Chipset and Overclocking

[996GT2]

I have a MSI K9N Platinum with the nForce 570 Ultra chipset. It currently runs very hot...enough to burn my hand when I touch it even for a short period of time. I'm wondering if this excessively hot chipset will have any impact on system stability and overclocking headrom. I've been running my system (see sig) at 2.8GHz for nearly a year now, and it's been very stable so far. However, I'd like to take it up to 3.0GHz, which is just shy of its limits. Will getting an aftermarket chipset cooler improve stability at higher speeds? Since AMD chips have integrated memory controllers, is there any other impact on overall system performance?

 

[myocardia]

All electronics perform better, and "live" longer, when they are kept cooler. Your northbridge chipset is no exception to that rule.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
Will getting an aftermarket chipset cooler improve stability at higher speeds? Since AMD chips have integrated memory controllers, is there any other impact on overall system performance?

It can't harm it to be cooler. Colder running is better for it as myocardia said.