My CPU runs cooler when overclocked?

[rs2k]

I have an AMD Phenom II 955 BE in a Gigabyte GA-MA785GM. I've been overclocking it at around 3.8 GHz @1.49 volts (CPU is the older stepping) for years and it generally runs at 55c- 60c.

After I had a cap and a transistor (around the same area as the cap) go out on the board I put the clock speed back down to 3.2 GHz and immediately ran into stability and higher temp issues. Temps were approaching 70c and BSDs were happening around twice per day. I put the speed back up to 3.8 and my system stability returned. I tried 1.45 volts and 1.49 volts.

I know I need to replace the board, but I'm trying to hold out until I can afford an Intel rig. My question is what would cause my CPU to run cooler when it's overclocked?

 

[fraza]

when you droped your speed back to stock is it? did you also take the voltage down? or is the overclock using stock voltage?

if your using stock speed with increased voltage i can imagine that running into some issues.

 

[rs2k]

When I dropped the voltage back to default I was getting BSDs, so I did have to raise the voltage.