MSI 970 Gaming VS GA-970A UD3P

[n3onis]

I'm planning to buy one of these 2 motherboards for a FX-6300.
Which would be better for overclocking, could I get it to 4.5GHz?
The Gaming is better looking in my opinion, so I kinda want that one, but is it noticably worse than the UD3P. It has 6+2 power phases, while UD3P has 8+2, but that shouldn't matter for a 970 chipset right? How hard is it to overclock with it?

 

[chris987]

power phase defines the ability of the VRM and always matters when it comes to overclocking! MSI 970 gaming is a good mobo, it is a newer one and additionally supporsts SLI! however overclocking wisely i still vote for the ud3p!

 

[n3onis]

Thanks for the answer. Could I still get a FX-6300 to 4.5GHz on MSI Gaming, because I really like that one?

 

[TheMentalist]

The MSI 970 Gaming is a good board for the 6300, even though it only has a 6+2 VRM.
Here's a review: http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2014/08/21/msi-970-gaming-review/7

 

[n3onis]

On that review there is a FX-8150 used. They got it to 4.62GHz, would I get to the same value if using FX-6300? If so, that's enough as I've only planned to go to 4.5. Could I copy the voltages and multipliers for my overclocking?

 

[TheMentalist]

The 6300 will overclock the same if not better.
You'll have to tweak the voltages and multipliers to get a nice overclock. Never rush to find high overclocks, take it slow and you'll get a nice overclock.

 

[n3onis]

Thank you very much for your help.

 

[chris987]

the actual result of an overclocking attemp depends also on the cpu itself.(among other things too) unfortunately, not all same models perform the same.

 

[n3onis]

What do I have to be careful of when overclocking? Do I only have to keep an eye on the temperatures of the CPU? What should they get to when overclocking the FX6300?

 

[TheMentalist]

the actual result of an overclocking attemp depends also on the cpu itself.(among other things too) unfortunately, not all same models perform the same.

Yeah, the good 'ol lottery

 

[TheMentalist]

When overclocking keeping the system stable and cool is important.
Take small steps when overclocking(getting higher clocks), boot up and check your system stability and status.
Keeping your voltages low is also a good thing to do.
Go as far as your CPU and motherboard allows you.

 

[n3onis]

The real thing that confuses me are the voltages. When and how much should I raise them?

 

[chris987]

avoid any cpu throttling by maintaing core temps not over 60c

 

[TheMentalist]

It's never guaranteed but you can get 4.3-4.5GHz with something like 1.40V if you're lucky.
You should grab a good CPU cooler for a decent overclock.
You should up the clocks with something like 200Mhz and test the system. If it crashes you should bump the voltages up a little bit(about +0.15V).
This is a good place for info: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261868-29-overclocking-club