Should I overclock?

Dhouse · 02-26-2009, 05:14 PM

I recently upgraded my computer and was wondering about overclocking.

Foxconn A79A-S Motherboard
AMD Phenom 2 Quad core 3.0 Ghz
ZOTAC Geforce 9800 GT
2 GB DDR2 ram
650 Watt Corsair Powersupply

I was wondering if it would be beneficial to overclock, and how exactly you would recommend I go about overclocking it? Thanks.

**mattlock** · 03-02-2009, 09:59 AM

How do you use your PC? For most Overclocking has little benefit.

If you're looking to increase a benchmark score, get a few more PPD in folding, maybe a few more FPS in a CPU intensive game. With today's systems it's not as beneficial as it once was, but it's still fun. I think the majority of people who OC these either do it for the "Bang for Buck" aspect (buying the cheapest processor in a given class and making it run at the same speed as something that cost a lot more) or the "How far can I push it) aspect. (self explanatory) I started OCing to get more out of an older CPU. Got hooked and now OC everything I buy (at least long enough to how far it will overclock)

Are you running a stock heatsink? If so that will likely limit your overclocking ability.

Let us know what you decide.

swingman011 · 03-06-2009, 01:06 AM

that processor is a hell of an overclocker, if you're into benching you can push the cpu that's if you already installed a good cooler on it.

92b16vx · 03-06-2009, 10:06 AM

I use very low OC's, just enough to get a noticable gain in the programs that benefit, maybe shave an hour or two off encoding video, or getting some programs to run a little snappier. IMO though, looking at your system specs, I wouldn't bother. Most of your equipment is pretty decent. I'm warning you though, it can become addicting, once you start, you wind up trying to squeeze every drop of performance, no matter how inconsequential to the real world application it is, out of your system.

derek_jones_36 · 03-06-2009, 02:27 PM

Yeah that's what I thought when I got my system....little bit here an da little bit there but when I found out how easy it was well...no problem. Now I frequently overclock my E8400 depending on what Thermal Solution I have in place at the time. Right now with two smart fans I can usually get a 3.62 Ghz OC from my CPU. I have not tried anything higher. I might if I was going to swap out the CPU Cooler/Heatsink for somethin more reliable. I have a good Cooler over the CPU....but if I wanted something more capable than the stock variety.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...260&cid=FN.349

02-26-2009, 05:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dhouse Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 15 OS: windows xp	Should I overclock? I recently upgraded my computer and was wondering about overclocking. Foxconn A79A-S Motherboard AMD Phenom 2 Quad core 3.0 Ghz ZOTAC Geforce 9800 GT 2 GB DDR2 ram 650 Watt Corsair Powersupply I was wondering if it would be beneficial to overclock, and how exactly you would recommend I go about overclocking it? Thanks. Last edited by Dhouse; 02-26-2009 at 05:17 PM.

03-02-2009, 09:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
mattlock Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 4,183 OS: XP SP2, Win 7 Beta, Win 7 RC My System	Re: Should I overclock? How do you use your PC? For most Overclocking has little benefit. If you're looking to increase a benchmark score, get a few more PPD in folding, maybe a few more FPS in a CPU intensive game. With today's systems it's not as beneficial as it once was, but it's still fun. I think the majority of people who OC these either do it for the "Bang for Buck" aspect (buying the cheapest processor in a given class and making it run at the same speed as something that cost a lot more) or the "How far can I push it) aspect. (self explanatory) I started OCing to get more out of an older CPU. Got hooked and now OC everything I buy (at least long enough to how far it will overclock) Are you running a stock heatsink? If so that will likely limit your overclocking ability. Let us know what you decide. __________________ Matt Everest-Thermal Paste Instruction-Power Supply Info-Sensorview PSU Calculator-Speedfan-Bench Test Help TSF Fight Disease. It's Free!

03-06-2009, 01:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
swingman011 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 37 OS: winXP sp2	Re: Should I overclock? that processor is a hell of an overclocker, if you're into benching you can push the cpu that's if you already installed a good cooler on it.

03-06-2009, 10:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
92b16vx Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 150 OS: Vista 64\|XP Pro\|XP Home	Re: Should I overclock? I use very low OC's, just enough to get a noticable gain in the programs that benefit, maybe shave an hour or two off encoding video, or getting some programs to run a little snappier. IMO though, looking at your system specs, I wouldn't bother. Most of your equipment is pretty decent. I'm warning you though, it can become addicting, once you start, you wind up trying to squeeze every drop of performance, no matter how inconsequential to the real world application it is, out of your system. __________________ Intel Q6600\|BFG 680i LT SLI\|BFG 8800GT OC\|4GB OCZ Golden Edition\|Windows XP/Vista 64 Intel i7 920\|Gateway X58\|Gigabyte ATI HD 4350\|9GB Corsair\|Windows 7 64

03-06-2009, 02:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
derek_jones_36 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 475 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit SP2 My System	Re: Should I overclock? Yeah that's what I thought when I got my system....little bit here an da little bit there but when I found out how easy it was well...no problem. Now I frequently overclock my E8400 depending on what Thermal Solution I have in place at the time. Right now with two smart fans I can usually get a 3.62 Ghz OC from my CPU. I have not tried anything higher. I might if I was going to swap out the CPU Cooler/Heatsink for somethin more reliable. I have a good Cooler over the CPU....but if I wanted something more capable than the stock variety. http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...260&cid=FN.349 __________________ "Look at it this way...If Everyone Lived Forever, where would you Park?"