Overclocking AMD FX-8320 and GTX 950
Overclocking AMD FX-8320 and GTX 950
You haven't adjusted any voltage settings yet. Your current overclocking potential depends on your system's components and setup.
If you're ready to get started, let's begin with understanding your BIOS settings, as this is where everything starts. Avoid using Windows applications for modifying the CPU. I assume you're interested in optimizing both the CPU and GPU, along with your DIMMs.
Assuming you're running at stock speed, you'll need to perform a series of stress tests to set a baseline and confirm system stability.
Download the AIDA64 trial version and HWMonitor, placing them on your desktop together.
Once configured, execute a stress test for your CPU and FPU in the menu, keeping it running for 10 minutes.
Watch the temperature and voltage readings to verify stability across your 12V, 5V, and 3V rails, which you can monitor using HWMonitor. Capture screenshots at the appropriate moments.
You need to boost the CPU core voltage during overclocking.
Available cooling solutions include EVGA Precision X or MSI Afterburner for your GPU.
MeanMachine41 :
You won't progress much without boosting CPU CORE voltage when OCing.
What cooling solution do you have?
For your GPU, you might consider EVGA Precision X or MSI Afterburner.
I use Afterburner, but how high can I push it?
My cooler is the hyper 212 evo, and if I raise the voltage, how much further can I go?
Matt2816 :
You'll need to boost the CPU CORE voltage when overclocking.
What cooling solution are you using?
For your GPU options, EVGA Precision X or MSI Afterburner work well.
I use Afterburner myself, but how much can I push it further?
My current cooler is the Hyper 212 EVO, and if I increase the voltage, how high can I go?
The answer depends on your CPU and GPU quality—some CPUs handle higher speeds better, especially with more MB VRMs.
On air, you might reach around 4.5GHz depending on the chip, but anything above that usually needs AIO water cooling.
If you're new to overclocking, I'm happy to assist.
It's mostly a process of trial and error, adjusting frequency and voltage slowly until the system stops responding—I'm getting too hot or not getting enough power.
MeanMachine41 :
Matt2816 :
Need to boost CPU CORE voltage when overclocking.
What cooling solution are you using?
For your GPU options, EVGA Precision X or MSI Afterburner work well.
I use Afterburner myself but how much can I push it?
My cooler is the Hyper 212 EVO and if I increase the voltage, how far can I go?
It really depends on the quality of the chip—different CPUs and GPUs behave differently.
Some CPUs handle higher overclocks better than others. On air, you might reach around 4.5GHz depending on the chip and MB VRMs, but anything above that usually needs AIO water cooling.
If you're new to overclocking, I'm happy to assist.
It's a process of trial and error, adjusting frequency and voltage slowly until the system stops responding—I'm getting too hot.
Any guidance would be appreciated.
If you're ready to get started, let's begin with understanding your BIOS settings, as this is where everything starts. Avoid using Windows applications for modifying the CPU. Can you confirm your interest in adjusting both the CPU and GPU, along with your DIMMs?
At normal operating speed, you'll need to perform a series of stress tests to set a baseline and verify system stability.
Download the AIDA64 trial version and HWMonitor, placing them on your desktop together.
Once configured, execute a stress test for your CPU and FPU in the menu, running it for 10 minutes.
Monitor the temperatures and voltages to confirm voltage consistency across your 12V, 5V, and 3V rails, which you can view using HWMonitor. Capture screenshots at the 10-minute mark and halt the test if any temperature rises above 80°C.
Share the images here. You may use IMIGUR to upload them as .jpg files and provide the link from IMIGUR.
If you lack prior BIOS experience, a helpful video or tutorial would be beneficial—feel free to share a link if you'd like.
MeanMachine41 :
If you're ready to learn, I'm here to guide you. Start by getting comfortable with your BIOS, as this is where everything begins. Avoid using Windows apps for CPU overclocking. Can you confirm you're interested in overclocking the CPU, GPU, and DIMMs?
Assuming you're running at stock speed, you'll need to perform a series of stress tests to set a baseline and verify stability. Download the AIDA64 trial version and HWMonitor, placing them on your desktop together. Once set up, run a stress test on your CPU and FPU through the menu, keeping it active for 10 minutes. Monitor temperatures and voltages, focusing on your 12V, 5V, and 3V rails using HWMonitor. Capture screenshots at the 10-minute mark and halt the test if temperatures go above 80°C. Share the images here.
What stress test should I run in the tools section? Also, is there a method to check if your GPU is voltage locked?
In the stress test area you'll find check boxes for CPU, FPU, Cache, DIMMs and GPU. I'm not entirely certain but Afterburner includes a Core Voltage (mV) slider to adjust the voltage. What could be causing it to appear locked? Just confirm you've enabled Voltage Control under "General" and also unlocked Monitoring.
In the stress test area you'll find check boxes for CPU, FPU, Cache, DIMMs and GPU. I'm not entirely sure, but Afterburner has a Core Voltage (mV) adjustment bar to change the voltage. What leads you to believe it's locked? You might postpone checking the CPU readings until later since you're planning an upgrade, but thank you for your assistance. However, I still can't move the slider on my GPU even after turning it on in the settings.