i have a q6600 G0 stepping with stock cooling, a GA-G33M-DS2R MB by Gigabyte, 8800gt, and 2 gigs of w/e kind of ram i had put in it. I have been trying to overclock my q6600 for quite a long time, getting to 3.0 Ghz was easy just stepped up the voltage to 1.29, the problem is i seem to have to really jack up the voltage to get it stable on higher OC's, i have been up to 3.6 Ghz but it wouldnt pass prime95 and was way to hot. I'm just trying to get like 3.2 Ghz for now but im not stable at 3.15 Ghz with a voltage of 1.35-when i increase it more it will last longer on prime95. I bought new ram thinking it was the problem it hasnt come yet but i think it was pointless. I am just wondering if i need a better cooler or is there something else, i have tinkered with so many settings in the bios with no result.

Get Better Cooling.........
You likely can't get higher w/o more voltage and you can't apply more voltage w/o overheating the CPU.

I'll second the improvement of cooling. There are many good aftermarket coolers out there. Check out a few reviews to find one that suits your needs. If you're trying to hit 3.6GHz, you're going to need the very best air cooler.

danamics lm10 liquid metal cooler is due q3 this year, and rivals watercooling
keep your eyes open 0_0 im signed up for their news letter and everything

what's the big deal between 3.0 and 3.2 really. i can run stable at 3.2 but the cost is the chip runs 10C higher (at 3.0g it idle at 37C, at 3.2g it idle at 48C)

you should be happy with 3g with stock heat sink. my guess is even if you change to a branded heat sink, you won't get to 3.4g on air cool.

unless you are really interested in how far you can push the chip. i would just skip the troubles and be happy with 3.0g

Yeah, stick to 3G the difference isn't that noticeable. You might also try using Real Temp to check your temps and read the Core 2 Quad and Duo Temperature Guide.

I run mine at 3.4 on air. its a G0 stepping and is stable. My Vcore is @ 1.43 though.

I guess I just have a good chip that the temps remain within limits, also my case is adequately ventilated.

I can't stress enough that with air cooling you need good ventilation in your case. If that hot air has nowhere to go your temps will just keep going up until your core goes unstable.

the thing is if the voltage isnt high enough (which needs to be real high) it will fail prime95 almost instantly

any ideas?

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