I can overclock this build.
I can overclock this build.
Hi guys,
I'm just starting out with overclocking... I've read a few things but I'm not sure if I should try to overclock my build...
Case: XFX Type 01
PS: Xfx PRO 850w Bronze
Motherboard: ASUS M5A99X EVO R2.0
CPU: FX-8 CORE VISHERA 8370
CPU Cooler: Hyper Plus 212 Evo
GPU: VGA SAPPHIRE R9 285 DDR5 OC 256B HDMI/DVI-I (11235-06-20G)
RAM: DDR3 1866 MHZ (4G KINGSTON HYPERX SAVAGE CL9 (X4) (16 in total)
Storage 1: Scandisk Ultra II 120GB
Storage 2: Western Digital Wd 1tb Sata 3 64mb Caviar Black
With this setup, should I consider doing an OC?
Will the motherboard support the overclocking?
Anyone can help me figure out the right steps?
Thanks a lot, I'll wait for some advice.
zenakuh :
Yes, you can easily overclock with that setup. I had a build that was almost identical—same motherboard and cooler. I managed to hit 4.7ghz at 1.43v on an FX 8320 for around four years without any issues. It worked well and stayed reliable throughout. Overclocking still makes a difference, even with your R9 285, because the FX 8370 will likely be the limiting factor in many games. A boost can help reduce that bottleneck.
Here’s a guide covering various overclocking settings in your BIOS: http://www.overclock.net/t/1348623/amd-b...otherboard
And a more detailed step-by-step video tutorial. He’s using an ASUS board with a very similar BIOS to yours...
You can definitely overclock this setup without any issues. I previously had a build that was almost identical—same motherboard and cooler. I managed to reach 4.7ghz at 1.43v on an FX 8320, and it worked reliably for around four years. Definitely worth trying to boost the CPU, even with your R9 285, because the FX 8370 could still be a performance limit in many games. An overclock will help ease that bottleneck.
Here’s a guide covering various overclocking settings in your BIOS:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1348623/amd-b...otherboard
There’s also a detailed step-by-step video that walks through the process. He’s using an ASUS board with a BIOS very similar to yours, so it should be straightforward. He suggests adjusting the CPU bus frequency, though I personally stick to the CPU ratio—it’s simpler and my tests show no noticeable difference between the two methods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MckeAmnDeTk
Your CPU features an unlocked multiplier, making the process straightforward.
1. Access the BIOS
2. Adjust the frequency multiplier
3. Save and close
Complete the steps.
This approach doesn't need additional components from the motherboard. (Previously, it involved boosting the front side bus speed on the board, which introduced more complications.)
Your CPU features an unlocked multiplier, making the process straightforward.
First, enter the BIOS, then adjust the frequency multiplier, save your changes, and exit.
This approach doesn’t demand any additional hardware from the motherboard.
The process involves more than just changing the frequency—it requires turning off various power states like cool and quiet, as well as core c6 mode.
You’ll also need to disable certain CPU settings such as CPU spread spectrum and turn off AMD Turbo Core if you aim for overclocking.
Additionally, voltages and LLC configurations will need fine-tuning to push performance beyond stock limits.
Yes, you can easily overclock with that setup. I had a similar build before—same motherboard and cooler. I managed to hit 4.7ghz at 1.43v on an FX 8320 and it worked well for about four years without any issues. Overclocking still makes a difference even with your R9 285, as the FX 8370 will likely be the limiting factor in many games. It’s worth trying to boost performance.
Here are some guides that cover overclocking settings in your BIOS:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1348623/amd-b...otherboard
And this step-by-step video is helpful too. He uses an ASUS board with a BIOS very close to yours, so it should be straightforward. He suggests adjusting the CPU ratio rather than the bus frequency, and I haven’t noticed any performance changes between the two methods in my tests.
Thanks for your message. I watched the video and have a few questions:
1. Do you think my CPU is slowing down my GPU? Knowing this helps since it’s my second build—maybe I made some errors when picking parts.
2. The person in the video changed the CPU bus frequency, but you recommend using the CPU ratio instead. What ratio should I use?
3. How do I find out the maximum possible GHz I can get?
4. What temperature should I expect for my CPU after overclocking?
5. Is this just an overclock for the CPU? Should I also overclock my RAM?
Thanks a lot, and sorry for the language issues.
Zenakuh shared his experience with overclocking this build without any issues. He previously had a very similar setup—identical motherboard and cooler—and managed to reach 4.7ghz at 1.43v on an FX 8320, maintaining stability for about four years. He believes it’s worthwhile to push the CPU clock even with a R9 285, as the FX 8370 could still be a performance limit in many games, and overclocking helps reduce that bottleneck.
He provided links to guides covering various overclocking settings in BIOS and a step-by-step video tutorial. The guide uses an ASUS board with a BIOS very close to yours, making it easy to follow, and suggests using the CPU ratio instead of bus frequency, which he found simpler and without noticeable performance gains in his tests.
He also addressed some specific questions:
- Whether his CPU is a bottleneck for his GPU: he clarified that knowing this helps assess component choices.
- The difference between changing CPU bus frequency vs. CPU ratio; he prefers the latter, as it’s easier to manage and doesn’t affect memory speeds.
- Estimated max GHz he could achieve, expected temperatures, and whether overclocking RAM is necessary.
- Advice on temperature limits (around 1.45V core voltage), thermal monitoring with AMD OverDrive, and that no need to apologize for his English.
Thank you in advance. I have a few more questions—I plan to work on this on Saturday because I’ll have more time.
I built this system in 2015, so it’s about two years old now. In Argentina, parts are quite costly and hard to find the latest ideas. I only upgraded RAM this year and an SSD for better performance, but that’s it. I’d like to keep this setup for a few more years before making a complete change. I believe there won’t be much improvement with this MOBA, so I’ll switch to a different one, along with changing the CPU and RAM later.
Regarding the original build, I understand that I should only overclock the CPU. Should I also overclock the memory? And can I upgrade the GPU as well?
Another important point: should I update the BIOS? I haven’t done it yet and I’m not sure how to do it...
Your memory kits' speed ratings and timing details are listed on a sticker. If you're unsure, it should display the RAM specifications directly. You can also overclock the GPU through the OS, which is simpler. For guidance, refer to the provided link. Regarding BIOS updates, check the bottom of your BIOS menu for the current version number.
Your memory kits have a specified speed and timing, such as 9-9-9-24. The sticker should display the RAM specifications directly on it. You can modify the GPU settings through the OS, and I suggest using the MSI Afterburner for GPU overclocking software. A helpful guide is available here: Regarding BIOS updates, check your BIOS settings at the bottom of the screen for the current version number. In the video guide I shared, you can find the version displayed on the bottom during the process.