My first time overclocking

[iTechGamez]

Hey!
I am wanting to overclock my CPU, and I would like a detailed guide on how to do it for my specific equipment. To start off, I have:
- Processor: AMD FX 8120 Eight-Core - Clocked at 3.10 GHZ
- Motherboard: Asrock Fatal1ty 990FX Killer
I would like a detailed guide on how I would go about overclocking this processor to 4.0 GHZ, with this SPECIFIC motherboard. It would also be amazing if I could get a near exact number on what to set each setting to and where I would find the setting. Thanks!

 

[ShadyHamster]

There is ever an exact number to set anything to when it comes to overclocking, every chip is different.
You will need to experiment to see what your particular chip can and can't do.

I can't find a guide with that particular board but here is a great guide you should read non the less:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1348623/amd-bulldozer-and-piledriver-overclocking-guide-asus-motherboard
It's very detailed and very well written, use this as a reference when it comes time to do your overclocking, most settings should be fairly similar to your board, google should help with any settings that look different, the main 2 settings you should be changing first up is cpu multiplier and the core voltage.

 

[iTechGamez]

There is ever an exact number to set anything to when it comes to overclocking, every chip is different.
You will need to experiment to see what your particular chip can and can't do.

I can't find a guide with that particular board but here is a great guide you should read non the less:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1348623/amd-bulldozer-and-piledriver-overclocking-guide-asus-motherboard
It's very detailed and very well written, use this as a reference when it comes time to do your overclocking, most settings should be fairly similar to your board, google should help with any settings that look different, the main 2 settings you should be changing first up is cpu multiplier and the core voltage.

Does it matter if I have an aftermarket CPU cooler or not? I don't have one, just have the CPU itself with the heatsync and fan on it.
Also, I don't know if my CPU is a Bulldozer or a Piledriver?

 

[Memhorder]

I'd grab a proper cooler before attempting this

 

[iTechGamez]

I'd grab a proper cooler before attempting this

I run around 15-20 Celsius when my PC is idling, and 35-40 when gaming, it should be fine? I have 3-4 big fans in there.

 

[Memhorder]

If your going to be playing around with the voltage settings the temps can skyrocket faster than what a stock cooler can handle or dissipate. It's only meant for stock settings at best.

 

[iTechGamez]

If your going to be playing around with the voltage settings the temps can skyrocket faster than what a stock cooler can handle or dissipate. It's only meant for stock settings at best.

Alright... 🙁

 

[ShadyHamster]

Since your cpu is an 8120 it is a bulldozer chip, the guide is for both bulldozer and piledriver since overclocking is the same.
Yes, you will need an aftermaket cooler, the stock cooler isn't designed for cpu overclocking.

 

[iTechGamez]

Since your cpu is an 8120 it is a bulldozer chip, the guide is for both bulldozer and piledriver since overclocking is the same.
Yes, you will need an aftermaket cooler, the stock cooler isn't designed for cpu overclocking.

By "aftermarket" do you mean water cooled? I can't get a water cooled system because I move my PC a lot and it would ruin it...

 

[ShadyHamster]

Any cooler you buy is usually considered aftermarket.
The best bang for buck is the CM Hyper 212 evo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099&cm_re=coolermaster_hyper_212-_-35-103-099-_-Product
It's one of the most recommended coolers for any budget.

 

[Memhorder]

Sorry to burst your bubble. I know you probably wanted to get started right away. But as Shady said the Hyper 212 evo is pretty cheap.