Q9550 Overclocking

[Vos17]

Hey everyone,

I am buying my entire new computer in about a week, and just had some questions on the Q9550.

I want to overclock this CPU to 3.5ghz, and i am essentially new to overclocking.

So far i know i need higher than ddr2 800 Memory to overclock it passed 3.2ghz

8.5 x 400 mhz = 3.4ghz (right?)
So could i have the mhz at 424 for 3.6ghz? (Remember, first timer, bare with me lol)

So i am going to be getting 1066 to ensure the higher memory stability with the overclock.

The Heatsink i am getting is the Zalman CNPS9700LED (Performance, not to huge, and would look cool in my case)

My questions are....

1) Will my CPU easily reach 3.5ghz? (even if not a E0 Stepping one)

2) Will i have to change the Vcore to ensure stability or think i wouldn't have to change it for that OC

3) Whats the chances of getting a E0 CPU? Like how many different kinds of stepping could i get?
Could i be unlucky to get a horrible one?

So like i said, bare with me, noob at overclocking =]

Anyone who owns a Q9550, or is like a overclocking guru, opinions and suggestions greatly appreciated!!!

 

[freakz28]

hey q9550's e0's currently is what microcenter has instock right now for about 280$ after taxes

you can get these bad boys up to 4.0ghz EASY 3.8 on stock voltages 100% prime stable

example have i have right now

p35 gigabyte mobo
8 gigs of ram ddr 1066 1:1 ratio @ 900 mhz ish
q9550 e0 4.0ghz running 100% 12+ hour prime 95 stable only on 1.232 @ load volts in CPUZ volts set in bios. 1.268.

theres not alot of info on this chip online and the info that is online most of its in correct theres alot of people taking these chips up to 1.4v just to 4.0 and not stable

key to this chip you need to boost you FSB to + .20 - 30 then add a little voltage.

my temps are mid 30's load temps mid 50's never seen 60C


with your zlaman 9700 you can easily hit 3.8ghz UNDER STOCK voltages i would def get one.

 

[Vos17]

Thanks! no one has been posting to this since i posted it awhile ago, but all i needed was your post cuz that helps alot! Newegg sent me a thing to get it for 260$, im thinkin of buying it soon. Think i should? Or is microcenter a def cuz i would definetly get a E0 one?

 

[Silverion77]

Ive recently purchased 2 and they were both E0 but its still luck of the draw

 

[freakz28]

Thanks! no one has been posting to this since i posted it awhile ago, but all i needed was your post cuz that helps alot! Newegg sent me a thing to get it for 260$, im thinkin of buying it soon. Think i should? Or is microcenter a def cuz i would definetly get a E0 one?

i mean if u order from new egg it would take longer to return it if its a c1 but i see plenty of people with c1's going to 4.0 +
c1 vs e0 q9550 is DEF not like b3 vs g0 q6600 no way

take your chances with microcenter i know some one who bought a e0 at microcenter a few weeks ago i think its the new batch! i never owned a c1 so.. keep me posted!

 

[blackpanther26]

if you want an EO chip go with the Q9650 which garenties you the EO stepping and you can get these to 4.2GHz on air. And only about $70-$90 more. Plus it gives you a 9 multi instead of 8.5. I even see some people get to 4.3GHz on air for a benchmark

 

[Vos17]

im going to order the q9550 from newegg, because the nearest microcenter is in boston, so if one near you is sending out e0 chips, its not likely the one near me is going to be the same. Like i hear people sayin, its luck of the draw