Just want to make sure...

[themikeman]

I just got all my parts in for my new build. I'm not a first-time builder, but this will be my first experience with OC'ing.

I have in my possession an i7 920, DDR3 1600 memory and a GIGABYTE UD4P motherboard. I understand that I will need to manually change the memory timings on first boot, but I just want to understand ahead of time (if you all would be so kind) exactly what else I need to do.

The default memory voltage for the i7 chipset is 1.5v from what I've read, while the memory I have is 1.65v, so I assume I would up my memory voltage immediately as well? I've read a few pretty in depth guides to OC'ing the i7 in general, so I know that the main adjustment I'll be making for frequencies is the base clock value. Will I need to touch that at all initially just for booting and getting the memory to work properly with the mobo?

Thanks for all your help in advance.

 

[spinny]

For starters, I wouldn't mess with overclock related bios settings on 'first boot'. I usually like to get my systems up and running before screwing around with overclocking. It tends to make things easier for diagnosing any problems you may run into (was that BSOD from my video drivers or my memory timings?).

If you are going to try to run your ram at its rated 1600, then yes go ahead and put the voltage at 1.65 (or near there) once you start your overclocking.

 

[jsc]

Once you get the box built, OS updated, and drivers loaded, stress test the machine (I use Prime95 for 24 hours) at stock settings. Make sure that the machine is solid before you start to overclock.

Otherwise, you have absolutely no idea whether any problem is related to overclocking of the base machine.