Is overclocking worth it on a $410 build?

[damric]

CPU: $70
Cooling: $20
Mobo: $45
RAM: $50
GPU: $155
PSU: $70
------------
Total: $410

3dMark11 stock: P2812

3dMark11 unlocked and overclocked: P4343

Overclock performance scaling: 54%

Learning to overclock: priceless

 

[simon12]

Nice what speed did you get it to (mine does 3.7GHz 4 cores)?

 

[damric]

3.6 core/2.6nb is the stable limit on this piece of junk cpu. Ran the HD 6850 at 1050/1225 for the benchmark.

 

[spentshells]

Cheers to that !

 

[dalauder]

I got 4 cores to 3.7GHz without working too hard--pretty lucky on that core for only paying $99 for it with the free Microcenter mobo. The whole build in an old case for $250 (no new graphics).

If you're gonna ask the question, "Is it worth it to O.C.?" The answer will always be "Yes" from these forums if you can get a stable improved clock rate at a reasonable voltage and heat output. Even a 5% OC is worth it. I asked myself that question when I baked my GeForce 7950GT back to life--and now I haven't an OC'd undead 7950GT for gaming at work at lunch.