Looking to OC core 2 duo 6400 (newbie)

[russell_J]

I just picked up a 9800GTX+ over a 8800 GT because it was on sale. However now I think my CPU (core 2 duo 6400) will be bottle necking my performance. I have been reading online and there is even an article on tomshardware about getting one from 2.13 to 3 ghz which is my target.

The only problem is i have never tried to overclock anything. I know i will need an aftermarket heatsink and i think i understand the idea edit the bios settings to increase the clock speed and voltage in baby steps and check the core temps under load with a stress test program.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me on doing this? is it even worth it in this case?

some links to a few newb Overclocking articles would be much appreciated.

 

[randomizer]

Check the HOWTO... sticky at the top of this section.

 

[russell_J]

lol duh i should have looked there first.

Any good heatsink suggestions?

 

[russell_J]

Is 3 Ghz out of this CPU possible?

 

[randomizer]

Thermalright makes some nice ones, they just swivel around a bit even when on tight.

EDIT: You won't know if it's possible unless you try it because every chip is unique. It's very likely you'll be able to do it though.

 

[rabidbunny]

xigmatek s128 with the bracket. I have an e6400 and that heatsink and they both rock.
Unforutunately, if I have my system overclocked I get popping from my soundcard

 

[russell_J]

is my DDR2 667 ram going to hold me back?

 

[randomizer]

You'll probably need to loosen timings or increase your memory voltage to get it stable. Make sure it's running 1:1 so that you run it within spec as long as possible. What motherboard are you using? You have a CPU from the P965 chipset era, and that could pose some other obstacles.

 

[russell_J]

Just realized my Intel brand of mother board won't let me overclock.

 

[russell_J]

other obstacles.

As in overclocking or running the card?

 

[randomizer]

Overclocking. You'll find that a P965 chipset will be highly unstable from ~350-399FSB, but will be far more stable at 400FSB. I'll skip the reasons for that unless you actually have one.

As for the Intel-branded board, you have sacrificed overclockability for stability (at least that's what Intel intended).

 

[russell_J]

my 9800GTX will still be usable just not to its full potential correct?

 

[randomizer]

Pretty much.

 

[eddieroolz]

Out of curiosity, what is your board?