Questions about O/C (ing)?

[tecumseh]

We'll I decided to sell my P3 600 mhz. and I wanted to go with this setup. I just have a few questions!!!


System Specs: (getting system in a month)

case: lian li pc 60 (aluminum)
mobo: ASUS P4B266 I need a mobo that supports 4 additional usb ports, since the lian li has the 4 on the front of the case.
proc: P4 1.6A
memory: 512mb kingston 2100 ddr
video card: G3 ti200 (allready have)
sound card: Audigy X-gamer (allready have)
hard drive: Western Digital (7200) 80 gb
power supply: Enermax 430 watts
misc: rounded cables, blowhole and side window on lian li case

I'm really interested in overclocking the P4! I've been reading that people have been O/C the P4 1.6A ghz. to 2.4 ghz!! That's a great gain!! Anyway, I have a couple of questions for anyone who OC's!

1) Shoud I get a blowhole on top of my case? I'm looking at the lian li pc60 and I can get a blowhole added for a few dollars. Will this really help in cooling?

2) I've never O/Ced before. Are the new P4's easy to O/C? Also, are they idiot proof? Meaning, if the temp get's to high will it shut off so I don't end up burning the damn cpu, motherboard, etc....

3) How about O/Cing the memory, video card, etc... Is it really worth it?

Basically, I don't have any experience in O/C (ing)!! Should I practice on a cheap setup before I get this killer rig? Will I be ok?
So what are your recommendations? Should I O/C? Should I purchase another motherboard? Will overheating be an issue?


Thxs for help!!! =)

 

[Bovinicus]

A blowhole only should be pretty useful. I would think it best to be placed in line with the CPU. That way it can get the heat being blown off the heatsink as soon as possible.

The P4s throttle the clockspeed lower if they begin to overheat. If the core starts to get hot your computer will start to slow down a lot. With the right motherboard, they should be easy to OC. The P4B266 is probably suited nicely for the overclocker.

OCing the memory and video card can give you gains that even exceed what you get from overclocking the CPU. A nice 20% boost in memory bandwidth for a video card can often yield some pretty good results. I like to overclock everything I can. =)

 

[tecumseh]

For someone who hasn't O/C (ed) before, should I be good to go? Will I run into any major problems? That's what I'm worried about. You know, if I run into a major problem who the hell do I turn to?

decisions, decisions, decisions.....

 

[tecumseh]

bumpity bump

 

[tecumseh]

Can someone please help me? pretty please??

 

[dmw16]

You shouldnt run into any serious problems. Probably the worst thing you will see in terms of problems would be lock ups or reboots due to excessive heat. If that occurs, just turn the cpu speed down a bit and get yourself some better cooling or better air flow through your case. If you get in a real jam and the system wont even reboot, just pop the battery out for a few hours...that will reset any overclocked settings you made in the BIOS. I only have experience overclocking athlons, but its all pretty much the same. Just make sure you have good air flow and that your case doesnt look like a rat's nest...have the wiring looking half decent and so on. As for the video card, if you want to overclock that, I think the Riva Tuner is the best way to go. Im on my way to work, so I cant find a link for ya right now, but if you search the net Im sure you can find it and if not, just PM me. Good luck with your overclocking.
-doug