Simple Overclock, Ithink!?

[Ketchup_rulez]

Hi, this is my first ever time so I'm doing a simple overclock. I have a Q9450 and am going to be using the ntune in Nvidia Control panel, is that OK? I'm also wondering how high I could safely go without upping the voltage, or maybe upping the voltage by one increment above the default voltage (1.25v), so maybe increase it to 1.3V max?

Also, in the control panel there is a section called CPU Cooling and it is currently set at 25%. Is this the fan speed or is that on auto?

Cheers

 

[dagger]

Official Recommended voltage range for q9450 is up to 1.3625. So you're good until at least that point.
http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLAWR

Fan speed is either controlled automatically in bios or run at full, if connected to psu instead. Not sure if that control panel option actually works.

 

[Ketchup_rulez]

Thanks for the reply! What voltage would you recommend if I were to overclock it to 2.8GHz (350x8)?

 

[dagger]

Thanks for the reply! What voltage would you recommend if I were to overclock it to 2.8GHz (350x8)?

As low as you can get it, of course. Start high, then lower it in steps while stressing in prime95 small ffts, until you find the lowest point that still runs stable. It's a time consuming process, but worth it in the long run.

 

[Ketchup_rulez]

What are the disadvantages of running with a high voltage (apart from cost)? Will it make my CPU last shorter? I'm currently running at 2.8GHz with 2.75V. Is that too high - how would I benefit from reducing the voltage?

Cheers

 

[kawininjazx]

With a Q9450, you should be able to run 3.2ghz - 400X8 with all stock settings with decent cooling. Getting over 400 (1600fsb) can be tricky. I am stuck at 3.4 with that chip on my X38, but its rock solid and still very fast.

 

[faster3200]

What are the disadvantages of running with a high voltage (apart from cost)? Will it make my CPU last shorter? I'm currently running at 2.8GHz with 2.75V. Is that too high - how would I benefit from reducing the voltage?

😱 2.75v is WAAYY too high. I am surprised it isn't dead. Try keeping it as low as you can. The disadvantage of voltage is that it increases temps drastically. It shouldn't decrease cpu life so long as it is kept at a reasonable level.

Dagger's method is good for those of us who already know what we are doing. For people who are new I suggest keeping the vcore the same while increasing fsb 5mhz at a time. If you run into instability while testing, up your vcore a bit and retest. Make sure you watch your temps though. I usually stop when I reach upper 60's.

 

[Ketchup_rulez]

Sorry! I meant 1.275V! Thanks for the help though.