Overclocking AMD Phenom II X4 955
Overclocking AMD Phenom II X4 955
Don't anticipate exceeding 4.0 GHz with that chip. The 955's typically cap around 3.9 GHz, varying based on overclocking performance (Silicon Lottery). The 965's and higher models (970, 975, 980) struggle to maintain stability above 4.05 GHz. Those that manage it are uncommon but considered top Deneb chips.
What country are you from? Not every motherboard is accessible everywhere.
Don't count on finding much... there are options available everywhere.
I'm based in the Netherlands, so I think I should be able to find a good selection of mobos.
By the way, I know someone who has an ASRock 890GX Extreme 3 for sale at 40-45 euros. Usually I don't buy used parts, but he only used it a little because it was just sitting there as a backup in case he needed it later.
Would you think I should try?
If I can reach 3.9ghz, I'd already be really satisfied!
I've had this processor for about 5-6 years now, and being able to get even a bit more performance from it after all that time is incredible. I always thought it was doing quite well already.
The ASRock Extreme 3 motherboards are suitable for entry-level overclocking. If you opt for this path to save money, it should function adequately. However, if not, consider these new options:
http://www.newegg.com/global/nl/Product/...6813128651
http://www.newegg.com/global/nl/Product/...6813157688
Personally, I prefer the ASRock board (970A-G/3.1) as it offers all necessary overclocking features and includes many of the latest technologies to keep you going for a while. These listings are from Newegg and the Netherlands, ensuring easy availability.
bgunner :
The ASRock Extreme ............. no issue getting them.
That asrock 970 looks amazing. I was gonna go with that one, untill my neighbour who owns a small pc shop presented me this MSi 970 gaming mobo, which he's selling for 65 euros. He bought it a year ago for his son, but his son bought himself a new one.
I gotta say, I'm in love with this msi mobo. The layout is sick and I'm definately considering buying it, untill someone tells me there's something really wrong with it.
If I won't make that deal I'm gonna go with that asrock 970, so guess I'll be overclocking at the start of a new year
bgunner :
Well good luck with which ever way you choose to go.
Thank you, you've been a great help! I might be asking more questions later, as I will maybe encounter new problems once I start overclocking. At least if that's okay with you. If everything goes fine I will post the results for whoever is interested
If you encounter problems while overclocking, consider creating a new post in the Overclocking section of these forums. Many of us have successfully overclocked the Phenom II before and will be glad to help with your overclocking questions.
When working with the Phenom II, there are some guidelines to follow, though exceptions do exist:
1. Maintain the CPU Vcore voltage below 1.50V when using an air cooler; with adequate cooling, you can push up to 1.55V without harming the CPU.
2. Aim to keep the core temperature under 50°C. This is the threshold where instability begins. My 965be reaches 55°C before instability occurs—monitor temperatures closely.
3. CPU temperature should stay below 62°C, as exceeding this can cause damage. Although the maximum is 72°C, instability typically appears around this point due to heat.
4. Hyper-Transport frequency: Increasing it enhances performance. Stress testing is essential here. Hyper-Transport connects the CPU to the North-Bridge, improving data transfer speed and processing efficiency. The maximum frequency varies by board and CPU but often reaches 2400 MHz on Phenom IIs, with some models hitting around 2600 MHz compared to the stock 2000 MHz.
5. And the most important point: Always perform thorough stress testing. It’s time-consuming, but skipping it can result in system instability and crashes. Although it may not give immediate results, it’s crucial for long-term reliability.