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Underclocking

imported_nah

Junior Member
I would like to know how one can underclock a processor--is there a software for this--i have a P 4 3.4 Ghz which overheats and i have been advised to try and underclock it --the MB is Intels 865 and wont support BIOS tweaking
 
Hmm I don't think you can actually change settings with a software if bios doesn't support it. Also make sure heatsink has a good contact and there is not too much thermal paste. Or buy a better fan
 
Just BC the bios doesn't support it doesn't mean its not possible. Software apps can do this. I don't know about this chipset as I haven't worked with it, but that blanket statement is just wrong.

Please don't give incorrect information.

And if it's overheating, first, get some compressed air and blow out the system. That will likely fix the problem. Otherwise, you must have a cheapo HS/F. Get a real one. Apply it with some Arctic Silver. You're fixed.
 
You received some bad advice. Improving the cooling and fixing the problem would be a better solution. 😉
 
Welcome to the forums. Enjoy the stay.

Originally posted by: nah
P 4 3.4 Ghz which overheats and i have been advised to try and underclock it --the MB is Intels 865 and wont support BIOS tweaking

As already suggested, clean out the CPU fan with compressed air.

What are the symptoms of it overheating? If it's just throttling, they're designed to do that so don't worry about it (IIRC the 65nm Netburst cores drop to 2.8GHz). If it's more serious, then spend a few bucks on improving case ventilation and a new CPU cooler.

Alternately, if you're just going to run it underclocked, why not sell your CPU and buy a used slower CPU? That way you don't have to worry about trying to underclock and you may get a few bucks for it.
 
thanks for all yr replies--the temps ( as measured by everest ) are-- MB--41 C ( 106 F ), CPU 45 C ( 115 F ) Aux 58 C ( 136 F ) and the HDD 32 C 9 ( 90 F )--this is about 10/15 mins after startup. I have the original intel Heatsink/Fan ( the CPU was boxed/not OEM ) --i've tried cleaning with compressed air, applying thermal grease, even installing a new HS/Fan--but it doesnt work.

I've been told to underclock it by 4-500 Mhz--even at 2900 Mhz it would still be a nice machine--this is my 2nd one--the other one has a X2 4800 +--as to why i don't want to sell it--well i bought it in 2005 --u have an idea of how much it cost then--i just don't feel that throwing it away if i can U/C it to 2900 Mhz by a software and it runs fine--i used to keep this thing open 24/7--and it never gave me any trouble before--i have 3 80 mm fans --one of which is a side fan, the PS has one--the cables are all tied--so i don't think anything else is wrong--it just reboots 30/60 mins after startup--i've checked the RAM AGP HDD on onther machines--but everything is OK--they run 24/7 on other CPUs just fine--

Anyway, if anyone knows a decent software which can underclock--it would really be appreciated--

The system, as it stands now is --- P 4 3.4 Ghz C, 1 GB DDR 400 RAM ( Dual ) . Intel D 865 PERL M/B, Radeon 9800 Pro AGP, Creative 5:1 , Pinnacle TV Card , samsung 160 GB HDD (PATA )
 
If it's 3.4GHz, it should run at an average temperature even with the stock Intel HSF.

Try this:
-Blow out your case, fans, and interals (especially the processor HSF) with canned air
-Make sure the fan on your processor HSF is working
-Make sure your HSF is mounted properly - I.E. does not wobble from side to side
-Make sure your case can get some ventilation; if you have objects packed tightly on every side of the case, it won't have any airflow
-Check your ambient temperature; if you have your computer right next to a radiator or on top of the stove (people do weird things) that will certainly be a factor
 
Done everything--blown out the entire case CPU etc with canned air, checked the HSF, ventilation everything is OK--the problem still persists any software which can underclock/overclock would be REALLY appreciated
 
Done everything--blown out the entire case CPU etc with canned air, checked the HSF, ventilation everything is OK--the problem still persists any software which can underclock/overclock would be REALLY appreciated
 
what is the exact problem you are having? are you experiencing lock ups or restarts?

I have a 3.4ghz P4(northwood core) and it's idel temps are higher than yours at 53c using the stock HSF unit, I get full load temps up in the mid 60's and it doesn't even throttle, it runs like a charm all day long.
 
Restarts actually your and my cores are the same--Northwood C--the problem is that my core heats up very quickly between the 15th to the 45th minute--from 45 to 69 (last measurable )--it probably goes beyond 79-84 C--but this is a guess--haven't been able to measure it
 
If your CPU temps are rising that quickly I would think there is an issue with the HSF. You've probably already tried this, but it's worth trying again before giving up on running you cpu at stock... Completely remove the HSF, clean both the HSF and CPU with isopropyl alcohol. Put a rice sized amount of arctic silver on the cpu and remount the HSF. Lots of people make the mistake of putting too much thermal paste b/t the cpu and HSF which severely decreases cooling performance. Again, may not be the issue for you, but I'd give it try.

Clockgen is a good software based utility that works for most chipsets.
 
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