AMD FX-6300 Temperature/Overclocking Help

[donsidbo]

I want to overclock my CPU to the advertised 4.1 Ghz but I have a couple concerns. I'm a first time PC builder, with gaming in mind. Right now, during peak gaming, the CPU is operating between 50C and 54C. I know the maximum temperature for this processor is usually listed as 61C most places online. I also only have a 450W power supply for the time being since I was running on a budget. I do eventually plan on upgrading the power supply before overclocking my GPU or adding any other additional hardware but I would love to get the 4.1Ghz out of the CPU if possible. Any advice on whether or not it's a good idea to OC would be greatly appreciated and I apologize for the novice nature of my questions.

My build:
CPU: AMD FX 6300 3.5Ghz
GPU: MSI Radeon R9 270 Gaming 2GB
MB: ASUS M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+
PS: Antec 450W
RAM: Gskills Ripjaws X series 4GB (2x2)

 

[techgeek]

First off, what are you using for cooling. If you are on a stock cooler, I would suggest getting something a bit better. My suggestion is since you are on a budget, consider the Hyper 212 EVO. This heatsink hits way above it's weight class for performance. You'd be hard pressed to find something as good as it at the same price.

 

[Beezy]

54C is a very normal operating temperature for a processor under load, even if it was 60 i woukdnt worry. Yes it has some effect on longevity...but it will be time to upgrade by then anyways. On the M5A97 R2.0 (favorite AM3+ 970 board) plusa Hyper 212 EVO i got 4.6 Ghz easily and it was fast. Temps maxed around 55C. My case has great airflow too btw.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

With the poor power and thermal design of that board and a low under powered PSU , I suggest no overclocking.

 

[donsidbo]

for a budget build, just like they said a 212 Evo will do the job. Just make sure that you mount it correctly and put the right amount of Thermal Paste (pea size method on the middle.

I have used 212 Evo and compared it with other tower heat sinks, not only the 212 evo can perform, the fans at full blast is not noticeable at all unlike other tower heatsinks I used, they can have the same performance as the 212 but only with the fan spinning at 2k rpm and they are very noisy...

Just make sure your case have enough space for it

Do you think it would fit in this case? http://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-catp21001

My main concern with the 212 EVO is the size. I'm also concerned with the power supply because some of the cords are short and might be hard to route with such a large cooler if it even fits.

 

[donsidbo]

With the poor power and thermal design of that board and a low under powered PSU , I suggest no overclocking.

I was able to overclock to 3.9Ghz today and everything seemed to be fine in Prime95. The only reason I stopped after only a couple hours was because the temperature was beginning to climb a little to high.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

It's a budget board not meant for overclocking.