Considering overcloking Q660

[intzor]

I'm running my Q6600 now with the stock heatsink. I was considering overclocking it and have heard it can safely be overclocked to 3.6ghz.

Could someone recommend a good cooler? Preferably one that is not outrageously expensive, so long as it gets the job done.

Also, a question: are there any coolers that can easily be installed for someone doing an upgrade, or will I need to completely remove my motherboard to do this?

Thanks for your input.

 

[gkay09]

Well yes you can overclock the Q6600 to 3.4or higher...But this depends on the stepping of the CPU..If your Q6600 has a G0 stepping, then you are lucky...and you can overclock it high...but if it is any other stepping, then I doubt you will be able to push it higher...

If you want to see what steping you have got, then just download a program called CPU-Z and see yourself.

Some options...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233001
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

 

[intzor]

Yes, I forgot to specify I have the G0 stepping.

 

[Maziar]

I have a THERMALTAKE V1 CPU with a Q6600 G0 @ 3.4 and i am very happy with it,it idles @ 35c with 1.425 voltage.

 

[boonality]

Are you new to overclocking? If you don't know how to tweak the voltages and what not you won't be able to get it over 2.8-3.0 stable. I am one of those people that don't know much about overclocking. I have a Q6600 on a P35 mob and the highest I can go stable by only changing FSB and locking PCI e at 100 is 2.8. I'm happy with that and don't care much to learn how to mess with voltages.

But I'm just saying... Also if you are in my situation and don't know much about overclocking, then your stock cooler will probably work fine up to about 2.8 or so.

 

[intzor]

Boonality,

Yes I'm new to overclocking. I've browsed a few guides. And I do know how to alter the voltage in the Bios. But I thought it would be best to get proper cooling before playing around with it. Or is it safe for me to try getting it up as high as I can with stock, so long as I don't leave it on long periods stressing it?
Is it really tricky to get it to run at 3.6ghz stable?
I have an EP45-DS3L motherboard.

 

[Cache]

Boonality,
But I thought it would be best to get proper cooling before playing around with it. Or is it safe for me to try getting it up as high as I can with stock, so long as I don't leave it on long periods stressing it?
Is it really tricky to get it to run at 3.6ghz stable?

As long as your voltages are within spec and you are cooling your chip safely, you can overclock--it really doesn't matter if it's a stock cooler or an after-market variety. That said, the stock cooler is like driving a half-wrecked pinto--it'll get you where you need to go and that's about it. After-market coolers and fans will give you a lot more head room, and allow for a much stronger OC.

But stress? Nah, as long as everything is within a good range, you'll be good to go, just... not as far.

As far as getting to 3.6 stable, it really comes down to what the chip can do. Chips are like children, and just because one does really well doesn't mean the other one will OC well at all. If you've done all that you can think of, come back with some numbers and seek advice on other tweaks that might help.