Taking the Leap (first overclock)

[wheelieInCali]

Hello all! I've been using the same processor (3.0 GHz P4 dual core) for almost 4 years since I first built my PC. I had to get a new mobo (EVGA XFX nForce 750i SLI) about 7 months ago because the old Intel mobo blew a resister, I love a reason to buy new hardware. So anyway, I'm ready to push my processor and am considering the stress testers out there. I've heard Prime 95 is the way to go but I saw something a while back that really got me interested. Three years ago I was visiting Puerto Rico and I walked in on my friends cousin stress testing his CPU. He was using a program that rendered graphics strictly by CPU and with each level of CPU complexity the graphics would get more and more intense. I want to use that program but I can't seem to find out what the name of it is. Have any of you heard of a program like this or have any advice for a noob overclocker?

Thank you in advance.

 

[ares1214]

do you have ample cooling. if you have stock, there isn't much use. more GHz=more volts=more heat

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I use Prime95 as my final test but overnght runs rtake up lotta time....OCCT does the job in an hour.....I still run P95 to check temps but I have yet to have P95 discover an unstable OC that OCCT didn't discover 1st.

http://www.ocbase.com/perestroika_en/index.php

 

[wheelieInCali]

do you have ample cooling. if you have stock, there isn't much use. more GHz=more volts=more heat

I got an oversized heatsink when I started gaming with my home made system and that kept things pretty cool. I've since added hardware including a stronger graphics card. Since I now keep my computer in the tight lower shelf of my desk I have decided to get a water cooler because the air flow in that tight space is less than optimal. I'm doing research now and have read many tutorials and testimonials on this site. I should be up and running water cooled by Christmas, then I will begin overclocking with Koolance custom external cooling.

 

[ares1214]

i would upgrade your computer. with deals like these, you might as well be more future-proof:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.306543

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.308218

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.309384

(just kidding about the last one )

but yea, why waste trying to get this faster, when it is probably not going to perform a seventh as well as these combos.