Can I over-clock?

Ruger22C

Golden Member
Sep 22, 2006
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AM2 64 4200+. Stock heatsink.
Roughly:
Idle: 28c. Load: 44c.

Can I over-clock? And, what's a safe temperate?
 

ForumMaster

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2005
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you can definitely overclock. getting a better heatsink would allow you to overclock much better though. i suggest you get a Zalman heatsink. you can then overclock much higher then you can on the stock heatsink.
 

KoolDrew

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: ForumMaster
you can definitely overclock. getting a better heatsink would allow you to overclock much better though. i suggest you get a Zalman heatsink. you can then overclock much higher then you can on the stock heatsink.

:thumbsup:
 

Ruger22C

Golden Member
Sep 22, 2006
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What should I keep the load temerature under? I don't want to over-clock so much that it burns up. :eek:
 

betasub

Platinum Member
Mar 22, 2006
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Originally posted by: Ruger22C
What should I keep the load temerature under? I don't want to over-clock so much that it burns up. :eek:

Not gonna happen. Although these CPUs are rated for temps above 60C, most ppl keep them under 55C at load.
 

Ruger22C

Golden Member
Sep 22, 2006
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When booted to XP and running PC Alert 4, it claims an idle temp about 6 degrees lower than the BIOs does. Which is more accurate? o_O
 

GenHoth

Platinum Member
Jul 5, 2007
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Look at the link I gave you. It is very useful and contains many program's w/ pro vs cons of each.
 

zach0624

Senior member
Jul 13, 2007
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When overclocking my 5600+ I have tried to keep load temps under 50C with my Zalman CNPS 9700, extend the life of my CPU but you could probably go to 55C, above that I would probably back off or increase cooling. I hit a FSB wall far before 50C with my loads at 43C according to core temp.
 

Ruger22C

Golden Member
Sep 22, 2006
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Okay, Gen. I downloaded the temp monitor suggested there. However, it is still in major disagreement with the BIOS. How do I know which is correct?
 

GenHoth

Platinum Member
Jul 5, 2007
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Sorry, was over at my friends. If you're using speed fan, you should add 15 degrees. Other then that, I'd say go with the more conservative estimate (ie the higher one). After all, a slightly slower but live chip is worth it. Its tough to nail down without more specific information. But the performance boost vs temp increase really starts to level off after a while. Hope this helps, I'll be around for a bit before bed though!
 

jkresh

Platinum Member
Jun 18, 2001
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Rugger22c, no software temperature monitors are all that accurate (bios or otherwise), one simple thing to do is feel the heatsink, if the monitor says it 35c and its burning hot then the monitor is too low, if it says its 60C and its cool to the touch then its also off buy a lot. Generaly anything less then 60C is ok (depending on hwo long you want to run it (ie 2 years, 5 years...), but lower is always better).