General CPU Overclocking Question

[B Lo]

I have never heard the same answer twice regarding this question. When overclocking AT STOCK VOLTAGES, is there any harm (i.e. decreased component life) to components, specifically the CPU. As I understand it, temperatures, are changed very little by adjusting the FSB speed or the multiplier, so long as there isn't a change in voltage. Any info would be nice, especially if more than one individual can vouch for it.

The reason I ask, is that I currently have my P4 520 2.8Ghz OC'ed to 3.15Ghz (just altered the FSB to 225 from 200).

Thanks guys!

Oh, and by the way, if anyone has a chance, I'd really appreciate if you'd take a look at my DDR600 RAM question posted on this forum as well. I haven't really had much luck figuring that issue out. Thanks again!

 

[ntrights]

No.

 

[B Lo]

Thanks! Sweet and simple is how I like my women... err um answers! My fiancee doesn't like that comment. I think I'm in trouble now.

 

[B Lo]

Anyone care to second the above? Confirm or deny?

When I say above, I mean the CPU question, not whether or not I'm in trouble.

 

[AristoV300]

Any time you overclock you risk decreasing the life of the CPU. Additional CPU VCore and increased temperatures are the biggest culprit. At that mild overclock with load temps under 50's I would say you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: B Lo
When overclocking AT STOCK VOLTAGES, is there any harm (i.e. decreased component life) to components, specifically the CPU. As I understand it, temperatures, are changed very little by adjusting the FSB speed or the multiplier, so long as there isn't a change in voltage.

Increasing frequency increases temperature too.
This is mainly because the power consumption in a CMOS circuit is proportional to frequency. In every cycle, the capacitive load at the output of a gate is charged and discharged. This, on a regular basis, is equivalent to a current flowing out of the gate, which results in power consumption.

But, if you increase frequency, you charge and discharge the same capacitor faster. So, you are effectively increasing the average current, which increases the power consumption.

All that said, I do not know how that would affect lifetime!
To answer that question, one needs a lot of measurement data and analysis (statistics, and the effects of higher temperature on failure and reliability). Without that, what you get is just a gut feeling.

 

[B Lo]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I really appreciate the info!

 

[FlameDeer]

Increase FSB will increase CPU power consumption and temp.

Physically said, it will certainly decrease CPU lifetime BUT you will only face reliability problems or failure if you plan to use THIS CPU for 10+ years.

So don't worry if you are not.