Is it possible to overclock the CPU and GPU?
Is it possible to overclock the CPU and GPU?
I've just purchased these components and am considering overclocking the GPU and possibly the CPU with a cooler. I'm checking if this is safe and looking for advice on PSU options, especially since I'm new to overclocking. I asked for a cancellation on the PSU so that if it's approved I can upgrade to a better one later.
You should consider a larger or improved PSU for overclocking. I’d recommend either the Corsair CX650 or CX650m. But I’d prefer the Corsair TXm/RMx Seasonic FOCUS G series or the EVGA G2 over the CX.
I wouldn’t purchase a RX580 in 2020 since used options are significantly cheaper, or alternatives like the GTX 1650 Super which offer comparable pricing to new units.
Here’s a better build plan:
PCPartPicker Part List:
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/XJyZvW
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor (£161.58 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard (£99.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory (£83.47 @ Scan.co.uk)
Storage: Crucial MX500 500 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive...
You should consider a larger or improved PSU for overclocking. I’d recommend either the Corsair CX650 or CX650m. But I’d prefer the Corsair TXm/RMx Seasonic FOCUS G series or the EVGA G2 over the CX.
It’s also worth noting that I wouldn’t purchase a RX580 in 2020; used options are significantly cheaper, or alternatives like the GTX 1650 Super would be a good match.
Here’s a better build list:
PCPartPicker Part List:
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/XJyZvW
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor (£161.58 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX ATX AM4 (£99.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 (£83.47 @ Scan.co.uk)
Storage: Crucial MX500 500 GB 2.5" SSD (£65.25 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Seagate BarraCuda 1 TB 3.5" HDD (£34.96 @ Currys PC World Business)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER 4 GB WINDFORCE OC (£172.38 @ Aria PC)
Case: Phanteks P300 ATX Mid Tower (£53.46 @ Ebuyer)
Power Supply: Corsair TXM Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular (£64.99 @ Box Limited)
Case Fan: ARCTIC F12 PWM 53 CFM 120 mm (£6.71 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £742.79
Prices cover shipping, taxes, and any available discounts.
Thanks for the advice on the PSU. The GPU was actually provided to me, so I'm just focusing on building around it within a reasonable budget. When checking the CX650 on Amazon, should I look for a semi-modular version or is a non-modular setup acceptable? Also, can the 550W PSU support overclocking the GPU slightly?
It would work, though I'm unsure if you rely on the stock CPU cooler since 3D Gen Ryzen tends to overheat, so I wouldn't pair it with one.
If it's a solid 550 Watt then it would suffice, but 650 is a better choice nowadays. Don't rely only on wattage, the build quality is important for power supplies. The models I recommend are all of higher quality; the CX650 (grey and black label, not the green one) and the CX650m are decent budget options.
Yes, I own a good 650W 80+ Gold rated PSU that is fully modular from Cooler Master. It was the most affordable option I could locate at that time. Around 75 euros in my country. However, Cooler Master isn't the top brand for making PSUs; I suggest considering Seasonic or high-end Corsair models.
It's a Ryzen model. I wouldn't attempt to overclock them, as they tend to behave erratically and there are still unknowns about safe current and voltage levels. The safest approach is to turn on PBO and autoOC, allowing the CPU to manage itself via Ryzen Master. In addition, focus on the RAM. Ryzen performs best with fast memory and tighter clock speeds, which aligns with the Infinity Fabric used for core communication. To some extent this is effective.
For the 3rd generation, a 3600MHz configuration at 14Cas offers solid performance, though it comes at a higher cost. Many users instead choose 3200/14 or 3600/16 and manually adjust settings to achieve better speeds and clock rates. An online timing calculator can assist in optimizing these parameters.
CoolerMaster does not manufacture PSUs; others like FSP offer alternatives, while Seasonic provides genuine OEM products with superior quality assurance. Most CoolerMaster-branded PSUs are considered average, their 'lite' versions are quite subpar, though the older V-series models are quite reliable.
For an Rx580, a high-quality 550W minimum is recommended, or at least a solid 650W. The Rx series is well-documented for increased power consumption. If the PSU isn't designed to handle sudden spikes in current, you risk power instability, leading to shutdowns or data loss.
These cards are decent, but it's important to consider the overall system rather than focusing solely on individual metrics.