Need help overclocking a Q9650 on a Asus Striker 2 Extreme

[viperjt90]

Ok, my problem is i cant get my Q9650 past 3.74GHz stable. I know some issues that need to be solved already but im kinda new at this so im trying to get the best possible advice. I cant give extremely detailed specs because im in Iraq right now but ill be home in about 2-3 weeks. I found out some problems while i was here doing research. I have some of my voltages set to auto which i heard was a big no no. Another thing is like the RAM ratio, i dont know how that works so need some help with that. Also memory timings and voltages. I read its good to losen up memory timings for better overclocks.And other stuff like the northbridge voltages and etc. Heat is not an issue with my current settings cause my cpu and northbride are water cooled, i dont know exactly what my temps were but i remmber them being good. Im trying to reach 4GHz stable. I dont know how bad my current settings are effecting a higher overclock but i might have a bad overclocker. But thats what im here to find out. Here is my system specs......

Cpu-Q9650 (water cooled) 9x 415 FSB
Mobo-Asus Striker 2 Extreme (water cooled)
RAM- 4GB DDR3 Cruial Ballistix Tracer
GPU- 2x BFG OCX GTX 285 in SLI
PSU-1000 WATT (forget the brand)
Tower-Thermaltake Kandalf LCS
2x 300GB WD Raptors
Blu ray player/burner
DVD player/burner

Need any more specs let me know but i am limited due to the fact im in iraq and my computer is home

I would greatly appreciate any help. Thanx

 

[r_manic]

Here's a thread where people have managed to bump their Q9650 up to over 4GHz. Suggest you give it a read: http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?p=1300649

 

[viperjt90]

Thanx, im going to definitely look at that again when i get home. There was a lot of helpful info.I have another question tho, do you think dropping the multiplyer to 8x and raising the FSB would be better ?

 

[one-shot]

Thanx, im going to definitely look at that again when i get home. There was a lot of helpful info.I have another question tho, do you think dropping the multiplyer to 8x and raising the FSB would be better ?

No, the reason the Q9650 is $300+ is because of the higher multiplier. 9*400FSB = 3600MHz, which is a great overclock. There is also a sticky on the top of this forum,

Here it is, the STICKY for overclocking Core2Duo/Quad

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/240001-29-howto-overclock-quads-duals-guide

 

[r_manic]

So one-shot, a prerequisite for OPs attempt at 4GHz would obviously be setting the multipler to 10x? What other options are available if that doesn't prove stable?