naive temperature questions

[greasy dave]

Hello,

I've got some very naive questions to ask.
Where to start.

System specs:
cpu: i7 930
gpu: r9 280x MSI
mobo: gigabyte X58A UD3R
12GB ram

The gigabyte mobo came with some software called smart 6, one aspect of it is to allow small overclocks from within the software. The Gigabyte software sets it up for you.

The GPU is the same, it came with a gaming app that sets up a small overclock if you want it.

I built this thing a few years ago and can't remember the exact type of the CPU cooler I'm using or the case - but the cooler was top of the line back then. The case is a cooler master with alot of fans - so I can get extra cooling going if I need it.

So, I don't know anything about oc'ing. This machine has been able to handle all the games I've wanted to play without a problem.

However, in attempt to run Xcom 2 slightly smoother I've been trying out the software that came with the hardware.

The smart quick boost software offers a boost that lifts the CPU to the speed of cpu's that were higher in the range when this one came out: The highest is the equivalent of i7 975 + 3.36 GHz, BCLK 160 MHz

What I'm trying to find out is the right balance between acceptable oc and graphics boost and acceptable fan noise. And I'm uncertain how hot the hardware can become before it gets damaged.

I've had the fans on low since I built it - because the CPU never got hotter than 60 degrees, and only on some CPU intense games. Running with that i7 975 overclock for about 5 hours yesterday I was getting:

CPU core temps of 72 degrees
a general CPU temperature (according to CPUID HW Monitor) of average70 - but with a short peak of 80 degrees.
GPU was maxed at 74 degrees
Mo bo maxed at 44 degrees

Are these too high? I can turn up the fans and reduce the temps. But I'm trying to find a balance. My priority is low noise. So I'll choose worse graphics and a reduced oc, if these temps are too high. What kind of temperatures can I consider without damaging and reducing the life expectancy of the parts?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give?

 

[geofelt]

First of all, do not worry much about cpu damage. The chip will slow down or shut off if it detects a dangerous temperature.
I think that is about 100c. It is called TJMAX.
HWMonitor will show you that.

Stress test with OCCT. It will shut down the test at 85c or thereabouts.
You will have to find your own balance between fan noise and cooling.

I would not worry much about longevity of your parts, they will likely be obsolete long before they fail.