Starting with BIOS overclocking.
Starting with BIOS overclocking.
Hi everyone!
Just as the title of this post is telling it, i'm trying to get myself into Bios overclocking.
I know there is allot of software and stuff for things like this but i've always thought that if i'm trying to go about learning something, i have to start from some kind of point where things are going more into the specifics and not only scratching the surface. I want to try and learn the specific and important pieces of the puzzle to understand the whole picture.
Just before i go into the specifics of my setup and more on what i've found on my own, i just want to say that i've been reading allot and i would also say that i am pretty familiar with the general terminology of things surrounding overclocking (at least for still thinking i'm at the "noob-stages" of overclocking). Also, reading aside i'll never learn if i don't get my hands dirty.
Anyhow, I had some stuff laying around so i quickly tossed together a well working computer for its age, which i though would be a good testing rig for overclocking.
Hardware Specs:
CPU:
...................Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz
CPU-Cooler:
.......Cooler Master Hyper TX3 Evo
Motherboard:
......Asus P5E65 WS Evolution (with latest BIOS update.)
Ram:
...................Corsair XMS3 DDR3 8GB (4x2GB) 1333MHz
HDD:
...................Intenso SSD 128Gb
GPU:
...................MSI AMD Radeon R7 360
PSU:
...................700W (don't remember the Manufacturer)
Case:
..................Corsair Carbide Series 200R.
Software Specs:
OS:
..................Windows 10 64-Bit.
Temp Specs:
CPU-Temp (Idle):
..............37-40 C
CPU-Temp (Load):
............65-68 C (Prime95 40min 100% load test)
Ambient Room-Temp:
.......21-23C (Can get to 25C when sun shines directly through the windows sometimes)
CPU-Z:
Core Temp:
So what am i looking for? well From what 've been reading there are many different parameters you can fiddle with and start overclocking. The problem i often get is that i really haven't found a (or maybe i should say "my") starting point when it comes to overclocking. it seems like every guide or person i have been reading of watched have their own way of going about things and i keep finding myself in the spot of having trouble finding my own starting point of things. i don't know if anyone else is has been in this spot before but it feels like people have some kind of feel or more like a chart of what CPU's and Motherboards capabilities. So my question is how do i find mine so to speak.
Anyways though this little Adventure would help me a bit on my way.
So to anyone feeling they have the time to help me i just want to say I appreciate you giving me your time allot!
Thank you so very much in advance!
Avoid overloading your CPU. If you're already operating at 65-70°C during heavy use, you're likely hitting Intel's recommended maximum temperatures. You might be able to push a few degrees higher, but it could harm the processor and risk damaging it.
Don't overheat your CPU. If you're already operating between 65-70°C while under load, you're likely hitting Intel's recommended maximum temperatures. Going a few degrees higher could harm the chip and might cause damage.
Edit: The link seems to be malfunctioning. Try searching for Intel Yorkfield q9650 max thermals and check the CPU World page. The temperature range listed is between 5–72°C.
I understand! Thanks for your help!
I plan to upgrade my cooler and hopefully that will allow me to push it a bit further. My goal isn't to break records, but to experiment and learn about the CPU better.
Thanks again, genthug!
Well, if you're interested in mastering the process, I recommend checking out this resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MckeAmnDeTk. While it mainly covers AMD processors, most of the concepts remain similar. If you don’t have an unlocked chip, you won’t be able to adjust the multiplier, so altering the FSB should be your main approach. The fundamental steps apply to both Intel and AMD overclocking. For beginners, just begin. You’ll need to turn off certain BIOS settings (though I’m not entirely sure about Intel’s configuration), then increase your clock speed slightly above stock by about 0.05 or 0.1GHz at normal voltages. After that, run Prime95 for roughly 10 to 15 minutes to test stability. If it works without problems, try again with a slightly higher speed. If it fails, revisit your BIOS and manually adjust the CPU voltage in small increments—about 0.00625V at a time. After changing the voltage, verify stability and determine the maximum stable clock speed for that setting. This method can take between three to six hours, depending on how frequently you switch settings. Also, during Prime testing, monitor your temperatures closely; a slight increase in voltage will significantly raise CPU heat.
Another point: I examined your case to assess the airflow. It appears normal. Are all your fans running at high speeds, particularly the CPU fan? Also, did you utilize the second fan bracket on your CPU cooler?
Great job, genthug! I'll give it a shot and come up with something soon when I get my new cooler.
Also, here are the details:
- I have four 120mm fans in the case—two on top, one front, and one back. They all run at their default speed when connected.
- The CPU cooler fans are both active, and I swapped the original ones for two Noctua models that fit perfectly. I found them free from a friend.
Thanks a lot for the helpful tips!
See if you can grab a fan controller software to check your fan RPMs. In the case I have, the stock fans all come with little fan controllers for low/med/high, and as I'm overclocking, everything is running on high. Somewhat loud, but I can't hear it with a headset on so
😛
I would definitely try to find your RPMs and seeing if they're variable or not. If you're willing to drop between 50-100 on a cooler, you could grab a Noctua NH-D if they fit the bracket, or you could try to find a closed loop 120mm LC for around 60-80.
I'm a bit puzzled about why Intel is considered harder than AMD when most parts remain unchanged. It's not just about keeping the CPU voltage at stock while adjusting FSB and multipliers. I've tried both approaches on this processor, maintaining stability with FSB and multiplier settings, which meant raising the voltage to 1.33v—something that matches my thermal limits. I'm fine with that at 4.24GHz. I'm wondering what exactly differs between the two configurations, since I haven't owned Intel before and have seen similar advice from others.
I'm a bit puzzled about why Intel is considered harder than AMD when most of the changes are similar. It's not like I've only adjusted the CPU voltage to the default while tweaking other settings. I've done both approaches on this processor, and yes, I kept things steady using FSB and multiplier OC settings. That meant increasing the voltage to 1.33v, which is within my thermal limits at 4.24GHz. I'm fine with that.
I'm really wondering what sets these two configurations apart, since I haven't owned an Intel machine before. From what I've seen, the same advice applies to AMD as well.
The response you received already addressed this issue.