Phenom II X4 940 Help

Hey all, just built and set up my new computer yesterday, and I've started some overclocking. (This is my first home built computer so I'm not savvy with overclocking quite yet.) So far, I've put the multiplier to x17 and that puts the clock speed to 3.4GHz, but it randomly drops to x4 and 800MHz. Anyone mind helping me fix this and hopefully overclock some more?

Also if it helps, from what I've seen on BIOS, the system temp is 15C and the CPU temp is 23C-24C

Thanks!

EDIT- If you guys need any other system/hardware info, just ask and I'll put them up. Just was too lazy to put everything up there if it wasn't needed.

UPDATE - I'm up to 3.6GHz with x18 multiplier and 1.3625V, running prime95, the core temp is staying at about 50C, any suggestions?

Alright, thanks! I've got pretty good air cooling, so how high do you think I can safely get the multiplier/voltage?

Biostar TA790GX 128M


Also, what programs do you guys use to monitor temperature?

Speed fan. Coretemp.
these are good temp programmes.

Ok well i checked you board and you have some good headroom for o/cing.
Try amd overdrive it saves a lot of rebooting and fiddling.
Once you find your happy point then use the bios.

My Specs and settings.
Antec900, M700 750w, Phenom II x4 940 with CNPS9500 cooler, MA_790FX-UD5P,
ATI HD4870x2, Kingston ddr2800,

I have my multiplier set to x18. with 1.3625 @3600Mhz

nvm, got it

Hey mate sorry i was away.
You a lot better off using amd overdrive its designed for amd processors.
Its also very user friendly.
PM me your email ill link you some specs.

oh Overdrive, not overclock3 xD

Alright I have it stable at 3.5, but when i put the multiplier to 18 to get 3.6, it can't handle prime95

to what?

Ok now run prime95 for around 8hours to test for stability.
if its still running when you come back then its stable.

Make sure you register with prime95 and connect to the prime net server.
This way you can run auto tests and the server will make sure your running the right tests.

Yea run it over night, if worst comes to worst it will blue screen.

That card is warrented to run at 1.45, and I'm sure you could handle that voltage with a Dark Knight. I'd see how much more headroom that gives you.

Yea mate but dont take it to 1.45 straight away, creep it up in stages.
try bumping it to 1.4

you can probably go to 1.4v pretty easy on that CPU without risking much.

If this setting was stable then 1.4 will add a fair bit more head room.
Try decreasing the miltiplier by x1 and move the voltage to 1.4v
Now run the test again and check temps.
If temps are ok the increase the multiplier again

Weren't you there already?

And its dropping back to 800 when idling even though I took it off auto in BIOS