Q9400 OC - Is it really this easy?

[hachkc]

So I finally got around to picking up a C2Q based on the deal microcenter has been running (Q9400 @ $180). I OC'd it to 3.4 and thing doesn't even break a sweat. I ran Prime95 for 17hrs and I had 1 core peak at 40c and the others peaked at 38c-39c; using RealTemp for monitoring. All I changed in the bios was bumping the fsb to 425 and the memory SPD to 2. Obviously I'm guessing I can go a bit higher then this but then I'd probably have issues with my memory and probably need to make some voltage adjustments. I should qualify that I'm still a bit of an OC'ing beginner.

Here are the sys specs:

MB: GA-EP45-UD3P
CPU: Q9400
Mem: 4x1gb Mushkin DDR2 800
PS: Hiper 580w Type R
GPU: ATI HD3870
Cooler: Xigmatech S1283 Cooler
Case: CM 690 Mid (4x120mm fans, 2 in, 2 out)

Probably should note that it appears 3 of my cores' temp sensors are stuck (32,32,37) while the other registers as low as 15c idle.

So am I missing something or is it really this easy?

 

[Zorg]

Doesn't it make more sense that one DTS is screwy rather than three.

If your 15C sensor is correct then you have your PC in a walk in freezer, because 15C = 59F.

You should read the Core 2 Quad and Duo Temperature Guide sticky.

 

[nikclev]

Mine was that easy too. I have:


MB: GA-EP45-UD3P
CPU: E7200
Mem: 2x2gb OCZ DDR2 800 4-4-4-15
PS: PCP&C 750w silencer
GPU: Sapphire HD4870 1gig
Cooler: Xigmatech HDT-S1283
Case: Antec p182b

To go to 3.0gHz, (stock is 2.53gHz) All I did was raise the FSB to 400, lowered the multiplier to 7.5, memory at 1-1 and away we went. Still stable after I changed all the voltage options in bios from auto to normal, auto seems to be a tad high for some of them. (memory is running exactly as the EPP has it, 2.2v) Stable for 30hours of prime95, temps low 50's (C) under load. I'm not sure if I want to go much farther than 3.0 ghz, even though I could most likely approach 3.5 or so. I know it's a curiously underpowered CPU for the rest of the build, I'm deciding if I want to drop a fairly fast C2Q in there or just leave it as is. (or perhaps a shiny new C2D)

 

[cadder]

I'm using essentially the same settings as you are, with a gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R. I've experimented with mine up to fsb of 470 (cpu at 3.76). I didn't have the patience to keep tinkering with it and to keep adjusting voltages and running stress tests, and I had previously told myself that if I could run it daily at 3.4 then that was good enough for me. At 3.6 and above my temps were getting into the upper 40's.

You didn't say what cooler you have but you must have a good one. I'm using the Xigmatec hds-s1283 installed with its optional backing plate and its stock heatsink compound.