Overclocking my FX8120

[NGGDavid]

Ok so i've overclocked my

AMD FX 8120 from 3.1 to 3.9 using the Asus AI something or other auto tune software(automatic OC)

I'm seeing (at full load) temps from 60-63c - is that safe to game with? I have been told that it's safe up to 70c but shouldn't go over 65c

EDIT: using an Asus M5A97 r2.0 mobo if that is relevant

 

[dottorrent]

Buy a new CPU cooler. The AMD Heatpipe coolers aren't very good for overclocking, especially for the bulldozers. If I were you, I would buy the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO, or if you were to broaden your budget, a Corsair H80i. Both are more than capable to cool the FX CPU no problem at all.

 

[NGGDavid]

Buy a new CPU cooler. The AMD Heatpipe coolers aren't very good for overclocking, especially for the bulldozers. If I were you, I would buy the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO, or if you were to broaden your budget, a Corsair H80i. Both are more than capable to cool the FX CPU no problem at all.

I'm using this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118046

 

[dottorrent]

I would change the thermal paste then. Buy some Arctic silver 5 or Antec formula 7 diamond and you should see a temperature drop.

 

[NGGDavid]

I would change the thermal paste then. Buy some Arctic silver 5 or Antec formula 7 diamond and you should see a temperature drop.

precisely what i'm using xD Arctic silver 5

 

[NGGDavid]

Could it be because I have that RC33P Resistor attached?

 

[javathedot]

First, that Zalman performs below par compared to let's say noctua NH-D14 (most probably because of lesser heatpipes and fins). Others would actually consider the Zalman as mediocre. Second, Bulldozers are known for high temps. Third, overclocking it by 0.8 Ghz would definitely produce more heat.

I say your temps are pretty normal on your cooling and OC setup.

Compare it with this: I got an FX8350 (less heat than 8120) OCed to 4.5 Ghz, cooled by noctua NH-D14 with noctua paste, i'm getting 54c max when stress testing it with Prime95 (5 cores at 100%, the other 3 cores were auto deactivated by the board). Playing WOT (which is practically using 70-85% of 1 core) would give it max of 47c.

And by the way, my case has 6 x 120mm fans. 3 intake and 3 exhaust. So that should give you an idea.

 

[teh_gerbil]

Yes. Your temperatures are to be expected.

First off, bear in mind the consumer orientated overclocking software for CPU's are fairly limited in terms of parameters it will edit. Ideally you want to edit your CPU frequency via your BIOS, as it will be much much more stable.

In your instance, please bear in mind the fact that a 'branded' piece of software has to be as reliable as possible.
->Or else when it crashes due to pushing the card too high, it's "Damn that <brand name> peice of <swear word> software!!!" Which no company would let slide.

Now, in order to achieve this reliability they push up the voltage for a very inefficient but more stable OC.

To answer your question: That's fine and that's what you'd expect from the 'Auto' mode.
To lower your temps I'd advise BIOS level overclocking, and specifically tweak your voltage settings.

However, 3.1 to 3.9 is nothing to sniff at, and I am very confident that if you're happy with the performance you are not going to see any degradation in terms of life or performance over the life span of the CPU due to the high running temperature.


Edit: For the record, I am running a 960T. Stock 4x core 3GHZ CPU running at 6x core 4GHZ stable as a rock, even under full load with Prime95. I've been running this config for 2 years with no hassle whatsoever.

 

[NGGDavid]

Yes. Your temperatures are to be expected.

First off, bear in mind the consumer orientated overclocking software for CPU's are fairly limited in terms of parameters it will edit. Ideally you want to edit your CPU frequency via your BIOS, as it will be much much more stable.

In your instance, please bear in mind the fact that a 'branded' piece of software has to be as reliable as possible.
->Or else when it crashes due to pushing the card too high, it's "Damn that <brand name> peice of <swear word> software!!!" Which no company would let slide.

Now, in order to achieve this reliability they push up the voltage for a very inefficient but more stable OC.

To answer your question: That's fine and that's what you'd expect from the 'Auto' mode.
To lower your temps I'd advise BIOS level overclocking, and specifically tweak your voltage settings.

However, 3.1 to 3.9 is nothing to sniff at, and I am very confident that if you're happy with the performance you are not going to see any degradation in terms of life or performance over the life span of the CPU due to the high running temperature.


Edit: For the record, I am running a 960T. Stock 4x core 3GHZ CPU running at 6x core 4GHZ stable as a rock, even under full load with Prime95. I've been running this config for 2 years with no hassle whatsoever.

Thanks for the info I am pleased with it's performance and it's running stable idling at 40c