F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Overclocking Can we really push this system beyond its limits?

Can we really push this system beyond its limits?

Can we really push this system beyond its limits?

B
Blumoonwillo
Junior Member
3
05-08-2025, 05:01 AM
#1
I own a Dell Optiplex 790 equipped with a standard Dell motherboard and an Intel 2400 Sandy Bridge processor.
B
Blumoonwillo
05-08-2025, 05:01 AM #1

I own a Dell Optiplex 790 equipped with a standard Dell motherboard and an Intel 2400 Sandy Bridge processor.

W
wingnut75
Junior Member
5
05-08-2025, 08:31 PM
#2
Some say going from a HDD to a SSD has no impact on FPS in games. And that is true, however, you will notice better overall performance. Games keep a cache of the files they need. So when you walk into a room, or different part of the map, the CPU will grab these files off of the SSD as they are needed. The faster your storage is, the faster textures, or parts of a map will be loaded in which can...
W
wingnut75
05-08-2025, 08:31 PM #2

Some say going from a HDD to a SSD has no impact on FPS in games. And that is true, however, you will notice better overall performance. Games keep a cache of the files they need. So when you walk into a room, or different part of the map, the CPU will grab these files off of the SSD as they are needed. The faster your storage is, the faster textures, or parts of a map will be loaded in which can...

E
Eagle_eye27
Junior Member
16
05-08-2025, 09:00 PM
#3
You won't be able to increase the CPU speed, even with a Z-series board. With that board, I believe the only option is to overclock the GPU (if you have a separate graphics card), using tools like MSI Afterburner or similar software.
E
Eagle_eye27
05-08-2025, 09:00 PM #3

You won't be able to increase the CPU speed, even with a Z-series board. With that board, I believe the only option is to overclock the GPU (if you have a separate graphics card), using tools like MSI Afterburner or similar software.

W
Wouterman1079
Member
193
05-09-2025, 05:28 AM
#4
Check out this PC benchmark report. Find more details here: [link]
W
Wouterman1079
05-09-2025, 05:28 AM #4

Check out this PC benchmark report. Find more details here: [link]

F
FieryInferno
Member
109
05-15-2025, 02:24 AM
#5
It plays the games I enjoy (mainly CSGO and similar), but I'd prefer them in a faster format. However, I give up. My system doesn't support overclocking, and I've tried all available programs for that purpose. I ordered an SSD which should speed up my operating system at least. Anyway, I'm still having fun trying to upgrade this old machine.
F
FieryInferno
05-15-2025, 02:24 AM #5

It plays the games I enjoy (mainly CSGO and similar), but I'd prefer them in a faster format. However, I give up. My system doesn't support overclocking, and I've tried all available programs for that purpose. I ordered an SSD which should speed up my operating system at least. Anyway, I'm still having fun trying to upgrade this old machine.

C
coolerijk
Member
125
05-16-2025, 01:55 PM
#6
Some claim switching from an HDD to an SSD doesn't affect FPS in games. That statement holds, but you'll still see improved general performance. Games store frequently accessed files. When entering a new area or part of the map, the CPU retrieves these files quickly from the SSD. The quicker your storage, the faster textures and map sections load, which can significantly boost game performance if it was previously a problem. This effect is likely more noticeable in larger world games, though it may not be as apparent in CSGO where maps are smaller. Keep in mind that high-quality SSDs are getting more affordable each year. Eventually, HDDs will become obsolete, similar to dial-up internet.
C
coolerijk
05-16-2025, 01:55 PM #6

Some claim switching from an HDD to an SSD doesn't affect FPS in games. That statement holds, but you'll still see improved general performance. Games store frequently accessed files. When entering a new area or part of the map, the CPU retrieves these files quickly from the SSD. The quicker your storage, the faster textures and map sections load, which can significantly boost game performance if it was previously a problem. This effect is likely more noticeable in larger world games, though it may not be as apparent in CSGO where maps are smaller. Keep in mind that high-quality SSDs are getting more affordable each year. Eventually, HDDs will become obsolete, similar to dial-up internet.

B
Bananabut12
Member
64
05-17-2025, 02:31 AM
#7
Yes, it's possible. A tool named Throttlestop (others exist) can push the CPU to its maximum Turbo core for four cores. Be careful about cooling since this will increase heat output.

My Garage PC is a locked SFF HP with an i5-2500 processor that operates at 3.4GHz across all four cores. The stock speed is 3.3GHz, making it only a modest 100MHz overclock.

The i5-2400 can handle 3.2GHz on all four cores when using a locked OEM board instead of the default 3.1GHz.

Once you're satisfied with Throttlestop's performance, you can place it in the Startup folder so it launches with Windows.
https://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_i5/Intel-Core i5-2400 CM8062300834106.html
ThrottleStop 9.7.3 Download
ThrottleStop is a lightweight app aimed at detecting and fixing the three primary CPU throttling methods commonly found on many laptops.
www.techpowerup.com
B
Bananabut12
05-17-2025, 02:31 AM #7

Yes, it's possible. A tool named Throttlestop (others exist) can push the CPU to its maximum Turbo core for four cores. Be careful about cooling since this will increase heat output.

My Garage PC is a locked SFF HP with an i5-2500 processor that operates at 3.4GHz across all four cores. The stock speed is 3.3GHz, making it only a modest 100MHz overclock.

The i5-2400 can handle 3.2GHz on all four cores when using a locked OEM board instead of the default 3.1GHz.

Once you're satisfied with Throttlestop's performance, you can place it in the Startup folder so it launches with Windows.
https://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_i5/Intel-Core i5-2400 CM8062300834106.html
ThrottleStop 9.7.3 Download
ThrottleStop is a lightweight app aimed at detecting and fixing the three primary CPU throttling methods commonly found on many laptops.
www.techpowerup.com

C
coolman9222
Posting Freak
754
05-17-2025, 10:52 AM
#8
Can this chip (intel i7 2700k 3.5 ghz) fit in this computer (Dell Optiplex 790 with the standard Dell motherboard) and be overclocked? I've checked various sources and found mixed opinions.
C
coolman9222
05-17-2025, 10:52 AM #8

Can this chip (intel i7 2700k 3.5 ghz) fit in this computer (Dell Optiplex 790 with the standard Dell motherboard) and be overclocked? I've checked various sources and found mixed opinions.

N
NLHawky
Junior Member
13
05-18-2025, 05:48 PM
#9
The system is running at 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4. Are there additional applications that can be used to increase performance after the throttling stops?
N
NLHawky
05-18-2025, 05:48 PM #9

The system is running at 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4. Are there additional applications that can be used to increase performance after the throttling stops?