Overclock not working

[atomicpropel]

Hey,

So I'm trying to overclock my computer, but I'm limited for some reason. I can change the FSB to 354 with an 8.5 multiplier, but anytime I move the FSB any higher, the computer starts and runs for about 10 seconds (the POST doesn't show though), and then it automatically restarts. Once it restarts, all the overclock settings are reset to auto (including the custom timings for my RAM, etc.) and I have to redo everything. According to overclockersclub.com, my setup should allow for a 463 x 8 stability, so why can't I boot? System specs:

Gigabyte X48-DQ6 Motherboard
Intel Q9450 Processor
8GB (4 x 2GB) Mushkin XP2-8500 RAM

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ausch30]

Have you ever overclocked before?

On just about every site there is an overclocking guide. Have you gone through and read these to learn how to do it?

If not then
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1804
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/oc-guide.html
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2188777,00.asp
http://www.techwarelabs.com/guides/misc_mod/overclockingguide/
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclocking-guide,15.html
http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Guides/OCguide/

 

[Dameon_Bananaman]

if i was you ild start off by doind very small overclocking to see how your system reacts. if its fine, then do more. it could be that your overclocking your computer too much and it cant handle it. ive had that before on my computer, it takes time to find the best settings your computer can run at.

 

[zipz0p]

Good list ausch30. Be prepared to whip that one out pretty often

Just so you know, your Q9450 doesn't run on an 8.5x multiplier. 8.0 is its maximum, so even if you set it to 8.5, it won't go higher than 8.0.

Read those guides, each will explain what your problem is and several things to try to "fix" it and get a higher stable overclock.

 

[atomicpropel]

I've read through a few guides, and I can't seem to figure out what's wrong. It's my understanding that if the settings are too high, the computer will crash, but the post should at least show. Also, I've seen many people on various boards say that they can run the 9450 at 3.2 Ghz or higher stable.

Shouldn't the computer at least show the POST at 355 x 8 (2.84)?

 

[zipz0p]

I've had my computer not POST many many times due to too-aggressive settings. Make sure your RAM is running at a decent frequency, voltage and timings. Almost all of my no-POST experiences have been due to poor RAM settings.

Edit:
Oh, and yes, your Q9450 is almost certainly completely capable of 3.2GHz. Please post more and useful information, including voltages, timings, temperatures and more for better help. Just saying "It doesn't POST" isn't going to get the directed help you need to get on with your overclock.

That said, it's very highly recommended to not only read those guides, but UNDERSTAND all of the components that go into the overclock. Granted it's difficult to see how they all fit together until you get your hands dirty, but it's a good idea to make small adjustments and watch the results. If this is your first overclock, don't expect to just hop to 3.2GHz without learning what you're doing first.

 

[ausch30]

One helpful thing to do is to write down all your voltages at stock and keep an eye on them as you overclock. Usually most people leave most voltages on auto and that's fine but some boards like to overvolt when left on auto and this can cause instability. The board I have now I had to manually set the NB voltage because if I left it on auto the board would give it too much voltage.

 

[Shadow703793]

I've read through a few guides, and I can't seem to figure out what's wrong. It's my understanding that if the settings are too high, the computer will crash, but the post should at least show. Also, I've seen many people on various boards say that they can run the 9450 at 3.2 Ghz or higher stable.

Shouldn't the computer at least show the POST at 355 x 8 (2.84)?

Not true. Most of the time the newer motherboards will try to boot and if it cant boot it will try to load stock setings and boot. If it can't boot then you have to clear CMOS.

 

[atomicpropel]

Thanks for all the help. I figured out the problem late last night. My board only supports memory up to 1200 Mhz, and when I raised the FSB, it raised the memory above that. Now I've set it to 3.48 Ghz and ran a stability test (Prime95) for 16 hours. It was a success. Thanks again!