I'm new to overclocking. Please help!

[d4sh]

Hello, I want to overclock my CPU. I've never done it before, I have no idea of how to do it and I prefer to ask the pros, since searching on google sometimes isn't the best choice for this risky decisions.

My CPU is a FX-8320 X8 3,5 Ghz (AM3+). My questions are:

- What do I have to do to overclock it?
- Does the overclocking depend on the motherboard I have?
- How much hz can I add to the 3,5 Ghz without risk?
- Is it safe?
- What are the cons of doing this? (everything has its cons).
- Will I run my games faster? (what are the pros?)

My specs are:

PSU: 650W Thermaltake
CPU: FX-8320 X8 3,5 GHz (AM3+)
RAM: 16 GB
Motherboard: M/B AMD 970A-UD3P A/L (AM3+)
Graphics: Geforce GTX 980 Ti

Thank you!

 

[bicycle_repair_man]

Here's what you need to overclock:

1. An unlocked CPU - check.
2. A decent motherboard - check.
3. A good quality PSU - which specific one do you have?
4. An after-market CPU cooler.

Having additional case fans wouldn't go amiss either.

To answer your questions:

1. To overclock, you raise the CPU multiplier and CPU voltage (VCORE), which supplies power directly to the CPU cores.
2. The motherboard VRMs provide the VCORE, so having a decent one is important.
3. How much of an overclock you'll achieve is a complete unknown.
4. It's safe as long as you know what you're doing and use quality components.
5. The cons are increased heat output and a less energy-efficienct PC.
6. Your games are unlikely to run much faster.

Have a read of this guide to get started; http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/272214-29-wolfram-beginner-guide-overclocking.

 

[Geekwad]

For FX overclocking, this is a great place to start:

http://www.amd.com/Documents/AMD_FX_Performance_Tuning_Guide.pdf

It does depend on the board you have, with 970 chipset boards having less ability than the 990 sets. Even still, I would think 4.2Ghz is possible as long as you have a decent air cooler and your PSU is not of the lower quality Thermaltakes.

It is generally safe if you proceed with caution and advance your clock slowly, thoroughly testing after each step. Cons of course is that you destroy your equipment.

Games will get a FPS boost and other tasks will run faster, though not 'substantially' faster.

 

[Themastererr]

You will not be happy with an FX CPU unless it is overclocked. They truly turn into a different beast past 4.6Ghz.

 

[d4sh]

Here's what you need to overclock:

1. An unlocked CPU - check.
2. A decent motherboard - check.
3. A good quality PSU - which specific one do you have?
4. An after-market CPU cooler.

Having additional case fans wouldn't go amiss either.

To answer your questions:

1. To overclock, you raise the CPU multiplier and CPU voltage (VCORE), which supplies power directly to the CPU cores.
2. The motherboard VRMs provide the VCORE, so having a decent one is important.
3. How much of an overclock you'll achieve is a complete unknown.
4. It's safe as long as you know what you're doing and use quality components.
5. The cons are increased heat output and a less energy-efficienct PC.
6. Your games are unlikely to run much faster.

Have a read of this guide to get started; http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/272214-29-wolfram-beginner-guide-overclocking.

Thanks a lot for your reply. I have a 12cm 80 Plus Bronze Smart PSU.

 

[bicycle_repair_man]

Thanks a lot for your reply. I have a 12cm 80 Plus Bronze Smart PSU.

What model is it? Is it a Thermaltake ToughPower, London, Smart?