Can I overclock my Dell Optiplex 330? BIOS Hack?

[Maxamus456]

I got a Dell Optiplex 330 a while back and I upgraded the CPU to an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 and 4gb of 800mhz RAM. And I wondering if there was any way to overclock it. I did a little digging but I couldn't find anything relevant.

Thanks,
Maxamus456

 

[4K4M4]

If your motherboard has a locked multiplier, then the only way to overclock your CPU would be through BCLK (Base Clock) manipulation. Still, many retail computers have even that either locked or hidden in the BIOS, and normally the motherboard (Which normally is very, very cheap) can't take much overclocking. If you're into OC, it would be very nice to get a motherboard that allows multiplier and BCLK tuning natively.

Flashing or somehow changing a weak motherboard's BIOS can be way dangerous than it normally is. I couldn't find anything related to this model's BIOS or overclocking, which leads me to think it has a retail-grade motherboard. I wouldn't try flashing this one's BIOS, since it can likely lead to a bricked motherboard. We can't even tell if this motherboard would be able to run an overclocked processor for long.

 

[Maxamus456]

If your motherboard has a locked multiplier, then the only way to overclock your CPU would be through BCLK (Base Clock) manipulation. Still, many retail computers have even that either locked or hidden in the BIOS, and normally the motherboard (Which normally is very, very cheap) can't take much overclocking. If you're into OC, it would be very nice to get a motherboard that allows multiplier and BCLK tuning natively.

Flashing or somehow changing a weak motherboard's BIOS can be way dangerous than it normally is. I couldn't find anything related to this model's BIOS or overclocking, which leads me to think it has a retail-grade motherboard. I wouldn't try flashing this one's BIOS, since it can likely lead to a bricked motherboard. We can't even tell if this motherboard would be able to run an overclocked processor for long.

Ok, I couldn't find anything about BCLK manipulation in the BIOS. I'm starting to think I would be better off getting a new motherboard. I'm running DDR2 right now but I want to upgrade to DDR3 eventually. Its a lga 775 socket. I searched for mobos on Amazon but there were next to no options.

 

[Maxamus456]

The only new motherboard still in stock in a few rare places is the asrock G41. I do not believe it has cpu voltage control and the fsb of the q9300 is already at 1333 so you would not be able to clock it much,if at all.
Also there is the windows licence problem, and buying new ram for it, etc etc.
Its a near 7 year old cpu and frankly does not warrant that sort of expense.
I would enjoy it such as it is and put money away for a new build,that pc is knocking on a bit now.

Your right I should just get a new computer. But at the moment I cant afford that so I guess I'll wait a while for prices to drop.