Q9650 overclocking

[delan]

Hello, I'm a new member of this forum and I know this kind of question must be asked very frequently here. I currently have a Q9650 (with stock HSF) on a Gigabyte EP45T-UD3P, in a Antec 902 case. At stock speeds (3000=333x9, 1.2 vcore, 1.2 vtt) I get temps of 40-60. I have just overclocked my system quite significantly (3800=423x9, 1.35 vcore, 1.34 vtt) and am getting temps of 50-90 (when running HandBrake I get a constant 90). I've made sure that the PCI-E is locked to 100, though (don't want a fried GTX 260+).

Is this dangerous? If so, what should I slow it down to? Is the stock HSF inadequate? Is there an air cooler you can recommend for under $120?

 

[treefrog07]

Yes, you want an aftermarket HSF if you are OCing, I don't like CPU temps over 50C (CoreTemp). Here are some reviews for 775 cpu hsfs. I just ordered a coolermaster for my 9650 ($30 from ewiz). You can improve your airflow (lower front to upper rear by managing your cables - move them out of the airstream and secure them to the case structure with nylon cable ties (or even bread ties). Use at least one 120mm intake fan on lower front, and another 120mm exhaust fan upper rear.

 

[jsc]

Is this dangerous? If so, what should I slow it down to? Is the stock HSF inadequate? Is there an air cooler you can recommend for under $120?

Yes. Take your system back to stock speeds now until you get a better cooler. The stock cooler for the 45 nm Core2's is barely adequate for stock speeds.

For a budget of $120, you have lots of choices. The Noctua NH-D14 seems to be a popular high end cooler.

I have two of these:
Xigmatec Dark Knight (bought a couple of years ago.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029

I figure the Xig has about 90% of the cooling capacity at about 50% of the cost. I regard that as a good tradeoff.

 

[delan]

Thank you both for your helpful advice. I reverted the speeds/voltages yesterday promptly after the temps nearly hit 100. The Xig looks really good, however the computer shops that I can access are limited in my area and I couldn't find one of these.

http://austin.net.au/ProductList/tabid/103/Category/COOLING/Default.aspx?SubCategory=CPU+Cooler

http://www.netplus.com.au/products-listing.asp?code=CA10&group=Case%20Accessories

At the moment, I'm turning between the Noctua NH-U12P-SE and the CoolerMaster V8, but I am concerned about any need to remove the mobo for installation.

 

[treefrog07]

You will need to remove the motherboard to mount the retaining bracket on the backside of the board. Check out the reviews in my post to see if one of those is available. Also, follow the instructions for the thermal compound you choose - the almost universal favorite for OCing is Arctic Silver 5.