Overclocking a Core 2 Duo e6420

[tsponholz]

I have a couple of questions reguarding this. I have never overclocked before, so I am looking for easy solutions as much as best.

What is realistically the max I could overclock an e6420 with the stock cooler?

If I put a different cooler in it has to be quiter than stock. Any recommendations? It has to be around the $40-50 dollar mark too, otherwise I'd spend the extra $150 and get a e6700.

I want to choose this chip, because it should save me a bunch on a new system cost. (That and my favorite computer store, Memory Express, seems to be selling it early.) I'd be happy it I can get it up to 2.66.

Also, I plan on putting it all in a Antec Solo. Should I buy a second fan for the case (comes with 1 120mm)?

Thanks.

 

[darkangelism]

Scythe ninja Rev B, tuniq tower, themalright 120+ would be much better cooling choices that would give you a much better OC, 2.66 would be easy with those, on stock it would probably be possible, but your might have higher temps.

 

[uri]

1. You should be able to get it to 2.6 even with stock cooler.

2. I would recommend the Freezer 7 (Arctic Cooling). It is not as powerfull as the Ninja or Tuniq Tower but it is quiet, effective and doesn't cost too much, and considering the fact that you aren't going for extreme OC it should be enough.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Arctic_Cooling_Freezer_7_Pro_CPU_Heatsink,__20300393/
I'm not sure about this site because I don't live in the US

 

[skyguy]

Don't bother with the Ninja.....poor pushpin mounts, very bulky, not the greatest cooler, yes it's silent but there are better options. If you want quiet and good, Thermalright Ultra 120 with a Scythe or Noctua fan.....or a Noctua NH-U12F...it will easily beat the Ninja and a Zalman 9500.

If you want high performance, then the Ultra 120 with a high-output 120mm fan, or a Tuniq Tower.

Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro 7 is a good choice, but only a 92mm fan and isn't the quietest of the bunch.

Thermaltake Big Typhoon is another worthy of a look.

 

[tsponholz]

Thanks for the advice. It sounds like I could get away with the type of OC I am looking for with a very quite cooler!

I think I might look around for a Noctua NH-U12F, as I've recently seen a very positive review for this cooler.

Anyone want to add a comment on the odds of getting an e6320 to match or beat the e6700 (2.66 GHz)? I could save myself an extra $30.

 

[skyguy]

1) A 63xx can hit 2.66ghz NO PROBLEM. Piece of overclocking cake

2) A 6320 for $30 less than a 6700?!?!?!? That must be a typo!!!! And if not, double check. And if it IS true, then you just found the deal of the year, and should share the link with the rest of us

 

[alcattle]

I think he meant $30 cheaper than a e6420. Cool your jets, Sky

 

[skyguy]

CRAP. Hey, I can dream, can't I? LOL

 

[tsponholz]

2) A 6320 for $30 less than a 6700?!?!?!? That must be a typo!!!! ...

Actually meant $30 cheaper than the 6420. It seems like I can get it easily to 2.66, so if I can do the same with a 6320 i'll do that.

They are essentially the same chip with different clock speed, right?

 

[skyguy]

Basically, yes. The 6420's *might* be binned a bit higher, but generally speaking, it won't matter. They're the same chip, but the 6420 just has an 8x multiplier, the 6320 has a 7x multi. 2.66ghz is a piece of cake to hit on an overclock, provided you have 800 RAM.

 

[senor_bob]

2) A 6320 for $30 less than a 6700?!?!?!? That must be a typo!!!! ...

Actually meant $30 cheaper than the 6420. It seems like I can get it easily to 2.66, so if I can do the same with a 6320 i'll do that.

They are essentially the same chip with different clock speed, right?
Of course, you could just get the 6700 and take it to 3.3 GHz on DDR2-667 (which I got for free)... It took me all of about 30 minutes from when I got the system built to get there - boot at 2.66, install Windoze, reboot at 3 GHz, everything OK, reboot at 3.33, run 2x prime95 for two hours, declare victory for day 1.

Seriously the upper C2Ds are a waste of money (compared to the E6x20s) unless you either clock the daylights out of them or make up the cost with cheap RAM on the lower FSB.

 

[skyguy]

Ya, I got my 6300 OC'd to 3.2....and I had to stop because my case is near the furnace vent and temps get too high for my liking. Even still, sucking 3.2 ghz out of a $200 C2D.....gotta love that

 

[JoeyJohnson]

I would suggest getting a e4300. For just over 100 bucks you can get 2.7 to 3ghz with stock fan and stock voltage.
I have mine running at 3.38 ghz at 22C idle and 38 Load.
Using Asus Commando MB with OCZ ddr2 800 Ati cert (red spreaders)
Of course the reason for the low tems is I am running watercooled with a thermaltake wc case.
I have built one for a buddy using the Big typhoon VX at stock voltage to 3.1 ghz with 27 idle and 48 load. This is amazing for non-water cool. The sisandra marks for this system ar 29000 (3000 more then a extreme core duo). My 3.4ghz runs 32158 on Sisandra math marks. This is amazing for a 110 chip.
If anyone wants the voltage and ddr settings I can post them. Running 1-1 fsb/mem timings.

 

[tsponholz]

I would suggest getting a e4300.

I love the idea of buying a dirt cheap, bottom end chip and cranking it up to get as much performance as one that will cost $300+ more. Only problem is, I think that much OC is a bit over my head.

I think I'll stick with either the e6320 or e6420 because I won't have to push them as hard. I'm now leaning to the 6420, because it is probably enough juice for me at stock for a bit. That way I don't have to try to OC until I need it... or get the balls to give it run!

 

[zZoRk]

What are your settings.. for your friends computer that you setup? Ive got the Freezer 7 pro, e4300, msi 650i mboard, ddr2 667 or.. maybe 800.

fsb, multiplyer,vcore, ram speeds, etc?