtest just to be sure RAM is working as it should.

If you end up crashing and cannot boot / locking up your BIOS, 1st try clearing CMOS, either by button, jumper or removing the battery for up to a minute with the plug disconnected from the wall (also press the power button a couple of times to dissipate left over charge).

Edit, Actually I just saw you're running 2 280x's, could you get that make and model number of your PSU?