can it be safely overclocked?

[chris AMD]

I have a fx 6300 CPU with a evercool buffalo cooler on it. Also an asus m5a97 r2.9 mother board. How far would I be able to safely overclock with this setup? Other info..8gb of 1600ghz ram, 550 watt PSU. I've went up to 3.8ghz so far but haven't tried more.

 

[Gam3r01]

Until you hit your thermal/voltage barrier. There really is nothing more to it than that, as every chip varies.
My 965 hit a thermal barrier, got a new cooler, now its at it voltage limit.

 

[JOOK-D]

Yep, Gam3r01 hit the nail on the head.

Here's a guide to help you out with the methodology anyway: http://www.overclock.net/t/1348623/amd-bulldozer-and-piledriver-overclocking-guide-asus-motherboard

 

[chris AMD]

Thanks for the replies. I'll check out the guide. If I can keep it cool I'd like to go for an even 4ghz.

 

[Gam3r01]

Depends on the cooler, I bet you can hit higher

 

[chris AMD]

Well I've read mixed reviews of the evercool heatsink and fan. So far it idles at 30c and after playing bf4 for a hour temps maxed at 45c. Better than stock cooler.