Start small. Establish your baseline temps at stock speed. Make sure, because when you start OC'ing
you don't want to add to an already high core temp.
Start with your RAM at stock speed and timings, and raise your FSB 5 MHz at a time in the beginning,
and then 1 Mhz at a time when the system starts to become 'unstable'. By unstable, I mean system lockups,
failed reboots, and the like. When that happens, you then need to raise your CPU core voltage a little
at a time, to a maximum of about 1.4V. Anything above that is entering danger territory.
If you reach that voltage, and the system still doesn't stabilise, its time to relax your RAM speed and/or timings.
All this time, you should be monitoring your temps very closely. Main CPU temp should not pass 62C on full load.
If it is, then your OC is exceeding the heat dissipation efficiency of your HSF, and you might damage your CPU
if you continue to run it like this. I use the value of 62C because Intel recommends that these Yorkfield CPUs not exceed that.
To squeeze extra MHz, it may even be necessary to bump up the MCH voltages a bit as well, but this is only recommended
if you have some kind of aftermarket cooling solution for the Northbridge chip. Asus usually provides a clip-on fan for
the Northbridge with some of its higher-end boards.
Before you do any of this, do exhaustive research. Look for forums dedicated to your particular mobo/CPU if you can.
Get an idea of the kind of overclocks that particular combo of parts is capable of. You should be able to reach 3 GHz
with that CPU without even changing the core voltage. The higher FSB base point should allow for a very decent OC,
probably to as much as 3.6 GHz. *does research for own Q9300
*
One more thing: LAP THAT HSF!!! TRUST me on this, your CPU will love you for it. It has been well documented
that the Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme, while a highly effective cooler, does sometimes ship with a not so smooth
or flat base. Check yours thoroughly for correct flatness before you mount it. Me, I would lap the thing as soon as I got it.
Funny thing though, I didn't have that problem with the Ultima-90 that you sold me, so go figure.
.....and that, ends our OC'ing lesson for today.
Class dis-MISSED!!!
