Overclocking first time, need advice please; intel core 2 duo

[dbrs94]

Hey I want to overclock my CPU, my specs are:

-Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @3.0 ghz
-4GB DDR2 RAM
-EVGA 122-YW-E173 Motherboard
-nvidia gtx 460 1GB GPU (dont have it yet, coming in mail tomorrow)
-680W PSU

this is what my setup looks like (if it helps): http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/1921/imag0042t.jpg

Can I overclock to 3.6 ghz safely? I've searched the forum, but haven't been able to compile all of the information I might need - like max core temp and stability efforts I should take. I've read a few guides and I know the basic process of overclocking. Please help

thanks

 

[jsc]

This should be your first stop.
Core2 Overclocking Guide
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/259899-11-core-overclocking-guide

Next stop should be a guide for your particular motherboard. Google is your friend. you can also take a look at this:
680i overclocking guide
http://pc.ign.com/articles/747/747606p3.html

The 750i is just a nVidia 600i series chipset that has been modified to be compatible with the Yorkfield CPU's. It uses the same BIOS.

Go through the guides. Then take your core voltage off Auto and set your memory voltage to factory recommended values. The only thing I would do differently (680i guide) is to set your memory clock to 667 MHz, instead of of 800 MHz like the guide says. This will set the Memory clock to twice the FSB frequency. Then when you increase the FSB, the memory clock will rise in in proportion with it. At an FSB of 333 MHz, your memory clock should be at 667 MHz.

Download CPU-Z to check your FSB:RAM ratio. It should be a 1:1 ratio.

Make sure that the system is running well before your start overclocking. I use Prime95 to test stability. You can also use a program called Orthos to test a dual core CPU. There's a lot of discussion about how long to run Prime95: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, or even 24 hours. I test for 24 hours. Most people here thing that's a little extreme.

Now you start the "increase FSB, test, adjust" cycle. All of the guides recommend that you start increasing the FSB in small steps. Because Core2 CPU's are generally very good overclockers, I recommend increasing vcore .05 volts and jumping straight to 3.3 GHz (367 MHz FSB) before you start slowing down.

If you are using the stock cooler, things are a little different. In that case, leave the vcore stock and increase the FSB up to the point of instability.

Do not exceed Intel's max recommended volt of 1.45 volts. And keep your core temps under 70 C.

 

[dbrs94]

Best answer selected by dbrs94.