Adjusting FX 4300 to around 4.4GHz using ASRock 970M PRO3
Adjusting FX 4300 to around 4.4GHz using ASRock 970M PRO3
Hello,
I’m completely new to overclocking and want to give it a shot on my FX 4300. I just upgraded my motherboard to the top mATX model available – the ASRock 970M PRO3. I’m curious if I can successfully run the CPU at around 4.4GHz without any problems on that board, and most importantly, how to do it correctly since I’m not sure.
Currently, my CPU is running at 3.9Ghz with a 19.5x boost, which happened once when I swapped in the new ASRock N68C-GS4 FX.
Here’s a screenshot for reference:
https://gyazo.com/bdcb9eb9cc036a33a0579f73a3e9f362
Details about my setup:
Motherboard: ASRock 970M PRO3
CPU: AMD FX 4300, Quad Core @ 3.9Ghz (not overclocked)
CPU cooler: DeepCool Ice Edge Mini FS (18C idle / 43-45C gaming temps)
RAM: 8GB (2x4GB Dual Channel) Klevv Neo Creative Evolution @ 1600MHz
GPU: GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
HDD: WD Blue 1TB, 64MB, 7200RPM
Power supply: Corsair VS450 450W
I plan to replace the CPU cooler with the CM Hyper 212X/EVO in a few days to prevent overheating if I go overclock.
Thank you.
That's a positive update since I'm not planning to upgrade to 6xxx or 8xxx because I don't notice any difference in gaming compared to the FX 4300. I'll test it once the cooler is available. Should I just increase the multiplier and keep the voltages as they are (default), or should I adjust them too? Well, 6xxx and 8xxx provide a moderate boost for gaming performance, especially in DX12 where more cores help deliver better results. It depends on whether you want to experiment with Voltage OC—make sure you don't set it too high, as that could damage your CPU core. Try small changes like increasing the millivoltage and observe the effects; if it becomes unstable, reduce it back.
There are two methods to increase AMD CPU performance, either by adjusting settings in the BIOS or using AMD Overdrive. AMD Overdrive is a tool that automatically launches an overclocker for your processor and helps track system details. For BIOS-based overclocking, the easiest approach is to slightly adjust the multiplier, progressing through levels until you reach the maximum, then save and restart to check stability. Continuing this process can reveal more advanced options beyond basic overclocking.
As Nordein said, there's 2 way to do it. So you can go with one of them, simplest way is to do it with BIOS.
Just make sure you have a good quality PSU and you're ready to go.
And yes, Ice Edge Mini FS wont handle 4300 when it comes to Overclocking, so you should get a better HSF or Watercooling Kit.
There's nothing more to say, you can just go with them.
Thank you both.
Well, yeah, I can just raise up the multiplier to 22 which equals 4.4GHz in the BIOS, but wouldn't it require more power/voltage in order to run properly, cause that's what's making me confused right now.
Should I disable any other features like Cool'n'Quiet etc? Would my motherboard and PSU (450W) even handle it because I heard the ASRock 970M Pro3 isn't really good for overclocking with it's 4+1 power phase even though it's heatsinked?
About the AMDOD, I'd refrain from using it as I heard some weird stuff about it - like it throttles your CPU while gaming because it "thinks" that you don't need that much power even when you actually do need it?!
However, I'll surely give it a try once I get the new cooler, thing is I want to know the details before proceeding so I don't just run around the BIOS like a full retard - doing tests that might damage my components.
Thank you both. I understand raising the multiplier to 22 would give me 4.4GHz in BIOS, but it might need more power or voltage to work properly, which is confusing. Should I turn off other features like Cool'n'Quiet? Would my motherboard and 450W PSU be able to handle it, considering the ASRock 970M Pro3 isn't ideal for overclocking despite having a heatsink? I plan to try it once I get a new cooler, but I want to know the details first to avoid damaging my components. Yes, you should disable extra features such as Turbo Core and CnQ, as they can sometimes reduce the CPU multiplier. I’m sure your PSU can manage the constant power needed since increasing to 4300 only adds about 15-20 watts. The 4+1 setup seems safe, ASRock is reputable and offers good parts, so it should work for an OC with 4xxx, though maybe not for higher numbers like 6xxx or 8xxx.
I appreciate both of you. I can simply set the multiplier to 22, which gives 4.4GHz in the BIOS, but it would likely need more power or voltage to function correctly, which is what’s causing my confusion right now. Should I turn off any other features like Cool'n'Quiet? Would my motherboard and 450W PSU be able to handle it, since I’ve heard the ASRock 970M Pro3 isn’t ideal for overclocking with its 4+1 power phase, even though it has a heatsink? Regarding AMDOD, I’d avoid using it because I’ve heard some unusual reports—like it throttles your CPU during games because it assumes you don’t need much power when you actually do. Nevertheless, I’ll try it once I get the new cooler installed. I just want to understand the details before proceeding so I don’t accidentally damage my components. MCID47 is right about my motherboard—you should be okay overclocking with it. Personally, I’ve never faced issues with AMDOD compared to standard BIOS overclocking; it’s not as thorough, but it’s faster. When testing CPU overclocks, you can safely experiment with the multiplier adjustment until you reach voltage changes without risking harm. It’s a good idea to explore your BIOS a bit to become comfortable. The safest approach is to modify one setting at a time and restart afterward.
That's a positive update since I'm not planning to upgrade to 6xxx or 8xxx because I don't notice any difference in gaming compared to the FX 4300. I'll test it once the cooler is available. Should I just increase the multiplier and keep the voltages as they are (default), or should I adjust them too? Well, 6xxx and 8xxx provide a moderate boost for gaming performance, especially in DX12 where more cores help deliver better results. It depends on whether you want to experiment with Voltage OC—make sure you don't set it too high, as that could damage your CPU core. Try small changes like increasing the millivoltage and observe the effects; if it becomes unstable, reduce it back.