how far can i overclock my amd fx 8350 on an Asus - M5A78L-M PLUS/USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard

[812087]

any help is appreciated

 

[CountMike]

It's wonder it works at stock, let alone OC !!

 

[gyuuula]

The CPU has a 125 watt TPD, and the board is rated for 125 watt. Buuut in reality, the board has a pretty weak 4 phase VRM, and it doesn't even have a passive cooling on it, the 125 watt rating is pushing it, imo. So, if you try to overclock on that board, it will likely kill it. But you still have options!

1, Undervolting the CPU will save power, and it will allow TurboCore to boost your CPU more frequently.
2, I have a similar board. I salvaged a VRM heatsink from a dead motherboard, and after a little machining, I managed to fix it on mine, and glued a cooler above the VRM. Putting active cooling on your VRM will allow you to push your CPU a little harder.

I clocked my FX-8300 at 4Ghz with 1.3V, an FX-8350 at stock clock basically. With the active cooling, I could probably squeeze out more, something like 4,4-4,5 Ghz, but I want to stay safe, and left it at 4Ghz.