F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Overclocking struggling with overclocking fx 8350? let me know!

struggling with overclocking fx 8350? let me know!

struggling with overclocking fx 8350? let me know!

Y
yNetFlix
Member
187
11-21-2025, 05:49 AM
#1
This is my initial attempt at overclocking a CPU. I have an FX 8350 (cooled by Hyper 212 Evo) with an ASRock 970M Pro3 16GB RAM @ 1600MHz and a 600W PSU.
I accessed the BIOS to start the process, turned off Turbo Boost, and selected overclock options. I chose 5% at 4200MHz (stock), then 10% at 4400MHz, etc. Since this is my first overclock, I opted for the 10% setting. After applying it, my RAM speeds decreased after the OC, which seemed normal, but when checking Task Manager, it showed the maximum CPU speed as 4000MHz. When playing games like Rocket League, BF4, or GTA V single player, my CPU never exceeded 3.92GHz.
Am I doing something incorrect? I understand my motherboard isn’t ideal, but from what I’ve heard, the FX 8350 is quite straightforward to overclock without raising the voltage. My room temperature is around 17°C (62.6°F). I haven’t installed any additional software except MSI Afterburner, which I used for my R9 390, and I only overclocked it slightly without changing the voltage.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Y
yNetFlix
11-21-2025, 05:49 AM #1

This is my initial attempt at overclocking a CPU. I have an FX 8350 (cooled by Hyper 212 Evo) with an ASRock 970M Pro3 16GB RAM @ 1600MHz and a 600W PSU.
I accessed the BIOS to start the process, turned off Turbo Boost, and selected overclock options. I chose 5% at 4200MHz (stock), then 10% at 4400MHz, etc. Since this is my first overclock, I opted for the 10% setting. After applying it, my RAM speeds decreased after the OC, which seemed normal, but when checking Task Manager, it showed the maximum CPU speed as 4000MHz. When playing games like Rocket League, BF4, or GTA V single player, my CPU never exceeded 3.92GHz.
Am I doing something incorrect? I understand my motherboard isn’t ideal, but from what I’ve heard, the FX 8350 is quite straightforward to overclock without raising the voltage. My room temperature is around 17°C (62.6°F). I haven’t installed any additional software except MSI Afterburner, which I used for my R9 390, and I only overclocked it slightly without changing the voltage.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

0
0046
Junior Member
6
11-21-2025, 11:39 PM
#2
Task manager isn't always accurate. Using HWMonitor, Open Hardware Monitor, or CPU-Z will give you the real data for monitoring temperatures. Run a stress test with Prime95 to find the peak temperature and ensure socket temp stays below 70°C and core temp under 61°C (55°C for durability). I personally own an FX-8370.
0
0046
11-21-2025, 11:39 PM #2

Task manager isn't always accurate. Using HWMonitor, Open Hardware Monitor, or CPU-Z will give you the real data for monitoring temperatures. Run a stress test with Prime95 to find the peak temperature and ensure socket temp stays below 70°C and core temp under 61°C (55°C for durability). I personally own an FX-8370.

M
Mrender3
Senior Member
412
11-23-2025, 02:15 PM
#3
Task manager isn't always accurate. Using HWMonitor, Open Hardware Monitor, or CPU-Z will give you the real data for monitoring temperatures. Run a stress test with Prime95 to find the peak temperature and ensure socket temp stays below 70°C and core temp under 61°C (55°C for longer life). I currently have an FX-8370.
M
Mrender3
11-23-2025, 02:15 PM #3

Task manager isn't always accurate. Using HWMonitor, Open Hardware Monitor, or CPU-Z will give you the real data for monitoring temperatures. Run a stress test with Prime95 to find the peak temperature and ensure socket temp stays below 70°C and core temp under 61°C (55°C for longer life). I currently have an FX-8370.

S
Soruz
Member
63
11-27-2025, 09:02 AM
#4
The_Man12 shared tips on monitoring hardware performance. They recommended using HWMonitor, Open Hardware Monitor, or CPU-Z for accurate temperature readings. Stress testing with Prime95 helped identify peak temperatures and ensured safe operating limits. The user mentioned owning an FX-8370 and appreciated the advice.
S
Soruz
11-27-2025, 09:02 AM #4

The_Man12 shared tips on monitoring hardware performance. They recommended using HWMonitor, Open Hardware Monitor, or CPU-Z for accurate temperature readings. Stress testing with Prime95 helped identify peak temperatures and ensured safe operating limits. The user mentioned owning an FX-8370 and appreciated the advice.

E
ErikPlays0605
Member
59
11-28-2025, 01:28 PM
#5
Take a close look at those VRMs on the board...
Avoid making that move. Keep this discussion in mind.
E
ErikPlays0605
11-28-2025, 01:28 PM #5

Take a close look at those VRMs on the board...
Avoid making that move. Keep this discussion in mind.

V
Vichoflo
Senior Member
396
11-28-2025, 10:12 PM
#6
avoid cooling for the vrms since the motherboard will overheat... install a fan on them. monitor the socket temperatures while running prime 95; you'll likely reach 70°C quickly.
V
Vichoflo
11-28-2025, 10:12 PM #6

avoid cooling for the vrms since the motherboard will overheat... install a fan on them. monitor the socket temperatures while running prime 95; you'll likely reach 70°C quickly.

H
hampus_1
Member
72
12-09-2025, 05:13 PM
#7
I was able to overclock my FX-8370 to 4.8Ghz with my H100i, pretty easy. I would suggest getting another board though, as that board's VRM will most likely overheat. If you want to get a good overclocking board then it'll probably be bigger (ATX, maybe Micro-ATX too), so I hope space isn't an issue. Get an ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 or a Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3. These are great boards and are not terribly expensive and will let you overclock nicely without any issues. Good luck!
H
hampus_1
12-09-2025, 05:13 PM #7

I was able to overclock my FX-8370 to 4.8Ghz with my H100i, pretty easy. I would suggest getting another board though, as that board's VRM will most likely overheat. If you want to get a good overclocking board then it'll probably be bigger (ATX, maybe Micro-ATX too), so I hope space isn't an issue. Get an ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 or a Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3. These are great boards and are not terribly expensive and will let you overclock nicely without any issues. Good luck!