Overclocking an Intel i5 3470

[Goober Trooper]

Hello!

I haven't done an overclock before, but I'm interested in learning. I want to get a little more juice out of my system and figured I could start by finding out what's the best/safest way to overclock my Intel i5 3470. I know that since it's not a K version it might be a little more tricky, and I do know I'll probably have to overclock the Motherboard as well, but frankly I don't know where to start when it comes to either of those things.

Simply put, I'd appreciate getting pointed in the right direction on where I can learn more on how to overclock these components and how to properly maintain them, or if it's even possible with my current set up. My primary concerns are for the longevity of the overclocked components, as I do want this rig to last for some time. If I can overclock the needed components I will, of course, buy sufficient cooling for them as well, but I imagine there's more too it than getting a bigger better fan.


In case the embedded links above don't work I'll include the motherboard and CPU currently in use below.

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115234
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157362

I will be checking on this post frequently, so if there's any additional information needed I will happily supply it as soon as it's seen.

 

[CTurbo]

With that motherboard, you can only overclock by raising the fsb. I do not recommend bothering with this. You are looking at 100-200mhz tops and it's not worth it.

 

[Goober Trooper]

With that motherboard, you can only overclock by raising the fsb. I do not recommend bothering with this. You are looking at 100-200mhz tops and it's not worth it.

Thanks for the heads up. You know of any motherboards that are around 50 or 60 bucks that's more overclock friendly?

 

[utgotye]

It's not the motherboard, it's the locked CPU.

 

[Goober Trooper]

It's not the motherboard, it's the locked CPU.

Ah. Apologies for my misunderstanding. Such is the reason why I've come to learn more. Either way, thanks for the clarification.

 

[jaguarskx]

Just to shed a little more light on how overclocking works for Intel CPUs.

In the past you were able to increase the FSB (Front Side Bus) to overclock the CPU. That basically affected the RAM speed and the CPU speed. However, Intel changed how their CPU operations and now everything is tied to the BCLK (Base Clock). When I mean everything, I mean everything. The PCI-e slots, RAM, USB Ports etc. Intel CPU basically relies on an unlocked multiplier to overclock ("K" model CPUs).

You can do a minor overclock with the BCLK and I mean very minor. Probably the safest limit is 6MHz that's because the USB ports can generally become unstable beyond 6MHz. Pushing it even further can permanently damage the USB ports.

 

[CTurbo]

If you can find a cheap Z77 or Z68 motherboard, you can overclock your i5 +400mhz. Do not touch the fsb.

 

[Karsten75]

I thought there were a small number of "OC" or "Formula" motherboards that forced the CPU into Turbo boost mode? Then Intel frowned on that and the practice got discontinued. Those mobos weren't cheap, though.