Newbie to overclocking...please help

[slickr4]

If this is wasting your time...just please don't respond and move on. I'm a newb and need help pretty much from step one as I can't afford to blow out my computer...I've been reading posts but things still seem confusing for me...

I want to overclock my XP 2500+ barton core to 3200 speeds which i've read is pretty safe...don't need to push the envelope much more than that...i have an abit at7-max2 motherboard and 2x samsung 512 pc2700 sticks of memory. radeon 9700 pro.

where should i start?

i also need cooling solution advice.

i appreciate anybody's help in advance...

 

[Manzelle]

Well here is what I recommend...

Sell those PC2700 sticks and buy PC3200...slap a Thermalright SP-97 on there with 92mm Panaflo fan and some Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound...

I doubt you will be able to get 200MHz out of your current memory...PC3200 is almost a must have for a 200FSB unless you have great PC2700 memory...

 

[slickr4]

Thank you for that post...but what memory is recommended for overclocking this type of rig? also, this board will handle the overclock i'm looking for right?

-Rick

 

[MrK6]

what do you use your comp for and what's your budget? PC3200 2.5CAS Corsair value RAM will suit your set up fine, and you can get 512MB for about $90. Of course, if you're a gamer, I always recommend getting 1GB, but that's just me. A good cooler is also needed, as Manzelle mentioned, a thermalright HS is top of the line. If you don't want to spend that much, get a Zalman 7000B-Cu (the all copper one), or maybe one of hte high-end artic cooling models.