Overclocking Q6600 G0

[core2kid]

So I've had a Q6600 for a while now and have been running it stable at 3.07GHz. Unfortunatly my CPU fan is crap so it runs at around 40+C idle and like 60 under loads. First off, I've heard that it is possible to overclock these to 3.6GHz. How would I do that? I would also like to overclock my RAM along with it. I have 4GB. 2GB ADATA and 2GB Corsair @ 800MHz. The mobo I run is a Asus P5K-E Wifi/AP Edition.

Thanks in advanced.

 

[Drsignguy]

Well, to understand the "How to" part you need to read this Sticky.

As for getting your chip to 3.6, all depends on what your VID is. The higher, the more difficult. As an example, I have 2 Q6600's and each have a very different VID even though they are G0. 1) is 1.325v. @ 3.0Ghz...........2) is 1.262v. @ 3.4Ghz. This one can be pushed a bit further but no need to as I love my temps at full load, ( 50c right now ) believe it or not. You will need some luck and a bit of patience to get it to 3.6Ghz. And by all means dont use a stock HSF to achieve this.

So, read the sticky, give all your specs of your Rig, vid of your chip etc....

 

[core2kid]

I was reading that. I'm planing to print it out and attempt the mods but first I'll need a new fan. What do you recommend?
FYI, I figured out that I have a 1.275 VID. I found this out by using some program, I forgot the name, I had figured it out a while back. What HSF do you have? What do you recommend for somebody on a $30-40 limit?

Do you know how to do the vDroop mod on the Wifi edition of the board?

I also wouldn't mind a 3.4 GHz Mod. Would my RAM support it though? The timings are 5-5-5-18 and like 5-5-5-15.

 

[myocardia]

As far as heatsinks, these two are good for the price, but they aren't going to get you to 3.6 Ghz, at least not at tolerable temps. These two are much better, and should be okay up to ~3.6 Ghz, if installed correctly (they're extremely hard to install, it seems). And this one, along with the Thermalright Ultra 120, and Ultra 120 Extreme, are the best that's available.

A 1.275v VID is pretty good, so you probably have a decent shot @ 3.6 Ghz. Your board doesn't require a vdroop mod, BTW. Just enable the automatic vdroop control, called CPU Voltage Damper, in your BIOS. You'll also want to disable CPU Spread Spectrum and PCIe Spread Spectrum, along with manually locking your PCIe frequency to 100 Mhz, and disabling C1E and SpeedStep. Good luck.

edit: Oh yeah, I forgot, also disable Transaction Booster.

 

[core2kid]

Thank you very much for those links. Now I have some more questions. Which one of those will be able to auto control fan speed (I believe that is 4 pin power connector, correct me if I am wrong) If none of those can do that, then how is this one?

 

[Drsignguy]

Personally, I like the tuniq's as I have 3 of them and they seem do do a really nice job keeping my temps way down. The larger heat pipe sinks seem to be better for the quads and it is fairly easy to install, just takes a bit of time because you must remove the motherboard, which I prefer anyway. As for fan control, the tuniq has a control knob to do just that. As for others, can't say much about them as I only have used the Tuniq and a ( GemenII, on my E7200 ).

Myocardia did a nice job of giving you links and some input about that board so you should be pretty much set on your OC. As for your Vid, that isn't to shabby and hopefully you should reach 3.4 - 3.6 fairly easy. My Q6600 went to 3.1 on 1.262v, which is it's VID and then had to bump it up a few more notches to reach 3.4. I know I could go higher as I have a bit more room but I don't need to. I am extreemly happy with my temps on that Quad.

 

[core2kid]

I'll take a look and post back with what I order.

 

[core2kid]

Sorry to bother you all again. Any of these good?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835233014

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835200023

Clone to Tuniq.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835101010

 

[core2kid]

Anybody there?

 

[AAjax]

I would add that vid isnt everything. I just picked up a pull q6660 off ebay for 125$ that has a vid of 1.32 and I currently have it at 3.5@1.35v.

And the XIGMATEK is a great hsf, but I would go for the 120mm version.

 

[core2kid]

Alright. Thanks.
An update on my overclocking. I have it at 1.25v @ 3GHz with RAM @ 850MHz @ 1.9v and 5-5-5-15. I'm going to try to get that higher. it was stable in a quick stress test of 1/2 hr.

 

[core2kid]

Update: 1.3v @ 3GHz (was never 1.25, i was mistaken) and RAM at 850 (i think) 2v 5-5-5-12. Couldn't go higher without failing to POST.