Firstly thanks to all who had helped me with my previous questions - this website is a godsend.
(if you don't want to read it all, my questions are at the bottom)
GAMING ON A BUDGET
FACTORY SETTINGS
CPU: AMD A8-7650k 3.3ghz - with stock cooler (I know, get a 212 Evo at least, hear me out first)
APU/iGPU (integrated graphics) 1Gb of RAM - 720Mhz clock speed.
Memory: 16Gb (2x8Gb Dual Channel) Crucial RAM - CAS11 timings - 1600Mhz.
Motherboard MSI A68HM-E33 V2 (SM07721)
Case is large for small motherboard, 2 Crucial 120mm fans (front & back) with an extra Crucial 120mm fan on the side, pulling air onto the CPU & stock cooler (at a reasonable distance so doesn't affect the airflow).
OVERCLOCKED SETTINGS (all done through MSI Bios Settings)
I have disabled AMD Cool & Quiet, C6 & Enabled AMD Turbo Boost (CPU now at 3.6ghz).
RAM overclocked to 1866Mhz (any higher isn't stable).
APU - I've selected the (Dual Graphics) setting to enable me to take one more Gb from the RAM for the iGPU - meaning 2Gb instead of just 1Gb.
I've also increased the clock speed from 720Mhz to 960Mhz (any higher causes instability.
This means I get these temperatures from factory settings:
Idle: 32C-34C
Normal usage: 38C-45C
Gaming:45C-48C
Temperatures from overclocked settings:
Idle: 40C-42C
Normal usage: 48C-52C
Gaming: 52C-56C
This is without increasing any voltage at all (don't think I can with this mobo or cpu).
With increasing the System Fans & CPU Fans to between 75%-100% where necessary.
All-in-all this results in a massive improvement in gaming experience.
I play Total War: Warhammer (released 1 month ago) on medium settings in 720p averaging 30FPS!!
All for a budget 200 pounds for the PC rig + 25 for the extra 8Gb stick of RAM & I splashed out 18 for the extra fan & connections. I already had a keyboard (Razr Starcraft 2 keyboard) & mouse & a 32" Monitor.
THIS MEANS THAT THE PC ALONE COST ME 225 POUNDS, (no need for the extra fan) TOTALLY WORTH IT!
This is on a 250watt PSU by the way! (maybe I should upgrade this first).
I do have questions, like increasing the Northbridge frequencey (left it on Auto - 1800Mhz - but have tried it up to 2200Mhz with no real perceptible change).
Can someone please elaborate more on the NorthBridge/CPU NB side of things?
Is it useless trying to do any more without having a higher PSU?
What would you recommend be my next step or should I content myself with this?
This is my very first AMD experience & first time doing a full PC overclock and I can see why it has so many of us in awe, with the feeling of control & power beneath our finger tips!
JL
(if you don't want to read it all, my questions are at the bottom)
GAMING ON A BUDGET
FACTORY SETTINGS
CPU: AMD A8-7650k 3.3ghz - with stock cooler (I know, get a 212 Evo at least, hear me out first)
APU/iGPU (integrated graphics) 1Gb of RAM - 720Mhz clock speed.
Memory: 16Gb (2x8Gb Dual Channel) Crucial RAM - CAS11 timings - 1600Mhz.
Motherboard MSI A68HM-E33 V2 (SM07721)
Case is large for small motherboard, 2 Crucial 120mm fans (front & back) with an extra Crucial 120mm fan on the side, pulling air onto the CPU & stock cooler (at a reasonable distance so doesn't affect the airflow).
OVERCLOCKED SETTINGS (all done through MSI Bios Settings)
I have disabled AMD Cool & Quiet, C6 & Enabled AMD Turbo Boost (CPU now at 3.6ghz).
RAM overclocked to 1866Mhz (any higher isn't stable).
APU - I've selected the (Dual Graphics) setting to enable me to take one more Gb from the RAM for the iGPU - meaning 2Gb instead of just 1Gb.
I've also increased the clock speed from 720Mhz to 960Mhz (any higher causes instability.
This means I get these temperatures from factory settings:
Idle: 32C-34C
Normal usage: 38C-45C
Gaming:45C-48C
Temperatures from overclocked settings:
Idle: 40C-42C
Normal usage: 48C-52C
Gaming: 52C-56C
This is without increasing any voltage at all (don't think I can with this mobo or cpu).
With increasing the System Fans & CPU Fans to between 75%-100% where necessary.
All-in-all this results in a massive improvement in gaming experience.
I play Total War: Warhammer (released 1 month ago) on medium settings in 720p averaging 30FPS!!
All for a budget 200 pounds for the PC rig + 25 for the extra 8Gb stick of RAM & I splashed out 18 for the extra fan & connections. I already had a keyboard (Razr Starcraft 2 keyboard) & mouse & a 32" Monitor.
THIS MEANS THAT THE PC ALONE COST ME 225 POUNDS, (no need for the extra fan) TOTALLY WORTH IT!
This is on a 250watt PSU by the way! (maybe I should upgrade this first).
I do have questions, like increasing the Northbridge frequencey (left it on Auto - 1800Mhz - but have tried it up to 2200Mhz with no real perceptible change).
Can someone please elaborate more on the NorthBridge/CPU NB side of things?
Is it useless trying to do any more without having a higher PSU?
What would you recommend be my next step or should I content myself with this?
This is my very first AMD experience & first time doing a full PC overclock and I can see why it has so many of us in awe, with the feeling of control & power beneath our finger tips!
JL
But yeah, the PSU would be first on the list. Awesome post!
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