New to overclocking, I can't get very good clocks, please help!

[50]

Hello everyone,

So I have been doing a lot of research on overclocking and haven't gotten very far. I just built a c2d e4400 with ASUS p5k-vm (one of best overclocking mATX boards from what I've read), zalman CNPS8000, in an antec p180b case, my ram is 2gb patriot (http://www.clubit.com/product_...l.cfm?itemno=A4354025). So far the most I have been able to do is 2.6ghz. I should be able to hit at least 3ghz right? My cpu temps were in the high 40's, so I don't know. When I overclock I've had two problems, one, sometimes windows won't load and also I will get bluescreens with memory dumps. Anyone have any ideas? Should I turn the speedstep and C1E off? Also should I change my ram timings? I'm a little scared of modifying voltages, do I need to do that to get to 3ghz? Thanks

 

[hokiealumnus]

First, according to Newegg, that RAM needs 2.0Vdimm, so up your Vdimm to spec. Secondly, if you're just raising the FSB and keeping the default CPU : DRAM ratio, you're probably overclocking your RAM too far, hence the memory dumps. Lower your ratio to get your RAM as close to the 800MHz spec as possible with the corresponding overclock.

Your chip may or may not run 3.0 with default Vcore. Mine would only remain stable at 2.8 with the default setting. One step up (.02v) got 3.0 perfectly stable. If you're running the stock cooler, keep an eye on your temps. With just that one small step up, my temps climbed to the 70's (72-74), which is approaching the danger zone.

Aside from that, keep reading and good luck!