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What do I need if I OC my Graphics card and CPU?

You might be able to get a small overclock (~15%, or ~3.9Ghz max) with the stock cooler, but temps will be high (90C+). A decent heatsink should allow up to 4.4GHz (~30% overclock), maybe even a little higher, and with lower temps (~80C). A great heatsink should do 4.7GHz or higher. Lower temps mean longer life, though even at 90C it should easily last 3 years or more.

That said, a 30% overclock won't necessarily translate to a 30% improvement. Many games see no difference between a CPU @3GHz or @4GHz because it is GPU bound. BF3 is one game that is GPU bound in single-player campaign (see graph below), but does see improvements in multiplayer maps with 64 players. If you notice low framerate while playing BF3 MP, then by all means overclocking will help.

CPU_01.png


For a good budget heatsink, look at the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus (~$25) or EVO (~$35). These will do 4.5GHz easily, but the EVO is a little better and should go higher than the Plus. More aggressive overclocking may require water cooling like the Corsair H100 (~$100).
 
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AnonymouseUser said:
You might be able to get a small overclock (~15%, or ~4Ghz max) with the stock cooler, but temps will be high (90C+). A decent heatsink should allow up to 4.5GHz (~30% overclock), maybe even a little higher, and with lower temps (~80C). A great heatsink should do 4.8GHz or higher. Lower temps mean longer life, though even at 90C it should easily last 3 years or more.

That said, a 30% overclock won't necessarily translate to a 30% improvement. Many games see no difference between a CPU @3GHz or @4GHz because it is GPU bound. BF3 is one game that is GPU bound in single-player campaign (see graph below), but does see improvements in multiplayer maps with 64 players. If you notice low framerate while playing BF3 MP, then by all means overclocking will help.

CPU_01.png


For a good budget heatsink, look at the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus (~$25) or EVO (~$35). These will do 4.5GHz easily, but the EVO is a little better and should go higher than the Plus. More aggressive overclocking may require water cooling like the Corsair H100 (~$100).
Click to expand...
WOW! Thanks for the A* info!

I understand now, I guess I'm gonna leave it for now. I may OC my CPU in the future though hehehe :awe:

Thanks a bunch. Your answers are top notch! :biggrin:
 
BTW, your RAM is running under spec. It should be 800MHz, but your link shows 666MHz. You may have to manually set the speed in the BIOS.

EDIT>> N/M, I forgot we didn't replace your RAM. That's what it should be. >_<
 
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If you are GPU limited, then overclock the GPU. Many utilities exist to overclock the GPU. I have used MSI afterburner, doesnt have to necessarily be a MSI card. Just watch the temperature and be sure your power supply is up to the task.

Some GPUs overclock well, some dont. Personally I have a HD7770 and it wont overclock at all. Your card may be better.
 
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