Where do I start?

[Prison Mate]

I have just recently bought a computer and have been trying to overclock my CPU. I purchase the Q9450 and installed it with a water cooling system, but have had no luck. Every time I try to overclock the computer doesn't run smooth and crashes a lot. I am fairly new to overclocking and was hoping someone might have some suggestion on how to do this. Listed below are the specs for my computer.

Operating System: Vista (I'm not using SP1 and I won't)
Processor: Intel Q9450
Ram: 8GB DDR3 Partriot Viper (4 x 2GB sticks)
Hard Drive: (x2) 10k RPM Raptors Raid 0 (300GB Total)
Video Card: 9800 GX2 1GB XFX
Motherboard: 790i Ultra SLI XFX
Sound: On board
Power Supply: 1200 Watt Coolmax
Cooling: Water Cooling Zalman Reservator XT

Thanks,
Prison Mate

 

[jgigz]

Read the Stickies

 

[DSF]

First, read the sticky. Second, you'll have to be more specific about what you've tried that hasn't worked, and when/how the computer crashes. During games? During general use? At the startup screen? Blue screens? Reboots? Error messages? What are your temps like?

 

[graysky]

Right, read the sticky I wrote. It's targeted at a newbie and should answer most of your questions. Also, four sticks of 2 GB might limit your o/c or require higher than normal vcores for your NB/IHC. Also, in your sig you said you won't install SP1 for Vista... why is that? I won't even put Vista on my machine - SP1 or not

 

[fastman]

Read this too, good luck.

 

[DarkManX4lf]

Originally posted by: Prison Mate
I have just recently bought a computer and have been trying to overclock my CPU. I purchase the Q9450 and installed it with a water cooling system, but have had no luck. Every time I try to overclock the computer doesn't run smooth and crashes a lot. I am fairly new to overclocking and was hoping someone might have some suggestion on how to do this. Listed below are the specs for my computer.

Operating System: Vista (I'm not using SP1 and I won't)
Processor: Intel Q9450
Ram: 8GB DDR3 Partriot Viper (4 x 2GB sticks)
Hard Drive: (x2) 10k RPM Raptors Raid 0 (300GB Total)
Video Card: 9800 GX2 1GB XFX
Motherboard: 790i Ultra SLI XFX
Sound: On board
Power Supply: 1200 Watt Coolmax
Cooling: Water Cooling Zalman Reservator XT

Thanks,
Prison Mate

Sorry this is a bit off topic...but looking at your specs, why are you using on board sound?

Just thought I would ask since that stood out in your spec list.

 

[bryanW1995]

many aftermarket audio cards don't play nicely with vista, and onboard has made HUGE leaps recently.

 

[frodbonzi]

I'd have gone with the ASUS RoG motherboards... since you're only using 1 video card, why not go x48? That makes it WAY easier to overclock....

 

[1ManArmY]

Originally posted by: bryanW1995
many aftermarket audio cards don't play nicely with vista, and onboard has made HUGE leaps recently.

errh if he installs Vista SP1 he may fix any issues he might have encountered with a soundcard. What version of Vista, Home Premium, Ultimate 32 bit or 64 bit?

the old 4 gig RAM error with XFI cards were avoided if you installed creative drivers first then the Vista updates.


I'm running a dual boot system but I hardly ever boot into XP Home Media Center except when my wife needs to upload photos from a digital camera via the scandisk reader as it is not compatible with Vista and I chose not to by a new one.

 

[Scottae]

Originally posted by: bryanW1995
many aftermarket audio cards don't play nicely with vista, and onboard has made HUGE leaps recently.

HtOmega cards have been fine with vista.... 32 and 64 bit... I have the striker and no problems at all