Want to overclock but don't know where to start.

[steelyphil]

I built a PC and had some problems with it and ended up frying the CPU (not from trying OC) so I brought it to a PC repair place they gave me an Intel Dual Core running at 1.8 ghz. I don't know the exact model (anyway I can find that out?). I have an nvidia 9800gtx+, 4gb of ram (only 32 bit so 3gb) and it seems my PC is running slower than usual(im on xp btw). I feel like my CPU is bottle necking my PC and I wan't to OC. I want to do it more so since I want to get more RAM and grab 64 bit Windows 7 when it comes out. I have a stock cooler so I will need to upgrade. I was thinking of getting one of those water cooling kits that are for the CPU only and its really easy to set up. http://www.xoxide.com/coolit-pure-cpucooler.html something like that. Anyway, I don't know where to start. I know that you can OC from BIOS but also from your desktop with a program but I hear BIOS is safer and more effective.

Thanks

 

[MaDMagik]

Downolad CPU-Z it will tell you what cpu you have, its probably E2160 and at stock speed its definately bottlenecking your gfx card.

If you want to OC than read this guide first - http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/page-240001_11_0.html

You can OC to some point with the stock cooler, you just need to keep an eye on the temperatures(use CoreTemp or RealTemp for monitoring). Post when you have more questions, just say what motherboard you have(cpu-z should tell you that as well)

 

[steelyphil]

Thanks, I have an E6300 and my mobo is an Intel DP45SG btw.

 

[MaDMagik]

OK, but is that E6300 the "1.86ghz Core 2 Duo" or maybe "2.8ghz Dual Core" as they come with the same name e6300. Regardless which one is it the procedure is pretty much the same - increase the system bus frequency bit by bit and test for stability while watching temperatures. The guide i linked above will explain everything. Also, google "Overclocking on dp45sg" and read read read...
I had a look on some reviews of that water cooling system and it seems that while it is good its not that much better than quality air cooler while being twice as expensive, i guess the choice is yours. But like I said above, depending on ambient temp and case ventilation 2.5-3ghz is within reach even on stock cooler.

 

[jsc]

Intel motherboards are generally not good overclockers.

This should be your first stop.
HOWTO: Overclock C2Q (Quads) and C2D (Duals) - Guide v1.6.1
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/240001-29-howto-overclock-quads-duals-guide

This should be your second stop. You need to know something about thermal management or you can fry your CPU. It's actually kind of difficult to fry a modern CPU, but it is possible.
Core 2 Quad and Duo Temperature Guide
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/221745-29-core-quad-temperature-guide

Third stop will be a guide for your particular motherboard. Google is your friend.

You should be able reach 3 GHz with the stock cooler. For anything higher, you will need better cooling. Here are two under $50 heatsinks that are pretty popular:
Sunbeam
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004
Xigmatec Dark Knight
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029

They both require a somewhat different approach to applying thermal compound.
Suggestions for applying thermal compound:
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=170&Itemid=1&limit=1&limitstart=5

And they are pretty large, so they might not fit inside your case.

Go through the first two threads. Do not do anything until you have a good idea about what you are trying to do. Once you have definite questions (you will, you will ), come back and ask.

Keep in mind that these are guides, not cookbooks. YMMV. Your Mileage May Vary. Because of all the variables, you may not do as well as someone else with a similar system. Or you might do better.
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Overclocking since 1978 - Z80 (TRS-80) from 1.77 MHz to 2.01 MHz