yes, you can overclock a core 2 quad q8400
yes, you can overclock a core 2 quad q8400
It won't occur in the BIOS settings. The easiest option is to purchase a Q9550 for $20-$25 or a Q9650 for slightly more. The choice of Optiplex matters, as does the case size—Mini Tower, Desktop, Small Form Factor, and Ultra SFF, often labeled MT, DT, SFF, and USFF.
Some models offer marginally better performance but are rare. One model requires precise CPU stepping to function properly.
I’ll share examples from an Opti 780 since there are many available; the 760 is nearly identical, as is the 755.
You can view them here: http://www.userbenchmark.com/System/Dell...x-780/3883
It appears your system scores 36%, the Q9550 scores 38%, and achieving a 40% CPU rating requires the Q9650. This reflects overall performance across tested systems, not individual percentages.
It won't occur in the BIOS settings. The most straightforward option is to purchase a Q9550 for $20-$25, or a Q9650 for slightly higher pricing. The choice of Optiplex matters, as does the case size—MT, DT, SFF, and USFF are commonly used terms.
Some models offer marginally better performance but are rare. Another option requires precise CPU stepping to function properly.
I plan to share examples from an Opti 780 since there are many available; the 760 is nearly identical, as is the 755.
You can check the ranking here: http://www.userbenchmark.com/System/Dell...x-780/3883
It appears your system scores around 36%, while the Q9550 reaches 38%. To achieve a 40% CPU score, the Q9650 is necessary. This reflects overall performance across all tested systems, not just gains in speed. GPU scores tend to be low unless you upgrade to a GTX1050 series. You might consider transferring this setup to another machine if you don’t need the extra cost.
The Q6600 uses an older pinmod design at 3GHz, but since it matches your current specs, it’s not worth the effort. At its base clock of 2.4GHz, it would likely score around the mid-20% range.
You could try a software fsb overclock using SetFSB, or Clockgen. You need to know your PLL chip#. it lets you raise FSB. The results are limited because it doesn't change Voltage. The Q9505S might produce a better result because it's 65W to start with.
PLL Cv183APAG.
http://www.delidded.com/lga-771-775-cpus...tdp-max=65
There is a VID pinmod that helps with this method but it's very complex and varies for each CPU depnding on what VID it came with. See what SetFSB gets you. You can learn on the chip you have and if it looks promisng spend $20 for the 65W CPU.