Overclocking Q6700 on Dell XPS 410

[RunningMyDDR2Off]

Okay, quick question...
I've recently (4 months ago) upgraded my processor from an E6300 to a Q6700, without problem. Now, I've, since my PC's been stable at default frequency, push the CPU a bit harder, 'cause I do a ton of video encoding. Unfortunetly, the results haven't been pretty: at 3 Ghz, running four instances of Prime95 gets me temps of around 75-80C -- however, video encoding seems fine at this speed. I'm not quite sure what to do. Would I be fine with the overclock if idle temps are 31-35C, and video encoding's 58-65C? If not, what cooling options exist for the XPS case, besides cutting holes out of the sides?

 

[AKM880]

Correct me if I'm worng buit if you got the latest version of Prime95 it should be multithreaded. Also try OCCT.

 

[RunningMyDDR2Off]

Correct me if I'm worng buit if you got the latest version of Prime95 it should be multithreaded. Also try OCCT.

Yes, true, but when running a single instance of Prim95, I get about 15-30% on each of the cores, instead of the required 100%. So, therefore, I activate four instances. That's when Core Temp reads insane values...

 

[AKM880]

Try O.C.C.T, use HWMonitor to monitor temps.

 

[RunningMyDDR2Off]

^ Thanks, much better values using OCCT! My two other questions, though: what can be done to improve cooling in the Dell XPS 410, and would you suggest overclocking to 3.2 ghz, if my current temps w/ 3 ghz are about 63C?

 

[AKM880]

Since the layout is BTX (by the looks of it), you'll have a hard time changing the CPU cooler. Altho there is a ThermalTake BTX fan. Can you possibly take pics of the CPU HSF and the interior of the case?

And you overclocking with the BIOS correct?

 

[RunningMyDDR2Off]

Can you possibly take pics of the CPU HSF and the interior of the case?

This is, essentially, my heatsink:

Inside:

And you overclocking with the BIOS correct?

No, I'm increasing the FSB with SetFSB, within windows. Dell BIOS is locked.

 

[AKM880]

Ahh I thought that the XPS models had unlocked BIOS's did SetFSB automatically recognize your board?

 

[AKM880]

Remember to stress test for atleast 6 hours, Dell doesn't have the greatest cooling. If your overclocking to 3.2Ghz thats around 600+Mhz overclock from the stock Q6700 speed (2.66)

So watch temps carefully!

 

[RunningMyDDR2Off]

Ahh I thought that the XPS models had unlocked BIOS's did SetFSB automatically recognize your board?

No, I found, from online guides, that the XPS 410 board usually employed a modified well-known mobo. I used that model's controller, and it worked.

Now, any suggestions for cooling?

 

[AKM880]

Looks like the Thermaltake fan is discontinued.......

I can't seem to find any other BTX replacement fan, I guess modding is the easy way.

 

[RunningMyDDR2Off]

^ Okay, thanks for the help.

 

[lakeapple]

No, I found, from online guides, that the XPS 410 board usually employed a modified well-known mobo. I used that model's controller, and it worked.

Now, any suggestions for cooling?

What was the model number? I was trying to use SetFSB but could not find which one to use. I hate the way Dell locks everything down. Last time I go Dell, next system with be custom built although the HP firebird looks good. Love to have the Blackbird but way too much money.

 

[AKM880]

^ Try the latest version of SetFSB, it should recognize the Dell motherboard on its own.

 

[RunningMyDDR2Off]

What was the model number? I was trying to use SetFSB but could not find which one to use. I hate the way Dell locks everything down. Last time I go Dell, next system with be custom built although the HP firebird looks good. Love to have the Blackbird but way too much money.

Try the SLG505YC56DT; that worked for me. Please make sure, though, that your RAM supports the FSB speed you're going for, and that you've sufficient cooling (adding 2 80mm fans in the XPS 410's grill lowered CPU temps by 2-6 degrees C).

 

[delluser1]

Try the SLG505YC56DT

That's the PLL chip number, the only one that allowed Clockgen to work for me.
Of the half dozen 410's I owned only 2 had it.

 

[RunningMyDDR2Off]

That's the PLL chip number, the only one that allowed Clockgen to work for me.
Of the half dozen 410's I owned only 2 had it.

I'm lucky, it seems.

 

[Mugz]

The golden rule of overclocking is:

Research every individual component THOROUGHLY and build the machine from scratch from parts. Easiest way.

Discuss.