How To: Overclocking Your AMD Processor

Test Hardware, Tools, BIOS Settings, And Warnings

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Test Hardware
ProcessorsAMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition (45 nm, Quad-Core, Deneb, AM2+)
Row 1 - Cell 0 AMD Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition (65 nm, Quad-Core, Agena, AM2+)
Row 2 - Cell 0 AMD Athlon X2 7750 Black Edition (65 nm, Dual-Core, Kuma, AM2+)
Row 3 - Cell 0 AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ Black Edition (65 nm, Dual Core, Brisbane, AM2)
Memory4 GB (2*2 GB) Patriot PC2-6400 (4-4-4-12)
Row 5 - Cell 0 4 GB (2*2 GB) G.Skill Pi Black PC2-6400 (4-4-4-12)
Graphics CardsAMD Radeon HD 4870 X2
Row 7 - Cell 0 AMD Radeon HD 4850
CoolersArctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro
Row 9 - Cell 0 Xigmatek HDT-S963
MotherboardAsus M3A78-T (790GX+750SB)
Power SuppliesAntec NeoPower 650 W
Row 12 - Cell 0 Antec True Power Trio 650 W

Useful Tools:

AMD OverDrive: Overclocking Utility

CPU-Z: System Information Utility

Prime95: Stability Test

Memtest86: Memory-Test Bootable CD

Hardware Monitoring: Hardware Monitor, Core Temp, Asus Probe II, other motherboard utilities

Performance Testing: W Prime, Super Pi Mod, Cinebench, 3DMark 2006 CPU test, 3DMark Vantage CPU test

Recommended BIOS Settings:

Disable Cool ‘n’ Quiet

Disable C1E

Disable Spread Spectrum

Disable Smart CPU Fan Control

Manually set Memory Timings

Windows Power Option: High Performance

Caution:

Here's the obligatory disclaimer about breaking past manufacturer specifications: overclock at your own risk. Most hardware manufacturers, including AMD, do not warranty damage done by overclocking, even when using utilities they provide. Tom’s Hardware or this author cannot be held responsible for any damages that may occur while you overclock.