Preparing to OC opteron 170 on A8R32-MVP...

[PSUPef2k]

So I have never OC'd before and I am a bit nervous. I don't have very lofty goals for this OC, as I really am only shooting for 2.5 or 2.6ghz, so hopefully I should be ok.

Critical System stats are as follows:

ASUS A8R32-MVP
Opteron 170
G.SKILL 2x1 GBHZ EXtreme Series DDR 500 (2GBHZ)
ThermalRight SI-120 w/ AS5

Does the A64 overclocking guide apply to opteron chips as well? Any advice? I'm essentially terrified right now.

From what I understand, small increments is the name of the game. Now am I to understand that I bump it up a bit, then stress test both cores in prime 95 for 6 hours, then bump it up again if it is ok? At that rate, to get to 2.4-2.6 wouldn't it take like a week? Is there a safe level I can bump it up to to start at as opposed to going little by little all the way? Any help/hand holding through this process of my first OC would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Tarrant64]

I was skimping through the post and was about to suggest something but it looks like you already got it down. Yes! Small increments is the key! Take it nice and slow, and it'll do wonders for you.

I know some people take it a little faster than that. Many times it is just assumed after running some tests for a couple hours everything will be fine. I usually step up the OC a little bit higher instead of taking baby steps, and stress test that for 6-8 hours. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Someone who is more familiar with this processor(I use Athlon 64 and not Opteron), will better be able to give you an answer on what this puppy can do.

If in doubt, take it slow! I encourage you to take the leap into overclocking, but be sure that it is for you, and that should anything happen like a CPU burnout, that you are willing to fork over the cash for a new processor. Some people run into bad luck and get a dud that was never meant to overclock. If your sure this is what you want to do, have confidence!

 

[PSUPef2k]

From my research I am confident I can get this processor to AT LEAST 2.4. That would make me more than happy, but I am shooting for maybe 2.5 or 2.6 with some work, which would make me even happier. I know for a fact the stepping I got will not reach 3.0, but that is not a big deal because I'm not water cooling and don't intend to be that aggressive with this OC at all, as it is my first one. 2.4ghz I will be content. 2.6 and I will be extatic.