Overclocking unsupported CPU. Is it safe?

[TaberuKui]

Hello guys

So, I want to overclock my FX-8350 but I recently found out that my Motherboard doesnt fully support my CPU since it can only offer 95W, rather than the 125W which the FX-8350 needs.

This results in my CPU only providing 2.81GHz rather than the 4GHz.

Since im low on budget I want to overclock rather than buying new components to make up for that.

So my question is, is it safe? Or am I harming my components in any way? I already ran Prime95 and it didnt break down or anything but since Im not so knowledgeable I am afraid I might be missing out on some factor I did not consider.

 

[SeymourButtts]

There is always a risk with overclocking especially if the board is already having trouble delivering power.
Save for an i7 I went the AMD "upgrade and overclock" route and it yielded such little gains that it wasn't worth it.
I just upgraded to an i7 and I don't regret it.

 

[ElementAMD]

If you are running an older MSI board, I wouldn't try it at all. I'm running the 760GM P34-FX, and it technically is a 95W aswell (running an 8320 currently). I would NOT try overclocking as you would burn out the motherboard. Save up, and switch to either a newer AM3+ board with good reviews, or get an Intel MOBO/CPU.

 

[synphul]

I wouldn't recommend overclocking on a board only recommended for up to 95w either. You're already exceeding the limits running an fx 8350 at stock, pushing it harder would only likely cause problems. Best case scenario it just shuts the pc down due to overheating or overvoltage on the vrms. Worst case scenario if you tried to overclock it could catch on fire.

You're already struggling to get your cpu to run at stock because of the limitations, possibly thermal throttling of the vrm. Overclocking will only make it worse. Your motherboard is more likely to fail sooner under that type of stress as it is.

I think this is an fx 8320 with a 790fx board vrm fire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNBFsKz8Tjc

This is an fx 9590 (basically overclocked 8350) and a 970 krait mobo vrm fire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zTzpYjQ2MM

Yes, the 9590 shouldn't have been paired with that motherboard but that's the point. The potential of what can happen when pairing an amd cpu with too high of a tdp compared to what the board supports. The fx 8350 is a 125w tdp cpu before you even overclock it. Once overclocked the tdp changes and goes higher.