4200 X2 OC

[imported_ST]

I've been having relatively hi temps on an A64 X2 4200 when ocing it to 2500MHz (37C Idle / 60C loaded running prime 95 affinity to both CPUs). I utilize an HTPC case , Silverstone LC-17, but seem to have ample cooling: CM Hyper 48 HSF, 3 80mm intake fans (including one by the CPU) and 2 80mm exhaust fans in the rear. Im trying to reach a threshold of 2.6G-2.7GHz, but it's not stable probably due to limitation of mobo voltage (1.47v max on Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe) and the lack of cooling as mentioned before (FSB and Mem run fine). Since this is a HTPC setup in the main room, I still want it to be as quiet as possible. I was thinking of moving to water cooling, but im afraid of noise issue cause by the water pump. I've read several reviews on the Zalman Reserator Plus, and it seems like what I want: adequate cooling with minimal noise. Can anyone else recommend any other alternatives? Danger Dan stuff looks good performance wise, but I'm worried about the noise associated with it.

 

[Bona Fide]

Water cooling is usually pretty quiet, but the problem with 100% passive watercooling is that it's about as effective as high-end air, and a lot more expensive.

I would look at the Koolance EXOS-2 system.

 

[Hacp]

Just lower your oc to 2.4GHZ. THeres nothing wrong with having a slower computer, especially when it feels so fast already. I was having problems at 2.6 GHZ with temps, and I just lowered it down to 2.45. Now, my temps are 100% better, and I don't feel a difference at all.

 

[imported_ST]

Originally posted by: Hacp
Just lower your oc to 2.4GHZ. THeres nothing wrong with having a slower computer, especially when it feels so fast already. I was having problems at 2.6 GHZ with temps, and I just lowered it down to 2.45. Now, my temps are 100% better, and I don't feel a difference at all.

Well that's the thing though, even at stock 2.2GHz and 1.3V, its still reaching around 50C, which I feel is way too high. Anyhow, this is an HTPC system, but also a high-end gaming meant to run 1920x1080 resolution games (hence 7800+ WD RAptors, CAS2 TCCD Mem, etc.). I'd really hate to keep the potential of this system down due to inefficient cooling.

 

[Bona Fide]

Originally posted by: ST

Originally posted by: Hacp
Just lower your oc to 2.4GHZ. THeres nothing wrong with having a slower computer, especially when it feels so fast already. I was having problems at 2.6 GHZ with temps, and I just lowered it down to 2.45. Now, my temps are 100% better, and I don't feel a difference at all.

Well that's the thing though, even at stock 2.2GHz and 1.3V, its still reaching around 50C, which I feel is way too high. Anyhow, this is an HTPC system, but also a high-end gaming meant to run 1920x1080 resolution games (hence 7800+ WD RAptors, CAS2 TCCD Mem, etc.). I'd really hate to keep the potential of this system down due to inefficient cooling.

If it's an HTPC, a bit Reserator unit is gonna look pretty bad next to it. I still vote for an EXOS-2 because it looks clean and sleek.

 

[Hacp]

50 degrees is NOT high. Its pretty acceptable. IMO, 55 degrees is an acceptable temperature 2x prime 95.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

50C is normal... Maybe get an XP-90 if you want to overclock more.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: ST
Well that's the thing though, even at stock 2.2GHz and 1.3V, its still reaching around 50C, which I feel is way too high. Anyhow, this is an HTPC system, but also a high-end gaming meant to run 1920x1080 resolution games (hence 7800+ WD RAptors, CAS2 TCCD Mem, etc.). I'd really hate to keep the potential of this system down due to inefficient cooling.

Overclocking with an HTPC is always a challenge. The small space and confines present unique cooling challenges, and it gets worse as new chips continue to push the thermal envelopes.

Frankly I'd reccommend clocking as far as you can at stock volts and leave it there. You aren't going to notice an appreciable difference from the extra 200MHz but that extra heat output you will most definitely notice.

And 50C you consider too hot? I don't mean to be brash, but 50C is hardly a red flag (even for a core with a 65C thermal line) and I wouldn't worry a bit with that temperature.