Reversing the process of dusting off Q9550 for overclocking?
Reversing the process of dusting off Q9550 for overclocking?
Hi everyone,
I’m considering recycling some old PC components from a 2009 build. Here’s what I have:
- Q9550
- ASUS P5Q Pro Turbo
- OCZ 8gb DDR2
- ATI Radeon HD4870 (1gb DDR5)
- PSU: OCZ Stealthxstream 600w
- LG CD/DVD drive
- A 2.5" HDD (Hitachi, 750gb)
What I’d like to add to the build:
- The tiniest possible ATX case (currently an Antec 900 from 2009 – too big, heavy, noisy)
- The smallest SSD for Windows and daily apps (Chrome, Spotify)
- A replacement PSU, possibly Seasonic M12-II 620W
- CPU cooler
- Overclocking experience: I’m new to it but the Q9550 is a solid overclocker. The PC will be used in my gym – Spotify, YouTube, Netflix, browsing, and some internet stuff… not much gaming.
- Questions:
1) Does the motherboard support this overclock?
2) Is this a good idea overall?
3) Any advice on a cheap CPU cooler? I prefer something slim and low-profile, especially since the case will be mid-tower. I don’t want to overspend, as it’ll stay in the gym.
4) Tips for overclocking this specific CPU?
– The heatsink is heavily dusty but still running. I’m thinking about taking it apart to clean it out, but I’m worried the dust might have affected the CPU.
Thanks.
Yes, the motherboard supports overclocking, and there is a program available in Windows called "TurboV" for this purpose. I have an OC'd Q9550 running at 3.5ghz, which performs well and feels smooth during basic tasks on Windows 10. I'm using Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo: [link]. It's a powerful cooler that maintains temperatures close to stock even when gaming. It also fits most ATX mid-tower cases. For storage, I prefer a standard 7200rpm HDD—it boots quickly and loads efficiently. If you don’t need many programs and can afford a cheap SSD, it’s a good choice. However, if you require more space, the HDD will suffice.
Hi there. I'm new to overclocking and have been looking into software options, but they seem discouraged. It's better to work through the BIOS instead, which is what I plan to do. I've already done a lot of reading, so I'll need to keep going. The PCPartPicker mentioned a conflict with the Hyper212 + and my saved Corsair 100R case—could it be related to height clearance? Also, how trustworthy is PCPartPicker for this situation?
2JZGTE :
Thanks. I'm a total noob to overclocking but I've been reading the softwares aren't recommended... it's always better to go through BIOS, and that's what I'm willing to do. I realize I have a lot of reading to do.
Pcpartpicker says there's a conflict between the Hyper212 + and the case I saved (Corsair 100R, though not my final choice). Could it be because of height clearance? And is pcpartpicker reliable for that?
It's the height. That case allows up to 150mm CPU coolers, the Evo is 159mm...
PCpartpicker is pretty good for compatibility, but the prices can be misleading. If the shipping isn't listed for an item, there is likely a shipping cost which makes what looked like the cheapest option, into possibly the most expensive or more expensive than the next one with free shipping.
Right, didn't think about that. It's not even listed on most shopping websites, only Corsair.com
Alright, I didn't consider that before. It doesn't appear on most shopping sites except Corsair.com. It's available on Newegg for $52.00 plus a $10 MiR for $42.99. You can check http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product. If you need alternatives, Cryorig offers some good options to explore other coolers.
I meant to ask about the cooler height clearance for the case—it isn't listed on Newegg.
I'm planning to do some research comparing the case and cooler.
Are there any particular details about overclocking this CPU, or would a general tutorial suffice?
I found this guide: https://www.scan.co.uk/images/shops/inte..._guide.pdf
It covers various sections, and much of the advice applies broadly. I'm confident there are resources for your board and CPU setup.