New to o/c'ing - what to do?

[Daudi]

Okay I've never done this before, I just need someone to point me in the right direction. Right now I have a xp1700+ w/ an epox 8kta mobo. Stock HSF. My case is an old antec 1030B or something. The PSU says 300w on it. Pc2100 Crucial ddr. I want to overclock but is it a viable option? I know I will probably have to upgrade my HSF - which one do I get? is a antec 300w PSU going to work? Also I was messing with some settings last night and I couldn't even get my bios to post so I could set my FSB back down to normal. I had to open my case up and blow my home fan inside the case and just got lucky w/ the bios post (letters were all funky) and I was able to set everything to default. Is there a button you can press on the board or something that will set everything to default just incase this happens again and I can't even get into the bios? Thanks and sorry for all the newbie questions...

 

[tranceport]

Search Google

 

[pelikan]

Overclocking is a viable option. It has been known to lead to obsessive behavior and can result in chronic Upgrade Fever.
Yes there is a reset. You can reset CMOS, which will put your bios back to factory settings. Check your manual on how to do it with your motherboard. On mine I take out the battery and move a jumper over for second and then put it back and replace the battery. Before you reset CMOS it is a good idea to hold down your computer's power button for 5 sec. to "de-juice" it.
HSF - slk-800 for $34.95 at SVC.com with a YS Tech variable speed fan
Antec 300W may work. What do you have hooked up to it?

 

[Daudi]

what do I have hooked up to it? gf3 ti 200 (soon to be a radeon 9500), SB audigy, d-link NIC, 2 hd's, floppy, 3 case fans, and a 48x burner...

 

[CamNeely]

Here are some links to help you on your way, good luck.

Tweak3d.net overclocking tips.......
Toms hardware cpu cooler comparison...
Anandtech's take on the burn-in procedure..

 

[Daudi]

Mainly I just want to know if overclocking is a viable option given my equipment. If I have to spend alot of money on a HSF and cooling gear, I can just use that money towards upgrading my cpu/mobo anyways. But if I can spend 30-40 bucks and get my 1700+ to at least a 2000-2100 that would be worth it to me.

 

[pelikan]

With two hard drives you may run out of power if you overclock. If the 9500 you are getting is a Pro, it pulls a lot of juice and that could require a new power supply. I'm not sure if the 9500 non pro also has to plug directly into the power supply.
Whether your 1700+ will reach 2000-2100 speeds depends on luck and if its a t-bred b or not.