Phenom II X4 955BE OC to 3.6 or 3.8 ghz for gaming

[ezikieljeex]

Hi, im new to this OC'ing thing, specially that this is my first system. Im getting my new processor cooler (Coolermaster V8 or Tuniq 120) this coming January(hopefully) and just wanted to ask about the OC'd processors when put to 24/7 gaming use.

I have a Phenom II X4 955be running currently at 3.2ghz, i already flirted with 3.6ghz and 3.8ghz both running stable after 2 hours of prime 95. At 3.6 ghz, i did not need to up my stock voltage and running at 60 C(FULL LOAD). At 3.8ghz, i increased my volts to 1.43ish to get it stable and running at 66 C(FULL LOAD).

Which of these speeds will be best when used in gaming 24/7?
If I go for the 3.8ghz and an increased voltage will this decrease my CPU lifespan even under 55 C?

Also the temps are not final because im still using the stock HSF , just wanted to be ready to overclock my processor right away when my cooler arrives.

Thanks! Hoping for some cool answers.
Salamat 😀

 

[andy5174]

What is the stock voltage of 955?

Go for 3.8GHz if you can hit it near stock voltage.

 

[Rustyy117]

Depends on the resolution of your monitor, but there will be very little difference between 3.6 and 3.8ghz.

66C is alittle hot, the max safe for your CPU is around 64C, but I wouldnt worry to much as like you said you'll be getting an aftermarket cooler soon, and besides a game won't push your CPU as hard as Prime95.

The extra 200mhz wont make much difference, maybe a frame or 2, but when has that ever stopped people from going crazy with OCing.

BTW: its always helpful to mention your computers specs including monitor size and res. : )

 

[ezikieljeex]

@andy5174
My stock voltages for the 955BE is 1.35volts
at 3.6ghz the volts are still 1.35 stable with prime 95
at 3.8ghz 1.43sh something and stable with prime 95
my concern is, will the added volts decrease my cpu lifespan even if my temps are lets say below 55 c? and is it worth it? and if it is will it have a negative impact or harware damage if i run it 24/7 playing games?

@omgitzfatal
Sorry for that, im using a
17 inch monitor 1280 x 1024
MSI 790gx-g65
Kingston 2x2gb 1333mhz
phenom 2 x4 955 BE (currently running 3.2ghz to be on the safe side, no aftermarket cooler yet)
550 wat PSU Odin Pro

 

[andy5174]

@andy5174
My stock voltages for the 955BE is 1.35volts
at 3.6ghz the volts are still 1.35 stable with prime 95
at 3.8ghz 1.43sh something and stable with prime 95
my concern is, will the added volts decrease my cpu lifespan even if my temps are lets say below 55 c? and is it worth it?

@omgitzfatal
Sorry for that, im using a
17 inch monitor 1280 x 1024
MSI 790gx-g65
Kingston 2x2gb 1333mhz
phenom 2 x4 955 BE
550 wat PSU Odin Pro

Stay at 3.6GHz then!

As omgitzfatal mentioned, 200MHz more won't make any significant difference. However, "Why not?" IF you can hit it at stock voltage.

 

[ezikieljeex]

oh yeah, never thought of it that way, tnx dude!