help with overclocking

[pingu12]

I am still trying to get my head round this whole overclocking buisness, so i have read loads of these 'noobs guides to overlcoking' and so on, but i am still a little confused. I am currently running a Q6600 @ 2.4GHz (stock) cooled by a Arctic Freezer 7 Pro, it usually idles at around 22-25C, i am using Corsair XMS2 6400 @800MHz (stock). I would liek to overclock my CPU to around 2.8-3.0GHz depending on the temps i am getting. Now i am confused about wether to use a Higher FSB with a lower multipier or the othere way around. (7x400 = 2.8) or (9x311 = 2.8), also i have read about using a 1:1 ratio and is it worth using this ratio or does it not rly matter. If i am being a complete noob or totally missing the plot then plz tell me! also if u need an more information then plz just ask

 

[outlw6669]

Keep your multiplier at 9x and change your FSB to 333Mhz.
Put the CPU Voltage at 1.35V and make sure the RAM stays at it's stock speeds, timings and voltage.

 

[pingu12]

if my system is stable after that should i try and lower the vcore so that temps and power consumption are at a minimum for that clock?

 

[evongugg]

Good idea.

Run Prime95 to make sure it is stable.
Then try reducing the vcore voltage.
Rerun Prime95.

 

[pingu12]

how long do u think i have to run Prime95 for to make sure its stable?

 

[outlw6669]

While you are still tweaking you overclock run it for 15-30min at a time.
After you think everything is stable at you desired speed, I would recommend running it for 8+ hours straight.

 

[pingu12]

ok im gunna try this out, thanks for ur input outlw and evongugg

 

[spuddyt]

normally a 333 FSB doesn't require any voltage change at all in my experience....

 

[pingu12]

are u saying leave it at the stock voltage or dont reduce the voltage after i reach my desired clock?

 

[outlw6669]

1.35V is the top end of the stock voltage scale.
It is the best place to start for this minor overclock.
If you leave the voltage settings on auto, you can never be sure if the BIOS is dumping 1.1V or 1.5V into it.

 

[pingu12]

so is it worth reducing the Vcore after the clock is stable?

 

[outlw6669]

It will not hurt to leave it there or even a little higher.
I personally would drop it one notch at a time and test at each step.
Once you start getting errors, raise it two notches and you should be stable for a good long time.